If you’ve been scrolling through bathroom remodel photos lately, you’ve probably noticed something: white toilets are starting to feel a little… boring. Black toilets are having a real moment right now, and honestly? It makes sense. A matte black or gloss black toilet instantly makes a bathroom look more modern, more luxurious, and way more “designer” than anything white ever could.
But here’s the thing — buying a black toilet isn’t quite as simple as buying a white one. There are fewer options on the market, the finish matters a lot more (fingerprints and water spots show up differently), and not every “black toilet” is actually built the same way underneath that dramatic exterior. If you’re also exploring other fixtures while you’re at it, our guide on smart toilets with a bidet is worth a look since several brands now offer black finishes on their smart models too.
In this guide, I’m walking you through everything you need to know before buying a black toilet — the best options currently available, what separates a good one from a mediocre one, and a full buying guide so you don’t end up regretting your purchase. Let’s get into it.
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Why Black Toilets Are Becoming So Popular
Before we get into the reviews, let’s talk about why everyone suddenly wants a black toilet in their bathroom.
They make a bold design statement. A black toilet paired with white tile, brass fixtures, or a floating vanity looks straight out of a boutique hotel. It’s one of the easiest ways to upgrade a bathroom without a full renovation.
They hide certain stains better. While black toilets show water spots and dust more visibly than white ones (more on that later), they’re excellent at hiding the kind of yellowing and discoloration that white porcelain develops over years of use.
They pair beautifully with modern fixtures. If you’ve already invested in a sleek black or matte black shower system — like a Hansgrohe shower head or a rain shower head system — a black toilet ties the whole bathroom together as a cohesive design.
They’re a statement piece, not just a fixture. Most people don’t think twice about their toilet’s color. Choosing black signals intentional design choices throughout the whole space.
Alright, let’s get into the actual toilets.
The 5 Best Black Toilets Review
1. Swiss Madison Well Made Forever Sublime Black Toilet
Swiss Madison has built a reputation for combining European-inspired design with surprisingly affordable price points, and their black toilet lineup is no exception. This one-piece toilet features a smooth, glossy matte-black finish over vitreous china, with a low-profile tank and a contemporary elongated bowl that immediately reads as “high-end” the moment you walk into the bathroom.
What really stands out here is the dual-flush mechanism, which lets you choose between a 0.8 GPF and 1.28 GPF flush depending on need — a smart feature if you’re trying to cut down on water usage without sacrificing flush power. The skirted design (no exposed trapway) also makes cleaning dramatically easier since there are no nooks for grime to hide in. If you’re comparing other elongated options, check out our full breakdown of elongated toilets to see how this stacks up.
Pros:
- Sleek one-piece design with no visible trapway for easy cleaning
- Dual-flush system saves water without losing performance
- Soft-close seat included
- Comfort height seating, great for taller adults
- Compact footprint fits small bathrooms well
Cons:
- The matte finish shows water spots if not wiped down regularly
2. Woodbridge Modern Black One-Piece Toilet
Woodbridge has carved out a niche for itself with toilets that look far more expensive than they actually are, and their black model continues that trend. This is a one-piece, elongated, comfort-height toilet with a powerful siphon-jet flushing system that’s genuinely one of the strongest in this price category — which matters a lot, because a beautiful toilet that clogs constantly isn’t beautiful for long.
The glossy black finish on this one has a slightly deeper, richer black tone compared to some competitors, and it holds up well against scuffs. If non-clogging performance is a top priority for you (and it should be), it’s worth comparing this against our dedicated list of non-clogging toilets before deciding.
Pros:
- Extremely strong, near-silent siphon-jet flush
- Comfort height design is gentle on knees and back
- Glossy finish resists scratching well
- Soft-close lid included standard
- Large trapway reduces clog risk significantly
Cons:
- On the heavier side, which can complicate DIY installation
3. Horow T38 Smart Black Toilet
If you want to go all-in on luxury, the Horow T38 in black is hard to beat. This isn’t just a toilet — it’s a smart bidet toilet combo with heated seating, adjustable water temperature, an air dryer function, and even a night light. The matte black exterior gives it a futuristic, high-tech aesthetic that looks incredible in modern bathrooms. We’ve actually covered this exact model in detail in our dedicated Horow T38 smart toilet review if you want the full deep-dive.
Beyond the black finish, what makes this toilet worth the investment is the all-in-one functionality — you’re essentially replacing your toilet and your bidet attachment in a single purchase. The remote control operation also makes it incredibly accessible for elderly users or anyone with mobility concerns, which ties in well with our guide on toilets for seniors.
