The style and appearance of a restroom says a lot about a business. For the roughly half of Americans who gravitate to white or blue restroom fixtures, it may also indicate a deeper psychological connection to cleanliness, trust or dependability.

A recent online poll conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Cintas Corporation, identifies Americans’ top color preferences for public restroom fixtures. Fifty-three percent of U.S. adults selected white as the number one color, with blue (45 percent) and beige (31 percent) ranking second and third, respectively.

“Updating restrooms with a splash of color in an unexpected place not only makes a big brand impact, it can also enhance the users’ perception of a business,” said David Collette, Director of Foodservice, Cintas. “This research demonstrates that consumers have a wide interest in restroom fixture color, so organizations should consider adding color to their restrooms to improve the customer experience.”

The poll identified generational differences between color preferences. Younger adults ages 18-34 are more likely to prefer colorful restroom fixtures (blue, green, yellow, red and orange) compared to older adults ages 45 and up.

In addition to generational differences, gender and geographical location also dictate color preferences. For example, women are more likely than men to like black and/or yellow fixtures. Adults residing in the South prefer blue restroom dispensing systems.

Additional color preferences, along with commonly associated meanings with each color, include:
Green - Indicates security and creates a sense of compassion - 27 percent
Grey - The color of compromise and conservatism - 20 percent
Black - Represents sophistication and glamour - 19 percent
Red - Linked to excitement and encourages a call to action - 15 percent
Yellow - An attention-getting color that indicates warmth and fun - 17 percent
Orange - Indicates a lively and energetic brand - 11 percent
Other - 7 percent

“Our previous research shows that nearly three in 10 U.S. adults would consider a restroom to be dirty if it had old or outdated dispensing equipment,” Collette added. “By selecting a new and colorful dispensing system, businesses can convey the desired image for their brand and make a trip to the restroom a positive and memorable experience.”