The Colorful History of Toilet Paper
Over the decades, toilet paper has seen more outfit changes than Fran Fine’s wardrobe in The Nanny. It's available in every color under the sun, including sun-colored! For some of us (myself included), colorful toilet paper seems as bizarre as green ketchup (I’ll forgive but I’ll never forget).
But why was it—and still is in some parts of the world—a thing? I dived into the depths of the internet to uncover the origins of colorful toilet paper and how it quickly captured our hearts and bathrooms, only to vanish as mysteriously as it appeared. Or, perhaps, it just got flushed away.
The 50s
The rise of colorful bathrooms saw the rise of colorful 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. Thus, people began to view toilet paper not only as a very handy way to wipe, but an interior design accessory.
And while some 50s design trends, like mid-century desks and sofas, have made a stylish comeback (just check Facebook Marketplace!), colorful toilet paper didn’t make the cut.
The 60s and 70s
The colorful toilet paper roll trend continued, as did colorful bathrooms. Bolder colors started popping up, as well as colorful patterns. Picking out your toilet paper was a serious decision. It was as crucial as picking out the perfect towels to display or selecting the right hand soap to match your vibe.
The 80s
Colorful 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, even glow in the dark. 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 parlor 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 vibrant 50s origins 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 colorful history. And if you spot pink toilet paper in France or have tips for fluffy baguettes, let us know!