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Good design is about finding the delicate yet pleasing balance between form and function. Though a lot depends on what you want to get done, a good rule of thumb is to keep your designs simple, so that they’re easily understood, practical, and aesthetic. But some people throw the rulebook out the window into the dumpster. And then they wing it.

Even though bad home interior designs are something you should practice social distancing from, you can’t deny that they can be hilarious… as long as it’s not your home we’re talking about! Bored Panda wanted to make you laugh and feel better about having to stay in your lovely home during the lockdown, so we’re bringing you the funniest, most facepalm-worthy interior design fails that prove common sense is actually quite rare.

Are you in the mood for some more horrendous examples of design? Well, once you’re done scrolling through this list and upvoting your fave horrible design pics, we invite you to check out earlier posts about design fails here, here, and here.

#1

Steps That You Can't See

Steps That You Can't See

Paarnahkrin Report

#2

Up The Drain It Goes

Up The Drain It Goes

Winsthorne Report

#3

My Uncle's House Got A Bathroom Without A Door, Literally The First Thing You See When You Enter The House

My Uncle's House Got A Bathroom Without A Door, Literally The First Thing You See When You Enter The House

muurilin Report

Designer Dieter Rams is one of the world’s brightest experts when it comes to design that’s done well. Back in the 1970s, he said that the world was full of “an impenetrable confusion of forms, colors, and noises” and then went on to create his 10 principles for good design. In our opinion, he expressed timeless rules that are as important now as they were back then.

For Rams, good design has to be innovative but also useful. It can’t sacrifice form or function for one or the other: it has to be a blend of both. If a product is self-explanatory, even better! That goes for designs everywhere—if something is over-designed, it can create confusion.

#4

My Friend's Under-The-Stairs "Bathroom" Where The Toilet Is Diagonal And Partially Installed Into The Carpeted Wall

My Friend's Under-The-Stairs "Bathroom" Where The Toilet Is Diagonal And Partially Installed Into The Carpeted Wall

dbqbbq Report

#5

Can't Stop Thinking About This Sink

Can't Stop Thinking About This Sink

aprilcotz Report

#6

Kitchen Made By A Sofa Maker

Kitchen Made By A Sofa Maker

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Similarly, Rams argues that good design is honest, long-lasting, friendly to the environment, has a shelf life longer than current trends, and does away with non-essentials. In short, aim for purity. Show the essence of the design. Do away with what’s unnecessary. More is less.

However, we’re not the only ones who think that bad designs can be a lot of fun (and not just a warning about what to avoid doing). The founders of the Ugly Design Instagram page, Jonas Nyffenegger and Sébastien Mathys, told Bored Panda in an earlier interview that bad designs jump out at people from the screen and grab their attention.

#7

At Least You Don't Have To Reach For It

At Least You Don't Have To Reach For It

Henry Franks Report

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#9

All It Needs Is A Jukebox And A Soda Fountain

All It Needs Is A Jukebox And A Soda Fountain

Czechs_out Report

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Amazon QT
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Like they say “Just Because You Can Make it Doesn’t Mean You Should”

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Wyndmere
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I couldn’t’t take a bath in there; I’d keep wondering when the band was coming in.

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LeighAnne Brown-Pedersen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What’s on the other side of the wall? Does it get worse? Oh god...it’s a mirror

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Johnny
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is kind of fun looking - if you've got the money for it and like 1950's diners, sure, why not?

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Ramiro ERTH Serrano
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They probably race old cars in a channel ...and make there kids bring them there food on there roller blades.....skates .....scooters.........OHHHHHH HOVERBOARD.....

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Lindsey Leigh Phillips
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And when the hoverboard bursts into flames? Got that handy-dandy extending shower head sprayer to save the day!

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Lisette McCown
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine your mom is yelling at your sister for wearing shorts and smoking reefer, but you're in a bubble bath drinking a milkshake and watching I Love Lucy, so you don't notice

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Abi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

“Grease” called. They need their aesthetic back.

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Dana Jackson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you want a nicer bathroom than that, you have to buy the double-wide model.

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Roxy Eastland
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If that's what someone wanted then it's a complete win. It looks well done.

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DotC
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I kinda love this. but the opportunity to slip is a lot.

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Diana Murtaugh
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a mood. Not my first choice of designs, but I like it. It's cheery

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Joshua Howard
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean... I wouldn't want it in MY bathroom, but as a theme, I have to say, I admire the execution...

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TomiSmith
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder what the rest of the house looks like. A sofa fountain with wine and a jutebox would be fine!!

