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!
-
Wisteria umbrellas are this spring's breakout garden trend – not only are they perfect for small spaces, but they're easier to maintain, too
I spoke to the National Trust to find out why
By Sophie King
-
Aldi’s cult Kamado BBQ is returning to stores and it's £100 cheaper than last time
This budget BBQ is only a fraction of the price of this celebrity favourite
By Kezia Reynolds
-
A strict colour palette and vintage finds have turned this semi-detached Edwardian house into an elegant family home
Sticking to a three-colour palette of green, pink and yellow and mixing in plenty of vintage furniture and art has created an authentic period feel
By Stephanie Smith
-
Dunelm has given its cult snuggle chair a new look - it's swapped classic stripes for another emerging pattern trend
I'm obsessed with this fresh new style
By Kezia Reynolds
-
I tried Joseph Joseph's pan set with foldable handles – the space-saving design is just one of the many highlights
Small kitchen? I tested this innovative Joseph Joseph space-savvy set which has foldable handles — and I loved it
By Annie Collyer
-
As a stylist, I spend hours looking for bedding for photoshoots, and I just spotted these 6 expensive-looking sets at M&S
Get a little luxury at a high-street price
By Laurie Davidson
-
I've been waiting to try out the Ninja Slushi for months – this is what happened the first time I tried it
The Ninja Slushi is the stuff of dreams for summer entertaining
By Molly Cleary
-
IKEA has drenched its BILLY bookcase in this year’s ‘it’ colour - but you’ll have to act fast if you want to get your hands on one
I'm obsessed with this gorgeous limited-edition colourway
By Kezia Reynolds
-
My go-to Ninja coffee machine just had a major price drop. It's more affordable than I've seen it before
It makes coffee shop quality achievable at home
By Molly Cleary
-
I'm a kitchen decor editor and didn't like this tableware trend - until I saw H&M Home's designer-look plates
They made it easy to justify a new crockery set
By Holly Cockburn
-
Have we just had a sneak peek at Ninja's plans for pastel air fryers? These new US-exclusive Crispi colours are giving us hope for the same in the UK
Ninja's spring colours collection i the US has sparked some serious appliance envy
By Molly Cleary