Toilets come in a variety of colors these days to match different bathroom decors. While white porcelain toilets have been the standard for many years, companies now offer toilets in many shades and hues. When choosing a toilet, color is an important consideration along with functionality, water efficiency, size, and features. Taking the time to explore the range of toilet colors available can help you select the perfect model to coordinate with your bathroom’s overall design scheme.
Standard White Toilets
White toilets remain the most widely available and popular option. The clean, bright look of white fixtures matches with nearly any style of bathroom decor. White toilets have a classic, timeless look that has graced bathrooms for decades.
Within the broad category of white toilets, there are some variations to consider:
– Bright white – This is a crisp, clean white without any yellowing or gray tones. It has a contemporary feel.
– Warm white – Slightly creamier than true white, warm white has just a hint of ivory color. This works well for traditional styled bathrooms.
– Biscuit – Even more ivory in tone than warm white, biscuit toilets coordinate well with Mediterranean or French country style decor.
– White with colored bowl – Some toilet models feature a white tank with a splash of color on the bowl. This allows you to add a subtle decorative accent.
While not all manufacturers specify the exact shade of white, you can get an idea by viewing toilet samples and comparing whites side-by-side. Whites do vary across brands. So be sure to verify the color yourself before purchase.
Black Toilets
On the opposite end of the color spectrum, black toilets provide a dramatic, modern look. A sleek black toilet can make a bold statement in contemporary, urban loft-style bathrooms. Black toilets pair nicely with gray tones and chrome finishes.
Keep in mind that black toilets tend to show dust, water spots, and normal wear and tear more readily than lighter colors. They require a bit more maintenance to keep looking their best. Using a toilet brush cleaner and non-abrasive cleaning solution designed for black toilets is recommended.
Neutrals Beyond White and Black
There are several other neutral toilet shades that can work with a variety of decor styles:
– Biscuit – As mentioned previously, biscuit is an off-white ivory color that adds a soft, soothing vibe.
– Bone – Bone is a very light tan that adds warmth while staying neutral.
– Gray – From light dove gray to charcoal gray, this sophisticated color ranges from subtle to dramatic.
– Beige – With earthy undertones, beige toilets blend into woodsy color schemes.
– Taupe – Combining gray and brown tones, taupe complements natural stone and greenery.
Bold and Vibrant Colors
While neutral toilet colors are the most popular, bold hues can make a dramatic style statement and become a focal point in your bathroom. Here are some colorful options to consider:
| Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Red | From bright fire engine red to deeper burgundy shades, red makes a bold, passionate statement. |
| Green | Emerald, sage, and other green tones connect to nature and offer a refreshing vibe. |
| Blue | Cool and calming, blue ranges from almost navy to soft powdery shades. |
| Yellow | Cheerful sunny yellow delivers an optimistic jolt of energy. |
| Orange | Punchy citrus orange makes a confident, creative accent. |
| Purple | Regal purple tones from light lavender to deep plum create an elegant mood. |
Vibrant toilet colors look best in bathrooms with lots of natural light. Ensure the color you choose complements the hues of your flooring, wall color, and other finishes. Aim for an integrated, cohesive look.
Mix and Match Toilet Colors
To add visual interest, you can mix toilet tank and bowl colors. Here are some combinations that work well:
– White tank with black bowl
– Black tank with red bowl
– Navy blue tank with white bowl
– Green tank with beige bowl
– Gray tank with yellow bowl
The bowl color tends to be the dominant hue, since the tank is smaller. So opt for a bold bowl color and neutral tank for maximum impact.
Mixing toilet colors takes coordination but can create a custom, eclectic look when done right. Be sure to view all options together before purchasing.
Factors Beyond Color to Consider
While color plays a big role in your toilet selection, keep these other factors in mind as well:
– Style – Along with color, the toilet’s shape, lines, detailing, and hardware impact the overall look. Styles range from sleek and modern to traditional and ornate.
– Elongated vs round bowl – Elongated bowls provide more comfort and support but consume a bit more space. Round bowls work better in tight areas.
– Bowl height – Standard height is 15 inches, but taller 17-19 inch toilets are available for improved accessibility and comfort.
– Flush performance – Toilets use a range of flush systems and water volumes, so consider efficiency.
– Size – Standard size is 12 inches rough-in, but 10- and 14-inch models are also available.
– Features – Look for useful additions like slow-close seats, dual flush, touchless flush, heated seats, and more.
