Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
Elevators are generally an under-used design space, with the vast majority of them retaining a functional, box-and-button style that offer little in the way of visual appeal. Luckily however, there are some who recognize the potential of this little room-on-the-move, and get as creative with the humble elevator as they would with any other space!
We here at Bored Panda celebrate these out-of-the-box thinkers, and have compiled a list of the coolest, craziest and cleverest elevators out there. From aquariums and shuffle buttons to scary floor designs, this list is sure to uplift you! Scroll down below to check them out for yourself, and don't forget to upvote your favorites!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
The Elevator Ride At The World Trade Center Tour Shows You The Architectural History Of New York
Michaela Robbins 7 years ago
I know! You took the words right out of my mouth.
Load More Replies...
Calypso poet 7 years ago
I am the one afraid of heights and elevators but last year I took my mom to NYC and it was a no to the freedom tower. The next month I took my husband and he didn’t want to go up. This elevator would terrify me but I would still go up. I have video of me going up the WTC south tower elevator and you can see the fear on my face!
Tammy Chapman 7 years ago
Congratulations on overcoming your fears. I know it was scary. I'm also afraid of heights, as well as a lot of other things. But now you have this awesome memory of putting yourself in this amazing situation and of seeing this fantastic view. And maybe in the future, you will put yourself in another amazing situation and overcome other fears. You never know, you might develop a taste for adventure. : ) Good Luck!!! : )
Load More Replies...
John Sebastian 7 years ago
Look how they ruined a beautiful landscape with way too many ugly buildings. I've never understood why NYC was allowed to become so massively overbuilt and overcrowded.
FuzzyWuzzy 7 years ago
Wow! It would be so cool if every city had the tallest building there do this too!
RELATED:
#2
This Elevator Is Out Of Service
#3
Creative Poster Placement
Robert Morson 7 years ago
Oh, I thought it was saying, 'That is the most pretentious plastic surgeon in the history of the profession.' Or, maybe I'm just projecting.
Load More Replies...
#4
Aquarium Elevator In Berlin, Germany
t i s h 7 years ago
Its a part of seaworld and if you dont think that is cruel i'll assume you havent seena documentary called 'black fish' amoung others. Fish arent alive to look pretty for you, they belong in the ocean...
Alia G. 7 years ago
This one is really cool. Curious as to how they feed the fish, it’s looks like the top is a bit awkward to get to
BREAK YOUr perceptions 7 years ago
looks like there is some kind of ladder so i would assume a hatch somewhere allows for easy access.
Load More Replies...
#5
This Elevator With An Additional Alarm Button Near The Ground In Case You Can’t Get Up
#6
This Elevator Sign
Polleekin 7 years ago
Now I'm wondering what the acceptable amount of cats would be, to put in an elevator.
Load More Replies...
Astrid Nineor 7 years ago
Wait, do I fill up the shot glasses or not? What if I take just half the cats and a few shot glasses?
TheReader19 7 years ago
Can someone check if it really is 200 cats, but can you call me first so I can video, I have 5 cats who I can get (very unwillingly) to assist in this epic trail. Or very bloody and violent; the outcome will be determind by the number of cats we can get into the lift.
#7
This Elevator Has Buttons You Can Kick
FuzzyWuzzy 7 years ago
Good for those who are in crappy mood! Just give these buttons a good kick. Might help u take out some of that aggression so u don't take it out on anyone else!
#8
Winter Wonderland Inside Of An Elevator
kellymonessa 7 years ago
Trust me, we at the DEA have no sense of humor that we are aware of Sir!
Load More Replies...
FuzzyWuzzy 7 years ago
Wow! How neat is it that someone had this idea, just so people could have a good reason to smile and feel happy for a few minutes?
Nova Blackheart 7 years ago
It looks like someone already started making snow angles and beat everyone else to it
#9
Came Across One Of The Most Fun Elevators I've Ever Seen
David Blackmore 8 months ago
Yeehah - I created that in my building in New Zealand, and the red and blue lights in the call button "control panel" flashed when the lift was called, but sadly, a boring assh*le later covered it over
Load More Replies... 
Stille20 7 years ago
The number of people trying to replicate the theme song cracks me up
Load More Replies...
Caroline Driver 7 years ago
Yeah, that was my first thought, don't leave us hanging!
Load More Replies...
#10
This Centre For Long Term Ill Elders Redesigned Their Elevators To Create Less Anxiety And Avoid Patients Running Away
Pamela24 7 years ago
Older people or more like the ones who have problems with their memory, suffer from Alzheimer's, etc., might get easily confused, forget where they are, wander away without actually wanting to. Having the elevators disguised prevents that.
