Shower Niche Lighting: Which one is right for you?
Thunder Bunny Co vs. Schluter® LIPROTEC LED Niches
When it comes to shower niche lighting, homeowners and contractors are looking for a solution that’s waterproof, easy to install, long-lasting, and adaptable to a variety of designs. Two popular options on the market today are the Thunder Bunny Co Shower Niche Light Kit and the Schluter®-KERDI-BOARD-SNLT with LIPROTEC LED lighting.
Both systems offer LED lighting for shower niches, but they serve different needs. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you decide which is the right fit for your project — and why more professionals are choosing Thunder Bunny Co.
Thunder Bunny Co Shower Niche Light Kit
Best for: Contractors and DIYers who want full control over their layout and a more adaptable, cost-effective solution.
The Thunder Bunny Co shower niche lighting kit is a flexible, trim-style LED system that can be installed in any size or shape of shower niche or bench seat. This freedom gives you complete control over your tile layout without being locked into prefabricated dimensions.
Key Benefits
- Universal Fit: Works with any niche or bench, regardless of size or material.
- Easy Installation: Installs behind tile with minimal tools — no special waterproofing prep required.
- Installation Support: Online Installation Guide with Videos and phone support
- LED Strip Replacement: Replace the LED strip without removing tiles — a rare feature in this category.
- Low Voltage & Safe for Wet Areas: The kit uses low-voltage 24V DC lighting components, ideal for showers.
- 2-Year Warranty: Backed by Thunder Bunny Co’s industry-leading support and protection.
- Common Question: Can I install shower niche lighting myself?
Yes — Thunder Bunny Co’s kit is designed for both contractors and skilled DIYers. Multiple installation videos are provided and phone support to help with the install. Thunder Bunny Co does recommend using a licensed electrician to connect your switch to the system.
Schluter®-KERDI-BOARD-SNLT with LIPROTEC
Best for: Users looking for an all-in-one, pre-built niche solution with integrated lighting.
Schluter offers a sleek, prefabricated niche system that includes built-in LIPROTEC LED lighting, waterproofing, and pre-set dimensions. This setup reduces installation time for standard builds but limits customization.
Key Benefits
- All-In-One Unit: Includes waterproof niche, lighting, and wiring channel.
- Code-Compliant Electrical Box: Ensures connection safety in wet zones.
- Clean Aesthetic: Ideal for minimal, symmetrical shower designs.
- Common Question: Do I need to use Schluter waterproofing systems to install their light niches?
While Schluter products are designed to work together, some pros find integrating them into mixed systems requires careful planning.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Thunder Bunny Co Kit | Schluter® KERDI-BOARD-SNLT |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249-279 Plus Free Shipping (48 states) | $419-548 Plus Shipping |
| Installation | Easy, fits any niche | Easy, but only for fixed niche sizes |
| Customization | High — can be cut to fit any size niche | Low — prefabricated dimensions only |
| Lighting Replacement | Replaceable LED strips with waterproof connector | Non-serviceable once tiled |
| Waterproofing | Contains IP68 Waterproof LEDs | Built-in, designed for Schluter systems |
| Safety | 24V low voltage — safe for wet areas | 24V IP67 low voltage – safe for wet areas |
| Warranty | 2 Years | 5 Years |
| Best For | Custom builds, repairs, flexible installations | Standard layouts, speed-focused installs |
Showers with Multiple Niche Lights
When planning a custom shower with multiple illuminated niches, your choice of lighting system becomes even more critical — both in terms of budget and layout flexibility.
With Thunder Bunny Co, you can illuminate multiple niches or bench seats starting at just $315–$350, depending on your configuration. The system’s modular design means you only pay for the lighting components — not for prebuilt structures or rigid kits. This makes it an ideal solution for complex layouts, symmetrical designs, or extended feature walls.
By contrast, the Schluter® LIPROTEC niche system comes with each niche prebuilt and pre-lit. While this simplifies single-niche installs, doing multiples can quickly escalate costs — ranging from $419 to $548 per niche, depending on size. Each niche must be purchased and installed individually, which limits layout options and inflates material costs.
Why More Contractors Prefer Thunder Bunny Co for Shower Niche Lighting
Contractors value adaptability, especially when it comes to tile layouts and retrofit jobs. Thunder Bunny Co’s system gives you the freedom to light any space — not just what’s available in fixed sizes. The ability to easily replace the LED strip without demoing tile is a major advantage for long-term maintenance and homeowner satisfaction.
Final Thoughts: Which Shower Niche Lighting Kit Should You Choose?
Both the Schluter® and Thunder Bunny Co systems offer reliable, modern lighting solutions. But if you want a customizable, DIY-friendly, and cost-effective option with unmatched flexibility, Thunder Bunny Co’s Shower Niche Light Kit stands out as the smarter choice.
Whether you’re renovating a master bath or installing a new build, Thunder Bunny Co delivers the performance and convenience today’s homeowners and pros demand.
