ADVERTISEMENT

Piped water may be one of the greatest conveniences men have come up with but there's still plenty of terrible bathroom designs. Don't get me wrong, we at Bored Panda love creativity, but putting a bunk bed over a tub isn't thinking outside the box. Heck, I wouldn't even call it thinking. As a testament to our stupidity, we have compiled a list of some of the worst bathtub and shower designs, and they're as hilarious as they're impractical.

For more crappy designs, check out our earlier Bored Panda lists full of funny photos here, here, and here.

#1

I Feel The Need To Tell The World Regular Faucets Are Ok

I Feel The Need To Tell The World Regular Faucets Are Ok

pleasehatethesethings Report

We as a society had to go through a lot of epic fails before we created today's bathroom. For centuries, people in big cities got their cooking and washing water from rivers or wells, limiting their consumption to pretty much what they could carry. They dumped their waste into brick-lined cesspits that would be emptied by the night soil men, who sometimes sold it as fertilizer. Liquid waste, on the other hand, would get thrown into gutters in the middle of the road.

The Guardian pointed out that in 1854, in the middle of a cholera epidemic in London, Dr John Snow (not to be confused with Jon Snow) mapped where victims died and found that the deaths seemed concentrated around one of those pumps, at 37 Broad Street. Interestingly, when he had the handle removed from the pump, the cholera epidemic stopped immediately. Thus, the first verifiable connection between human waste and disease was made.

#3

Electric Showers For Everyone!

Electric Showers For Everyone!

PvDec Report

After people realized that excrement + drinking water = death, parliament passed the Metropolitan Water Act to “make provision for securing the supply to the metropolis of pure and wholesome water”. As a result, pipes delivering water directly to homes started replacing public pumps.

ADVERTISEMENT
#4

Attached Bath And Bedroom

Attached Bath And Bedroom

nitrofire1 Report

Add photo comments
POST
bpcostins avatar
Peta_C
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This just makes my heart ache for the family that did this to get by. This looks like necessity, not design flaw.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

The next trivial addition to this convenience was the toilet. Believe it or not, the invention had been around for a while. However, it was pretty useless without a water supply.

As it became really easy to just wash the poop away, there soon was so much fecal effluence, it started overflowing from the cesspits. The result of this design fail? Even more cholera and other diseases.

#5

I've Always Wanted An Apartment With A Bathtub, But This Is Certainly Not What I Envisioned

I've Always Wanted An Apartment With A Bathtub, But This Is Certainly Not What I Envisioned

noisecomplex Report

Architects, engineers and homeowners of the late 19th century didn't know what to do. A lot of people had washstands in their bedrooms, so at first they just stuck sinks and taps into them, and put the toilet into whatever closet in the hall or space under the stairs that they could find, hence the “water closet.” However, it didn’t make a lot of sense to run plumbing to every bedroom when it was cheaper to bring it all to one place, and the idea of the bathroom was born.

#6

Taking A Shower In A Hotel In China

Taking A Shower In A Hotel In China

Yonski3 Report

Add photo comments
POST
ryu_bakura avatar
Ryo Bakura
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well you don't want to slip recklessly, you could hurt yourself. And that would be stupid.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Since the early adopters, then as now, were the rich with a few rooms to spare, they were often lavish, with all the fixtures encased in wood like the commodes they replaced. But when the bathroom became mainstream and accessible to all classes, it got smaller (cheaper to build). Around 1910, the bathroom started looking pretty much the same way it does now.

ADVERTISEMENT
#7

My Friend's Bathtub Handles. I-I Just.....what?

