An option would be to use tiles that have bullnose edged trim pieces available, tiles that have some other edge-trim option available, or tiles that can be bullnosed by hand. Some tiles with a tumbled edge also look fine when they are butted up against each other. Depending on the tile, some color body porcelain tiles can be bullnosed or bullnosed and polished.

Depending on the material/color of your field tile, you could use natural stone tile to line your niche (top, bottom, side walls). Tile edges could be polished or honed, whichever looks better in your application.

We used White Thassos marble tile to line all of our shower/tub niches. We used it for the niche shelves as well. Our tub and shower surrounds have glossy white field tile, so the White Thassos was a good choice.

We used chrome trim with charcoal grey tile - I like it, we have a modern style bathroom and chrome shower trim.

Not a fan of the look :(

to me, using metal like this in a wet area just looks like rust waiting to happen. This isn't mine, but mine looks a lot like this:

home remodel · More Info

The Schluter track doesn't rust. I believe it is aluminum and made for such areas. The corner fittings etc. are quite expensive and it adds up for a small niche, but likely so do trim tiles, if you can even find them for your type of tile.

I agree and feel like t looks kind of dated if I am honest. But my perspective is just tearing out a 60's bathroom with plastic tiles and metal trim

I would really explore coordinating bullnose available. Either from the line of tiles you like or from another mfr that might coordinate.

It's frankly not to my taste and I would explore other options. I've never seen this before and it just looks odd to me.

The metal corner beads have their place, but I seldom use them because they really don't fit into the style that I typically build to.

My opinion, they do well in a more modern design, and in some cases, when going retro. But it really does depend on the style of the room and what other finishes are to be used in the room.

If you don't like them, there are alternatives.

As has been mentioned, through-body porcelains and natural stones can have their edges profiled. There can be issues when going that route. Texture, color, sheen, etc.

My default is to miter the outside corners. The sharp outside edge can be eased just a bit so it's not razor sharp. That's usually the safest route, as you end up with only the surface of the tile showing. I'll sometimes overcut the back of the miter so I can get thinset or grout in there to support the miter while keeping the outside or show edge of the miter tile-to-tile tight. I'll color the grout to match the surface color of the tile so the mitered tile looks like a solid block of tile. You don't always have to do that though.

Then there are liner pieces, trim pieces, quarter rounds, etc, that can be tucked in to the outside edge, similar to what the others have mentioned. They can be of the same material or different the same color or different. Again, it depends on the look you're going for.

So you certainly have alternatives.

Figure out your style and plan any overlaps or joints for drainage.

Good luck!

It's funny how many people think the metal trim looks dated - to me, the bullnose trim looks dated.

I agree. Anyone who has seen our new bathroom loves the entire look, but often say it is sure modern and sleek looking.

It just boils down to what you like. To me, the metal trim makes it look institutional or hotel-like, but that might not be a bad thing to some people. But then, I'm not a fan of even having a shower niche in the first place.... :-)