Whether in shades of avocado green, harvest gold or bright pink, they quickly, even inexplicably, became a staple in homes across America.
While they offered a supposedly cozy upgrade, fuzzy toilet seat covers were not without their challenges. They could be difficult to clean and, over time, the fabric often became matted and worn. Despite these issues, their popularity persisted throughout the decade, reflecting the era’s obsession with all things fluffy and colorful.
For a glimpse into just how creative these fuzzy covers could get, check out our collection below of vintage photos from the 70s. These images capture the wild and whimsical designs that made fuzzy toilet seat covers a memorable part of 1970s home decor.
If a “shag carpet toilet seat cover with matching tank cover” sounds like the answer to a question nobody asked, that didn’t seem to matter much to our counterparts in the ’70s.
These fuzzy bathroom accessories were incredibly popular for many years, despite having little purpose other than to enhance the natural beauty of the loo. Many times, they weren’t even practical — for instance, having that much extra thickness often meant the lid wouldn’t even stay up when needed.
And then there’s the issue of hygiene. How do you keep such things clean in a room that’s all about water and bodily fluids?
While almost all of these carpet toilet seat covers were billed as being machine washable, almost everyone I talked to in the here and now agreed that there’s not enough detergent and hot water in the world to manage all the nasty stuff that would quickly inhabit these colorful home goods.
But let’s put all that aside for now, and take a few moments to bask in the aesthetic glory of these plushy, shaggy bathroom adornments.
Here, for your viewing pleasure, we present our top 10 fuzzy toilet seat cover countdown! (Want to know where you can buy some new ones today? See the end of this article!)
10. Chocolate brown fuzzy toilet seat covers
The “sculptured” effect on this fuzzy toilet seat cover doesn’t help anything, and the color — actually called “Chocolate” — well, at least you can say that some stains won’t show up on brown. It’s particularly lovely coupled with the beige/tan toilet.
REMEMBER THESE? Colorful Kohler bathroom suites from the ’60s & ’70s
9. Astroturf green toilet seat covers
What’s the benefit to having it look like you’re growing a lawn in your bathroom?
8. Sunny yellow bathroom ensemble
If you don’t think you’ll get around to washing your plush bathroom accessories very often, going with a bright yellow color may be your best bet. Just don’t invite us over.
MORE: Vintage flower-shaped bathtub stickers – Rubbermaid non-slip appliques from the ’60s & ’70s
7. Butterfly style fuzzy toilet lid covers
This butterfly bathroom ensemble comes in six color schemes, and the shell tone featured in the large photo is probably the least obnoxious of them all.
The pile is made of “luxurious 100% nylon,” with graceful butterflies over-tufted on pile. (Side note: It seems like the butterfly on the toilet lid cover faces the wrong way.)
6. Twisted shag toilet seat cover for really retro bathroom decor
We call this two-tone color scheme “popcorn.” The name doesn’t help us think of this shag carpet decor any more favorably.
5. Tufted pink flowers on fuzzy toilet seat covers
This set of bathroom decor accessories features aggressively large flowers thickly “over-tufted on pile.”
Of all the colors — blue sea, mocha brown, moss green, sun orange, sunlight and dusty rose (shown here) — it seems like the pink would mostly be found in a girls’ bathroom, or the powder room of an older woman.
4. Cookie Monster, RIP
Dear departed Cookie Monster of Sesame Street gave his blue coat for this multi-part bathroom decor — which includes covers for the toilet paper, tissues, trash can and even the scale. (The rug in front of the toilet even looks like flattened monster feet!)
But what really gives this set a place on this list is the fact that the actual toilet seat has a fuzzy cover. We’re sure it’s just great for catching drips and dribbles!
MORE: Vintage shag carpets: The super-popular deep & plush carpeting from the ’70s
3. A blue pelt for your bathroom?
As if killing Cookie Monster weren’t enough, these bathroom rugs and toilet covers look like some long-haired blue animals gave up their fur to fuzzify this bathroom.
The pile on these babies was a far-out 3-1/2 inches deep, and had to be line-dried.
2. Silly shag in bright pink for the vintage bathroom of the ’70s
This bubblegum-pink shag carpet (1-3/4 inches deep) used for the bathroom rug, tank cover and toilet lid cover make it almost look like they’re made of silly string.
ALSO SEE: 28 vintage pink bathrooms: See some wild bubblegum-era midcentury home decor of the 1950s & 1960s
1. The worst of the fuzzy toilet covers: Foxy!
Picking the worst version of this kind of home decor was tough with such a crowded field! But in the end, we have to give the top prize to this “wild and wonderful” set featuring faux fox fur. Shown here is black fox, but if your bathroom needed a different shade, you could also get it in cross fox, red fox and silver fox colors.
This weighty 2-1/4 inch-high pile of modacrylic and acrylic from 1973 could have only been more ’70s if it had been tie-dyed.
MORE: Retro ’70s powder rooms with power color
(Dis)Honorable mentions in the tacky toilet seat cover category
I saw the sign
The first two of these toilet seat covers — PIT STOP and EXIT — are a little too on the mark. The OFF LIMITS fuzzy cover seems like it’s sending the wrong message to people who really need to go. Finally, WOW! How do you explain that one to visitors? (And regarding the photo inset on the bottom right: Why would any kid want to hang toilet lid covers on their bedroom wall?!)
Get some toilet seat covers that are available today!
