Toilet Basics

What every water closet needs to have

When it comes to decorating your toilet, keep this in mind: there is no other room in the house that gets you judged by houseguests faster than the bathroom. The kitchen is typically more utilitarian than decorative and the living room more decorative than utilitarian, but the washroom possesses an almost equal mix of both. This makes it a tricky room in which to make a good impression.

First, the utility stuff: your toilet needs to be in good working order, especially when you know you’ve got visitors coming. Whether you repair it yourself or hire a good plumber to do it for you, a broken toilet will become a huge headache when you have guests in your house. So get it fixed.

As for aesthetics, there are a number of funky and attractive items in the market that can make the ickier elements of your bathroom more appealing to the eyes, nose, and backside. Here are just a few examples:

Toilet brushes

The sight of this object can be a bit unsavoury, since there really is no hiding what it’s used for. So why not just hide it? There are some great fully contained toilet brush holders out there that do this marvelously. They come in brass, wood, or stainless steel and can match the décor of any bathroom. These holders also create an extra level of sanitation should you have curious youngsters in your house who might be tempted to pick up a toilet brush bristles first.

Toilet seats

If you’ve got the money, there are some posh toilet seats out there that can pamper your backside. These included self-heating seats, cushioned seats, and (yes, we’re serious) computerized seats that massage your bottom and release a deodorizer into the air. Wooden or bamboo seats are a great way to liven up the toilet without having it clash too much with the rest of the room’s décor.

Toilet paper

Ah, so many options for something so simple. Single- or two-ply? (Really, is there any choice?) Word-a-day toilet paper is a great way of increasing your vocabulary. Monogrammed toilet paper can help feed the narcissist within. You can also get holiday-themed TP for Christmas, Halloween and Thanksgiving. And for the bleeding-heart liberal who has everything? How about toilet tissue with a picture of George W. Bush on every square? Yes, it does exist.

Toilet paper holders

Putting your extra rolls under the sink is just boring. You can find some lovely ivory, wooden or stainless steel TP holders on the market that will complement your bathroom and give it some personality. There are even humorous ones out there, including one with a butler that serves up rolls on a big platter.

Magazine racks

This is an essential accessory to have for users who suffer from constipation, or who just like to take their time on the john. Show some originality by keeping weighty novels in the rack along with issues of Vogue and Good Housekeeping . There’s no reason why you can’t broaden your mind while sitting on the toilet.