Load More Replies...
Laura Elonen 7 years ago
Several years ago very early in the morning when I was leaving for work, I noticed an elderly woman sitting on a bench right in front of our apartment. She was dressed in a nightgown, bathrobe and rubber boots. She seemed to try to gather herself up or try to keep a calm demeanor. I knew right away that something was off - I had never seen her before, so I guessed that she was not living in the same building. I carefully walked over to her and said "good morning". That was all. Immediately she responded in a very rude manner that she was waiting for her son to pick her up. I was a bit annoyed about her rude way and tone of answering that I decided to directly ask where she thought she was. That question may have brought her back to her current situation and she visibly got very frightened and I think she also panicked. She was mumbling things about her life, past and present, but I did not listen because I was focusing on calling 112 (our emergency number). I stayed until help arrived.
Laura Elonen 7 years ago
And yes, she did not recognize her surroundings. She did not know how long she had been sitting outside (thank goodness it was in the middle of summer, if she had spent the night there), and she was living about 2 kilometers away in her own home. Hopefully from that point on she got more supervised help.
Load More Replies...
Andrea Harper 7 years ago
What a fantastic idea having worked in a dementia facility this really makes sense. Well done!
Diane Lloyd 7 years ago
I think so too. Elevators are intimidating (to ME anyway) and I'm not afflicted with dementia. I love the way these look so cozy and "ordinary".
Load More Replies... Bored Fox 7 years ago
In the nursing home where my granny (who has Alzheimers's) lives there is a number lock on the door. It asks what is the current year backwards. So for this year the code is 8102. People with Alzheimer's or other memory problems usually do not know what year it is so no one has escaped that place yet.
Andrea Harper 7 years ago
What a fantastic idea having worked in a dementia facility this really makes sense. Well done.
FuzzyWuzzy 7 years ago
Great idea. I should print this out and take it around our nursing homes. So soothing to look at.
#11
Steam Powered Elevator, St Petersburg, Russia
switchman82 7 years ago
Not steampunk, its "secession" or "Art Nouveau". Google it, you will be surprised about beauty of years cca 1900 :)
Prot Pap 7 years ago
The post’s title didn’t say it was steampunk though, only that is is powered by steam (instead of e.g. electricity).
Load More Replies...
#12
Elevator Floor Painting
Hans 7 years ago
This must be a health campaign for taking the stairs...unless you do not have a heart attack before.
#13
How Accurate Is This Elevator Claim?
7j6eqi 7 years ago
I made a new year's resolution a couple years back to never use an elevator or escalator if there's a way to get around it by foot. One of the best decisions I ever made. Can only recommend it.
Tiia Lehtola 7 years ago
I made that too but I remember it everytime I'm already inside the elevator
Load More Replies...
#14
Fancy Elevator With Seats Inside
Rachel Duggleby 7 years ago
This is good but I am a wheelchair user so I have my own seat with me all the time 😊
Donna O 7 years ago
I was just thinking the same, not much room to manoeuvre your wheelchair in this lift!
Load More Replies... Lazy Panda 7 years ago
Funny how the elevator with a couch in it happens to be right underneath the elevator encouraging you to use the stairs at the moment
Christine Zygowski-Clydesdale 7 years ago
I was looking for this comment:)
Load More Replies... FuzzyWuzzy 7 years ago
As someone who has to be on my feet all day, this lift would be a tiny slice of heaven for me : )
Maya Classon 7 years ago
This kind of reminds me of Squilliam Fancyson's elevator from Spongebob.
#15
My Hotel In Odessa (Ukraine) Tells You Which Day It Is By Changing The Elevator Carpet Every Day
Beth Arriaga 7 years ago
A lot of cruise ships do this - vacation makes it hard to remember. That, or all the little drinks with umbrellas....
Sunzilla 7 years ago
The whole point of vacation is to not remember the days...
Load More Replies...
Amanda Patterson 7 years ago
That will lead to much confusion the day(s) the person responsible for that change calls in sick.
#16
The Colorful Button Panel On The Elevators Of Our Children’s Hospital
Lady A 7 years ago
I can see a kid (my nephew, for instance) arguing that he wants to push the GREEN button, but we really need the pink floor.
Tim Douglass 7 years ago
Eh. Push them both, you'll get where you need to go and the kid's happy. Don't make it hard.
Load More Replies...
