Bathroom Door Dimensions: 5 Small-Space Ideas: Practical bathroom door size tips from a decade of small-space redesigns

I once designed a tiny apartment where the client insisted the bathroom door should open inward like a stage entrance — only to realize the shower door couldn't open. That mishap taught me to respect door swing and clearances, especially in compact bathrooms. Small spaces force better thinking, and in this article I'll share 5 practical bathroom door ideas I use on real projects.

1. Standard hinged door – the reliable classic

The most common choice is a 24"–32" wide hinged door with heights of 80" (2032 mm). I like this because it's simple and inexpensive; on one renovation I swapped a 30" door to 28" to squeeze in a linen cabinet. The downside is the swing: inward doors can collide with toilets or vanities, so always check clearances.

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2. Pocket door – hide the door when space is tight

Pocket doors that slide into the wall are a favorite when floor space is precious. They typically match standard widths (24"–32") and heights (80"). In my experience, pocket doors free up layout options, but they cost more and need careful wall planning — you can't run plumbing inside that pocket wall.

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3. Out-swing door – move the swing to the hallway

If your bathroom is tiny, an out-swing door can be a lifesaver: it keeps the entire interior clear. I used an out-swing on a city studio and it prevented constant door-to-toilet clashes. Be mindful of hallway traffic and code rules in some jurisdictions that restrict out-swing doors for bathrooms.

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4. Sliding barn door – style with limitations

Barn doors are gorgeous and can be sized like standard doors, but they don't seal like a traditional door and need wall space beside the opening to slide. I installed one for a client who prioritized aesthetics; it looked great, but damp control required extra ventilation planning.

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5. Bi-fold or accordion door – budget-friendly compact option

Bi-fold doors compress to the side and are useful when a pocket door isn't feasible. They're typically available in narrower widths and standard heights, and I often specify them for closets-adjacent bathrooms. They can feel less sturdy and may need replacement sooner than solid doors.

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Functional tips and measurements

Always allow at least 21" (533 mm) clear in front of fixtures like toilets and sinks. For accessibility, consider 32" clear door width and 36" for wheelchair access. Hardware, trim, and floor finishes affect the final gap, so measure after finishes are chosen. If you're exploring layout options, I've used an online 3D planner to visualize door swings and clearances which saved a lot of surprises on site: 3D floor planner.

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Budget and installation notes

Interior door costs vary: hollow-core hinged doors are cheapest, solid-core or sound-rated doors cost more, and pocket systems add framing expense. Installation complexity rises from simple hinges to pocket tracks or reinforced walls for sliding hardware. In one tight timeline project, choosing a prehung door sped installation but required careful trimming to fit tile thickness.

Materials and moisture considerations

Bathrooms need moisture-resistant materials: painted MDF can swell, so I lean toward solid-core or marine-grade options for durability. Seal edges and use appropriate sealants; on a coastal project, choosing a moisture-friendly door saved multiple callbacks for warping.

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FAQ

Q: What are typical bathroom door widths? A: Typical interior bathroom doors range from 24" to 32" wide, with 30" or 32" common for comfort.

Q: What height should a bathroom door be? A: Standard height is 80" (2032 mm); taller doors like 84" are available for a grander look.

Q: Can a bathroom door swing inward? A: Yes, inward swing is common but ensure at least 21" of clear floor space to avoid obstruction.

Q: Are pocket doors suitable for bathrooms? A: Pocket doors work well in small spaces but need wall cavity planning and cost more than hinged doors.

Q: Is a sliding barn door good for a bathroom? A: Barn doors add style but don't seal fully; ensure good ventilation and privacy hardware.

Q: What width for accessibility? A: For ADA-like access, aim for a 32" clear opening minimum, 36" preferred for wheelchair users. Source: ADA Standards for Accessible Design (access-board.gov).

Q: How to prevent door warping in humid bathrooms? A: Use moisture-resistant materials or solid-core doors, proper sealing, and adequate ventilation to reduce humidity exposure.

Q: Where can I test door swing and layout in 3D? A: A floor planner helps simulate swings and clearances before purchasing; I often use a 3D floor planner to confirm fit and flow: 3D floor planner.