Standard Bedroom Door Widths: 5 Practical Ideas: Quick guide from a seasoned interior designer on choosing bedroom door widths and creative tweaks for small spaces

I once measured a client’s new apartment and laughed — the bedroom doors were so narrow I had to take half a dresser apart to get it through. That tiny disaster taught me more about door widths and planning than any textbook. Small choices like door width can make or break a move-in day, and they’re a perfect example of how small spaces spark big design decisions. In this article I’ll share 5 practical ideas about bedroom door widths, drawn from real projects, to help you avoid my mistakes and design smart.

1. Know the common standard widths

Most bedroom doors come in a few standard widths: 24, 28, 30, 32, and 36 inches (about 610–914 mm). I usually recommend 30–32 inches for typical bedrooms — wide enough for a single person with luggage and most furniture, but not so wide that you waste wall space. The upside is cost and availability; the small challenge is ensuring larger furniture can pass during move-in.

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2. When to choose 36 inches (wider doors)

If you anticipate moving big items, want universal accessibility, or are designing for wheelchair access, go for 36 inches. I specified 36" doors for a client who had limited mobility and it made life so much easier. The trade-off is a slightly higher construction cost and less wall space for furniture or trim next to the opening.

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3. Narrow doors for small rooms and historic homes

In older houses or tight layouts, 24" or 28" doors can save corridor space and maintain period proportions. I once preserved a cottage’s character by keeping 28" doors; it looked authentic but did force careful furniture planning — sometimes you must plan to disassemble large pieces before bringing them inside.

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4. Consider pocket or sliding doors

When swing clearance is the issue, pocket or sliding doors are lifesavers. They free up floor space and give you flexibility in furniture arrangement — I installed a pocket door in a studio conversion and it instantly gained usable space. Installation can be more complex and slightly pricier, and you’ll want to check wall cavity constraints before committing. If you’re exploring layout options, tools like 3D floor planners help visualize the difference.

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5. Tips for measuring and planning

Always measure the clear opening (the actual pass-through) not just the finished frame; account for trim, hinges, and any thresholds. When in doubt, plan for at least 32" clear for easier moves. Also consider door swing direction — inward or outward — which can affect bedroom layout and egress in tight homes. For quick mockups, using a free floor plan creator makes testing door widths and swing directions painless.

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FAQ

Q: What is the most common bedroom door width? A: The most common is 30" or 32" (about 762–813 mm), balancing usability and space efficiency.

Q: Are wider doors required for accessibility? A: Yes, a 36" clear opening is standard for wheelchair accessibility in many building codes and universal design recommendations.

Q: Can sliding doors replace regular bedroom doors? A: Absolutely — sliding or pocket doors save floor space and improve layout flexibility, though they need proper structural space in the wall.

Q: How do I measure door width for moving furniture? A: Measure the clear opening (between jambs) and also measure narrowest hallways and stair widths to ensure items can pass through.

Q: Do building codes dictate bedroom door widths? A: Local codes vary; some require certain egress dimensions but many don’t mandate a specific interior bedroom door width. Always check local regulations.

Q: Will a wider door affect insulation or soundproofing? A: Slightly — wider openings may require better seals or heavier doors for sound control, but proper seals and solid-core doors solve most issues.

Q: Where can I visualize different door widths in my layout? A: Try a 3D floor planner to test swings and clearances quickly.

Q: Are there standard metric sizes for doors? A: Yes, many regions use metric standards like 610 mm, 730 mm, 820 mm, and 960 mm; consult local suppliers for availability and hardware compatibility. For authoritative guidance on accessibility dimensions, refer to the ADA Standards (https://www.ada.gov/standards.htm).

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