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Color Trends in Ceramic Sanitaryware: Beyond Traditional White

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Hello, friends! I’m Rachel, founder of Foshan Seletti company, and I’ve been connecting quality Chinese bathroom products with international markets for over 5 years. Today, I want to share something exciting that’s happening in our industry – the colorful revolution that’s transforming bathrooms worldwide.

The evolution of colored ceramic toilets

Remember when every toilet and basin had to be pristine white? Those days are quickly fading. In the past five years, I’ve watched a remarkable shift in what my clients are requesting. Color toilets have grown from just 5% of our orders in 2020 to nearly 30% today!

This isn’t just a passing fad. The technology behind colored ceramics has dramatically improved in Chinese manufacturing facilities. Our factory partners have perfected techniques that ensure color consistency across batches – something that was a major challenge just a decade ago.

I’ll never forget when one of my Australian clients took a chance on matte black toilets for a boutique hotel chain in Sydney. They were nervous about the investment, but those fixtures became the most photographed feature of their bathrooms! They’ve since expanded their colored ceramic range to all their properties.

Spotlight: color sanitary ware at ISH Frankfurt 2025

Just last week, from ISH Frankfurt – the world’s leading trade fair for bathroom innovation – and I can tell you firsthand that color toilets and color wash basins were absolutely stealing the show.

Some European distributors came specifically looking for colored options, as the white bathroom fixtures they can get anywhere, but the color isn’t. They emphasized that their customers are increasingly viewing bathrooms as design statements rather than purely functional spaces. The right color toilet or statement wash basin has become the centerpiece around which entire bathroom concepts are built.

Popular color toilet options in 2025

So what colors are trending in toilets right now? Here’s what I’m seeing in our order books:

Matte Black Toilets: Still the undisputed champion of colored sanitaryware. The sleek, sophisticated look works in both ultra-modern and industrial-style bathrooms. Our soft-touch glazing technology gives these a velvety feel that customers love.

matt black wall hung toilet

Earth Tone Toilets: Warm beige, sage green and grey toilets are rapidly gaining popularity. These softer colors create a more organic, natural bathroom environment that aligns with the biophilic design trend.

beige and grey toilets

Pastel Colored Toilets: Soft pinks, blues, and greens are making an unexpected comeback, but with a sophisticated twist. Today’s pastels have complex undertones and matte finishes that give them a contemporary edge.

kohler color toilet kbis 2023

Color wash basin innovations

If color toilets are growing steadily, color wash basins are absolutely exploding! Many importers start their colored ceramics journey with basins because they’re less of a commitment than colored toilets.

In our experience, colored vessel basins are the gateway product. They sit above the counter and immediately draw the eye. Countertop color basin and Integrated color wash basins are gaining ground in the commercial sector, particularly in restaurants and hotels where they want to make a design statement. The seamless look of these units provides both aesthetic appeal and practical cleaning advantages.

color matt bathroom sink

The most exciting development is our dual-tone basins, where the interior and exterior feature complementary or contrasting colors. Our most popular combination is matte black and matt beige exterior with a matt white-toned interior.

dual color basin

The truth about matte colored toilet and wash basin: quality matters

As the demand for matte colored toilets and basins grows, it’s crucial for importers to understand the manufacturing differences that impact quality and longevity. There are two primary methods used to create matte colored ceramic products, and the difference significantly affects both price and durability.

Method 1: surface spray application

Some manufacturers simply spray a colored matte glaze onto already-fired white ceramic pieces. This is the more economical approach and allows for quicker production and lower prices. However, there’s a significant drawback: the surface color is vulnerable. It can be scratched, scraped, or worn off over time, especially in high-traffic commercial settings. What I saw with my own eyes was that when we scraped the surface of the washbasin with our keys, the original color fell off, revealing the white ceramic body.

surface spray vs colored glazing firing
surface spray vs colored glazing firing

Method 2: integral colored glaze firing

The superior method involves incorporating the color directly into the ceramic glaze before firing. This creates a thoroughly infused color that becomes part of the ceramic structure itself. The color won’t fade, scratch off, or deteriorate even after years of cleaning and use. Our premium colored sanitaryware uses this method exclusively, which is why we can offer a 10-year color guarantee.

The price difference? Typically, integral colored glaze products cost 30-80% more than surface-sprayed alternatives. But when your customers consider the lifetime value and appearance retention, the investment makes perfect sense. I always encourage importers to request sample cuts of colored products so they can see the difference in color penetration for themselves.

At Foshan seletti company, we clearly label which production method is used for each product line, so you can make informed decisions based on your market’s price sensitivity and quality expectations.

Our manufacturing process for colored ceramic sanitary ware

Creating quality colored ceramics requires specialized expertise. Our partner factories employ a multi-stage coloration process that ensures the glaze penetrates to the optimal depth, creating rich, consistent color that won’t fade or discolor over time.

Quality control for colored ceramics sanitary ware is particularly stringent. Each piece is inspected multiple times throughout production, with special attention paid to color consistency across batches.

For importers requiring custom colors, we offer color-matching services. With a minimum order quantity of 200 pieces, we can create proprietary colors that become your exclusive offering. We’ve matched brand colors for hotel chains and created custom palettes for major housing developments.

Practical considerations for importers

Let’s talk business. How should you approach adding color toilets and color wash basins to your inventory?

Pricing Structure: Expect a 40-100% premium for colored ceramics compared to white. This varies based on color complexity, finish, and production method as discussed above. The good news is that consumers have demonstrated willingness to pay more for these statement pieces.

Market Introduction Strategy: If your market is conservative, start with colored accessories or a single colored statement piece in a showroom bathroom. Create an Instagram-worthy display that will get people talking. We can provide lifestyle photography to help with marketing materials.

Regional Color Preferences: I’ve noticed clear patterns in what works in different regions. Mediterranean countries gravitate toward beige and blues, while Middle Eastern buyers often seek our luxury metallic-infused pieces. Make sure the color you select the right palette for your specific market when you order.

Maintenance Considerations: Our colored glazes undergo the same rigorous testing as white ceramics. They’re equally resistant to cleaning products, but we recommend including care guidelines with each sale. For example, abrasive cleaners should be avoided on matte finishes to preserve their distinctive texture.

Practical ordering information

Ready to explore colored toilet and basin? Here’s what you need to know:

Minimum Order Quantities: For our standard color range, MOQs start at just 20 pieces per model and color. For custom colors, we require a minimum of 200 pieces to offset development costs.

Lead Times: Standard colors are typically 30-45 days from order to shipment. Custom colors require an additional 15-20 days for development and approval.

Packaging: Colored ceramics receive extra protective packaging to prevent surface scratches that would be more visible than on white products.

Conclusion 

The colorful revolution in ceramic sanitaryware isn’t slowing down. As bathrooms continue to evolve from purely functional spaces to personal retreats and design statements, color toilets and color wash basins will play an increasingly important role.

I’d love to discuss how we can bring the right colored ceramic options to your market. Whether you’re ready to place an order or just want to explore possibilities, my team and I are here to guide you through this exciting transformation.

Want to see our full color catalog? Contact us and leave your message.

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Picture of Rachel Shin
Rachel Shin
Hi, I'm a co-founder of Foshan Seletti company, with more than 15 years export experience in ceramic tiles and 5 years in sanitary ware field. We will share with you some purchase guides in this field and help you to avoid the trap.

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