Rafaella Bueno 7 years ago
I bet that leads to disappointment too, though. "But the elevator said there were boats here!"
The Laugh Fan 7 years ago
I expect the symbols are explained to the children - not everyone can see colour or know numbers.
Load More Replies... 
#17
This Elevator Has A Call Button 30 Ft Away So The Doors Will Be Open By The Time You Get To Them.
Rafaella Bueno 7 years ago
Why is it lazy to not want to wait more if you can avoid it? There's zero merit in just standing there waiting.
Load More Replies...
Max 7 years ago
*doesn't see the button* *looks in the usual spot for it* *panics because I'd never think to look 30 feet away* *waits for someone, anyone to get off on this floor* *falls asleep on the floor* *gets woken up by the janitor who takes pity on me and gives me coffee to sustain me* This is my prison now. I can not leave. So I will roam these halls for the rest of my life looking for scraps to eat. H E L P M E P L Z.
Sarah Miller 7 years ago
Great comment! But there's buttons right by the door too lol.
Load More Replies...
Amy Broderick 7 years ago
someone watched a lot of horror and action movies in which people got to the button and had to wait while the killer and/or monster was catching up to them
Cora Woodcook 7 years ago
but what if you don't see it and have to go back or you're in a another area?
MADELEINE KIMBALL 6 years ago
Seems like it should be in a design fails list... I mean, if you didn't know, you could spend forever searching for it, and then eventually just give up and take the stairs. Wait...IT"S A TRAP!!
Ingrid Tsai 7 years ago
I've seen those before, but there were only those that were farther away, and although this didn't happen to me, if the elevator is too full and you need to wait for the next round, you would need to walk all the back there again.
#18
The Elevators In My Office Building Have An Umbrella Sign That Lights Up If It's Raining Outside (Osaka, Japan)
Christopher Columbus 7 years ago
So many questions! The office has no windows? The ride down is slower than the change of weather? People get to feel reassured faster that they brought an umbrella or frustrated that they didn't? Why???
BlackestDawn 7 years ago
It may be that not every room has a window or you even passing close enough to one on your way to the elevator to make that kind of judgement, and sometimes it's just not that obvious that it is raining.
Load More Replies...
Prakash Khanal 7 years ago
ofcourse they do have windows, but they too do have curtains in iit. curtains of hotel room are there to be shut not open, i think.
Hans 7 years ago
So you are not so surprised when you get out! ("Oh no! Rain! We are all gonna die!")
WaLe 7 years ago
I also used to find it useless until I moved to this huge building and more than once I ended up not realizing it was raining until I got out >_< This sign saves you possibly 10 minutes of going down, feeling stupid, calling the elevator, waiting for the elevator, going back home, look for the umbrella aaand go back XD #mermoryissue #Doryismyspiritanimal
Load More Replies...
#19
This Elevator Shows How Close To Capacity It Is Based On The Weight Of The Riders
Andycat >_< 7 years ago
I’m so fat when I walked in front of the tv my sister missed 3 episodes of her favorite show fuller house
Master Markus 7 years ago
That seems like more of an insult to your sister than yourself.
Load More Replies...
Lazy Panda 7 years ago
Ok but imagien how embarrassing this could be? Like imagine how mortified you'd feel if you stepped on and the weight shot up
Chris Rundle 7 years ago
I doubt that one would feel "mortified". Are the lives of people so boring that every chance they get, they have to "extreme-up" every little thing so as to not feel like, "That's it! Time to end it all, because everything is just so plain"?
Load More Replies...
Tom Hardeveld 7 years ago
that moment you step in the elevator alone and the warning goes off: "Too many people in elevator, not all at once please!"
#20
This Elevator Door...
Dr. Cheri Hayes 7 years ago
Interesting signage on the left near the buttons - "UP" says "Adderall, Ritalin, Cocaine". "DOWN" says "Xanax, Valium, Percocet".
Sharon Chance 7 years ago
This was in Philadelphia back in 2012 at the Institute of Contemporary Art. The exhibition was by graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister and was called the Happy Show. It was fun to attend.
Happiness is Hippo 7 years ago
Thank you for putting this into context :)
Load More Replies...
Lisa Shelton 7 years ago
Lol! The 'UP' buttons say Adderall, Ritalin, and Cocaine, and the 'DOWN' buttons say Xanax, Valium, and Percocet.
#21
Now That's One Ingenious And Well-Placed Movie Poster
#22
This Elevator Wants You To Do Your Math
MAL_Winchester 7 years ago
I have a brain disorder that makes math extremely difficult (dyscalculia) so this would not only be incredibly annoying for me, but it would make me angry and I'd feel stupid. Not a great idea from my perspective. (And yes, I realize these are simple for most people so it's not likely an issue for them.)
