Fluffy toilet seat covers are back! Toiletscaping is going viral but bathroom experts warn against this ‘unhygienic’ trend
Yep, people really are decorating their loos


Your toilet seat may be the last thing you think to decorate. Still, social media is currently going crazy for the quirky toiletscaping trend — where users are adding decorative items, fluffy seat covers and even adorning their bowls with multiple colourful gel discs.
Of all the different bathroom ideas, toiletscaping is by far the least conventional I’ve come across. In fact, experts have warned against this craze, as fluffy seat covers are known to be a breeding ground for bacteria.
Bathrooms are humid environments, and you might already know the importance of preventing condensation from forming on your toilet cistern, however, this latest trend could actually make the problem worse.
Why is toiletscaping suddenly so popular?
@sarahvelushamazon transform my poo place into a pink dream 🩷
♬ original sound - sarahvelushamazon
‘Toiletscaping can be a way to add personality to your bathroom and it’s likely trending at the moment on social media because people are sharing their designs as a form of self-expression. However, it’s important to approach it with practicality in mind. Hygiene should always come first. Bathrooms are naturally humid environments and this can create a breeding ground for bacteria if decorative items aren’t cleaned regularly or if they trap moisture,’ says Brian Toward, bathroom specialist and owner of the bathroom retail company Wholesale Domestic.
In particular, it is the addition of fluffy toilet seat covers that makes this trend so unhygienic. Despite being incredibly soft to sit on, soft furnishing easily harbours damp and mould in humid conditions — and with your bathroom most likely the wettest place in the house, where you want to get rid of damp, not encourage it.
Fluffy toilet seat covers: ‘can be difficult to clean thoroughly and may gather germs over time. If someone is determined to use them, I’d recommend opting for machine-washable options and washing them frequently at high temperatures,’ says Brian.
How to toiletscape safely
If toiletscaping is something that appeals to you, don’t worry, you can still craft the toilet of your dreams — you just have to think more practically about it.
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
‘You don’t need to avoid toiletscaping all together, but it’s important to create a balance between aesthetics and practicality,’ says Brian. ‘Overdecorating or using materials that are difficult to clean can become a hygiene issue. Instead, people could focus on adding decorations that enhance the space without compromising cleanliness. For example, choosing wipeable, non-porous materials and avoiding cluttering areas that are prone to splashes or spills.’
Instead of going for a fluffy cover, you could add elements that could help control moisture levels — such as a bathroom plant that absorbs moisture. You could invest in a quirky toilet roll holder or even add some prints to your walls, to make sitting on your toilet more visually appealing!
While we agree your toilet should be a comfortable and personal space, you should never skimp on hygiene — so put your fluffy seat cover away and focus on our bathroom decor top picks.
You can still have a quirky, fun bathroom without affecting your hygiene standards - this playful toilet roll holder from Dunelm is proof of that.

Kezia Reynolds joined the Ideal Home team as News Writer in September 2024. After graduating from City, University of London in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, Kezia kicked off her career spending two years working on women’s weekly magazines. She is always on the lookout for the latest home news, finding you the best deals and trends - so you don’t miss a thing!
-
Everything you might not know about Ideal Home's history
From Mary Berry's stint as Food Editor in the 1970s to the founding issue
-
The easy planting technique I always use to create stunning hanging baskets - it's the secret to a show-stopping flower arrangement
If you're not sure where to start when making up a hanging basket for the garden, the 'thriller, filler, spiller' method is worth a try
-
This £10 Amazon fix stopped pooling water from destroying the wall behind my kitchen sink – 6 months on, it still looks great
If you're struggling with pooling water around your kitchen sink, listen up
-
Stacey Solomon’s new summer George Home collection has landed - these are the 6 things to look out for
The whole range is a careful blend of playfulness and stylish neutrals
-
Dunelm has just launched a heatwave-busting bed sheet that's only £9 – it will help eliminate hot and sweaty nights during the heatwave
Too hot and sweaty at night? Your bed sheets could be the problem, and Dunelm has a solution
-
Is your porch missing something to sit on? These 7 porch seating ideas will solve that issue for you in style
These are the top porch seating ideas to make your space more functional and stylish at the same time
-
I failed my no-buy month because of this Primark tableware collection - it looks so much more expensive than it is
My tablescape has never looked better - without taking a hit to my budget
-
Kilner's butter churner is back in stock – here's why it sold out in the first place
Make your own butter by hand with this fun addition to your kitchen gadget collection
-
I won't gatekeep – Magimix's new small kitchen-friendly mini chopper is my secret to delicious lazy dinners
My homemade pesto pasta has never been better
-
'I've now bought 3 different colours' – my favourite affordable linen bedding is currently half-price, and the 5-star reviews speak for themselves
The half-price linen bedding that owners can't stop raving about
-
Want to cook like Jamie Oliver? This is the top-rated casserole he uses from his own collection all the time on Instagram
Jamie's collaboration with Tefal has led to this casserole dish getting the best user reviews I've ever seen