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50 Genius Restroom Solutions To Problems That Often Seem Unavoidable
InterviewGood design is practical, functional, puts the user first, and is intuitive in how it works. So it’s only natural that we have high interior design expectations for the most important room in public areas and businesses. Let’s not beat around the bush, we’re talking about the restroom!
Call it what you will—the bathroom, the John, the powder room, the Iron Throne, or even the Chamber of Secrets—you really can’t downplay just how vital this space is, whether you’re at a restaurant, cafe, hotel, shopping center, or elsewhere. Everybody pees. Everybody poops. Everybody knows how awkward (and sometimes even icky) using public restrooms can be. So privacy and hygiene are areas of huge importance.
Fortunately, the world’s full of genius designers who love making life better, simpler, and more enjoyable for us all. Below, you’ll find some of the very best design solutions to the problems that restrooms have, all collected by Bored Panda. Remember to upvote the design decisions that you think are just spot-on and should be the standard everywhere.
Bored Panda reached out to the American Restroom Association to learn more about the need for good design solutions to public bathrooms, how there's a split between the interests of the government and that of businesses, and how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected restroom designs. Tim Pyle, the Executive Director at the ARA, said that the core reason why hygiene, privacy, and other issues aren't addressed are financial. You'll find the full interview below.
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The Bathroom At My Doctor's Office Has A Discreet Way For Victims Of Abuse, Violence, Or Human Trafficking To Get Help
This Brewery Has A Sign In The Bathroom That Offers A Backup Plan In Case Your Date Isn't Going So Well
I like seeing these types of things in clubs and pubs etc. Would be interested to know the statistics on how often these have helped someone out of a bad situation.
This Disabled Bathroom Has A Sign To Say It's Ok For Anyone Of Any Disability To Use It
I love this so much. Grace is such a clever girl, I didn't ever think of actually making something, just felt badly when you know ur getting judged coz you aren't wearing a giant neon sign listing all your conditions
Tim, the Executive Director at the ARA, explained to Bored Panda that finances lie at the core as to why public restrooms might not be up to suitable standards. "It has been easier and less expensive for municipalities (cities, counties, states, etc.) to allow the for-profit sector to fill the gap. If a national coffee shop chain or fast food establishment has a bathroom, why do we, the government, need to build and maintain one?" Tim explained the way that the US government thinks in this case.
Meanwhile, he highlighted the fact that businesses have "a vested interest in improving the customer experience," citing a study that a whopping 95 percent of patrons are less likely to be return customers if they had a bad bathroom experience. "However, this leaves gaps in the restroom infrastructure. The designs are there; the will of government to fill the gap or ensure access is not," Tim showed Bored Panda where a large part of the problem lies.
Whoever Invented This For When I'm Taking A Crap In A Public Restroom To Hold My Child In Place Is A Genius
My Office Flipped All The Women’s Restroom Vending Machines To Be Free
That’s great, the last thing you need in a period emergency is trying to find change for a vending machine.
These Kids Toilets In A London Museum Whose Sinks Slope To Cater For Progressively Shorter Children
There have been some advancements in the need for good design solutions for restroom hygiene issues since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Tim from the ARA had this to say: "We’ve seen particular interest in antimicrobial materials for high-touch surfaces as well as automation to reduce the 'touch' factor. Also, the way coronavirus is transmitted has put a focus on improving ventilation and air cleaning systems. More simply, better scheduling for regular cleaning is a low-cost way to improve hygiene. Just having a user see that someone is cleaning puts them more at ease,"
My School’s Bathrooms Have Pedals Instead Of Handles
I like that idea except in Australia we would need 2 pedals. By law it is mandatory for all new toilets to have a dual flush system. One for half flush and one for full flush.
This Zoo Has A Complimentary Sunscreen Dispenser In The Bathroom
Every Restroom Needs One
According to Tim, it's very important that the public has access to clean, comfortable, and well-designed restrooms outside of their own homes. "Since 2004, it’s been the reason for the existence of the American Restroom Association. Everyone needs a restroom—it’s a fact of life. One that, for whatever reason, people just don’t like to talk about," Tim pointed out that it's a still a slightly taboo topic.
