Using a public restroom probably isn’t up there in anybody’s daily highlights. But when you gotta go, you gotta go – and boy, can you end up wishing that you didn’t.
Thankfully, there are some truly smart restroom designers out there that are determined to make our restroom experience tolerable, and even – dare I say it – enjoyable.
Don’t believe me? Check out these 30 genius bathroom designs. You’ll find yourself saying, “Why doesn’t everywhere have this?” Trust me, you’ll never be more entertained by a compilation of bathroom pictures ever again.
1. Occupied signs
We’ve all done that awkward thing where we’ve walked over to a closed restroom door and given the handle a pull, just to check that someone’s actually in there and it isn’t just locked. Most of us have been on the other side of that too – and how stressful does it feel when you think someone’s going to walk in on you? These handy restroom signs solve that problem.
Source:
Imgur
2. Water sounds
In Japan, going to the toilet never has to be a cause for anxiety. If you don’t like other people to hear you peeing, you can choose to play water sounds to mask the noise. They should have these everywhere!
3. Accessories tray
How many times have you put something on the floor in the restroom and left without it? This restroom tray solves two problems in one – it means you don’t have to put your stuff on the germ-ridden floor by the toilet, and it also doubles as a lock, so you’ll never leave without your belongings.
4. Private bathroom doors
If you’ve ever traveled outside of the US, you might have been surprised to note that the restroom doors are much more private. But by the looks of things, our restroom designers are finally catching onto our need for privacy. These floor-to-ceiling stalls should be everywhere.
5. Wood freshener
Air fresheners are costly and usually pretty artificial-smelling. This workplace restroom decided to go with the more natural approach to masking smells – strong scented wood. If this works, it’s pretty genius!
6. Pet relief area
Taking your dog on vacation sounds like a lot of fun – until it comes to thinking about the logistics. What are you supposed to do if your dog needs to take a poop? You can’t exactly put him on the toilet. It’s good to see that this airport has you covered.
7. Chick-Fil-A mouthwash
Hey, if you’re on a date and you’re hoping to get lucky, mouthwash can be your savior. Especially if you’ve just eaten at Chick-Fil-A and you’re worried your stinky breath will ruin your first kiss. That’s what makes this Chick-Fil-A restroom mouthwash such a genius idea!
Source:
Imgur
8. Gender neutral restroom doors
Instead of dictating which restroom you should go into by your gender, these bathroom doors simply tell you what’s in there. You can choose the right restroom for you based on what you need. Now that’s the sort of inclusivity we should be seeing more of.
9. Built-in Bluetooth speaker
What if you want to play music while you’re showering, but you left your Bluetooth speaker at home? This hotel has you covered with built-in speakers – on the bathroom mirrors. How cool is that?
10. 3 types of toilet roll
Let’s face it, we’re all looking for ways to keep our minds occupied while we’re using the toilet. This bathroom has three different types of toilet roll, and they have their own quirky information plaques, too, so you can learn all about them. There’s obviously a least favorite among the three…
11. Water-saving handle
This water-saving handle in public bathroom is something we’re starting to see more of in recent months. You lift the handle up for liquid waste, and down for solid waste. That way, you’re only flushing with the amount of water you actually need.
12. Dress-less female
It’s pretty old-fashioned that the restroom female still wears a dress, considering women certainly aren’t defined by their dress-wearing habits anymore. This restroom abandoned the dress altogether. You can still tell it’s a woman because she has wider hips (and you can’t argue with female anatomy).
13. McDonald’s mirror quotes
If there was ever a quote to tell it like it is, it’s this! Sometimes you need a reminder that your own version of perfection is probably very flawed. We’re all perfect, and it’s nice of McDonald’s to remind us.
14. Child holder
If you’ve ever tried to use the toilet while responsible for a small child, you’ll know the struggle. Toddlers love to explore, and this can mean they end up trying to lick the floor or unlock the bathroom door while you’re peeing. This genius child holder helps keep the peace while you do your business.
