Outward-Opening Bedroom Doors: Are They Possible?

Bedroom doors can open outwards, but it is generally recommended that they open inwards for safety reasons. While there are no laws or building codes that dictate the direction in which a bedroom door should swing, most residential buildings follow the convention of installing doors that swing inwards. This is because, in an emergency, an inward-swinging door gives the occupant control over their exit and can be used to barricade oneself inside the room. Outward-swinging doors can also cause obstructions in hallways and increase the risk of domestic accidents, such as someone walking into the door from the other side. However, outward-swinging doors can be beneficial in certain situations, such as when dealing with a small bedroom or bathroom, as they provide more space inside the room. Ultimately, the decision is typically left to the homeowner or contractor, and it is important to consider all possible risks and benefits before making a choice.

Inward-swinging doors are safer in emergencies

Inward-swinging doors are also safer in the case of a water leak or fire emergency, as the door may become stuck from the contents outside the door. Additionally, if the door swings outwards, people outside the room will be in control of the situation and can block the door from the other side, trapping you inside.

Inward-swinging doors are also recommended for bedrooms because, in the event of an emergency, you do not want to be locked in a room with no way to push out. With an inward-swinging door, you can easily remove any obstructions on your side of the door and then open it towards the room, giving you a path to escape. This is especially important in the case of a severe earthquake or a house fire.

Furthermore, most individuals are accustomed to opening doors inward, and changing the direction can cause frustration, accidents, and unintentional damage. Outward-swinging doors can also be opened in the direct path of another occupant, causing inconvenience and even injury. Therefore, it is generally recommended to have bedroom doors swing inward to ensure safety and ease of use.

Outward-swinging doors are better for small spaces

Outward-swinging doors are a great option for small spaces. If you're working with a compact area, maximising the room available is crucial, and outward-swinging doors can help you do just that. Here are some reasons why outward-swinging doors are better for small spaces:

Increased Space Inside the Room

Outward-swinging doors can save valuable space inside a room. When a door swings out, it gives back that extra 2-3 feet of space that would otherwise be blocked by the door if it swung inward. This can be especially useful in small bedrooms, where every inch counts. You can fit more furniture or decor without worrying about the door's trajectory.

Improved Traffic Flow in Hallways

In a small space, the last thing you want is a door that swings inward and creates a traffic jam. Outward-swinging doors are ideal for hallways or areas with multiple doors close together. By swinging out, the doors won't cause any blockages or impede movement, making it easier to navigate through the space.

Enhanced Accessibility

If you regularly enter a room carrying a lot of things, an outward-swinging door can be a godsend. With the door swinging in the direction of traffic, you can easily open it without worrying about maneuvering around objects in your hands. This is particularly useful for rooms like the laundry area or kitchen, where you might be carrying a load of laundry or groceries.

Added Security for Valuable Items

Outward-swinging doors offer increased security for rooms containing valuables. The doorstop on these doors prevents forced entry by kicking or pulling, making it much harder for burglars to gain access. This added layer of protection gives you peace of mind, knowing your belongings are safer.

Flexibility for Storage Spaces

To make the most of your storage spaces, consider outward-swinging doors. By swinging out, these doors allow you to arrange items inside with more freedom. You won't have to worry about the door taking up valuable space, and you can maximise the storage capacity of your closets or storage rooms.

While outward-swinging doors offer these benefits for small spaces, it's important to consider other factors as well, such as local building codes, emergency egress, and aesthetic preferences. In some cases, inward-swinging doors might be a better option for safety or convenience. Ultimately, the decision should be made based on the specific needs and constraints of your space.

Inward-swinging doors are harder to barricade from outside

In the case of an emergency, inward-swinging doors are harder to barricade from the outside. In the event of a burglary or fire, those inside the room can control the door by barricading themselves in. If the door swings outwards, the person outside the door controls the situation and can trap people inside the room. For instance, if there is a fire emergency, the door may be stuck shut from the contents outside the door.