"The Federal government requires the availability of restrooms in the workplace, yet there is no such coordinated effort for public spaces. That is something we are advocating for. Until then, it’s a crapshoot (pun intended) as to whether a restroom will be there when you need one," he said.
This Toilet Lock That Doubles As A Tray So You Can’t Leave Without Taking Your Stuff
In most public places I have ever been, this would either be broken, burned by ciggarettes or full of human waste. People are disgusting
All Of The Toilet Lights In My Town Have Been Changed To Fluorescent Blue, In An Attempt To Prevent Heroin Users From Being Able To Find A Vein To Use
Public Toilet At Shopping Centre Has A Extra-Small Toilet Seat For Little Humans
There are several main issues afflicting public restrooms, including hygiene standards, comfort through privacy, and vandalism. Violate any one of those three and customers are less likely to have a great time using your other services. Meanwhile, provide them a safe, clean, beautiful environment in which to errr ponder the nature of life and the multiverse and you’ll make them feel right at home.
While a lot of potential issues could be solved by throwing more money at the problems, hiring more staff to clean more often, etc., the crux of everything is seeing the potential pitfalls before getting bogged down by them. That’s where design solutions come in. With them, you’re basically investing into solutions upfront and cutting off potential issues before they even show up.
The Toilet At My Work Has A Wall Of Strong Scented Wood To Replace An Air Refresher. It Works Surprisingly Well
This Airport Bathroom Has Lights To Show You Which Stalls Are Free
People what are you doing you could make them look like Christmas lights
Japanese Toilets Often Have A Button That Plays White Noise/Water Sounds So You Can Poop Without Other People Hearing Your Business
For instance, touching surfaces at most public restrooms can be a strong yuck factor for adults and kids alike. Throw in the danger of a global pandemic and you’ve got some people seriously worried and extremely anxious. They’d rather hold it in and be in pain than use a disgusting toilet that looks like the villain of a low-budget horror movie.
I Have A Gender Neutral Bathroom At My High School
I like genderneutral bathrooms, but I feel like they shouldn’t be the only bathroom in the building. Some people don’t feel comfortable sharing a bathroom with the opposite gender, and that’s completely fine.
Pet Bathroom At The Burbank Airport
I love the idea, but I think my dogs would be confused by being inside and being able to potty. I do not want to go back to those days.
Emergency Alarm Chords Running Along The Floor Of The Disabled Toilet In Berlin Airport In Case Someone Falls Over And Requires Assistance
So minimizing the ick factor and maximizing cleanliness becomes a priority. How this problem gets solved depends on the designer. Some might opt for designs that let us use and flush the toilet while making absolutely minimal contact with surfaces. Others might go for self-cleaning or easily-cleaned surfaces or go for something that’s the perfect solution that nobody’s thought of yet.
Auto Glass Repair Shop Men's Bathroom Has A Full Blown Standalone Changing Table
Diaper Dispenser For Men With Babies In A Walmart’s Men’s Restroom
The Female On This Restroom Sign Isn’t Wearing A Dress
Meanwhile, let’s talk a bit about privacy and comfort. Odds are, you know somebody in your life who’s wary of using any restroom in public. It might be a friend or a family member. It might even be you. Some people simply think that going to the bathroom is embarrassing, even though it’s an absolutely natural and unavoidable part of our existence as human beings.
In Tallinn Airport, One Of The Men's Bathrooms Has Step By Step Instructions On Tying A Tie
I’m rather literally struggling to tie my tie as I read this. Thank you, random bathroom.
This Movie Theater Has Screens In The Bathrooms So You Don't Miss Any Of The Action
This Bar Has Sinks Located Just Outside Of The Bathrooms So Everyone Can See If You Didn't Wash Your Hands
However brave or cowardly we might be in public bathrooms, it’s nonetheless a good idea to give people some privacy. Make sure that nobody can accidentally peek at you through the gaps in the stalls, have some sort of sound-dampening solutions, and generally give people the ability to relax.
My School Put Free Pad And Tampon Vending Machines In The Girls' Bathrooms
The Toilets In These Bathrooms Flushes With Rainwater
How are we not globally saving water by using grey and black water more efficiently?