Sebastião Camarinhas 7 years ago
I saw something similar in a football (soccer) where there were no numbers in the back of the players only equations on them and by doing the equation you get the players number. It was done by a charity whose goal is to teach all children simple math.
#23
The Twilight Zone In East Hotel Elevator
Tanksear Industries 7 years ago
It's an optical illusion. Tiny lights are placed in the mirror at the back that decrease in size at a constant rate, which creates an illusion of depth.
Load More Replies...
#24
This Elevator Has A Shuffle Button
Mikleo 7 years ago
"The Shuffle button is used only by Otis Technicians when they need to change the placement of the lower/upper deck elevators. It allows them to safely board the lower deck car top from the main lobby. A special code is required from the Elevator management system to allow shuffle operation to be activated.” Keep in mind that the elevators in question are double-decked and serve two floors at once." https://heavy.com/social/2014/06/elevator-shuffle-button-what-does-it-do-picture-otis/
Jerry Mathers 7 years ago
This is awesome. For a group of singles you could post 1 person per floor. Then you could hit the shuffle button and wherever you land, there is your fate date.
Wyndmere 7 years ago
I'll pass. I'd get stuck with one of the guys from Dumb and Dumber.
Load More Replies... 
#25
Superb Owlevator
#26
Some Slick Bastard Defaced This Elevator
#27
This Elevator Is Worthy
Tanksear Industries 7 years ago
But the elevator lifted it So the elevator is the new thor
Load More Replies...
Sumien Van Eeden 7 years ago
It refers to joke that Tony made in Age of Ultron: "If you put the hammer in a elevator it still goes up. Does that mean the elevator is worthy?"
#28
Hanging On To Dear Life On The Elevator Shaft
#29
Elevators In The Mercedes-Benz Museum In Stuttgart
Tímea Papp 7 years ago
I saw these in real life :D my thoughts were, that it looked just like the inside of some alien spaceship
#30
Up We Go. Industry City Elevator Art
#31
Fun Way To Decorate Elevator's Door
Jerry Mathers 7 years ago
If that was in a Wall Street office building, you could watch a whole bunch of c***s come out.
#32
Elevator Looking Like An Old Bathroom
#33
My Elevator Has An Infinity Button
alwright 7 years ago
I believe it sends you to a random place in time and space. That's how I got here.
Load More Replies... 
Brenda Stoll 7 years ago
Ok, where are these elevators... it would make a great travel brochure
#34
This Fairytale Winter Decoration In An Elevator
#35
Interesting Capsule Elevator In Terminal 2 Of Taoyuan International Airport
Chris Pitch 7 years ago
That is actually a capsule shrinker and the people inside are expert doctors that will be put into a human, or pet, orally and they will fix the issues on the inside. Or it's just a fancy looking lift.
Useless Panda 7 years ago
When was this installed? I was there July of last year (2017) and I don't remember seeing this
#36
Colorful Balloon-Filled Elevator
Jenny Lorenz 7 years ago
huh interesting! Any reason why? I have a fear of snakes.
Load More Replies... 
Calum Sanderson 7 years ago
Looks more like a panel of balloons so you can actually use the elevator but still awesome :-)
Chris Rundle 7 years ago
It's the counterweight. The kill switch on the control box gives away the proper sizing.
#37
Jump
SykesDaMan 7 years ago
The Mac Dad will make you! Daddy Mac will make you! Kris Kross will make you!
LOttawa 7 years ago
Awesome, back in the green that's wiggidi wack (to stay in the kris's Kross theme lol)
Load More Replies...
sh 7 years ago
Why so many down votes for Sykes?! It's a freaking song lyric, from a song called "Jump". Geeze people.
LOttawa 7 years ago
I think most are to young to remember or know Kris Kross.
Load More Replies... 
Sharon Vaughn 7 years ago
They didn't finish the walls, but decorated the elevator. Interesting priorities.
Kenneth Brown 7 years ago
as everyone thinks they will do on the tv/movies, in those seconds before it plunges to the bottom of the lift shaft
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Unwelcomed Guest 7 years ago
Only just found out why elevators have mirrored walls ( tbh never really thought about it much), it is so people in wheelchairs can see when the doors open it is actually a standard in their design
Kristel 7 years ago
I did not know that either. And I am in a wheelchair. Did not think about it also. I always turn around in the elevator (after checking my make-up and hair for a few seconds lol) so I am facing the doors and 'drive' out more easily. Or when the elevator is crowded I 'drive' in backwards to begin with. So for me the mirror is just for checking how I look (as much people who can walk use it for also)
Load More Replies... 