Keeping all these factors in mind while shopping for your preferred color toilet will help you select the perfect model.
Where to Shop for Colored Toilets
The selection of colored toilets has expanded in recent years. Here are some places to browse and buy:
– Home improvement stores – Stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s have display rooms where you can see many toilet color and style options in person. They also offer online ordering with delivery.
– Kitchen and bath showrooms – High-end plumbing showrooms offer the widest variety of toilet types, often with full-size displays.
– Online specialty retailers – Websites like Build.com, Wayfair, and Ferguson allow you to filter and compare toilet colors conveniently online.
– Direct from manufacturers – Top brands like Kohler, Toto, and American Standard sell their toilet models directly through their own websites.
– Plumbing supply stores – Local plumbing suppliers aimed at contractors may offer more choices than big box home stores.
Be sure to take advantage of any available toilet samples, displays, and high-quality photos when viewing color options. Colors can vary slightly from brand to brand. Seeing the toilet in person provides the most accurate representation.
Popular Toilet Color Combinations
Not sure where to start mixing and matching toilet colors? Here are some stylish, timeless color combinations to consider:
| Bathroom Color Scheme | Recommended Toilet Colors |
|---|---|
| Black and white | Glossy black or matte black toilet |
| Gray and blue | White toilet with pale blue bowl |
| Beige with wood tones | Bone or biscuit colored toilet |
| Green with natural stone | Green or gray toilet |
| White and chrome | Bright white toilet |
| Navy and gold | White toilet with navy bowl |
Coordinate your toilet choice with the overall color scheme, materials, and finishes throughout your bathroom for a cohesive effect.
Trending Toilet Color Styles
Like all home decor, toilet colors go through evolving trends. Here are some of the most popular color directions right now:
– Black – Black toilets and other black plumbing fixtures continue growing in popularity, thanks to their dramatic contemporary vibe. Matte black is slightly edgier than gloss.
– Earth tones – From rich browns and tans to muted greens, earthy neutral tones deliver a grounded, organic look and feel.
– Metallic accents – Brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and matte gold hardware and details add a hint of glamour.
– Blue hues – From soft powder blue to bold navy, blue toilet colors align with the current color palette across home design.
– Wood look – Toilets that mimic wood grain patterns or finishes complement rustic and cottage styles.
– Vintage inspired – Traditional details mixed with trendy colors, like a black toilet with vintage hardware, are also emerging.
While white remains the classic choice, toilet manufacturers make it easier than ever to customize your color selection to match your own unique style.
Choosing the Right Toilet Color for Your Bathroom
Picking that perfect toilet color may seem complicated given all the options now available. Keep these tips in mind to make the process easier:
– Collect inspiration from photos, catalogs, or Pinterest boards showing bathrooms with color schemes you are considering. This will help you visualize the colors in a real space.
– Take stock of the color palette in your existing bathroom, including the wall color, flooring, tile, cabinetry, and countertops. Look for a toilet hue that complements the space.
– If you plan to remodel the entire bathroom, select all the finishes and materials first, then choose the toilet color last to tie everything together.
– Order toilet seat lid samples from manufacturers to compare colors and finishes. Photos don’t always capture the true color.
– Opt for classic neutral hues if you plan to sell your home soon. Bold colors can be polarizing. Neutrals appeal to more buyers.
– If resale value isn’t a concern, don’t be afraid to take a risk on an audacious pop of color you’ll love for years to come.
– Ask sales associates for input if you’re stuck between two colors. They can offer insights on how the finishes blend with trends.
Your personal style preference should guide your final toilet color selection. With so many choices now available, you can confidently match your toilet to the rest of your bathroom design.
Conclusion
Toilet colors have expanded far beyond the standard white models that have been the norm for generations. Now you can choose from gleaming black, striking bold hues, earthy neutrals, and many shades in between. Whether you prefer traditional white, or want to make a design statement with navy blue or metallic gold, today’s toilet color options let you coordinate with your precise bathroom vision.
While color provides visual appeal, be sure to also consider critical factors like bowl shape, height, flush performance, size, and features during your toilet shopping. Viewing color samples in person helps ensure you pick the ideal match. With the right toilet color and style, you can create a beautiful, functional bathroom reflecting your unique taste and needs. The colorful array of toilets available today eliminates one-size-fits-all in favor of options tailored for every home.