My Friend's Bathtub Handles. I-I Just.....what?

luminite_social Report

#8

My Mom Had Her Guest Bathroom Remodeled While She Was Out Of Town. She Wanted The Shower Head Up High So Tall People Didn't Have To Crouch Or Lean Way Back. Came Home To Find This, Which Shoots The Water Straight Across To The Opposite Wall

My Mom Had Her Guest Bathroom Remodeled While She Was Out Of Town. She Wanted The Shower Head Up High So Tall People Didn't Have To Crouch Or Lean Way Back. Came Home To Find This, Which Shoots The Water Straight Across To The Opposite Wall

harpyann Report

Add photo comments
POST
nagawacofakishiki avatar
Nagawa (Cofa) Kishiki
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The tall people no longer need to crouch or lean back, they just need a chair to stand on.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Someone Peaked In High School Geometry

Someone Peaked In High School Geometry

pleasehatethesethings Report

#10

The Shower In My Grandparents New Bathroom Is Very Nice, Except For One Small Problem...

The Shower In My Grandparents New Bathroom Is Very Nice, Except For One Small Problem...

Quinny_Bob Report

Add photo comments
POST
crabcrab avatar
Hans
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now imagine the water temperature changes in mid-shower...

pokemonsa avatar
Pokemon sa
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Id love this , i always start it up before going in , im not standing bare a*s in the breeze waiting for cold water to hit my soul

annausv avatar
Annanana
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For people who want to think things through and not make impulsive decisions

matt_57 avatar
Matt
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

... up until they get soap in their eyes and someone flushes the toilet.

Load More Replies...
onemessylady avatar
Aunt Messy
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It actually makes a lot of sense. Most people start the shower before they get in, and this is a tankless water heater, so the temperature is set and stays set throughout your shower. You aren't going to "run out" of hot water because there is no hot water tank. ....///.... why should you have to set the shower while getting a face full of ice cold water? When we redo our bathroom, the taps are going to be o the OPPOSITE wall from the shower head. It's more visible that way and you don't have to deal with soap scum on them.

catmarshall57 avatar
BusLady
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When showering is a team effort. No, hon, I said "more cold."

kevin-donegan avatar
Kevin Donegan
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What's so difficult? Set the temperature on the control to your desired point then every time you enter it will be perfect. It's better than standing in front of the shower head and getting blasted by cold water.

eviegrove avatar
Evie Grove
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s actually helpful because then you can turn on the shower without having to open the shower door and the shut it again while it warms up.

aarongould avatar
Aaron Gould
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a designer, this is an ideal location for those with children, or someone with dementia. Keeps them from fidgeting with control and getting water too hot or cold causing them to jump resulting in a slip and fall. Water can be turned on reach arm in while standing erect to test water temp before stepping in. If you run out of hot water before shower finished you need a larger hot water tank. Designing with aging in place you will see this much more often in the future, as it is a safe design on many levels. A dual shower system with a shower head and handheld is also ideal.

marneederider40 avatar
Marnie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The actual worst thing is the showerhead pointing direction down. Either you're in the water with water going down your fact the whole time, or you're not in the water. Someone paid to redo the plumbing to move the shower head to the ceiling. Because it looks cool and new and modern. Form over function...I'll never understand it.

itisreallyme avatar
ben jamin
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The person that controls it better likes you while showering ..

szeming avatar
Maria Hung
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And so the wife walks in and turn off the water when you trying to wash away shampoo.

frozengeckolover avatar
Frozengeckolover
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lol. It's like the motel rooms where the toilet paper dispenser is across the room from the toilet.

shannonrichards25 avatar
Shannon Richards
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sometimes it's impossible to consistently set the right temperature

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#11

Whatever. Shut Up And Have A Salad Next Time If You Don’t Like It

Whatever. Shut Up And Have A Salad Next Time If You Don’t Like It

pleasehatethesethings Report

Add photo comments
POST
luismilian avatar
Luis Milian
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

if my butt hits the wall after I have already showered, I would feel dirty.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#12

Shower Screen Guy Thought The Toilet Waste Was For The Shower And Screened The Wrong Section. Plumber Installed The Toilet Anyway

Shower Screen Guy Thought The Toilet Waste Was For The Shower And Screened The Wrong Section. Plumber Installed The Toilet Anyway

notasabretooth Report

#13

Mother In Law’s Suite Is Finally Done!