Pros:
- Heated seat and adjustable bidet wash settings
- Auto air-dry function eliminates need for toilet paper
- Remote control for hands-free operation
- Sleek, modern matte black design
- Excellent for accessibility and senior-friendly bathrooms
Cons:
- Requires a nearby electrical outlet, which may need an electrician for installation
4. Kohler Highline Arc Matte Black Toilet
Kohler is one of the most trusted names in the toilet industry, and their Highline Arc series in matte black brings that brand reliability into the black toilet category. This two-piece elongated toilet uses Kohler’s AquaPiston flushing technology, which is known for delivering a fast, thorough flush using less water than older designs.
The matte black finish here is genuinely gorgeous and feels true to Kohler’s reputation for quality glazing — it’s resistant to scratching and holds its color well over years of use, unlike cheaper finishes that can fade. If you’re a fan of the Kohler brand generally, our review of the best Kohler toilets covers more of their lineup in detail.
Pros:
- AquaPiston flush technology is fast and powerful
- Comfort-height elongated bowl
- Trusted Kohler build quality and warranty support
- Finish resists fading and scratching long-term
- Compatible with most standard rough-in dimensions
Cons:
- Two-piece design means slightly more visible seams for cleaning
5. American Standard Cadet 3 Black Edition
The American Standard Cadet 3 is a legend in the toilet world for one reason: it almost never clogs. The black edition brings that same legendary flushing performance into a sleek matte black package. This toilet uses a 12-inch rough-in and a wide 2-3/8″ trapway with their signature PowerWash rim, which cleans the bowl with every flush.
This is the toilet I’d recommend if you want black aesthetics but performance and reliability are your top priority over pure looks. It’s a workhorse first, a design piece second — which is exactly what a lot of households actually need. You can see how it compares directly to other models in our American Standard Cadet 3 review.
Pros:
- Extremely reliable, clog-resistant flushing system
- PowerWash rim keeps the bowl cleaner between flushes
- Wide trapway reduces maintenance headaches
- Backed by American Standard’s solid warranty
- Great for high-traffic or family bathrooms
Cons:
- The matte finish isn’t quite as deep/rich looking as some pricier competitors
Comparison Table: Best Black Toilets at a Glance
| Toilet Model | Finish Type | Bowl Shape | Flush Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swiss Madison Sublime | Matte Black | Elongated, One-Piece | Dual-Flush (0.8/1.28 GPF) | Small bathrooms, easy cleaning |
| Woodbridge Modern Black | Glossy Black | Elongated, One-Piece | Siphon-Jet | Powerful, near-silent flush |
| Horow T38 Smart Toilet | Matte Black | Elongated, Smart Bidet | Bidet + Auto Flush | Luxury, accessibility, tech lovers |
| Kohler Highline Arc | Matte Black | Elongated, Two-Piece | AquaPiston | Long-term durability |
| American Standard Cadet 3 | Matte Black | Elongated, Two-Piece | PowerWash + 2-3/8″ Trapway | Clog resistance, family use |
Black Toilet Buying Guide: What You Actually Need to Know
Okay, now let’s slow down and talk strategy. Buying a black toilet is a bigger commitment than buying a white one — they’re harder to find, often pricier, and switching back later means another full installation. Here’s what to actually pay attention to.
1. Matte vs. Glossy Finish
This is probably the single biggest decision you’ll make. Matte black toilets have a sleek, modern, almost industrial look, but they show water spots, dust, and fingerprints more easily than glossy finishes. Glossy black toilets reflect light better, hide minor surface marks more effectively, and tend to look a bit more “classic.” Neither is objectively better — it really comes down to your personal cleaning habits and design preference.
If you already have other matte black fixtures in your bathroom, like a black shower head, it’s worth matching the finish for visual consistency.
2. One-Piece vs. Two-Piece Construction
One-piece toilets (where the tank and bowl are fused into a single unit) are easier to clean because there’s no seam where the tank meets the bowl — a huge plus for black toilets specifically since dust and grime show up more obviously in those gaps. Two-piece toilets are generally a bit more affordable and easier to transport/install, but require slightly more maintenance to keep that seam looking spotless. If you want a deeper comparison, our guide to the best one-piece toilets breaks this down really well.
3. Flush Performance Matters More Than Color
It’s easy to get distracted by how good a black toilet looks in photos and forget to check the actual flushing mechanism. Look for:
- Siphon-jet or pressure-assisted flushing for strong, single-flush performance
- Wide trapways (2-3/8″ or larger) to reduce clog risk
- WaterSense certification if you want to keep utility bills in check — our article on whether water-saving toilets are worth it goes deeper into this
A gorgeous toilet that clogs every other week is not a good investment, no matter how good it looks.