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Pangolin Pal
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please don't hate me, but can I just say, I can imagine that if you were a wealthy, long-retired doo-wop rocker, this might be your dream master bathroom (off the bedroom, where no guests would see it). . .

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Jaydan Currie
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i like this tbh. not for my house, but i think something like this in a themed hotel would be amazing

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Maddie Star ⭐
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Showed this to my son, apparently we love this and anr now "so getting this" 😁

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Susan Reid Smith
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is it just me, or does it look like the wall behind the tub is engaging in rude sign language?

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Tiffany Marie
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These fancy tubs. My manic panic hair dye would destroy how pretty they are. Lol

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Zoe's Mom
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually like this but imagine it in an Art Deco teal and remove the mirror by the tub..

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Ana
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s pretty cool tho, with the 80s kitchen you could have different themed rooms. It could look amazing

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Eric Forster
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All of a sudden, I have a craving for a chocolate milkshake.

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Z Alexi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Impractical or d'ya like slipping down 2 stairs w/2 wet feet. Even 1 step is dangerous. This designer needs deported or shot.

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elfin
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It would definitely help you wake up in the morning. Better than a jolt of caffeine.

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Z Alexi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Elvis died on toilet~~there's no toilet in pic. Elvis fell off toilet when his heart stopped due to his drug addiction. What a horrid pedophile [Pricilla was 14 when she moved into Graceland, yech]. She felt entitled like today's skanks, heat-packing, drug selling JZ & double-digit I.Q., baby-plopping Beyonce wo hires others to caregive entitled kids. Yuck.

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CHRISTIE WAGNER
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Gives remarkable inspiration for singing in the shower. Fit for a d.j. or karaoke addict.

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Catherine Brady
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No curtain rod for the portable shower head. Someone will slip on the wet steps and knock themselves out.

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Andrew Bridge
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually this one's not bad, and everything is in sensible places

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Octavia Hansen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What does this look like at night? Drive in style lighting? Spot lights? Cleaning must be tough.

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Yuccababy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder what the rest of the house looks like? I've seen Air BnB rental posts where the whole place is furnished with stuff from a particular time period, like stepping through a time warp! I'd totally stay in one!

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What’s more, atrocious designs also keep on surprising people. Just when you think you’ve reached the bottom of the (Un)Aesthetic Abyss, you realize that it was just the tip of the Iceberg of Bad Taste. What’s more, the founders pointed out that the world would be a very boring place if everything looked tasteful and nice.

#10

Imagine Having To Scrub Or Clean It

Imagine Having To Scrub Or Clean It

IdahoePotatoe Report

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Truth Monster
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

so if you filled in the gaps with an epoxy resin, it might be cool, but this looks impossible to keep clean as it is.

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#11

I Almost Fell Down And Rolled My Ankle On This

I Almost Fell Down And Rolled My Ankle On This

I_am_lazy_15 Report

#12

New Kitchen Style

New Kitchen Style

DrFetusRN Report

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Troux
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate this, but not as much as I hate how much I like this.

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#13

Why Is There Wood Separating The Hallway In Half

Why Is There Wood Separating The Hallway In Half

a-random-pasta Report

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Slinkman
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Something was not thought through here. Guess they thought they could ditch the bearing beam.

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#14

Yup, The Fridge Fit Boss

Yup, The Fridge Fit Boss

waconcept Report

#15

My Parents Have A Bathroom With Carpet That Goes Up The Bathtub Walls. Bonus Points For The Terrible Wallpaper

My Parents Have A Bathroom With Carpet That Goes Up The Bathtub Walls. Bonus Points For The Terrible Wallpaper

jbird2525 Report

#16

Who Says Crown Molding Is Overdone?

Who Says Crown Molding Is Overdone?

buckleybuilds Report

#18

Middle Class Fridge. Lower Class Aesthetic

Middle Class Fridge. Lower Class Aesthetic

AcousticHigh Report

#19

It's Not A Mirror, It's A Doorway

It's Not A Mirror, It's A Doorway

daekaz Report

#20

A Shower Designed To Be As Hard To Stand In As Possible

A Shower Designed To Be As Hard To Stand In As Possible

Djuna Ivereigh Report

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Kisses4Katie
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lemme just cling to this rock like a derpmaid while water runs over my body

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#21

This Bathroom Covered In Carpet

This Bathroom Covered In Carpet

whyangelinawhy Report

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Chris B
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not plain ugly. Somehow it's appealing in a very strange 70s softcore adult movie master bedroom druglord nightmare.

