Typical Bedroom Door Widths: 5 Small-Space Ideas: Practical inspiration and tips from a senior interior designer on choosing and optimizing bedroom door widths in tight homes

Once I tried fitting a wardrobe into a room and forgot to account for the door swing — the cabinet blocked the door so badly my client joked we had created a new kind of secret passage. That tiny mistake taught me to pay attention to door width and swing from day one. Small decisions like door size can unlock big gains in a compact bedroom, and I’ll share five design inspirations that turned cramped rooms into comfortable retreats.

1. Standard single bedroom door (80–90 cm)

The most common bedroom door width in many regions is about 80 cm (32 inches); 90 cm (36 inches) gives a bit more accessibility. I often recommend 80–90 cm for balance — it feels generous without eating wall space. The upside: easy furniture moves and code compliance in many areas; the downside: in very narrow corridors you may need a slimmer option.

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2. Narrow doors for tight layouts (60–70 cm)

When a hallway or pocket of wall is too skinny, a 60–70 cm door can save the layout. I used a 65 cm door in a micro-apartment bedroom conversion and it preserved enough wall for a slim desk. Trade-off: moving large items becomes trickier, so plan disassembly routes or use modular furniture.

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3. Wider doors for accessibility (90–100 cm+)

For accessible design or simply a more open feel, go 90–100 cm or wider. I specified a 100 cm door for a client aging in place — it made wheelchair access straightforward and future-proofed the home. The challenge is the extra wall space needed and potentially higher cost for wider slabs.

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4. Pocket or sliding doors to reclaim space

If swing is the enemy, pocket or sliding doors are a lifesaver. In a tiny bedroom I converted, replacing a swinging door with a pocket door freed up space for bedside tables. They’re not perfect — pocket doors need wall cavity space and can be pricier — but the gained floor area often justifies it. For quick planning, I sometimes test layouts with a digital room planner to visualize swing vs. slide options.

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5. Barn doors and partial openings for style and function

Barn doors add character and keep clearance, though they require wall space to slide across. I used a barn door in a loft bedroom where the long wall made it an ideal choice; it felt like a design statement and solved clearance issues. Remember: privacy and sound control are less than a full-thickness traditional door, so consider that trade-off.

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FAQ

Q: What is the most common bedroom door width? A: The most common size is around 80 cm (32 inches); 90 cm (36 inches) is also popular for a more spacious feel.

Q: Are there building codes for bedroom door widths? A: Many local codes specify minimum egress and accessibility widths — always check your local regulations before finalizing.

Q: Can I fit a king-size mattress through a 80 cm door? A: Often yes with angle turning and by removing the bed frame or legs, but very tight — measure diagonal clearance or choose a wider door for easier moves.

Q: When should I choose a pocket door? A: Choose pocket doors when floor space and door swing conflicts are critical; they’re ideal for small bedrooms and bathrooms.

Q: Do sliding or barn doors provide good soundproofing? A: Not as much as solid traditional doors; add seals or acoustic treatments if privacy is important.

Q: What width is best for accessibility? A: A clear opening of at least 90 cm (36 inches) is often recommended for wheelchair access; refer to ADA guidelines for precise specs (ADA Standards for Accessible Design).

Q: How to plan furniture moves for narrow doors? A: Plan disassembly, use modular pieces, and measure diagonals beforehand — a simple sketch helps avoid surprises.

Q: Where can I test door swing and layout ideas digitally? A: I like using an online free floor plan creator to mock up door widths and furniture placement before buying materials.

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