35 Hilariously Confusing Examples of Bad Design That Had Us Scratching Our Head

Author image for John Summers
John Summers • Contributor
Apr 22, 2025 10:00 PM EDT

Let's take a moment to talk about bathroom symbols, shall we? As someone who loves uncovering examples of bad design, I've noticed a trend—every list I make features at least one set of restroom signs that leaves everyone completely baffled. A stick figure with hands up vs. hands down? Triangles and upside-down triangles? Seriously, what are you trying to say?! Why do I have to play a guessing game with a door when I'm seconds away from disaster? It's time we unite behind universal bathroom signs, so no matter where in the world you are, you can answer nature's call without needing a decoder ring.

This list showcases some of the most hilariously confusing design choices—not just in bathrooms, but everywhere. From products that miss the mark to spaces that just don't work, these 31 examples of bad design will make you laugh, cry, and wonder, "What were they thinking?"

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  • 01

    It's a bit much TBH, also what's up with the chairs?

    Cheezburger Image 10496963584
    via Joyenergizer
  • 02

    So... you like purple, huh...

    Cheezburger Image 10496963840
    via Joyenergizer
  • 03

    This fireplace is pretty oystery

    Cheezburger Image 10496964864
    via Joyenergizer
  • 04

    10/10 TV placement

    MINARI
    via Joyenergizer
  • 05

    It's raining toasts

    uncle good vibes @UncleGoodVibes Follow what if we kissed under the mistletoaster 4444 @diiviinemedia Man this house ain't got enough outlets 3:19 PM Jul 30, 2021 335.4K Reply Copy link X
    via Joyenergizer
  • 06

    ok but people read from top to bottom

    step single a just with begins journey Every
    via Joyenergizer
  • 07

    It's so quirky! and smelly!

    Cheezburger Image 10496965376
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  • 08

    Just don't light it

    DIMARE No fireplace? No problem... DEMA Make one with old boxes and "stick on tiles" which you can buy in Bargain stores! D 20
    via Joyenergizer
  • 09

    This physically hurts me

    Cheezburger Image 10496965632
    via Joyenergizer
  • 10

    very roomy

    Cheezburger Image 10496965888
    via Joyenergizer
  • 11

    The only thing she is hunting for is hate comment

    With Patience, persistence and Prayers THIS was Possible!! Loved the hunt! Loved the meat! Love the memories! Love the mount! All around amazing!!! #NoRegrets #IHuntNotSorry B
    via Joyenergizer
  • 12

    The more you look the worse it gets

    Cheezburger Image 10496966400
    via Joyenergizer
  • 13

    It's a bit cramped

    They told me it's a single bedroom with a attached bathroom
    via Joyenergizer
  • 14

    "Potential"

    < Headboard with potential $200
    via Joyenergizer
  • 15

    Eggcsuse me, where is the toilet?

    Cheezburger Image 10496967168
    via Joyenergizer
  • 16

    What could go wrong?

    Cheezburger Image 10496967680
    via Joyenergizer
  • 17

    Lauren is a psycho

    Lauren keeps the look neutral by stacking books back to front 1J&L
    via Joyenergizer
  • 18

    This is a strong no for me

    Cheezburger Image 10496967936
    via Joyenergizer
  • 19

    Surprise! there is no rug. it's carved!

    Cheezburger Image 10496968960
    via Joyenergizer
  • 20

    For the sophisticated pooper

    Cheezburger Image 10496968704
    via Joyenergizer
  • 21

    The previous owner just disappeared, no one knows where

    Cheezburger Image 10496969216
    via Joyenergizer
  • 22

    "Where would you like the toilet placed?" "Wherever"

    Cheezburger Image 10496969984
    via Joyenergizer
  • 23

    Pretty sure they like cats

    A
    via Joyenergizer
  • 24

    The previous owner just disappeared, no one knows where

    Cheezburger Image 10496969728
    via Joyenergizer
  • 25

    "I'll start putting the rug, tell me when to stop"

    Cheezburger Image 10496970752
    via Joyenergizer
  • 26

    It's a brickshelf made of books

    Cheezburger Image 10496971264
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  • 27

    "Just use the kitchen toilet" "The... what?!"

    Cheezburger Image 10496972032
    via Joyenergizer
  • 28

    "I wondered why the light wasn't working in my new house, took it off - no wiring"

    Cheezburger Image 10496972800
    via Joyenergizer
  • 29

    Have you ever wanted to feel like a hamster?

    Cheezburger Image 10496972544
    via Joyenergizer
  • 30

    Clever Title

    Sample Text
    via Joyenergizer
  • 31

    PIVOT!!!

    LOUIS FOOT
    via Joyenergizer
  • 32

    Can you find the sofa, kids?

    Cheezburger Image 10496974336
    via Joyenergizer
  • 33

    We made inside balconies so you can feel like you're in prison

    8
    via Joyenergizer
  • 34

    it's a Shem-dellire

    Cheezburger Image 10496974848
    via Joyenergizer
  • 35

    The previous owner just disappeared, no one knows where

    CE GEBERIT PACK WC A POSER Rimfree dito dito Rimfree 0 NGEBERIT Rimfree Ri
    via Joyenergizer

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design fail architecture clever design smart interesting buildings designer bad design building beauty good design graphic design beautiful
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