We use everyday items so frequently that we often take their design for granted. But many of these objects have hidden features that serve smart, functional purposes beyond what we normally realize. These small details often go unnoticed, yet they were intentionally crafted to make life easier, safer, or more convenient. Once you discover these clever design elements, you’ll never look at these items the same way again.

Take a closer look at your favorite pair of jeans. Have you ever noticed the tiny metal buttons near the pockets? These aren’t just decorative. They’re called rivets, and they’re placed in areas where the fabric is most likely to tear due to stress or movement. Invented during the gold rush era, these little rivets help your jeans withstand wear and tear, which is why some pairs last for years without falling apart.

Now consider a bottle of Heinz ketchup. You’ve probably seen the number “57” embossed on the glass. While most people assume it’s just part of the branding, it actually marks the perfect spot to tap for getting the ketchup out. Instead of pounding the bottom of the bottle in frustration, give a firm tap on the “57” logo and watch how easily the sauce flows onto your plate.

Let’s talk about your kitchen mugs. Have you ever wondered why the bottom of many ceramic cups has a small groove? That groove isn’t just a design element—it serves a practical purpose. When placed upside down in the dishwasher, the groove allows excess water to drain instead of pooling at the base. It also helps prevent your cup from cracking due to rapid temperature changes when you pour in hot drinks.

Utensils also come with hidden perks. The hole at the end of a spatula or cooking spoon’s handle isn’t just for hanging. It can actually be used to rest the spoon during cooking, keeping it off the counter and preventing a mess.

Let’s move to another everyday object: the pen. Many pen caps have a small hole at the top, and contrary to popular belief, it has nothing to do with ink flow. It’s a safety feature designed to prevent suffocation if the cap is accidentally swallowed—especially important for children, who tend to chew on them. The hole allows air to pass through, potentially saving lives.

If you wear beanies in the winter, you’ve probably noticed the cute pompom on top. While it may look purely decorative today, it actually had a practical origin. French sailors were the first to wear these to avoid bumping their heads on low ship ceilings. The design was later adopted by military units, and eventually became a mainstream winter fashion staple.

The humble measuring tape also comes with a few surprises. At the end of most tapes, there’s a small metal tab with a slot. This is meant to hook onto nails or screws, allowing you to take measurements without needing an extra hand. That same metal edge is often serrated so you can mark your spot by scratching the surface—no pencil required.

Ever struggled to open a childproof medicine bottle? Here’s a trick most people don’t know: many of these bottles can be turned upside down and used with the cap reversed to disable the childproof feature. While convenient for adults, make sure you only do this when the medicine is safely out of reach of children.

Have you ever wondered how touch-typists can navigate a keyboard without looking? That’s thanks to the small ridges on the “F” and “J” keys. These tactile markers guide your index fingers to the right position so you can type with muscle memory and ease.

Next time you ride an escalator, look at the brushes on the sides. You might think they’re for cleaning shoes, but their real purpose is much more important. These brushes are designed to keep you safe. They encourage passengers to stand away from the edge, preventing clothing or bags from getting caught in the moving parts.

Screwdrivers, too, have hidden potential. Many can be inserted into a wrench to help generate more torque, especially when dealing with awkward angles or tight spaces. This clever combo turns basic tools into multi-functional helpers.

If you’ve ever rented a car and couldn’t find the fuel tank, there’s an arrow on your dashboard’s gas gauge to help. That tiny arrow next to the gas pump symbol points to the side of the car where the fuel cap is located—a small but incredibly helpful feature.

Your Apple charger isn’t just a power tool—it’s also smartly designed to stay organized. The foldable wings on the charger let you wind the cable around them to avoid tangles in your bag. A tidy charger is less likely to fray or break, making this feature a lifesaver for frequent travelers.

On an iPhone, the tiny black dot near the rear camera isn’t a light or decoration. It’s actually a microphone. This mic helps improve audio quality when recording videos using the back camera, ensuring your clips sound as clear as they look.

Finally, let’s talk about padlocks. If you’ve ever seen a small hole near the keyhole, it’s not just a manufacturing quirk. That little hole serves two purposes: it lets water drain out if the lock is used outdoors, and it allows you to apply oil to keep the mechanism running smoothly.

So many everyday items are hiding these small but brilliant design features that make our lives easier, safer, and more efficient. It’s a reminder that thoughtful engineering is all around us—you just have to look a little closer. Have you spotted any other clever features in the things you use every day? Let us know!