If you’ve ever used a public restroom, you’ve probably noticed the same thing: the stall doors don’t extend all the way to the ground. At first glance, this design seems strange, even irritating. The gaps can make people feel exposed, uncomfortable, or anxious. Many assume that cut-off doors are simply a cost-saving measure, designed to use less material or reduce installation costs. However, there’s far more to this design choice than meets the eye. These gaps, frustrating as they may seem, actually serve several important and practical purposes. From hygiene and safety to efficiency, air circulation, and social accountability, the design of public restroom stalls is much more intentional than most people realize. Let’s take a closer look at why public restroom doors are built this way—and why the space at the bottom is far from a careless oversight.
