12 Stunning Bathroom Door Ideas That Are Perfect For Tight Spaces
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Looking for a space-friendly door for your small bathroom? Think outside of the frame. Traditional hinged doors occupy more space than you may realize, as they require a significant amount of clearance space to swing open without obstructions. Thankfully, there are all kinds of stylish alternatives that will give you all of that valuable space back, increasing the footprint of your small bathroom and freeing up room for extra storage.
Although there are dozens of doors for homes with a small floor plan, choosing the right one for you will depend on your priorities, budget, and overall design aesthetic. For example, sliding doors, such as barn doors, are practical in smaller spaces and can look incredibly stylish, especially if your decor theme is best described as farmhouse chic. Accordion doors offer similar benefits and also provide better soundproofing than barn doors. Plus, they can be easier to install and more budget-friendly. The average cost to install a barn door can be quite pricey. However, they may not have the same visual appeal in your space. That's why it's important to consider your options carefully, as each comes with its own advantages and potential limitations.
A well-chosen door will not only make your small bathroom more functional but could also make the space feel bigger, brighter, and more modern. It may even improve airflow in your bathroom, preventing moisture damage from excess humidity and keeping not-so-pleasant smells at bay. Without further delay, let's unlock some much-needed real estate in your small bathroom and open the door to possibilities.
Pocket doors
Also known as cavity doors, pocket doors are one of the trendiest space-saving alternatives to traditional doors. Instead of swinging open on hinges, pocket doors fit seamlessly into a hidden compartment inside the wall, saving valuable space in small bathrooms. Tucked out of sight, pocket doors make tight spaces feel larger. They also come in all kinds of sleek and stylish designs, including solid wood, frosted glass, and even metal. Proper installation is essential, as pocket doors are more susceptible to mechanical wear and tear.
Barn doors
Similarly to pocket doors, barn doors slide on a single track, freeing up valuable floor space that would normally be needed for hinged doors to swing open. Barn doors act as stylish room dividers, making them a great choice for an ensuite bathroom. Barn doors can also be customized in many unique ways, depending on the size of the doorframe. However, there are some disadvantages to installing barn doors to consider, as well. For example, they don't offer as much privacy and noise insulation as traditional doors, which may not be ideal for a bathroom.
Bi-fold doors
Another stylish space-saver to consider for your small bathroom is bi-fold doors. As their name suggests, bi-fold doors fold in on themselves instead of swinging outward on traditional hinges. The doors collapse against the doorframe and become practically invisible when they're kept open. Bi-fold doors are commonly used for closets but can also be used as an elegant entryway. There are all kinds of bi-fold bathroom door options to suit your interior design theme, including shaker panel wood doors, rustic weathered wood, French-inspired doors, frosted and stained glass, and much more.
Pivot doors
Pivot doors are a sleek and modern alternative to traditional entryways. Unlike regular doors with hinges on the side, pivot doors rotate open on a vertical plane, with hinges attached to the top and bottom of the frame. Pivot hinges are often used for large entryways as they can accommodate heavy doors, but they make an elegant statement in smaller rooms too. Pivot doors help save space by sliding neatly against the wall, requiring less clearance than a traditional door. If you want to give your bathroom some contemporary edge, a pivot door is worth considering.
Mirrored doors
Mirrored doors can make all the difference in a small room such as a bathroom. Mirrors make spaces brighter, especially when placed across from a window, by reflecting outdoor light around the room. They also create the illusion of depth, making tight spaces appear larger. If you're looking for a place to hang a full-length mirror, consider your bathroom door. A mirrored pocket door or barn door will serve two important functions in one: freeing up more floor space and enhancing the feeling of spaciousness in your bathroom.
Accordion doors
Similar to bi-fold doors, accordion doors consist of several narrow panels that collapse neatly to one side in a stack, like the instrument that the door is named after. Accordion doors are versatile and can be fitted to both wide and narrow entryways. They are also functional, saving tons of space in small bathrooms. There are a few essential things to know before installing accordion doors in your home — they aren't as sturdy as traditional doors and may not withstand the prying paws of curious pets. Plus, the flimsier material may not be as resilient against moisture damage.
Saloon doors
If you love to take an unconventional approach to home design, saloon bathroom doors are a great way to add charm and character to your small bathroom. Also known as swinging or cafe doors, saloon doors are smaller doors that swing in both directions within their own frame, making them a great choice for your bathroom's entryway or water closet. These doors are traditionally half-height panels, but you can upgrade to full-height saloon door panels for enhanced privacy. Saloon doors close on their own, so you can come and go effortlessly without slamming them shut.
Curtained door
Also known as portiere curtains, curtained doors are an elegant way to save space and add a luxurious touch to your home decor. Whether you choose high-end velvet drapes or free-spirited beaded curtains, the added color and texture will elevate your space beautifully. Curtained doors can be tied off to one side, making them an incredible space-saver in your small bathroom. Even with the curtains drawn, you can still slip through them with ease and make a graceful entrance each time. Curtained doors may be best suited for powder rooms to avoid moisture damage from the shower.
Hidden doors
Hidden doors, also known as frameless or invisible doors, are designed to blend seamlessly with the walls. While hidden doors may not always be built for space-saving, they create the illusion of a larger bathroom by seamlessly integrating with the surrounding walls. Hidden doors are a popular trend in modern and minimalist home design, but there are many ways to adapt it to your interior. Instead of a traditional door, install a hidden pocket door to optimize space. Keep in mind that hidden doors require specialized construction, so they can be a pricier investment.
Storage doors
A storage door is a door that doubles as a storage area, using the door's surface as shelf space for your personal care essentials, bath products, and decor. A storage door will add style and function to your small bathroom and can easily be achieved on a budget. You don't need to spend a small fortune on a custom door with built-in shelving, although you certainly can. You can simply install a shelving unit, like this HOMELUX THEORY Over-the-Door Organizer on Amazon. You'll find over-the-door organizers in a wide range of styles, sizes, and price points online.
Frosted glass door
Frosted glass can be a chic and useful addition to your small bathroom. The translucent surface will maximize natural light and make your bathroom brighter, while the frosted surface preserves the feeling of privacy. The versatility of frosted glass fits seamlessly with many space-saving door options, like bi-fold doors, barn doors, and pocket doors with frosted panels. You can upgrade your existing glass doors with frosted window film, a more cost-effective and low-maintenance alternative to frosted glass panes, which require special installation.
Louvered doors
Louvered doors are doors with thin horizontal panels, called louvers, that are designed to improve airflow in small spaces. You may often see louvered doors on closets to protect clothing from smelling musty or stale. They are a great option for bathrooms as they allow fresh air to pass through to prevent excess humidity. Plus, the louvers are angled to prevent any visibility between them, ensuring privacy. Louvered doors are also incredibly space-saving, as they can be installed in narrow entryways and can be incorporated into bi-fold, accordion, barn, or pocket door designs.