This Japanese Toilet Refills Through A Sink In The Top So You Can Rinse Your Hands And Re-Use The Water
We’re not in Roman times with public bathrooms anymore (for better or for worse) and we need modern design decisions for modern restroom problems. Thankfully, some designers have already digested some of these issues and provided genius responses. Yes, everybody pees and poops, but will everybody implement smart designs after they learn about them? That’s an important question for another time.
This Mcdonalds Have This Sticker On Their Bathroom Mirrors
These Bathroom Stall Doors Have An Overlap To Avoid That Awkward Crack
Ifk if its just me but I (a Brit) have never seen a stall with an actual gap, I’ve just heard about them- is it an american thing??
This Sushi Restaurant Has Two Soaps In The Bathroom. One For Before You Eat And One For After
The Bathroom Door At My College Has A Foot Door Opener
The Bathroom I Was In Had A Switch To Let An Employee Know It Needed Attention
The Bathroom At This Restaurant Has A Foot Pedal For The Tap
This Bathroom Has A Touchless Door Control
Sign In Chick-Fil-A Bathroom
@Azure: It says nothing about homophobia, its just asking them not to draw on the stalls.
My School's Bathroom Has A New "Wash Your Hands" Sign
These Gender Neutral Bathroom Signs
This Café Has Lights Above The Toilet Signs So You Can See If They Are Occupied Without Getting Up
This Door In My Hotel Bathroom Can Close Off Either Of 2 Doorways
The Backside Of This Men's Restroom Door Reminds You To Check Yourself Before Exiting
University Gym Girls' Bathroom Has Not Only Free Condoms, But Free Lube
This Restaurant Has Mother’s Day Cards In The Bathroom In Case You Forgot To Get Your Mom One
Good idea, but I hope no one's mom wound up with a collection of these that day. (If they were the same card design.)
My Hotel Room Had A Heated Panel Behind The Bathroom Mirror To Stop It From Steaming Up After A Shower
This Restaurant’s Restrooms Change Lights When Occupied
The Elevator In The Hotel I'm Staying At Has An Emergency Toilet
I initially thought “God, no!” But then realised it’s for if the lift breaks down.
Urinals That Protect Your Shoes From The Splashback
The San Francisco Airport Has A Bathroom For Your Dogs
Interesting. Is there a fire hydrant, artificial grass etc lol.
The Janitor’s Area In This Bathroom Is Behind A Hidden Wall
This Boat Has A Hidden Bathroom Behind The Glovebox
This Bathroom Has Three Different Types Of Toilet Paper To Try Out
Looks better than the tissue paper (used for gifts) some of our public toilets use.
The Wet Floor Sign In My Schools Bathroom Had A Little Fan On The Bottom To Dry The Water
In Belgian Train’s Toilets, There Is An SOS Button Close To The Ground In Case People Fall And Can’t Get Up
Public Restroom Has Self-Retracting Step Installed Under The Sink So Children Can Reach To Wash Hands
This Card In A Restaurant Bathroom So You Can Alert Somebody Subtly If You Clogged A Toilet
I like this idea. This makes it very easy for the people that might not bother to tell an employee, to get the message across.
The Most Well Stocked Women's Toilet In A Restaurant I've Ever Come Across
I've seen some well stocked bathrooms - it all depends on what restaurant you go to.
I Have A Toilet In The Corner
This Bathroom Stall Door Has Bristles To Cover Up The Cracks
This Bathroom Door Handle Has A Built-In Hand Sanitizer Dispenser
I like this idea. It’s weird how most shops don’t offer sanitizer when you leave as well as enter.
The Urinal In This Restroom Has A Ledge To Rest Your Shopping Bags
This Chic-Fil-A Has A Mouthwash Dispenser In The Bathroom
This Restroom Has Drains Under The Urinal For Those Who Miss The Mark
and now it’s nicely easy to hose down. everyplace shd have this - it wd be so less stinky.
