Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-48391) of Valhi, Inc., of our report dated March 15, 2013, relating to the consolidated financial statements and effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.

/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Dallas, Texas

March 15, 2013