Why Do Bathroom Doors Open Inwards?

While home designs have undoubtedly changed over the decades, modern-day layouts are implemented with more than just aesthetics and space in mind. There are also feasibility and safety issues to consider throughout all areas of the home, and doors often play a key role. Some doors in your home may open outward to maximize interior space, such as closet doors. Yet this is not the case with most home bathroom doors, which tend to open inward. While there are certain cases where it makes more sense for a bathroom door to open outward, inward-opening doors are often ideal for both privacy and safety concerns — especially in hallway bathrooms.

First, inward-opening bathroom doors can address privacy needs in households with multiple members. If someone is entering a shared bathroom with an inward-opening door, they can easily enter and close the door behind them without providing the outside world a full view of the space. Such a feat is a bit more challenging with an outward-opening door, where passersby are more likely to gain an accidental glimpse inside the bathroom when a person enters or exits the space in common areas. 

Also, while installing a doorstop is always a good idea, these are not always foolproof, and a forcefully opened door can sometimes damage the walls it hits. You certainly do not want to see this damage end up on an outside wall from an outward-opening door in your hallway or bedroom, for example.

Inward-opening bathroom doors in homes may also address several safety concerns. You can even think of these doors as anti-collision features, particularly if the room is in a busy area such as your hallway. When a person exits the bathroom, they are less likely to inadvertently hit a passerby or block walking access with the door. An inward-opening door also reduces the amount of moisture escaping from the bathroom, thereby protecting the surrounding hardwood floors or drywall, which may be more susceptible to moisture damage than bathroom tile. (It's also a good idea to implement ways to improve bathroom ventilation no matter what style of door you have!)

Despite some of the safety concerns inward-opening bathroom doors may solve, these features are not always the most accessible, particularly when using wheelchairs and other assistive devices. These considerations are also why pocket doors can be design mistakes for your home. An inward-opening door may not always be practical for families with young children or older adults who might need the assistance of a caregiver while entering and exiting the bathroom. Having a door that opens inward can also be an issue for those who may be prone to falls, as this can hinder the ability for people to access the room if the door is blocked.

These are among the same reasons why you're more likely to encounter bathroom doors opening outward in public spaces, such as parks and hospitals. Overall, choosing the best bathroom door depends on your own household dynamics and what might be the most practical.