Standard Bedroom Door Widths: 5 Clear Options: A practical guide from an experienced interior designer on bedroom door widths, fit, accessibility, and small-space tips

I once tried to squeeze a king-size bed through a too-narrow doorway and learned the hard way: measure the door before you fall in love with a mattress. Small mistakes like that are the kind of thing that turns a straightforward install into a half-day wrestling match — and it’s why I now obsess about door widths on every project. Small door changes can unlock big convenience, and in this article I’ll share 5 practical width options and when to use them.

30 inches (76 cm) — Compact and common

Thirty inches is a very common interior door width in homes with tighter room layouts. It’s great for standard bedroom furniture and saves wall space, but large mattresses or moving bulky items can be awkward. If you live in an older apartment or a cozy small house, a 30-inch door often hits the sweet spot between space-saving and usability.

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32 inches (81 cm) — The best all-rounder

Thirty-two inches is my go-to recommendation for most bedroom doors. It comfortably admits most mattresses and furniture without needing special handling. If you’re renovating and can afford the slight extra framing work, the extra 2 inches make moving in and future-proofing much easier. For design planning, I often mock up this width in my 3D models to confirm flow.

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34–36 inches (86–91 cm) — Better for accessibility

Thirty-four to thirty-six inches are typical when accessibility or wheelchair clearance is a concern. These widths comply with many accessibility guidelines and make everyday life much easier for anyone with mobility aids. The trade-off is a little less wall space next to the doorframe and slightly more construction cost if doorways need widening.

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28 inches (71 cm) — Narrow scenarios

Twenty-eight inches appears in very tight layouts or older builds where wall depth is limited. It’s usable for single sleepers and minimalist rooms, but moving furniture becomes a recurring headache. I only accept 28-inch doors when the floorplan constraints make wider openings impossible, and I recommend planning furniture that disassembles easily.

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Custom & sliding options — When standard widths won’t do

Sometimes standard widths clash with structural elements or design goals. Pocket or bypass sliding doors and custom-width doors solve those problems and preserve circulation. Sliding doors save swing space but can reduce sound isolation slightly; custom widths cost more but deliver the exact fit you need. I often use a room planner to test these options visually before committing.

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Tips 1:

Measure both the clear opening and the finished door: rough opening vs. finished frame matter. If accessibility is a priority, plan for at least 32 inches clear. And when in doubt, give yourself a couple extra inches — they pay off when moving furniture or accommodating future needs.

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FAQ

Q1: What is the most common bedroom door width in the US?

A1: The most common interior bedroom door widths are 30 and 32 inches, with 32 inches increasingly preferred for ease of moving furniture.

Q2: Do I need a wider door for a king-size bed?

A2: You don’t strictly need a wider door, but 32 inches or more makes maneuvering a king-size mattress far easier. Disassembly or angling can work with narrower doors.

Q3: What width is required for wheelchair accessibility?

A3: Building codes and accessibility guidelines generally recommend at least 32 inches clear for doorways, with 36 inches preferred for comfortable wheelchair access.

Q4: Are sliding doors a good alternative to wider hinged doors?

A4: Sliding doors are excellent when swing space is limited and can be as wide as needed, but they may offer less acoustic privacy than solid hinged doors.

Q5: How do I measure door width correctly?

A5: Measure the clear opening between the face of the door frames for finished width; also check the rough opening during renovation planning to ensure proper installation.

Q6: Can I use a standard door to meet accessibility codes?

A6: Yes—standard 32- or 36-inch doors can meet accessibility requirements when installed with proper clearances; consult local codes for precise thresholds. For planning and visualization, I often use a free floor plan creator to test layouts.

Q7: Where can I find authoritative guidance on door widths and accessibility?

A7: Refer to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design for precise, authoritative door clearance requirements (see ADA Standards, U.S. Department of Justice).

Q8: Should I change door width when renovating an old house?

A8: If you’re renovating, widening to 32 inches is a small upgrade that increases usability and resale appeal. Consider structural limitations and costs before deciding.

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