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#22

This Single Square Inch Of Raised Carpet Complete With Lining

This Single Square Inch Of Raised Carpet Complete With Lining

fourskincheeze Report

#23

I Can Just Imagine The Whole House Shaking Like Crazy

I Can Just Imagine The Whole House Shaking Like Crazy

Pashunder Report

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Slinkman
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, the air refreshner and toilet paper where placed there with a lot of optimism.

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#25

Imagine Trying To Piss While Drunk

Imagine Trying To Piss While Drunk

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#26

These Stairs Leading To A Bedroom Loft

These Stairs Leading To A Bedroom Loft

zillow.com Report

#27

My Friend Just Finished A Kitchen Remodel

My Friend Just Finished A Kitchen Remodel

SirCadwaladr Report

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Anne
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

they made do with the existing cabinets, so.. it was like this before

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#28

Prayers For The Contractor Who Had To Call These Homeowners And Explain They Needed A Second Set Of Front Doors Because. Math

Prayers For The Contractor Who Had To Call These Homeowners And Explain They Needed A Second Set Of Front Doors Because. Math

F. C. Tucker Company Report

#29

Today My Mom Hit Her Toe With This And Was Bleeding. I Hate This Kitchen So Much

Today My Mom Hit Her Toe With This And Was Bleeding. I Hate This Kitchen So Much

reemathenerd2 Report

#30

Why Is The Big Face Bleeding, Why The Monkey, Just Why

Why Is The Big Face Bleeding, Why The Monkey, Just Why

pleasehatethesethings Report

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#31

This Shower Has Blinds Instead Of Curtains

This Shower Has Blinds Instead Of Curtains

TrixoftheTrade Report

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Luuta
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Psycho would have been a completely different movie with these in place.

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#32

This "Form Over Function" Kitchen In My Apartment

This "Form Over Function" Kitchen In My Apartment

chefmacari Report

#33

Social Distancing Looking A Lot Like Being Married For 10+ Years

Social Distancing Looking A Lot Like Being Married For 10+ Years

trautwein-gmbh.com Report

#36

This Staircase Bathroom

This Staircase Bathroom

bagniorrendi Report

#37

Why: 1. They Put In A Sliding Door To A Bedroom. 2. They Placed Curtains On The Outside Of It. 3. They Also Placed The Lock On The Outside

Why: 1. They Put In A Sliding Door To A Bedroom. 2. They Placed Curtains On The Outside Of It. 3. They Also Placed The Lock On The Outside

Eeve3_Lord Report

#38

This Entire Kitchen’s Counters And Backsplash Are Covered With This “Faux Mold” Tile

This Entire Kitchen’s Counters And Backsplash Are Covered With This “Faux Mold” Tile

iheartcatsandcoffee Report

#39

Imagine Being A Firefighter And Entering A Dark Smoke-Filled House From The Outside Through This Window

Imagine Being A Firefighter And Entering A Dark Smoke-Filled House From The Outside Through This Window

thenewyorkgod Report

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#42

Neck Pain And A Head Injury Anyone?

Neck Pain And A Head Injury Anyone?

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#43

My Grandma’s Bathroom

My Grandma’s Bathroom

Maxxerzz Report

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Stephanie Did It
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I bought a used mobile home with the garden tub carpeted exactly like this. They attached the carpet with a staple gun and 49,000 staples. Took me forever to get them all out and toss the nasty carpet.

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#44

The Bathroom Door Of The New Place My Girlfriend And I Just Moved Into. I Was Sat At The Dining Table When I Took This

The Bathroom Door Of The New Place My Girlfriend And I Just Moved Into. I Was Sat At The Dining Table When I Took This

Humphiee Report

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Stephanie Did It
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's clearly an exterior door on that bathroom, it even has a deadbolt lock!

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#45

The Queen’s Seat

The Queen’s Seat

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#46

Clean Entrance

Clean Entrance

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Helen Haley
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This looks practical for farmhouses and the like for a back door, walk in, wash off all the mud, keep moving. It is like next level mud room.

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#47

The Raised Cutout Of This Ceiling Doesn’t Allow The Fan To Suck In Any Air

The Raised Cutout Of This Ceiling Doesn’t Allow The Fan To Suck In Any Air

Rexmatt Report

#48

These Tiles That Are Designed Pre-Worn And Dirty

These Tiles That Are Designed Pre-Worn And Dirty

toppstiles.co.uk Report

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MrsPossum
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ugh, they don't even look like they've been put in properly straight. Why do this, when the rest of the kitchen looks clean and lovely?! 😟

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#49

How Would Any Of This Work

How Would Any Of This Work

DogWhistlersMother Report

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wandile dludlu
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a horrible design, but it will work. steam doesn't care if something is perpendicular or what

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#50

Creativity

Creativity

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Note: this post originally had 143 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.

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