4. Bowl Shape and Height
Elongated bowls are more comfortable for most adults and are now standard in nearly all modern toilets, including black ones. Comfort height (sometimes called “chair height”) toilets sit a couple inches taller than standard models, making them easier on the knees and back — especially helpful for taller individuals or older adults. Check out our full guide on comfort height toilets if this is a priority for you.
If you’re working with a small or oddly shaped bathroom, also consider whether a corner toilet layout might serve your space better than a standard installation.
5. Rough-In Size
Before you buy anything, measure the distance from the wall behind your toilet to the center of the floor drain bolts — this is your “rough-in” size, and it’s almost always either 10, 12, or 14 inches. Twelve inches is the most common, but always double check, because ordering the wrong rough-in size is one of the most common (and frustrating) toilet-buying mistakes. If you have an unusual 14-inch rough-in, you’ll want to read why 14-inch rough-in toilets tend to be pricier before you shop.
6. Maintenance and Cleaning Considerations
Black toilets genuinely do require slightly more upkeep than white ones if you want them to look pristine. Water spots, toothpaste splatter, and dust are simply more visible on a dark surface. A quick wipe-down with a microfiber cloth every couple of days keeps things looking sharp. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, which can dull the glaze over time — this matters even more on black finishes where any scratching is highly visible.
If you’re also dealing with hard water in your area, you might want to check our guide on preventing rust stains in toilet bowls, since mineral buildup tends to show up as orange or brown discoloration that contrasts sharply against black porcelain.
7. Weight and Installation
Black toilets, especially one-piece designs, can be quite heavy — sometimes 90-120 lbs. If you’re installing it yourself, make sure you have help lifting it into place, and double-check your bathroom’s flooring is rated for the weight if you’re on an upper floor. Curious how toilets in general stack up weight-wise? Our piece on how much a toilet weighs has useful benchmarks, and if you’re dealing specifically with a heavier porcelain model, how much a porcelain toilet weighs is worth a quick read too.
8. Septic System Compatibility
If your home runs on a septic system rather than municipal sewer, you’ll want to be extra mindful of flush volume and waste breakdown efficiency. Not every black toilet is optimized for septic use, so it’s worth checking our dedicated guide to toilets for septic tanks before finalizing your purchase.
9. Noise Level
If your bathroom is anywhere near a bedroom or shared living space, flush noise might matter more than you’d think — especially with powerful pressure-assisted models. If quiet operation is a priority, take a look at our breakdown of the quietest flushing toilets to find models that balance power with peace and quiet.
10. Matching the Rest of Your Bathroom
A black toilet looks best when it’s part of an intentional design, not an isolated statement piece. Consider pairing it with:
- A freestanding tub for a spa-like contrast
- A handheld shower head with hose in matching black or brushed finish
- Coordinated shower grab bars if accessibility is also a consideration
Small touches like these make the black toilet feel like a deliberate design choice rather than a standalone novelty.
Common Questions About Black Toilets
Do black toilets show stains more than white ones? Yes and no. Black toilets hide yellowing and age discoloration extremely well, but they show dust, water spots, and toothpaste splatter more visibly than white porcelain. Regular wipe-downs solve this easily.
Are black toilets harder to install than white ones? Not really — installation is identical regardless of color. The only difference is that black toilets tend to be slightly heavier in some one-piece designs, so you may want an extra set of hands.
Will a black toilet clash with my white bathroom? Quite the opposite — black toilets are one of the most popular ways to add contrast to an all-white bathroom. It’s a classic, designer-approved combination.
Do black toilets cost more to maintain? Maintenance costs are the same as any other toilet. The only “extra effort” is more frequent wiping to keep the surface looking spotless, which costs nothing beyond a few minutes of your time.
Can I find a smart black toilet with a bidet? Yes — models like the Horow T38 combine smart bidet functionality with a black finish, giving you both luxury features and a striking design upgrade in one fixture.
Final Thoughts
Black toilets aren’t just a trend — they’re a genuinely smart way to modernize a bathroom without a full renovation. The key is balancing aesthetics with actual performance: a stunning black toilet that clogs constantly or shows every water spot isn’t going to make you happy six months down the line.
Of the five reviewed here, the Woodbridge Modern Black One-Piece stands out for sheer flushing power, the Horow T38 is unbeatable if you want smart features built in, and the American Standard Cadet 3 is the safest bet if reliability matters more to you than design flair. Whichever you choose, make sure to double-check your rough-in size, think about matte vs. glossy finish based on your cleaning habits, and consider how it’ll tie into the rest of your bathroom’s design.
A black toilet is a small change that makes a surprisingly big visual impact — and now you’ve got everything you need to pick the right one.