Mother In Law’s Suite Is Finally Done!

pleasehatethesethings Report

#14

I Cringe Every Time I Step Foot In This Shower

I Cringe Every Time I Step Foot In This Shower

notthatmadMax Report

#15

I Am Actually Speechless. I Mean In What Scenario Is This Required???? Fraternity Rush Week? And What Does One Store In That Prison Locker Built In?

I Am Actually Speechless. I Mean In What Scenario Is This Required???? Fraternity Rush Week? And What Does One Store In That Prison Locker Built In?

pleasehatethesethings Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#17

Booked A Hotel In Orlando Through Hotwire And They Gave Us This Room. No Partition Between The Shower, Bathtub, And Bed. I'm Traveling With My Teenage Daughter...

Booked A Hotel In Orlando Through Hotwire And They Gave Us This Room. No Partition Between The Shower, Bathtub, And Bed. I'm Traveling With My Teenage Daughter...

radio_jake Report

Add photo comments
POST
vilem-marak avatar
Wij
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

hope they have a bar in the lobby. you'll be there in the morning and late evening....waiting til she's done.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#19

Shower Curtain At My Local Ymca

Shower Curtain At My Local Ymca

ancientflowers Report

Add photo comments
POST
luismilian avatar
Luis Milian
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

eye contact when naked is more awkward than the nakedness. makes sense...lol

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#20

The Controls For This Shower

The Controls For This Shower

jintanjafora Report

#21

Just In Case You Want A Little Brick Oven Pizza With Your Bath. Sounds Fantastic Tbh

Just In Case You Want A Little Brick Oven Pizza With Your Bath. Sounds Fantastic Tbh

pleasehatethesethings Report

Add photo comments
POST
meinespammailadresse1 avatar
A B C
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whoever designed this was either dumb as a brick or a genius. I'm not quite sure.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#23

I've Always Wanted To Take Bath While Eating Breakfast

I've Always Wanted To Take Bath While Eating Breakfast

Gr8tViewer Report

Add photo comments
POST
james_fox1984 avatar
Foxxy
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why have breakfast in bed when you can have breakfast in the bath.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#24

The Placement Of This Bath Tub Faucet

The Placement Of This Bath Tub Faucet

petahparker Report

#25

There’s A Special Place In Hell For A Powder Room Where The Red Vessel Sink Is The Least Offensive Thing

There’s A Special Place In Hell For A Powder Room Where The Red Vessel Sink Is The Least Offensive Thing

pleasehatethesethings Report

#26

Wanna Take A S**t? Gotta Climb Over The Tub First

Wanna Take A S**t? Gotta Climb Over The Tub First

load231 Report

Add photo comments
POST
anneni avatar
Anne Bleakley
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been in a suite like this - guaranteed there is a door into the bathroom probably where the wastebin is on the let.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#27

This Is The Room My Friend And I Got In Cuba. The Shower Wall Was A Window & You Could See Into The Entire Bathroom.. Even The Toilet

This Is The Room My Friend And I Got In Cuba. The Shower Wall Was A Window & You Could See Into The Entire Bathroom.. Even The Toilet

scarletttohara Report

Add photo comments
POST
juliasippel avatar
Julia Sippel
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

haha I stayed there too! My friend and I got to know each other on a whole new level if we didn't warn about bathroom use! The craziest thing, no one else at the resort was talking about how weird it was that we could watch each other shower and sh*t!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#28

The Way This Curved Shower Enclosure Fits A Square Base, Causing The Floor To Flood And Requiring An Extra Drain

The Way This Curved Shower Enclosure Fits A Square Base, Causing The Floor To Flood And Requiring An Extra Drain

International_Worker Report

#29

This Bathtub Looks Like Somebody Was Killed In It... Or Worse

This Bathtub Looks Like Somebody Was Killed In It... Or Worse

andro_aintno Report

#30

Texas. What Are You Doing?

Texas. What Are You Doing?

pleasehatethesethings Report

Note: this post originally had 78 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.