Toiletscaping is trending all over Instagram, with a few influencers leaving no stone unturned in transforming their toilets into a mini museum, complete with decorative pieces and cosy touches like plush rugs and furry seat covers. Imagine having your dinner on your toilet... sounds weird, right? But apparently, everything is acceptable on Instagram.
From custom-tiled walls to trays full of candles, plants, and perfumes, toilet decor is about creating an environment so fancy, you'd almost forget why you’re in there. It's no longer just about functionality, it’s about making your toilet Instagram-worthy. But should we really be eating, chilling, and posting from our toilets?
What Do The Experts Say?
While the idea of a beautiful bathroom sounds completely harmless, however no matter how aesthetic you make it, at the end of the day, a toilet is still... a toilet.
According to Dr Aashish Contractor, Director of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai, “Toilets are places where there's a high chance of contamination, and there's always a risk of infections.”
He adds, “Rugs and other fabric decor items can retain moisture and promote the growth of bacteria and fungi. It's important to maintain hygiene and ensure that bathroom decor does not compromise cleanliness.”
So, no matter how aesthetic your furry seat cover looks under warm lighting, it could still literally be a petri dish of germs.
Does Your Bathroom Need A Makeover Too?
Dr Trupti Gilada, Infectious Disease Specialist at Masina Hospital in Mumbai, also points out, “Bathroom floors are moist, and rugs can easily harbour bacteria, fungi, and other germs. Regular and thorough cleaning is essential if one must use such decor."
Sure, we all love a good Pinterest board moment, but maybe the bathroom is where we should draw the line. It’s one thing to hang some cute wall art; it’s completely another to drape rugs, throws, and other bacteria magnets all over the place where you literally flush human waste.
Experts agree that good ventilation, minimal use of fabric, and frequent cleaning should be non-negotiable. “One must clean bathroom decor regularly, ensure proper ventilation, and avoid using absorbent materials prone to harbouring bacteria. Hygiene should be the top priority,” says Dr Gilada.
Toiletscaping might make for an aesthetic Instagram post, but in real life, maybe keep those interior decor and dinner vibes out of the bathroom, and just... do your business.
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