A shower recess puts a shelf inside the wall. A caddy adds storage to the existing shower without building a recess. Both can keep bottles off the tray, but they need a suitable position and enough room for the products you use. Choose around those needs before deciding on the appearance.

Check what you actually keep in the shower

Set out the shampoo, conditioner, soap and other items used regularly. Measure the tallest bottles, including the space needed to press a pump. A shallow recess may look neat but fail to hold a large bottle properly. Several small shelves may be less useful than one well-sized place for everyday products.

Keep spare supplies elsewhere if possible. That leaves the shower storage easier to clean and reduces the number of items to reach around. Check where the shelf will sit relative to your shoulders and elbows. In a compact enclosure, storage that projects into the standing area can be irritating even when it fits the wall neatly.

A recess needs a suitable wall

A recess, often called a niche, is built into an appropriate part of the shower wall. Its position depends on the structure, available depth and the location of pipes or cables. It is not simply a hole that can be cut anywhere. External walls, shared walls and walls with important services can introduce extra constraints.

Discuss it before the bathroom is stripped and before finishes are ordered. Sometimes a suitable new wall section can accommodate storage, but that takes space from the room and adds work. Ask the installer to explain what is practical in the actual wall. Do not move structural parts or damage or remove insulation just to copy a photograph.

Plan waterproofing and shelf details together

A recess introduces corners and joints within a wet area. It needs to be included in a suitable waterproofing system, with the manufacturer's required treatment of edges and connections. The shelf should be fitted to let water drain off it. Tiles or a panel face alone do not establish that the recess is watertight.

Check how the finish will meet the main wall. A tile layout may need careful cuts around the opening, while a panel system needs compatible details. A ready-made recess still needs correct installation. Our shower waterproofing guide explains why the work beneath the visible finish matters as much as the final appearance.

Position storage for the way you shower

You should be able to reach washing items without twisting awkwardly or stepping outside the shower. For seated washing, check the reach from the seat rather than using a standing adult's height as the default. Consider other regular users too. One fixed shelf position may not suit everyone, so discuss the priority needs early.

Keep storage clear of the controls and screen movement. Avoid placing it where the spray constantly fills containers or washes soap across the shelf. A recess or caddy is not a support to lean on. If someone needs help with balance, plan suitable grab rails separately, with appropriate support and positioning for that person.

Choose a caddy that suits its fixing method

Caddies may be wall-fixed, adhesive-mounted, suction-mounted or designed to hang from a suitable fitting. Check the product's permitted surface and load, including the weight of full bottles. A textured tile or uneven joint may not suit a suction or adhesive fixing. Follow the instructions rather than assuming a strong-looking attachment works on every shower wall.

Do not hang a caddy from a shower arm, hose or glass screen unless the relevant products permit it. Extra weight or contact can damage fittings or glass. A wall-fixed shelf also needs correct sealing around holes through the shower wall finish. If you rent, check any permissions needed before making permanent changes to the bathroom.

Compare cleaning and repair access

A removable caddy can be taken out for cleaning, which may make its corners easier to reach. Check that the finish tolerates the intended cleaners and that water can drain from the shelves. Look for damaged coatings, loose fixings or failing suction pads during routine care. Replace or repair a faulty attachment before it drops items into the shower.

A built-in recess stays in place, so you need to clean its corners where they are. A smooth, simple shape can be easier to wipe than several small ledges or decorative grooves. Keep the waterproofing and finish information for future repairs. Adding fresh sealant repeatedly is not a solution if a joint keeps failing because something beneath it is moving.

Compare the cost of the complete job

Adding a caddy to a suitable existing shower is different from opening a finished wall to build a recess. During a full refit, a recess can be planned with the wall construction and finish. Later alterations may disturb waterproofing and require more surrounding work. Ask for the preparation, fitting and repairs to walls and floors disturbed by the work to be included in the price.

Do not assume the permanent option will raise your home's value or that the removable one will always wear out quickly. Quality, use and maintenance vary. A straightforward shelf that holds what you need can be a good choice. Spend on useful storage and sound fitting rather than extra features that make the shower harder to keep clean.

Include storage in the bathroom plan

Bring your storage needs to a bathroom design appointment, including any seated-use or reach requirements. Dream Bathrooms Glasgow can discuss the shelf position alongside the shower, screen and wall finish. Call 0141 471 9145 to talk through the changes you want and the work to include in your quote.