We'd Recommend Thinking Twice Before Committing To A Colorful Toilet - Here's Why

You're a rainbow of awesome and nothing is going to dull your vibrant personal style. Hence your quest to add some flash to your flush with a colorful toilet. Maybe you envision yourself as the king of your castle sitting on a golden throne, or perhaps you want to channel your inner Barbie with a powder-pink commode, or go retro with a groovy turquoise version. Regardless of your particular flair, before pulling the trigger on that banana-yellow toilet that overwhelmingly appeals to your colorful personality, take a beat to consider the long-term effects of such a bold design choice. Future homebuyers may not share your panache for a purple potty, making resale particularly challenging.

While you may find white extraordinarily boring, to most potential buyers, neutral tones scream "move-in ready." Interior design experts hail white as a foolproof hue that makes it easy for prospective buyers to picture themselves living in your home. And toilets are no exception. While you can't control the location or size of your home, when it comes to interior fixtures, like toilets, your choices can make or break an aspiring sale. A colorful loo may not suit the style of a would-be buyer, who is used to a classic, colorless, porcelain model that simply gets the job done rather than acts as a statement piece.

Unless you're 1000% sure your current abode is your forever home, resale potential is always a lingering consideration. Consequently, when it comes to flexing your individuality, steer clear of the water closet. In most cases, a teal toilet isn't going to entice the widest swath of probable buyers. Granted, companies like Kohler, are making it easier for eclectic homeowners to add a punch of color to typically bleach-white bathrooms. However, its heritage line of retro-colored peachy-pink and jade-green toilets, may not pass the flush test with many of today's buyers who see white as a symbol of cleanliness and pleasing modernity. Of course, this doesn't discount the popularity of midcentury modern homes where an avocado green toilet may fit perfectly into the overall aesthetic, but again, buyers with a hunger for nostalgic fixtures are a niche market.

What's more, traditional white toilets are cheaper to buy and maintain than colored ones. This added expense may deter future buyers. Most toilets are made from non-porous, durable porcelain, which is naturally white. Adding color not only drives up the cost of production, it also affects the price of fixing exterior issues. And when it comes to cleaning a dark-hued toilet, get ready to dig deep –- into the bowl. As paradoxical as it may seem, black doesn't hide dirt; rather, mildew and watermarks appear as a white ring, which requires time and money to erase.

If you refuse to stifle your dazzling design style to accommodate the masses, but are concerned about devaluing your home, consider a color compromise. One way you can add a pop of vibrancy to a monochromatic bathroom without overdoing it is to add a color toilet seat. Keep the toilet base white and simply swap out the vanilla seat for one that reflects your inner rainbow. Toilet seats come in an array of colors that can be mixed and matched to complement other bathroom fixtures or used as seasonal décor.

Or opt for a simpler alternative with a colorful fabric toilet seat cover. Some even come with coordinating toilet-tank lid covers. This jazzy choice also allows you to add texture to your toilet. Select a chenille cover with its trendy shaggy profile and soft, fuzzy feel available in a kaleidoscope of colors.

With a bit more planning, you can liven up a lackluster bathroom with colorful trim rather than installing a flamboyant flusher. Add some light blue or seafoam trim to windows or baseboards to create a beach cottage vibe or go bold with red crown molding in an all-white bathroom. Another way to add some vibrancy without blinding potential buyers is with colored cabinets or vanities. Muted shades, such as pale yellow or gray, will add a subtle splash of sheen without overwhelming the entire space.