This Toilet In Japan Has A Place To Put Your Child
Real-Time Bathroom Display In Taipei
There’s A Privacy Button That Plays Sound In The Toilet In The Background In Japan So Your Bombing Sound Wouldn’t Be Heard
This Restroom I Visited Has "Electro Chromic Glass", Which Is Transparent When Unlocked, And Turns Matt When Locked
The City Placed Sidewalk Signs For The Nearest Public Restrooms And The Times They Were Available For Use
The Variety Of Soaps In The Bathroom
Seen In A Hotel In South Korea. There's A Retractable Phone Holder Underneath The Buttons
My Church Has A Spring-Loaded Shelf For Drinks While You Pee. It Doesn’t Allow You To Forget Your Things Because It’s Right In Front Of The Door
Urinal In My Univeristy's Bathroom Has It's Own Stall
This Gas Station In Netherlands Charges 50c For The Bathroom, But Also Gives You 50c Discount For Something You Buy There
Say what you will about American toilets - at least we don't have to pay to use them!
My University Has A Sign Directing People To Another Bathroom If This One Is Too Busy
This Toilet In Milan That You Flush With Your Foot. I Wish All Public Toilets Would Follow Their Lead
This Sports Bar Has One Way Glass In The Bathrooms So You Don't Miss Any Of The Game
It’s like a nightmare has become real and your loo is in the middle of a busy bar.
Husband Brag. He Installed A New Toilet, Bidet, And Lighted Toilet Seat For Mid-Night Bathroom Trips. Bonus: Squatty Potty. I Call It My Pregnancy Throne
This Czech Pub Has A Designated Puking Station Outside The Restrooms
The Restaurant I Went To Has Lights On The Restroom Floor That Turn Red When Occupied
Japanese Bathroom Door Has A Porthole So You Can See If The Light Is On Inside
The Bathroom Stalls Here Are Fixed To The Ceiling For Ease Of Cleaning The Floor
This Bathroom Tells You How Many Stalls Are Available And Has Indicators Above Each One To Tell You If It's Occupied
LED Bathroom Handles At Train Station In Sweden Change Colors Based On Occupancy
Japanese Public Toilets Have These "Changing Boards" So You Can Change Clothes Without Getting Your Feet Dirty
next thing, the bathrooms in Japan will have a masseuse and a microwave for your snacks.
My Cousins Have A Glow In The Dark Toilet
My Chick-Fil-A Has Diapers And Wipes Near The Changing Table - In The Men’s Room
This Bathroom Sign Lets You Know Which Stall Is Empty Before Going In
This Bathroom Has An Electronic Rating Machine
The Fan Switch In My Bathroom Is Next To The Toilet
Brilliant. This Bathroom Has A Place For The Other Kids To Sit While You Change The Baby
This Toilet In Japan Has A System Of Occupied/Vacant Toilets Information
The Bathroom I’m In Has Red/Green Lights Above Them To Show If The Stall Is Vacant Or Occupied
These occupied/unoccupied lights seem so common after reading this list and yet...I don't see them around here at all. Wish my locality would get with the times :c
Fully Enclosed Bathroom Stalls
This Concert Hall Has Cough Drops In The Bathroom So You Don't Cough During The Performance
A Drinks Holder In The Toilet
Can We Make This A Common Thing In Public Restroom Technology?
My New Office Has A Urine Color Chart In The Restroom To Check If One Is Hydrated Or Not
Unusual Gentleman’s Toilet Shape
In The Europa Park Hotel In Germany There Is A Tiny Children Bathroom In The Bathroom.
My Hotel Bathroom Mirror Had A Build In Bluetooth Speaker
I Told My Dad That Buying An LED For Our Toilet Was Dumb. I Was Wrong
This Restaurant Has Signs That Help Show You The Way To The Restrooms
The Faucet In This Public Bathroom Can Be Controlled With Your Knee So You Don't Get Germs On Your Hands
This Mall Has A Big And Small Toilet In The Same Cubicle So You Can Take A Deuce With Your Kid
This Japanese Toilet Has A Button To Flush And A Button To Make It Sound Like It's Flushing
The Most Helpful Restroom I've Ever Been In
Found This Restroom For Nonspecific Genders At Sand Diego Airport
My Work's Bathroom Handle Dispenses Hand Sanitizer When You Open It. So You Can't Leave With Dirty Hands
Durham, Nc Hotel's Response To The "Bathroom Bill"
This Toilet's Cistern Fills Using A Tap And Sink So You Can Wash Your Hands With No Waste
The Airport Bathroom Let’s Me Know When My Hands Are Dry
These Signs Tell You Whether Or Not Each Restroom Is Occupied
It seems these are everywhere except California. Not that I'd know.
