Standard Bathroom Door Sizes: 5 Space-Saving Ideas: Practical bathroom door dimensions and 5 creative small-space solutions from a pro designer

I once nearly installed a 36-inch swing door in a tiny ensuite because I read the dimensions backward — the client almost fainted and I learned to measure twice and think small. Small bathrooms force you to get creative; tiny doors often spark the best ideas. In this article I’ll share standard bathroom door dimensions and five practical design inspirations I’ve used in real projects to maximize space and function.

1. Typical hinged door sizes and where they work

Standard interior bathroom doors commonly come in widths of 24", 28", 30", 32", and 36", with the most frequent residential size being 30" or 32". Height is typically 80" (6'8"). I like 30" for small bathrooms because it balances accessibility and wall space. The advantage is easy installation and lower cost; the drawback is the swing can eat into floor space, which you must plan around.

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2. Narrow doors for compact bathrooms

When floor area is tight, 24" or 28" doors save precious inches. I used a 24" door in a powder room renovation where a dryer closet sat opposite the toilet — the smaller opening preserved circulation. Keep in mind narrower doors may not meet accessibility guidelines for mobility devices and can feel a bit cozy.

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3. Pocket doors to reclaim swing space

Pocket doors slide into the wall and free up the clearance that a swinging door would need. In an apartment I remodeled, replacing a 32" swing door with a pocket door allowed me to fit a small vanity and still have a comfortable entry. They’re elegant for small footprints, though installation can be more complex and costly, especially with plumbing or studs in the wall cavity.

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4. Barn doors as a stylish compromise

Barn-style sliding doors ride outside the wall and bring character while saving interior floor space. I installed one on a master bath where door swing conflicted with a towel warmer; the barn door solved the clash and became a design focal point. They’re easier to retrofit than pocket doors but need side wall space and some hardware clearance.

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5. Folding and bi-fold doors for awkward spots

Bi-fold or concertina doors fold to the side and reduce swing intrusion. I’ve used a bi-fold for a closet-style bathroom entry in a studio loft — it gave a wider opening when needed without a full swing radius. They’re budget-friendly, but can feel less solid and require occasional track maintenance.

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Additional practical tips

Minimum clearances matter: leave at least 30" of clear floor space in front of fixtures (toilet and sink) and consider door swing paths when placing vanities and towel racks. For universal access, refer to ADA guidance which recommends a 32" clear width for doorways when the door is open 90%. For a quick 3D layout to test door swings, I sometimes use online planners to visualize options before committing to a build.

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FAQ

Q1: What is the most common bathroom door size? A1: The most common interior bathroom door width is 30" (762 mm) with a standard height of 80" (2032 mm), offering a good balance of accessibility and space efficiency.

Q2: Are 24" bathroom doors acceptable? A2: Yes, 24" doors are acceptable for small powder rooms or half baths, but they may not meet accessibility requirements for wheelchairs or some mobility aids.

Q3: Do pocket doors save space? A3: Yes, pocket doors eliminate swing clearance and are ideal for narrow bathrooms, though they require wall cavity space and more complex installation.

Q4: How much clearance does a swinging door need? A4: A swinging door typically needs clear floor space equal to its swing arc; plan for at least 30" in front of fixtures and avoid placing vanities or appliances in that path.

Q5: Are barn doors ADA-compliant? A5: Barn doors can be used but may not be fully ADA-compliant because they usually don’t provide the same clear opening or easy maneuvering as standard swinging doors; consult local accessibility codes for specifics.

Q6: What door width does ADA recommend for bathrooms? A6: ADA guidelines require a minimum clear width of 32" (813 mm) when the door is open 90"; source: Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design (ADA).

Q7: Can I replace a swing door with a sliding option in an existing wall? A7: Often yes — barn doors are easiest to retrofit since they mount outside the wall; pocket doors require hollowing the wall and checking for plumbing or structural elements.

Q8: Where can I test door layouts visually before construction? A8: I recommend using a 3D room planner to test swing paths and clearances; visual mock-ups help avoid costly on-site changes.