Phoenix Kiula 7 years ago
None of these are design “solutions”. They’re funny, but misleading title.
Julie Lynn 7 years ago
Any idea that helps soothe the claustrophobic and people afraid of heights is a nice welcome. As long as it is under 10 flights and I have no baggage, I take the stairs. BUT, my mom doesn't like elevators for the above mentioned reasons and at 73, she is not able to run the stairs like she could before. I think all the ideas are welcome. It makes something that might be scary, FUN. And Taa-Daa, before you know it, you are at your desination..... The 3rd floor. :) A GREAT idea. Two thumbs UP! :) :)
okpkpkp 7 years ago
I've been stuck in a freight elevator at work on a Saturday 4 feet off the ground I can see out of the small, rectangle window in the outer doors. I used the phone and reached the state police. They called my boss, who wasn't answering and the fire department, the elevator dude and my wife at work and the TV news. Kidding about the news. 4 hours and the elevator guy finally showed and told me how to release the pin, and my arm got greased up to where it hooks into my shoulder. I got out and the boss, who by then had shown up to see where the hell I was, told me to take the rest of the day off. Monday at work, I was the talk of the building. It was freaky and I was unsteady when I got out but recovered quickly with a cold beer.
Miguel Garcia 7 years ago
My favourite elevator was the NY one that shows you the buildup of the city over the years. It must have been an extraordinary cost but they did it anyway, nice.
Holly Wilson 7 years ago
There use to be a Warner Bros. store on Fifth Ave in NYC. Three stories. The elevator was a glass one right on the corner of the building. As it rose up to the other floors, Superman appeared, seeming to fly the elevator up. Sadly I don't think it's there anymore.
Unwelcomed Guest 7 years ago
Only just found out why elevators have mirrored walls ( tbh never really thought about it much), it is so people in wheelchairs can see when the doors open it is actually a standard in their design
Kristel 7 years ago
I did not know that either. And I am in a wheelchair. Did not think about it also. I always turn around in the elevator (after checking my make-up and hair for a few seconds lol) so I am facing the doors and 'drive' out more easily. Or when the elevator is crowded I 'drive' in backwards to begin with. So for me the mirror is just for checking how I look (as much people who can walk use it for also)
Load More Replies... Phoenix Kiula 7 years ago
None of these are design “solutions”. They’re funny, but misleading title.
Julie Lynn 7 years ago
Any idea that helps soothe the claustrophobic and people afraid of heights is a nice welcome. As long as it is under 10 flights and I have no baggage, I take the stairs. BUT, my mom doesn't like elevators for the above mentioned reasons and at 73, she is not able to run the stairs like she could before. I think all the ideas are welcome. It makes something that might be scary, FUN. And Taa-Daa, before you know it, you are at your desination..... The 3rd floor. :) A GREAT idea. Two thumbs UP! :) :)
okpkpkp 7 years ago
I've been stuck in a freight elevator at work on a Saturday 4 feet off the ground I can see out of the small, rectangle window in the outer doors. I used the phone and reached the state police. They called my boss, who wasn't answering and the fire department, the elevator dude and my wife at work and the TV news. Kidding about the news. 4 hours and the elevator guy finally showed and told me how to release the pin, and my arm got greased up to where it hooks into my shoulder. I got out and the boss, who by then had shown up to see where the hell I was, told me to take the rest of the day off. Monday at work, I was the talk of the building. It was freaky and I was unsteady when I got out but recovered quickly with a cold beer.
Miguel Garcia 7 years ago
My favourite elevator was the NY one that shows you the buildup of the city over the years. It must have been an extraordinary cost but they did it anyway, nice.
Holly Wilson 7 years ago
There use to be a Warner Bros. store on Fifth Ave in NYC. Three stories. The elevator was a glass one right on the corner of the building. As it rose up to the other floors, Superman appeared, seeming to fly the elevator up. Sadly I don't think it's there anymore.
You May Like These 61 Cartoon Quotes Seem To Suit Any Real Life Situation 66 Earth Day Trivia Questions For Environmental Protection Enthusiasts 143 Brilliant And Inspiring Art Quotes By Famous Artists
Justina Čiapaitė
Eligijus Sinkunas
Saimonas Lukošius
Related on Bored Panda