Source:
Imgur
15. Handy men’s notice
All men can probably recall a time when they’ve visited the restroom and forgot to do up their zipper. It’s easily done, but incredibly embarrassing to notice your error a few hours later – or worse, have someone else tell you. This handy restroom sign gives you a much-needed reminder before you leave.
16. Water foot pedal
One of the biggest breeding grounds for germs in public restrooms is the faucet handle. Thankfully, automatic faucets are becoming way more common nowadays. This sink has a quirky take on that: a foot pedal that you press for water.
17. Anti-steam mirror
There are plenty of bathroom pet peeves we could list, and steamed-up mirrors is one of them. If you’ve just showered and you want to use the mirror to get ready, you’ll have to wait for the steam to clear first. Unless you’re in this hotel bathroom, that is…
18. Urinal separators
It’s a little weird that men are supposed to be okay with peeing in front of one another. We all like our privacy, which is why these urinal separators are such a good idea. If you can’t install cubicles, these are the next best thing.
Source:
Imgur
19. High school gender neutral bathroom
Yes to this high school for installing a gender neutral restroom! The great thing about this is that students who are questioning their identity don’t have to feel uncomfortable using a restroom that they feel isn’t right for them. And if you’d rather use a bathroom that’s dedicated to your own gender, there are probably plenty of them elsewhere.
20. Toilet paper sign
Whoever created this toilet paper sign obviously felt quite strongly about which way the roll should face. The comparison to beards and mullets is pretty funny – but does anyone really care which way the roll goes? Or is this actually a huge topic of debate?
21. Free women’s vending machine
It’s great to see that some businesses are finally catching onto the fact that tampons are a basic right for women. We don’t have to pay for tap water, and that’s because it’s a human necessity. Considering periods are natural and out of our control, all restrooms should take note of this office and offer tampons for free.
22. Restroom “art”
Any school you visit, you’ll find graffiti just like this on the insides of the restroom cubicles. An art teacher at one school decided that, instead of getting rid of the graffiti, they’d make the author look a bit silly instead. Now that’s hilarious!
Source:
Imgur
23. Two types of soap
We’ve all washed our hands before eating and been slightly put off our food from the lingering smell of soap on our fingers. This restaurant gets it – so they offer two different types of soap. One is scentless, and can be used before eating, while the scented soap can be used after eating.
24. Clean restroom button
In restaurants and other public places, bathroom attendants typically don’t hang out in the restroom all day. That can mean things can get pretty dirty without the right people knowing. This restroom has a genius solution: simply press the button and alert the attendants when the bathroom needs cleaning.
25. Touchless door control
Another common germ breeding spot in restrooms is on door handles. This restroom has a touchless door control to eliminate that problem. No more picking up other people’s germs when you leave the bathroom.
26. Corner toilet
Now, I’m not saying that corner toilets are a life essential, but we don’t see them very often – and that makes them cool. They could be quite space-saving in certain situations. Plus, you have more room to your left and right, so you won’t feel crammed in.
27. Rainwater toilet flushing
Here’s another genius bathroom design that we’re starting to see more of nowadays. The toilets in this restroom use rainwater to flush – and why ever not? We may as well save water however we can, and this is a great way to do so.
28. 2-way hotel door
Really want to use the bathroom while your partner is showering? This two-way door makes that possible. Just shut the door to block off the toilet space. When the toilet isn’t being used, you can shut off the entire bathroom.
29. Sloping sinks
You might remember the struggle of reaching the sinks in a public restroom as a kid. This bathroom has sorted that, though, with sloping sinks for kids of all sizes. So simple, yet so effective!
30. Cinema toilet
And finally, we know how frustrating it can be to have to leave the cinema because your bladder is about to burst. These cinema toilets let you carry on watching the movie you’ve come to see while you do your business. Such a good idea!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
