Are Black Toilets In Style (Are They Hard to Keep Clean?)

Every once in a while you’ll come across a black toilet. For such a dark color, it stands out and draws attention.

Black toilets are usually seen in trendy homes and hotels. They will make a statement. These toilets are bought for style, but it’s essential the color works with other items in a bathroom.

A black sink, bathtub, towel racks, or black tile could match the toilet and make a bathroom pop with modern style. Converse to the benefits of a black toilet, there are also a few negatives to consider.

In this article, we’ll discuss why it’s so uncommon to see black or other colored toilets. I’ll list a few of the pros and cons of a black toilet to make your buying decision easier.

Lastly, I’ll share my favorite Kohler black toilet and a few fun black toilet accessories for the bathroom.

So Many White Toilets – Why Not Black

Why don’t we see more toilets with color? It’s odd to think about, but virtually all toilets are white and it’s not just in the U.S. Visit any country in the world and you’ll find 99% white toilets.

The main reason most toilets are white is that they are porcelain. Porcelain contains kaolin and a specific type of clay.

Once fired, the porcelain is a transparent white color and is usually finished white or a cream color (read my blog post on Why are toilets always white?).

At first thought, one might think that white is the worst color for a toilet because it shows all the stains, but the color white has always represented cleanliness and purity. A white bowl forces us to clean it when it’s dirty, while darker toilets hide the dirt (white is used in hospitals as well).

Black toilets are unique. They are exotic and made for people who want to stand out. A black toilet won’t blend in with your bathroom, however, the stains inside the toilet will blend in!

One reason people don’t like black, or dark-colored toilets is because of watermarks and mildew. The watermarks and mildew can create a white ring in the bowl. It’s unsightly and it’s tough to remove (check out my article on the natural toilet cleaning strategies).

Pros Of Black Toilets

  • Unique
  • Can match other black items in bathroom
  • Spices up an boring bathroom
  • Hides solid waste stains well
  • Plenty of options available
  • Modern/Designer look

Cons Of Black Toilets

  • It will stand out
  • Prone to water stains (toilet ring)
  • Looks bad with mildew and calcium build up
  • Not good for areas with hard water

What Other Colors Are There

In the 1970’s, it was fashionable to have blue, yellow, green, and pink hues in the bathroom (more info on retro bathrooms). Tile was often a funky color and it wasn’t uncommon to see a colorful toilet. Style has changed quite a bit since then, but some homeowners like the retro look of a colorful toilet.

There are a few toilets on the market that come in various colors. Peerless Pottery is a brand that I like because they cater to artistic folks and offer Venetian pink, Dresden blue, Sterling silver, bone, biscuit, beige, and harvest gold.

Madison, Independence, Hancock, and Gerber are brands that also offer a colorful selection of toilets.

My Favorite Black Toilet and Toilet Accessories

  1. Toilet – Kohler Santa Rosa Black Toilet

One of my favorite black toilets is the Kohler Santa Rosa. It’s also a best selling toilet with plenty of positive reviews.

It uses a 1-piece design which gives it a more sleek, modern design. This toilet will make a statement and it looks great.

But it’s appearance isn’t the only positive attribute. It also meets the WaterSense certification standards by using only 1.28 gallons per flush.

The savings on your water bill will help pay for the toilet in a matter of months! If you’re interested in other off-white colors, the Kohler Santa Rosa has a number of tinted options too.

  1. Toilet Brush – OXO Good Grips Compact Black Toilet Brush

Oxo makes quality products for the kitchen and bathroom. This product is no different and would be perfect alongside a black toilet.

The compact design makes it ideal for small spaces. It also includes a drip tray so water can evaporate quickly after use.

With over 1,000 reviews it’s a popular item that works. Add this to your toilet list!

  1. Paper Holder – Gatco Latitude II, Euro Tissue Holder

If you’re getting a black toilet, you’ll want accessories to match. The Gatco Euro Tissue Holder easily screws into any wall or cabinet and is designed to be simple. It comes in matte black which would look great alongside a black toilet.

Well-reviewed, easy to install, and affordable makes it a perfect accessory to complement your new toilet.

  1. Toilet Seat – Kohler Cachet Quiet-Close Seat

It’s always frustrating to learn that a new toilet doesn’t come with a seat or lid. Unfortunately, you’ll need to buy a separate, yet matching seat for your new toilet. The Kohler Cachet comes in black and a few other colors. It also comes in two sizes, elongated or round.

The Quiet-Close technology ensures that the seat won’t slam shut. With over 2,000 reviews, people seem to like it. If you’re getting a black toilet, don’t forget this black seat.

  1. Toilet Paper – Renova Black Toilet Paper

Looking to make a statement? Having a black toilet is one thing, but matching black toilet paper is taking it to another level.

Black toilet paper is really a thing and people love it. Though I’ve never used black toilet paper, I see one problem with it. It must be hard to know when you’re clean, right?

Black toilet paper might be a better idea for a surprise or a one time purchase. Maybe it would work well during Halloween? Renova makes toilet paper in a bunch of different colors. Even if you don’t want black toilet paper, check out their other options.

  1. Black Towel Racks

Need a black towel rack to match your toilet and toilet paper holder?   Kes Bath Towel Bar has a 23-inch rack that comes with or without hooks. They also have a matching toilet paper holder, towel ring, and double towel bar.

Towel racks, rings, and paper holders are accent pieces that will help your black toilet work with the style of your bathroom. Of course, you can also find a black sink, but simple racks and paper holders are easier to find!

Conclusion

Isn’t it interesting that we rarely see black or other colorful toilets? Except for the fancy designer home, or fancy hotel, you will seldom see a toilet that isn’t white. And it’s not just the case in American. All over the world, you’ll find white toilets.

If you consider yourself unique or prefer a colorful home, a black toilet might be the perfect option for you.

Black toilets are always in style, as long as they go with other décor in your bathroom. You can find black toilets in 1-piece and 2-piece options and you’ll find they also provided the same water-saving benefits as their white counterparts.

When I think of a black toilet I think of style and design. For this reason, I’d choose a high-end 1-piece toilet. 1-piece toilets tend to look modern and have better contours (either rounded or squared).

Be aware that not everything is perfect with a black toilet. It hides stains well, which is welcome, however, hard water stains and mildew tend to stand out (because they are a white color). Your black toilet may end up needing more attention than a white toilet.

With this in mind, a black toilet is still a stylish option for the bathroom. Make sure you match your toilet with a paper holder, a toilet seat, and towel racks.

A matching black sink would look beautiful but add to your expenses. If you want to have fun with your black theme, try out the black toilet paper too.

Thanks for reading another Toilet Travels article on the style of black toilets. Peruse the site to find more articles on all things toilets.