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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
That's not why these exist. You see bathrooms set up like this all over Europe. Sinks are expensive, and many old buildings just don't have the space for American style bathrooms. This exists because sinks are gender neutral and you only need one.
Not brilliant. Women's periods can be messy. Are they going to clean that up in full view of customers? Or someone spills something on their clothes? Yes take off your shirt in front of everyone.
this... eventhough i wipe it off with paper, the red is sometimes still around my nails. Also checking your outfit, makeup or that thing that is stuck between your teeth would be a bit weird.
Load More Replies...it is also to have ppl walk outside to wash the hands, therefore leaving the bathroom free for the next person faster.
Even better - you can wash your hands AFTER touching that door handle, instead of soiling your freshly washed hands.
Load More Replies...Good idea but... Imagine the yuckies on the door handles used to exit the bathrooms into the sink area.
But what if I wanted to clean my teeth? What if I had a private mess I needed to clean up? Do I need everyone seeing me fix my hair and clothes?
Isn't this how all bathrooms are if they have multiple stalls? Like in most restaurants except sometimes the handicap stall will have its own sink.
These sinks are outside of the bathrooms, in the hallway.
Load More Replies...Smart there are so many unhygenic people around who never wash their hands after using the bathroom ..
I'd walk by it just to prove a "don't police me MFer" point. I can't stand adults constantly policing other adults. Mind your own gd business.
This! I’ve heard so many men make excuse not washing afterward by saying they don’t pee on their fingers. My retort to that is to ask them how their d**k can manage to unzip their fly from the inside and jump out with no help from them. (Yeah guys, even if you don’t use your hands to pee once it’s free, you still have to use your hands to unzip and liberate it.)
YES !!! And you just KNOW for a FACT that those idiots walk RIGHT ON BY without washing -- thus revealing (to all of the world, or at least those present) how they can't even remember to PRETEND that they typically wash their hands, automatically by habit. And when they walk by and realize they FORGOT to pretend, and they do a double-take and hurry back to fake the habit and wash up, ACTING AS IF they usually wash, yet their face is all red from embarrassment, by then it's too late. They're caught yellow-handed. Awesome !!!
That's not why, but a good reason to put sinks outside the stalls -- which is done to prevent crowding and long wait lines
This is a big thing at craft brewpubs in San Diego county. It's genius. It's fun to meet people there too :)
Yeah. Normally I use my shirt to open the door after washing my hands. It's not safe to touch the door handle after washing your hands, cuz there are people that don't wash their hands.
Load More Replies...That's great and all, but it also means that those are some of the dirtiest, filthiest, pee and poo contaminated door handles.
Secretly wash your hands inside with wash wipes that you carry, then exit the toilet door licking your fingers.
This sink is outside the main bathroom door
Load More Replies...But there are women that don't wash their hands either and even if they use the wipes they should use them after exiting the toilet area. So yeah. I definitely think there are some that don't even wash their hands either.
Load More Replies...Great idea, especially since you don't want to touch the door handle after washing up.
My school did this and we all stared at the person who walked out without washing their hands lol
i'd be inside for a while looking for the sink...and then probably surrender, go out and fail to see them there...it's a good idea but needs careful planning for proper implementation.
Yes! Are you really gonna just check your makeup & that's it? Social pressure is good for something at least.
Same set-up at a restaurant in Philadelphia. It's only one wash basin that is a huge bucket with river rocks in the bottom and an industrial tap. But yes, everyone can see if you don't wash up. Love it!
Shame on you for trying to cause anyone trying to feel shame ever. You're the kind of person that servers spit in your food.
Load More Replies...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
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.
How can a person wash their hands before coming out of a stall??? The sinks are in the entrance way. And when you wash your hands, keep the paper towel and use it to open the exit door of the bathroom. Most places have a trash can just outside to accommodate this trend.
Load More Replies...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.
How can a person wash their hands before coming out of a stall??? The sinks are in the entrance way. And when you wash your hands, keep the paper towel and use it to open the exit door of the bathroom. Most places have a trash can just outside to accommodate this trend.
Load More Replies...