This Restaurant Has Shaving Supplies In The Men's Room
Water Saving Handle In Public Bathroom
In my state at least, it is mandatory for all new toilets to have a dual flush system. Saves so much water.
This Bathroom Vanity Sink Has A Clear P-Trap
The Way You Can Open This Public Bathroom Door
This Bathroom Mirror Has A TV In It
Toilet Reinforcement For Extra Weight
or they could have chosen floor mounted instead of wall mounted to begin with?
This Bathroom Stall Has A Tiny Mirror So You Can Check Yourself After Wiping
Bathroom At The Dentist Had Free Pads And Tampons For Those Who Needed
Hands-Free Men's Room Exit Door Handle I Found In NJ Diner. Nice Idea
Or could we just make ALL bathroom doors a Pull-to-go-in and Push-to-go-out?
This Map Of The Bathroom As You Enter The Bathroom
These Gender Neutral Bathroom Doors
There Are Power Outlets In The Stalls At My Work's It Department Restrooms
Restroom At A Bar In Minneapolis That Has A Splash Guard For Your Shoes And A Mini Shelf For Your Drink
This Restaurant Bathroom Has Two Different Handles Depending On If You Washed Your Hands
This Granite Was Cut To Make Space For The Toilet Lid
This Public Restroom Has A Passage In Between Stalls To Pass Toilet Paper In Between
This Urinal With Actual Walls Next To It
This Hotel In Ireland Has A Bottle Opener In The Bathroom
Men's Restroom At Church Today
What's with mother's days and bathrooms? "I was in the loo and thought of you"? "Oh this place is clean, reminds me of home when mum did everything"?
Cupholders In A Vegas Bathroom
Some of these are more thoughtful supplies than design cleverness. A lot are about bathrooms - and quite a few are repeats. First it's déjà vu, then it's déjà vu all over again.
I was born & raised in Yokohama, Japan. From the subject matter shown here to the coolest toys ever, the Far East tends to think WAY outside the box...
i did a petri dish test on the sink handles, im still waiting for the results.
once in a hotel bathroom, the toilet/sink and shower/bath/sink were separate. not convenient, but it can't be that bad, right? NOPE. There was a WINDOW in the SHOWER/BATH that directly faced the bed. So your partner can stare into your soul while you wash your hair.
Ok guys I want to make this clear The title of this article is 50 Restroom Solutions Or something like that
I'm pleased to see something on GOOD design, here on Te Panda. Thx! - My pet point of disgust with public toilets is as follows: The doors all push IN. No hands needed. But to GET OUT you have to grab and pull on a handle. And if the person before you has not washed his/her hands ... I'll let you fill in the rest.
Some of these are more thoughtful supplies than design cleverness. A lot are about bathrooms - and quite a few are repeats. First it's déjà vu, then it's déjà vu all over again.
I was born & raised in Yokohama, Japan. From the subject matter shown here to the coolest toys ever, the Far East tends to think WAY outside the box...
i did a petri dish test on the sink handles, im still waiting for the results.
once in a hotel bathroom, the toilet/sink and shower/bath/sink were separate. not convenient, but it can't be that bad, right? NOPE. There was a WINDOW in the SHOWER/BATH that directly faced the bed. So your partner can stare into your soul while you wash your hair.
Ok guys I want to make this clear The title of this article is 50 Restroom Solutions Or something like that
I'm pleased to see something on GOOD design, here on Te Panda. Thx! - My pet point of disgust with public toilets is as follows: The doors all push IN. No hands needed. But to GET OUT you have to grab and pull on a handle. And if the person before you has not washed his/her hands ... I'll let you fill in the rest.