In the case of a burglary, an inward-swinging door allows those inside to barricade themselves in the room. If the door swings outwards, the burglar can trap people inside the room while they escape with belongings. In the case of a severe earthquake or house fire, an inward-swinging door will allow people to escape more easily. If the door swings outwards, debris can block the door, trapping people inside.

In the case of an active shooter, barricading a door will keep the shooter at bay until authorities arrive. However, some methods of barricading a door can be complicated, time-consuming, and ineffective. For example, fastening a belt over the door closer or blocking the door with large objects, such as a bookshelf or desk, can be impractical. Therefore, specific lockdown devices for classrooms and offices have been created. These include deadbolt-style locks, attachments installed onto the door, and portable, freestanding devices.

Some specific devices for barricading outward-swinging doors include:

• TeacherLock by Defcon Products: a bolting lock installed directly onto the door, costing $219.
• Bearacade Lockdown Response System: a barricade that slides under the door and is held in place by a pin, costing $59.
• Barracuda DSO from the BILCO Company: a bar-style door barricade that slides over the door handle and rests against the door jam, costing $175.95.
• Barracuda DCS-1: a barricade that slides over the door closer, making the door immobile, costing $70.95.
• NIGHTLOCK Lockdown 1 and Lockdown 2: attachments mounted to the bottom of the door, securing the door to the floor or doorframe, costing $59.95 and $69.95, respectively.
• Sleeve2 by Fighting Chance Solutions: a barricade that slides over the door closer, FEA-tested to withstand over 550 pounds of force, costing $83.

Outward-swinging doors can cause domestic accidents

Outward-swinging doors in the home can cause a number of issues, from minor inconveniences to major safety hazards. While there are no laws against outward-swinging doors, there are several reasons why inward-swinging doors are recommended, especially for bedroom doors.

Safety Hazards

One of the biggest concerns with outward-swinging doors is safety. In an emergency, an outward-swinging door can cause issues with escape. For example, in the case of a fire or earthquake, debris could fall and block the door, trapping you inside the room. With an inward-swinging door, you would be able to clear away any debris and escape more easily.

Outward-swinging doors also give control of the situation to the person outside the door. In the case of a burglary, an intruder could trap you inside your bedroom while they escape with your belongings. Inward-swinging doors allow you to barricade yourself in the room and call for help.

Additionally, outward-swinging doors can cause accidents by being opened into the path of another occupant, potentially knocking them over or injuring them. This is especially true if the door swings out into a hallway or high-traffic area.

Inconveniences

Outward-swinging doors can also cause a number of inconveniences in the home. They can block walking space, especially in smaller homes or apartments where rooms are close together. If the bedroom door swings out, it could cause a blockage in the hallway or a traffic jam for someone trying to get into the adjacent room.

Outward-swinging doors can also cause issues with closet doors. If the bedroom door swings out and there is a closet door on the other side, you will constantly be closing one door to open another. This can be a minor annoyance, but it can also cause damage to the doors if they hit each other when opened at the same time.

Alternatives

If you are set on having an outward-swinging door, there are some alternatives that can help mitigate the safety and convenience issues. You could install a pocket door, a bi-fold door, or even consider a window escape route if the bedroom is on an upper floor.

In the end, the direction of your door swing is a personal choice, but it is important to carefully consider all the potential risks and inconveniences before making a decision.

Inward-swinging doors are more convenient for parents

Inward-swinging doors also offer privacy benefits. They give parents extra moments to protect their modesty if the door is opened unexpectedly, which can be important when sharing a room with a spouse or child. Furthermore, with inward-swinging doors, the hinges are on the inside, providing better security. If the door is locked from the inside, it cannot be easily removed from the outside by knocking out the hinge pins.

Inward-swinging doors are also safer for children. Outward-swinging doors can cause accidents if someone is walking past or standing on the other side, which may be dangerous for young children. Additionally, parents may prefer to keep inward-swinging doors open during the day, allowing them to monitor their children while they play or nap.

While inward-swinging doors may take up more space in the room, this can be a worthwhile trade-off for the added convenience, privacy, and safety they provide. Inward-swinging doors are generally recommended for bedrooms, and most homes in the US adopt this swing direction.

Frequently asked questions