10 Clever Bathroom Alcove Ideas: Small Alcoves, Big Impact — My Top 10 Bathroom Design InspirationsMarian ZhouJan 20, 2026Table of Contents1. Recessed Shower Shelf2. Hidden Towel Nook3. Vanity Alcove Framing4. Alcove Bathtub Surround5. Mirror Set-in6. Alcove Plant Shelf7. Laundry Hamper Niche8. Lighting Alcove9. Alcove Cabinetry10. Art & Display AlcoveFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEOnce, a client asked me if we could hide his cat’s litter box in the bathroom wall. At first, I laughed — then realized it was actually a genius idea. That project taught me that well-designed alcoves in a bathroom can completely change how the space feels and works. Small spaces beg for creative thinking, and alcoves are the perfect playground for that.1. Recessed Shower ShelfI love tucking shampoo and soap into a neat wall recess. It keeps the shower uncluttered and saves you from bumping into bulky caddies. Just remember to waterproof it properly, or you might regret it later.save pin2. Hidden Towel NookBuilding a shallow alcove near the shower for rolled towels feels a bit like staying in a boutique hotel. It’s practical, but you’ll want to add good ventilation to keep them fresh.save pin3. Vanity Alcove FramingFraming your vanity with side alcoves is a neat way to store essentials while giving the sink area a custom feel. I once used a mock-up tool to convince a client, and it completely sold them on the idea.save pin4. Alcove Bathtub SurroundIf your bathroom layout allows, slide your tub into a three-sided alcove. It feels cozy, keeps water splashes contained, and can be styled with wall tiles for drama.save pin5. Mirror Set-inA shallow recess for your bathroom mirror makes it look like it’s floating. It’s a subtle trick, but it adds a high-end built-in vibe.save pin6. Alcove Plant ShelfOne of my favourite ways to add warmth to a bathroom is to dedicate a niche for greenery. Go for humidity-loving plants—just be ready to trim them before they turn into jungle territory.save pin7. Laundry Hamper NicheHiding a hamper in an alcove keeps dirty laundry out of sight but still handy. I did this in a tiny apartment where every inch counted, and it was a life-saver.save pin8. Lighting AlcoveInstall LED strips inside an alcove for soft, spa-style lighting. This works wonders around a soaking tub—just check your safety ratings for moist environments.save pin9. Alcove CabinetryIf you have depth in your walls, recessed cabinets in alcoves give you storage without crowding the floor. I once designed a custom unit with a space visualization model, and it blended in so seamlessly guests thought it was part of the wall.save pin10. Art & Display AlcoveEven the bathroom deserves art. A protected niche for a small sculpture or framed print brings personality into a functional room—just mind humidity and splash zones.save pinFAQQ: Are alcoves expensive to build?A: Not necessarily. If you’re already renovating and opening walls, adding an alcove can be a low-cost upgrade.Q: Do alcoves need special waterproofing?A: In wet areas, absolutely. Use waterproof backer boards and sealants to avoid damage over time.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE