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50 Genius Restroom Solutions To Problems That Often Seem Unavoidable
Interview
Good 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.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
The Bathroom At My Doctor's Office Has A Discreet Way For Victims Of Abuse, Violence, Or Human Trafficking To Get Help
RELATED:
#2
This Brewery Has A Sign In The Bathroom That Offers A Backup Plan In Case Your Date Isn't Going So Well
Foxxy (The Original) 5 years ago (edited)
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.
#3
This Disabled Bathroom Has A Sign To Say It's Ok For Anyone Of Any Disability To Use It
Lauren Caswell 5 years ago
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
#4
Whoever Invented This For When I'm Taking A Crap In A Public Restroom To Hold My Child In Place Is A Genius
#5
My Office Flipped All The Women’s Restroom Vending Machines To Be Free
Hannah Edwards 5 years ago
That’s great, the last thing you need in a period emergency is trying to find change for a vending machine.
#6
These Kids Toilets In A London Museum Whose Sinks Slope To Cater For Progressively Shorter Children
#7
My School’s Bathrooms Have Pedals Instead Of Handles
Foxxy (The Original) 5 years ago (edited)
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.
#8
This Zoo Has A Complimentary Sunscreen Dispenser In The Bathroom
#9
Every Restroom Needs One
#10
This Toilet Lock That Doubles As A Tray So You Can’t Leave Without Taking Your Stuff
Blakkur Sverrir 5 years ago
In most public places I have ever been, this would either be broken, burned by ciggarettes or full of human waste. People are disgusting
#11
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
#12
Public Toilet At Shopping Centre Has A Extra-Small Toilet Seat For Little Humans
#13
The Toilet At My Work Has A Wall Of Strong Scented Wood To Replace An Air Refresher. It Works Surprisingly Well
#14
This Airport Bathroom Has Lights To Show You Which Stalls Are Free
Black Pug Puppy 5 years ago
People what are you doing you could make them look like Christmas lights
#15
Japanese Toilets Often Have A Button That Plays White Noise/Water Sounds So You Can Poop Without Other People Hearing Your Business
#16
I Have A Gender Neutral Bathroom At My High School
Bow, I’m a Slytherin 5 years ago
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.
#17
Pet Bathroom At The Burbank Airport
Hannah Edwards 5 years ago
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.
#18
Emergency Alarm Chords Running Along The Floor Of The Disabled Toilet In Berlin Airport In Case Someone Falls Over And Requires Assistance
#19
Auto Glass Repair Shop Men's Bathroom Has A Full Blown Standalone Changing Table
#20
Diaper Dispenser For Men With Babies In A Walmart’s Men’s Restroom
#21
The Female On This Restroom Sign Isn’t Wearing A Dress
#22
In Tallinn Airport, One Of The Men's Bathrooms Has Step By Step Instructions On Tying A Tie
Bow, I’m a Slytherin 5 years ago
I’m rather literally struggling to tie my tie as I read this. Thank you, random bathroom.
#23
This Movie Theater Has Screens In The Bathrooms So You Don't Miss Any Of The Action
#24
This Bar Has Sinks Located Just Outside Of The Bathrooms So Everyone Can See If You Didn't Wash Your Hands
#25
My School Put Free Pad And Tampon Vending Machines In The Girls' Bathrooms
#26
The Toilets In These Bathrooms Flushes With Rainwater
Stephanie IV 5 years ago
How are we not globally saving water by using grey and black water more efficiently?
#27
This Japanese Toilet Refills Through A Sink In The Top So You Can Rinse Your Hands And Re-Use The Water
#28
This Mcdonalds Have This Sticker On Their Bathroom Mirrors
#29
These Bathroom Stall Doors Have An Overlap To Avoid That Awkward Crack
Alice Sanderson 5 years ago
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??
#30
This Sushi Restaurant Has Two Soaps In The Bathroom. One For Before You Eat And One For After
#31
The Bathroom Door At My College Has A Foot Door Opener
#32
The Bathroom I Was In Had A Switch To Let An Employee Know It Needed Attention
#33
The Bathroom At This Restaurant Has A Foot Pedal For The Tap
#34
This Bathroom Has A Touchless Door Control
#35
Sign In Chick-Fil-A Bathroom
Pansexual snek 5 years ago
@Azure: It says nothing about homophobia, its just asking them not to draw on the stalls.
#36
My School's Bathroom Has A New "Wash Your Hands" Sign
#37
These Gender Neutral Bathroom Signs
#38
This Café Has Lights Above The Toilet Signs So You Can See If They Are Occupied Without Getting Up
#39
This Door In My Hotel Bathroom Can Close Off Either Of 2 Doorways
#40
The Backside Of This Men's Restroom Door Reminds You To Check Yourself Before Exiting
#41
University Gym Girls' Bathroom Has Not Only Free Condoms, But Free Lube
#42
This Restaurant Has Mother’s Day Cards In The Bathroom In Case You Forgot To Get Your Mom One
Cecilia Herrera 5 years ago
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.)
#43
My Hotel Room Had A Heated Panel Behind The Bathroom Mirror To Stop It From Steaming Up After A Shower
#44
This Restaurant’s Restrooms Change Lights When Occupied
#45
The Elevator In The Hotel I'm Staying At Has An Emergency Toilet
Hannah Edwards 5 years ago
I initially thought “God, no!” But then realised it’s for if the lift breaks down.
#46
Urinals That Protect Your Shoes From The Splashback
#47
The San Francisco Airport Has A Bathroom For Your Dogs
Foxxy (The Original) 5 years ago
Interesting. Is there a fire hydrant, artificial grass etc lol.
#48
The Janitor’s Area In This Bathroom Is Behind A Hidden Wall
#49
This Boat Has A Hidden Bathroom Behind The Glovebox
#50
This Bathroom Has Three Different Types Of Toilet Paper To Try Out
Foxxy (The Original) 5 years ago (edited)
Looks better than the tissue paper (used for gifts) some of our public toilets use.
#51
The Wet Floor Sign In My Schools Bathroom Had A Little Fan On The Bottom To Dry The Water
#52
In Belgian Train’s Toilets, There Is An SOS Button Close To The Ground In Case People Fall And Can’t Get Up
#53
Public Restroom Has Self-Retracting Step Installed Under The Sink So Children Can Reach To Wash Hands
#54
This Card In A Restaurant Bathroom So You Can Alert Somebody Subtly If You Clogged A Toilet
Cecilia Herrera 5 years ago
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.
#55
The Most Well Stocked Women's Toilet In A Restaurant I've Ever Come Across
Aunt Messy 5 years ago
I've seen some well stocked bathrooms - it all depends on what restaurant you go to.
#56
I Have A Toilet In The Corner
#57
This Bathroom Stall Door Has Bristles To Cover Up The Cracks
#58
This Bathroom Door Handle Has A Built-In Hand Sanitizer Dispenser
Hannah Edwards 5 years ago
I like this idea. It’s weird how most shops don’t offer sanitizer when you leave as well as enter.
#59
The Urinal In This Restroom Has A Ledge To Rest Your Shopping Bags
#60
This Chic-Fil-A Has A Mouthwash Dispenser In The Bathroom
#61
This Restroom Has Drains Under The Urinal For Those Who Miss The Mark
Debbie Lavender 5 years ago
and now it’s nicely easy to hose down. everyplace shd have this - it wd be so less stinky.
#62
This Toilet In Japan Has A Place To Put Your Child
#63
Real-Time Bathroom Display In Taipei
#64
There’s A Privacy Button That Plays Sound In The Toilet In The Background In Japan So Your Bombing Sound Wouldn’t Be Heard
#65
This Restroom I Visited Has "Electro Chromic Glass", Which Is Transparent When Unlocked, And Turns Matt When Locked
#66
The City Placed Sidewalk Signs For The Nearest Public Restrooms And The Times They Were Available For Use
#67
The Variety Of Soaps In The Bathroom
#68
Seen In A Hotel In South Korea. There's A Retractable Phone Holder Underneath The Buttons
#69
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
#70
Urinal In My Univeristy's Bathroom Has It's Own Stall
#71
This Gas Station In Netherlands Charges 50c For The Bathroom, But Also Gives You 50c Discount For Something You Buy There
Evil Little Thing 5 years ago
Say what you will about American toilets - at least we don't have to pay to use them!
#72
My University Has A Sign Directing People To Another Bathroom If This One Is Too Busy
#73
This Toilet In Milan That You Flush With Your Foot. I Wish All Public Toilets Would Follow Their Lead
#74
This Sports Bar Has One Way Glass In The Bathrooms So You Don't Miss Any Of The Game
Hannah Edwards 5 years ago
It’s like a nightmare has become real and your loo is in the middle of a busy bar.
#75
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
#76
This Czech Pub Has A Designated Puking Station Outside The Restrooms
#79
The Bathroom Stalls Here Are Fixed To The Ceiling For Ease Of Cleaning The Floor
#80
This Bathroom Tells You How Many Stalls Are Available And Has Indicators Above Each One To Tell You If It's Occupied
#81
LED Bathroom Handles At Train Station In Sweden Change Colors Based On Occupancy
#82
Japanese Public Toilets Have These "Changing Boards" So You Can Change Clothes Without Getting Your Feet Dirty
Debbie Lavender 5 years ago
next thing, the bathrooms in Japan will have a masseuse and a microwave for your snacks.
#83
My Cousins Have A Glow In The Dark Toilet
#85
This Bathroom Sign Lets You Know Which Stall Is Empty Before Going In
#86
This Bathroom Has An Electronic Rating Machine
#87
The Fan Switch In My Bathroom Is Next To The Toilet
#89
This Toilet In Japan Has A System Of Occupied/Vacant Toilets Information
#90
The Bathroom I’m In Has Red/Green Lights Above Them To Show If The Stall Is Vacant Or Occupied
Cain Hargreaves 5 years ago
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
#91
Fully Enclosed Bathroom Stalls
#92
This Concert Hall Has Cough Drops In The Bathroom So You Don't Cough During The Performance
#93
A Drinks Holder In The Toilet
#95
My New Office Has A Urine Color Chart In The Restroom To Check If One Is Hydrated Or Not
#96
Unusual Gentleman’s Toilet Shape
#97
In The Europa Park Hotel In Germany There Is A Tiny Children Bathroom In The Bathroom.
#98
My Hotel Bathroom Mirror Had A Build In Bluetooth Speaker
#99
I Told My Dad That Buying An LED For Our Toilet Was Dumb. I Was Wrong
#100
This Restaurant Has Signs That Help Show You The Way To The Restrooms
#101
The Faucet In This Public Bathroom Can Be Controlled With Your Knee So You Don't Get Germs On Your Hands
#102
This Mall Has A Big And Small Toilet In The Same Cubicle So You Can Take A Deuce With Your Kid
#103
This Japanese Toilet Has A Button To Flush And A Button To Make It Sound Like It's Flushing
#104
The Most Helpful Restroom I've Ever Been In
#105
Found This Restroom For Nonspecific Genders At Sand Diego Airport
#106
My Work's Bathroom Handle Dispenses Hand Sanitizer When You Open It. So You Can't Leave With Dirty Hands
#107
Durham, Nc Hotel's Response To The "Bathroom Bill"
#108
This Toilet's Cistern Fills Using A Tap And Sink So You Can Wash Your Hands With No Waste
#109
The Airport Bathroom Let’s Me Know When My Hands Are Dry
#110
These Signs Tell You Whether Or Not Each Restroom Is Occupied
A_BadlyDrawnBearPic 5 years ago
It seems these are everywhere except California. Not that I'd know.
#111
This Restaurant Has Shaving Supplies In The Men's Room
#112
Water Saving Handle In Public Bathroom
Foxxy (The Original) 5 years ago
In my state at least, it is mandatory for all new toilets to have a dual flush system. Saves so much water.
#113
This Bathroom Vanity Sink Has A Clear P-Trap
#115
This Bathroom Mirror Has A TV In It
#116
Toilet Reinforcement For Extra Weight
Charlotte A. 5 years ago
or they could have chosen floor mounted instead of wall mounted to begin with?
#117
This Bathroom Stall Has A Tiny Mirror So You Can Check Yourself After Wiping
#118
Bathroom At The Dentist Had Free Pads And Tampons For Those Who Needed
#119
Hands-Free Men's Room Exit Door Handle I Found In NJ Diner. Nice Idea
Heather Atwood 5 years ago
Or could we just make ALL bathroom doors a Pull-to-go-in and Push-to-go-out?
#120
This Map Of The Bathroom As You Enter The Bathroom
#121
These Gender Neutral Bathroom Doors
#123
Restroom At A Bar In Minneapolis That Has A Splash Guard For Your Shoes And A Mini Shelf For Your Drink
#124
This Restaurant Bathroom Has Two Different Handles Depending On If You Washed Your Hands
#125
This Granite Was Cut To Make Space For The Toilet Lid
#126
This Public Restroom Has A Passage In Between Stalls To Pass Toilet Paper In Between
#128
This Hotel In Ireland Has A Bottle Opener In The Bathroom
#129
Men's Restroom At Church Today
Charlotte A. 5 years ago
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"?
#130
Cupholders In A Vegas Bathroom
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What do you think ?
Freya the Wanderer 5 years ago
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.
Benjamin Thor Collier V 5 years ago
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...
Freya the Wanderer 5 years ago
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.
Benjamin Thor Collier V 5 years ago
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...
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