Premium Tile Trim

Shelves In a Shower: Shower Shelf Installation Guide

19/05/2026

Whether you’re looking to optimise a small shower unit or add convenience to your bathroom routine, shower shelving is a great option. Unlike a shower niche built into the wall, a shower shelf can be a later addition that adds style and functionality to your shower and bathroom design. 

Are Shower Shelves a Good Idea?

Shower shelves not only enhance bathroom designs, but they also serve practical purposes in bathrooms of any size by making daily toiletries more accessible. Other benefits of bathroom shower shelves include:

Safer Showering

Having your shower gel, shampoo, and razor within easy reach removes the need to bend down or move around on a slippery surface – reducing the risk of falls. 

Tidier Bathrooms

Shelving in shower spaces reduces clutter and creates a more premium bathroom look. It also helps you keep track of your toiletries, so you don’t run out.

Improved Hygiene

Keeping bottles and flannels off the floor helps reduce water build-up, where bacteria can thrive. A shower shelf makes cleaning a lot quicker and easier.

Space Saving

A shower with a corner shelf is ideal for en-suites or smaller bathrooms – creating more space for essentials without taking up floor or cupboard space. 

Stylish Finish

With a variety of shower shelf styles, shapes, colours and finishes, you can find a shelf that fits your look and complements your bathroom design. 

Types of Shelves for the Shower

At Premium Tile Trim, we offer several types of shower shelves to match your bathroom size, layout and design preference. 

  • Trendline Shower Shelf – Modern and minimalist, products such as the Schluter-N-S1 Trendline are intended for high-end, luxury bathrooms for a neat, clean look. 

Read More: Best Bathroom Fittings for Tiled Bathrooms 

Tools Needed to Install Shower Shelves

How To Add Bathroom Shower Shelves While Tiling

The best time to add a shower shelf is when installing a new bathroom or tiling a shower unit. You can plan and position your shelf where it needs to be, and install it seamlessly as you tile. 

  • Use a tape measure and spirit level to mark the exact position of your shelf.

  • Start tiling until you reach the mark for your shower shelf.

  • Apply a layer of adhesive to the back of your shower shelf.

  • Fit the back of your shelf behind the tile and press it into place.

  • Continue tiling and secure the shelf in place when grouting or applying a silicone sealant.

Read More: How to Finish Tile Edges

How To Add a Shelf to an Existing Shower

If you’ve decided to add a shower shelf after tiling, or to an existing tiled wall, just follow these simple steps: 

  • Use a tape measure and pen to mark where you want your shower shelf to sit, and where the 4 x anchor holes need to be drilled.

  • Wearing safety gloves and googles, use an angle grinder or hand-held tile cutter to cut holes into the marks you’ve made. You only need to drill as deep as the length of your anchor.

  • Insert your anchors and seal them with a water-resistant adhesive.

  • Apply a line of adhesive along the side of your shelf that will be flush with your wall.

  • Slide your shelf onto the anchors and gently press into place.  

How To Install a Shower Shelf Without Drilling

If you’d rather not cut into your tiles but would still like a shelf in your shower, there is a handy workaround. It may not be as strong as anchoring a shower shelf, but it can be very effective – just be mindful of which items you place on the shelf. 

  • Use a tape measure, spirit level and markers to position your shelf.

  • Apply double-sided tape along the edge of the shelf that will be flush against the wall. 

  • Mix a 2-part epoxy and apply a layer along the same edge, on top of the double-sided tape. 

  • Hold your shelf in position and press firmly into place. Hold for at least 5 minutes to allow the epoxy to bond. Don’t add any weight to the shelf until the epoxy has fully set.

  • Wipe away any excess epoxy with a sponge. If any has begun to cure, use a knife to carefully cut it away. 

How To Install A Shower Corner Shelf

Corner shower shelves are a popular choice because they can be easily tucked away without creating obstructions. 

  • Hold the shelf up to your desired height and use a pen to mark the screw holes where the shelf will sit. Use a spirit level to ensure it sits straight.

  • Use an angle grinder, small tile cutter or tile hole cutter to cut 4 holes where you’ve made your marks. These holes should be as deep as your wall anchors.

  • Insert the wall anchors into the holes, applying adhesive along the edges for a secure hold.

  • Slide your corner shelf onto the anchors and gently press into place. 

Read More: How to Tile a Niche in a Shower

What’s The Best Position for a Shower Shelf?

Shower shelves are meant to add convenience to your daily routine. To determine the best position for your shelf, stand in your shower and hold the shelf in different spots until you find a location that is easy to reach and doesn’t obstruct. 

Consider these factors:

  • Use a flat, even wall for easy installation

  • Make sure the shelf is easy to reach 

  • Keep it away from shower heads or taps

  • Position it high enough so water doesn’t pool on it

  • Chest height is a good position and convenient for everyone

Read More:

Speak to the Experts

With the right preparation and tools, installing a shower shelf is easy and delivers fantastic results. If you need any further guidance on choosing or installing shower shelves, do not hesitate to contact our experienced sales team today at 01604 439345 or via email at [email protected].