- STAYS IN PLACE: durable rubber underside and strong elastic edges help cover stay in place
- SOFT AND COMFORTABLE CHENILLE: plush chenille topside is ultra soft and comfortable to sit on; premium fabric adds an extra layer of comfort while helping to protect your toilet lid from scratches and...
- FITS MOST TOILET LIDS: generously sized cover measures 17.5 by 15 inches and is designed to fit most round and elongated toilet lids; strong elastic edges help cover to adjust to the shape of your...
- Premium plush material: Feel softer when you sit on it. Back PU materia,waterproof and durable. Suitable for all season, especially in winter(Warmer)
- Easy to Clean: Our toilet seats can be cleaned and can be washed by hand. Can be dried and reused. more sanitary.
- Easy to install: Only need three steps to complete nstallation. The toilet seat cushion themselves are flexible, Fits most toilet seats (U type, O type, V type).
- COMFORTABLE AND WARM - Say goodbye to cold toilet seat covers with our cozy and warm acrylic fiber covers. They will provide you with a comfortable and enjoyable experience every time you use the...
- HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL - Made from top-notch acrylic fibers, these covers are soft, warm, and durable enough to withstand regular use for years to come. You can rely on this product to last for a long...
- EASY TO INSTALL AND WASH - Installing this cover is a breeze! It simply slides over the toilet seat and can be washed in the washing machine for easy maintenance. The cover comes with a ring that...
- Spa Step Noodle Bathroom Toilet Lid Cover
- Dimensions: 18.5" x 19.6"
- 100% Chenille Polyester
- 【You will get】You will receive 4 piece toilet seat covers,we have 4 different colors soft toilet seat cover for you, let you bid farewell to the cold toilet seat.
- 【Premium material】 The toilet seat cover is made of high quality fiber, soft, warm and durable.
- 【Shape】The toilet seat cover is oval,can stretch to fits most oval and elongated toilet seat.
- 【High-Quality Plush Material】 Lace purple toilet seat cover set is made of warm diamond velvet material, which is softer when you sit on it. The back of the cushion is made of PU material, which...
- 【Warm and comfortable】 The warm toilet seat pad allows you to bid farewell to the cold. The inner layer of the seat is filled with high-quality sponge, which is breathable and dry, suitable for...
- 【Easy to install】Toilet seat cover and toilet lid cover fit most home toilets, providing warmth and beauty.
- GENEROUS FIT: This generously sized toilet lid cover measures 19" x 21" and fits most standard toilet lids. Strong elastic edges and exquisite locking edges help cover to adjust to the shape of your...
- SOFT CHENILLE: Luxurious, plush chenille pile is ultra soft and comfortable to sit on. It provides superior protection to your toilet lid from scratches and damage and shields your hands from a cold...
- 1 INCH PLUSH MICROFIBER: The lids are made of thousands of individual microfiber high-pile, thick chenille fabric, would give you a great fill while you're getting ready by the sink to sit a moment....
- 【Premium Plush Material】 Toilet seat lid cover is made of warmer velvet material, making it softer when you sit on it. The back of the cushion is waterproof and cleaner with PU material.
- 【Zipper Design】 The toilet seat warmer adopts the zipper design, firmly surrounded,the lifting design makes the toilet more convenient. Toilet lid covers are full of elasticity and contain...
- 【Easy to install】 Toilet seat covers and toilet lid covers are suitable for most household toilets, and the zipper design is stronger than other seat covers.
- HIGH QUALITY & DURABL - Toilet seat cushion is made of Soft Plush and Easy-to-clean PU material is used on the back, providing you with a warm and cortable experience.
- SIZE - This toilet seat cover is 16.9 x 14.5 inch, fits most size toilet seats for bathroom.
- EASY INSTALL & WASHABLE - Hand and machine washable in cold, and lay the table runner flat to dry. The smooth zipper is easy to disassemble and reuse.
9 Responses
Doesn’t anyone nowadays sit on their toilet(with lid down) to dry their feet after a bath or shower? Those fuzzy covers are more comfortable than the hard plastic.
You have made me cry with laughter.
Who decided covers for the toilet top were tacky and out of style? Now they’re not even available to buy because some bathroom toilet designer decided they were no longer fashionable. Very annoying. One should be able to decorate their home with whatever they styles and designs they choose and not what a toilet decorator thinks should be in my bathroom!
Good news: You can still buy them if you like! Here are two links to try for covers that are available in a variety of colors: Gorilla Grip Original Shag Chenille Bathroom Toilet Lid Cover and Mayshine Washable Shaggy Microfiber Standard Toilet Lid Covers.
I am searching everywhere for a rug set that also has a tank and lid cover!!!
I don’t see how to access any sites where these products are sold?
Hi! At the end of the article, I linked to several similar products you can get now from Amazon. (The main feature is about products from the ’70s.) Thanks for visiting!
Toilet covers were as gross as wall-to-wall carpeting in a bathroom. A neighbor friend’s parents had both toilet covers and carpeting in their bathroom as well as their kitchen in the 70s. I cringe at the germs, mold and mildew that imbibed these bathroom textiles. Apart from towels and washcloths, the only other cloth I use in mine is a washable bath mat that does not have a rubber backing (you know how those crumbled apart in the dryer).
Fuzzy toilet seat covers are still popular — they’re nice to sit on on a cold morning! Toilet tank covers, however, are another matter. Growing up in the 70s, we had a tank cover, and it never stayed on properly. Yet we always had the seat covers. As for bathroom carpet, I can attest from personal experience that it’s a bad idea…