Once upon a time, the humble loo roll came in a rainbow of hues. Pink, blue, green, yellow — you name it.
You might fondly recall how these colourful counterparts perfectly complemented your tiles, towels, and even fluffy toilet seat covers.
Now, the ubiquitous white roll reigns supreme in bathrooms worldwide. But with nostalgia trending and maximalist design making a comeback, many are wondering: will coloured toilet paper ever return?
Nostalgia corner: back when loos were more colourful
The story of coloured toilet paper began in the post-war era when interior design turned bright.
By the 1970s, coloured toilet paper had become a bathroom staple. Americans had every shade imaginable, while European brands went even bolder with printed patterns and embossed designs. Italians wiped with floral motifs, while Germans preferred geometric precision.
In the days when avocado green loos and gold bathtubs were considered the height of sophistication, having a matching roll wasn’t just nice — it was practically the law of good taste.
It wasn’t cheap, but people happily paid the premium. The bathroom became a space for personal expression, and your choice of toilet paper colour revealed your attention to detail.
What happened to coloured toilet paper?
The 1980s brought increased awareness of environmental and health issues, and vibrant loo rolls didn’t escape scrutiny.
Many of the dyes used in production contained chemicals like formaldehyde and bleach, causing skin irritation and allergic reactions. Testing further revealed that these petroleum-derived chemicals and heavy metals are linked to serious health concerns, including cancer.
Manufacturers faced stricter environmental regulations while consumers grew more eco-conscious. Meeting new safety standards became more expensive. By the mid-1990s, most major manufacturers bid farewell to their colourful creations.
What’s preventing a comeback?
Traditional coloured toilet paper relies on artificial chemicals that create those vibrant, long-lasting shades we remember fondly.
However, their environmental baggage is hard to ignore. These dyes resist filtration in water treatment systems, with some lingering in aquatic environments for years. Plus, dyes like azo reduce light penetration in water, which disrupts photosynthesis in marine plants.
Then there’s your bum to consider.
Modern consumers (quite reasonably) expect environmentally responsible and body-safe products. Creating affordable coloured toilet paper that ticks those boxes is no easy feat for manufacturers.
The possibility of natural and sustainable dyes
Could plant-based dyes save our colourful bathroom dreams? It’s a tantalising thought.
Natural dyes from beetroot, turmeric, and spirulina have coloured clothes and foods for centuries. They’re kinder to the environment and less likely to cause irritation.
A few toilet paper companies have ventured into this territory. Portugal’s Renova offers rolls in every shade of the rainbow, Japan’s Hanebisho makes loo paper so fancy you might feel guilty using it, and French brand Papier Toilette Coloré creates toilet tissue that's très chic.
But there’s a catch. (Isn’t there always?) Natural dyes fade quickly, cost significantly more, and require substantial amounts of water to produce — a resource already in high demand.
Until then, coloured toilet paper remains a novelty item
For now, coloured toilet paper exists primarily in the realm of novelty and luxury, not everyday necessity.
Step into a party supply shop, and you’ll find bright rolls designed for hen parties, themed celebrations and gag gifts.
Online marketplaces feature “special occasion” coloured toilet paper priced three to five times the cost of premium white rolls. These products target the Instagram generation, focusing more on the perfect bathroom shelfie than practical use.
The market has spoken: coloured toilet paper remains an occasional indulgence, not a regular addition to your shopping trolley.
Other ways to add personality to the bathroom
Whilst coloured bathroom tissue may be off the table, there are other ways to inject personality into your loo:
1. Bold towels in vibrant hues or unexpected patterns make an instant impact. Think rich jewel tones, playful prints or vintage-inspired designs that become a focal point.
2. Statement shower curtains turn your space into an art installation with subtle watercolour designs or geometric patterns.
3. Plants thrive in steamy environments. Try cascading pothos, sculptural snake plants or delicate ferns that create a mini spa-like retreat.
4. Wall art that’s properly sealed against moisture adds character without sacrificing space.
5. Accessories, such as gemstone-colored soap dispensers, coordinated toothbrush holders and decorative trays, draw the eye immediately upon entrance.
6. Who Gives A Crap’s stylish wrapped rolls turn a utilitarian product into a decorative element without harmful dyes.
7. An accent wall in an unexpected color alters the entire mood — think deep navy, forest green or even a daring terracotta.
Conclusion – Colour's not in the cards just yet
The technicolour toilet rolls that brightened bathrooms in the 1970s and 1980s aren’t staging a comeback tour anytime soon.
Between the environmental red flags, toxic dyes, and sky-high production costs, there are too many challenges for a resurgence. Natural dyes offer a glimmer of hope, but the technology isn’t ready for the spotlight yet.
For now, coloured toilet paper remains firmly in novelty territory — fun for special occasions but impractical for everyday use.
When it comes to toilet paper you can count on, we have bamboo and recycled rolls that keep both your bum and the planet happy. And individually wrapped patterns and styles have more shelf appeal than coloured paper, anyway! Yep, we said it.