How to Make the Colorful Toilet Trend Work for You

Beyond all the minimalism and quiet luxury home design styles, there is the “more is more” mindset. From color drenching to quirky plate walls to fridescaping, this maximalist world embraces color, texture, and boldness—and not even bathroom fixtures are off limits. Though a bit controversial, painted and patterned toilets are simply another avenue for infusing a space with personality. 

“Painted toilets aren’t for everyone, but for those with a sense of adventure and individualism, it’s a unique way to transform a mundane utilitarian item into a show stopping centerpiece,” says Steven Favreau, interior designer and founder of Favreau Design. “It’s a bold expression of form and function, which are key components of great interior design.” 

Ahead, we’re diving into how to make these colorful toilets work for your bathroom. 

A Quick History of Colorful Toilets

Painted, patterned, or otherwise colorful toilets aren’t exactly revolutionary. You can chase their origin story back to the ‘60s and ‘70s, and even through the ‘90s.

“Colorful bathroom fixtures were emblematic of mid-century interiors, especially in the ‘60s and ‘70s,” says Hugo Volpei, founder of Trone Paris. “From avocado greens to pastel pinks, toilets were once seen as design elements in themselves. The current revival honors that spirit, but with a contemporary twist through better materials, more refined finishes, and a design-conscious eye.” 

There’s also global influence at play, Favreau adds, and this dates back even further than the American ‘60s. Painted toilets have long been part of the design vernacular in parts of Mexico, Eastern Europe, and South Asia, where utility doesn’t necessarily preclude beauty.   

The Rise of Colorful Toilets 

Today’s colorful toilet trend plays on all the above, and is also a sharp pivot away from minimalist trends and neutral tones. “I believe the colorful toilet trend is part of a broader movement toward bringing joy and individuality back into our interiors,” says Florence Bourel, artistic director at Florence Bourel Design Studio.

By painting your toilet, you’re turning what some might consider an eyesore into something, well, far more aesthetic. “It’s a way to transform an ordinary, often overlooked object into something decorative, playful—even poetic,” Bourel says. “I love the idea of creating surprise, of introducing pattern and personality where you least expect it.”

Retro and nostalgia are also hot right now, Favreau adds. Bold toilets are a little nod to the past, infused with a little escapism. 

Designer Tips for Incorporating Colorful Toilets 

If you’re even a little intrigued by the idea of a patterned or painted toilet, perhaps that’s your sign to go for it. Follow these interior designer tips to nail the unique trend. 

• Make the Toilet a Feature: Do let the toilet become a central feature, Volpei says. “Treat it like a piece of functional art. Complement it with a thoughtful palette and materials that echo or contrast tastefully.” In other words, the toilet shouldn’t be a random afterthought, but rather an intentional integration.
• Consider Your Color Palette: “Dare to play with contrast, or go for a more subtle tone-on-tone look,” Bourel suggests. “A patterned or colorful toilet seat can become a real focal point if integrated well into the space.” Consider the overall harmony, as well, including materials, textures, and colors.
• Don’t Sidestep Practicality: A common mistake when incorporating patterned or painted toilets into a space is forgetting about the practicality of it all. “Detailed designs can hide grime; remember that great design balances form and function,” Favreau says. 
• Add Color in Simple Ways: Painting the toilet yourself isn’t recommended (it’s a high-humidity zone with lots of action and a delicate operating system), but we also understand that getting a whole new throne may not be in the budget. Add color by applying a tank or seat cover, or install a new toilet seat and lid.

At the end of the day, this somewhat controversial bathroom trend is part of a more holistic shift toward adding personality back into spaces. “It’s about rethinking every detail of the home as an opportunity for beauty and emotion,” Volpei says. “When we challenge conventions—even in the most unexpected spaces—we invite more creativity into our daily lives.”