Are Colorful Toilets Making a Comeback? Realtors® React

They say trends always come back around, and it appears that the colorful toilets of the 1950s-1970s are enjoying their time in the light again. Plumbing in teal, green, peach and other colors has caught the eyes of people online who admire the “retro charm” it brings to bathrooms. 

According to Realtor.com, colorful porcelain fixtures became popular in the post-World War II 1950s, when pastels took over bathrooms. Later, the 1960s and 1970s saw more earthy-colored toilets in hues like goldenrod and olive. 

But what do Realtors® think of this comeback? 

“While I see that colorful toilets are making a comeback, I personally like the basic white.” says Jodi Diego, a member of the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors®. “An occasional black toilet with the proper, tasteful décor has sustained, but every time I step into a house with a blue, mauve or gray toilet, I automatically think ‘retro’!” 

“If avocado green and powder blue toilets are making a comeback, I say bring on the retro charm!” Carey Smith, a member of the Central Susquehanna Valley Board of Realtors®, encourages. “As a Realtor®, I’ve seen trends come full circle. What was once ‘outdated’ is now ‘vintage chic.’ Just don’t ask me to match the shag carpet!” 

While colorful toilets can add whimsy and personality, they may pose challenges when it comes to replacing them or selling the home. 

“Color in a bathroom is always a joy during the initial design, but it’s crucial to remember that not all fixtures age uniformly,” reminds PAR President Bill Lublin. “This awareness can help prevent the disarray of mismatched fixtures later on when the trendy color is no longer available for replacement.” 

“Also, whenever color enters into design choices, remember that not everybody loves the same colors you do!” he adds.