Does Your Toilet Color Make A Difference In Resale Value? Here's What We Know

Colored toilets were once a trend, particularly in the mid-20th century, from the 1950s through the 1970s, with shades like pink, powder blue, and green featured in bathrooms across America. These vibrant-colored fixtures were seen as a way to add personality and flair to what is typically a neutral, boring space. This outdated toilet design may be coming back in style, especially among retro design enthusiasts. However, if you are considering installing a colored toilet or already have one in your bathroom, even if you think it looks great, you may want to consider switching it out for a plain white one if you plan to sell your home. The reason for this is that it may have a negative impact on your home's resale price.

This is because potential homebuyers often look for homes with spaces that provide a clean slate for their own finishing touches. When touring a home, a bathroom with a colored toilet can be off-putting, especially if the other features are also colorful. People's affinity for specific colors is linked to their personal experiences and emotions. What you think looks amazing might actually evoke a negative emotional response in someone else. If a potential homebuyer isn't fond of your bright orange toilet, the cost of replacing it, along with the matching tiles and sink (if applicable), could be a point of price negotiation, if not a total deal breaker.

If, after learning about the potential impact of resale price, you still want a colorful toilet, you have options. Painting your toilet is one possibility. You can do this by removing the lid and sanding the outside of the toilet and tank down. Then, apply a deglossing agent and let it dry. Finally, apply a few coats of tub and tile paint. While this is certainly a solution that will give you a colorful toilet, it's important to note that you should not paint the inside of your toilet bowl. This can plug the holes that release water, and it also has the potential to lead to clogs and blockages. Further, you'll need to repaint the toilet when it's time to sell.

Another way to achieve a colorful bathroom is to incorporate decorative pieces throughout that are the color you would otherwise choose for your toilet. You can keep your white toilet and use art, rugs, a shower curtain, decorative towels, and a toilet seat cover to create a colorful visual impression. By doing this, you can enjoy a colorful bathroom, and when it's time for buyers to tour your home, you can remove the colored items in favor of more neutral-toned options, which will help you achieve the best resale price. While it's impossible to put a dollar amount on how much a colored toilet impacts your property's sale price, it's always best to get the most out of your investment by keeping things neutral and avoiding bathroom design mistakes that hurt your home's resale value.