Over the decades, toilet paper has seen more outfit changes than Fran Fine’s wardrobe in The Nanny. It’s available in every colour under the sun, including sun-coloured! For some of us (myself included), colourful toilet paper seems as bizarre as green ketchup (I’ll forgive but I’ll never forget).

Back in the day…

Long before the rise of modern toilet paper, people relied on whatever nature provided for personal hygiene. Rags, moss, grass, hay, corn cobs, wood shavings, sticks, and even sponges were common materials, with ancient Romans famously sharing a sponge on a stick (aka the xylospongium). Wealthy people sometimes opted for luxury items like wool or lace, while the rest made do with what was available. The practice of using paper wipes, pages from books, newspapers, and even the Old Farmer's Almanac was widespread; these were often free, and people would punch a hole in the corner to hang them in outhouses. Needless to say, sometimes folks got stuck with some pretty uncomfortable options…

Attitudes toward bodily functions and personal hygiene routines influenced these evolving practices. Common edition books and other printed materials were repurposed for hygiene, and as paper became more widely published, the use of printed pages, including printed toilet paper, became more common. The history of toilet paper is filled with people spending time in the bathroom, whether reading or tearing pages.

Modern toilet paper has continued to evolve, with printed and scented varieties, and brands developing products that are softer or more eco-friendly. Interestingly, different countries adopted toilet paper at different times, reflecting cultural and technological differences.

Introduction and Development

Look, we'll be the first to admit: getting excited about toilet paper history makes us pretty massive nerds (and we're totally okay with that). The journey from ancient Chinese palaces to modern supermarket panic-buying sprees is honestly wild—and we're here for every messy, innovative moment of it. Sure, today's toilet paper rolls might seem like the most obvious bathroom staple ever, but the path to soft, mass-produced comfort is actually a story of human ingenuity, necessity, and some seriously creative problem-solving (because let's face it, everyone needs to solve this particular problem).

Before anyone could debate the eternal 2-ply versus 3-ply question (we see you, passionate toilet paper people), folks around the world were getting seriously resourceful with their bathroom routines. The Chinese imperial court was basically the cool kid of the 6th century, using large sheets of soft paper for toilet purposes way before anyone else caught on. Meanwhile, over in the Middle East, ancient Greeks and Romans had their own methods—and by methods, we mean sponges soaked in salt water, shells, and even stones (ouch). Not exactly the soft, gentle experience we're used to today, but hey, they were working with what they had.

The real game-changer came when the printing press made paper more widely available (because innovation builds on innovation, right?). Enter Joseph Gayetty in 1857, who basically said, "What if we made this a business?" and introduced the first commercially available toilet paper in America. Marketed as a luxury for your bathroom, his sheets were made from manila hemp and infused with aloe. Fancy as it sounds, the concept took a while to catch on with everyday folks (we're talking about a pretty personal subject here, after all).

The moment that really changed everything? When the Scott brothers developed the first toilet paper rolls in the late 19th century, they made it way easier for households to keep things, well, organised and accessible. As indoor plumbing became more common (thank goodness for that), the demand for modern toilet paper exploded. We'd be doing toilet paper history a disservice if we didn't give a shout-out to the humble toilet paper holder (because even the simple stuff matters). Seth Wheeler patented this beautifully simple invention in 1871, and it's been keeping rolls spinning smoothly ever since. And here we are today, living in a world where you can order toilet paper online and have it delivered straight to your door—no panic buying required (unless there's another shortage, in which case, all bets are off).

From ancient sheets to modern rolls, the evolution of toilet paper is honestly a testament to human ingenuity and our endless quest for comfort in the most necessary moments of life. As technology and preferences keep evolving, one thing's absolutely certain: toilet paper will always be part of our daily routine, no matter how fancy—or basic—it ends up being. And if being passionate about that makes us nerds, well, we've definitely had more than a sip of that particular Kool-Aid.

The 50s

The rise of colourful bathrooms saw the rise of colourful toilet paper (as well as the rise of toilet water). Pastel tiles and tubs were the rage, with shades of pink, green, yellow, and blue adorning bathrooms everywhere. People’s tubs, sinks, toilets, and towels matched. So, naturally, toilet paper was the only element left to coordinate. Understandably, people began to view toilet paper not only as a very handy way to wipe, but an interior design accessory. Some brands even offered printed toilet paper with decorative patterns to match the colourful bathroom trends of the era.

And while some 50s design trends, like mid-century desks and sofas, have made a stylish comeback (just check Facebook Marketplace!), colourful toilet paper didn’t make the cut.

The 60s and 70s

The colourful toilet paper roll trend continued, as did colourful bathrooms. Bolder colors started popping up, as well as colourful patterns. Picking out your toilet paper was a serious decision. The sheet format of toilet paper, whether in rolls or individual sheets, became a key part of the product's appeal and variety during this era. It was as crucial as picking out the perfect towels to display or selecting the right hand soap to match your vibe.

The 80s

Colourful toilet paper began disappearing from shelves and toilet-roll holders around this time. Several theories explain this fade-out. First, doctors began warning people that the dyes used in the toilet roll could be harmful to our skin. Second, the use of dyes could be harmful to the environment. And the third reason? It was no longer aesthetically pleasing, according to the design police. More neutral palettes took preference, especially in the bathroom decor.

Today

White toilet paper reigns supreme, although brands are still getting creative. There’s scented, quilted, 3 ply, and even glow-in-the-dark. Many brands now offer softer toilet paper made from alternative materials like bamboo and grasses, emphasising both comfort and sustainability. Personally, we like to keep our toilet paper pretty simple. But that doesn’t mean packaging needs to be boring. Toilet paper, in my honest opinion, is as much about form as it is about function. The interior design of your porcelain parlour can still be elevated with the right toilet paper.

This just in: apparently, pink toilet paper is still a thing in France! Do you live in France? Let us know below if this is fact or fiction. And how you make those baguettes so damn fluffy.

Conclusion: Wipe It Up

Toilet paper has come a long way from its origins, to its vibrant 50s color palettes, to its current white simplicity. Once a bold design statement, it’s now a sleek staple with occasional creative twists. Whether you miss those pastel rolls or appreciate the modern innovations, this quirky bathroom essential reminds us that even the everyday can have a colourful history.