Standard Door Size Guide: Width, Height & Fitting Tips

In home interior design, the choice of door dimensions directly affects space functionality, aesthetics, and comfort. Whether it's an entrance door, interior door, or bathroom door, appropriate sizing is essential not only for convenience of passage but also for alignment with overall decor style and building codes.

I. Standard Door Height

1. Typical Door Heights

In residential construction, standard door heights are generally defined by the "Code for Design of Residential Buildings" (GB 50096-2011) and the "Unified Standard for Design of Civil Buildings" (GB 50352-2019), along with practical renovation needs. Common door heights are:

• Entrance door: Standard height is 2.05–2.4m, with 2.1m or 2.2m commonly used.

• Interior doors (bedroom, study, etc.): 2.0–2.2m, typically 2.0m.

• Bathroom/Kitchen doors: 1.9–2.1m, typically 2.0m.

• Balcony doors: 2.1–2.4m, usually 2.2m, similar to entrance doors.

Reasons:

• Ergonomics: With average adult heights (1.7m for males, 1.6m for females), door heights of 2.0–2.2m allow comfortable passage without bending.

• Building codes: National standards recommend door openings not less than 2.0m high.

• Design style: Modern minimalism favors 2.0m for clean lines; traditional Chinese or European styles may use 2.2–2.4m for grandeur.

2. Factors Affecting Door Height

• Floor height: Typically 2.8–3.2m; doors occupy 70–80% of floor height.

• Functionality: Entry and balcony doors require more height for security and light; bathroom doors are lower due to space constraints.

• Customization: Villas or duplexes may use 2.5–3.0m doors for luxury.

• Regional preferences: Southern China prefers 2.0m; northern areas like Beijing may opt for 2.2m.

II. Standard Door Sizes for Residential Buildings

1. National Standards & Industry Norms

According to GB 50096-2011:

• Minimum clear dimensions:

  • Entrance door: width ≥0.9m, height ≥2.0m

  • Interior door: width ≥0.8m, height ≥2.0m

• Common dimensions:

  1. Entrance door: 0.9–1.2m W × 2.05–2.4m H; typical: 900mm×2100mm or 1000mm×2200mm

  2. Bedroom door: 0.8–0.9m W × 2.0–2.2m H; typical: 850mm×2000mm

  3. Bathroom/Kitchen door: 0.7–0.8m W × 1.9–2.1m H; typical: 750mm×2000mm

  4. Balcony door: 0.9–1.5m W × 2.1–2.4m H; typical: 1000mm×2200mm

  5. Storage door: 0.6–0.8m W × 1.8–2.0m H; typical: 700mm×1900mm

Note: These are door leaf dimensions; door openings must include an extra 10–20mm for frames and installation gaps.

2. Door Opening vs. Door Leaf

• Formula: Door opening width = door leaf width + frame thickness (30–50mm) + installation gap (5–10mm)

• Door opening height = door leaf height + frame thickness + floor clearance (5–10mm)

• Example: 850mm×2000mm leaf → opening approx. 900–910mm W × 2020–2030mm H

3. Non-Standard Sizes

• Old homes: Openings may be 800mm×1900mm; custom doors required.

• Villas/luxury homes: Up to 1.2–2.0m wide, 2.5–3.0m high.

• Special-purpose doors: Fireproof/security doors may be 1200mm×2400mm or more.

III. Dimensions by Door Type

1. Entrance Door

• Standard: 900–1200mm W, 2050–2400mm H

• Key features: Security, sound insulation, insulation, wide for furniture

• Materials: Steel security doors, cast aluminum, composite wood

• Recommended: 1000mm×2200mm (single), 1500mm×2400mm (double/side panel)

2. Bedroom Door

• Standard: 800–900mm W, 2000–2200mm H

• Features: Privacy and soundproofing

• Materials: Composite wood, molded, zinc alloy

• Recommended: 850mm×2000mm

3. Bathroom/Kitchen Door

• Standard: 700–800mm W, 1900–2100mm H

• Features: Waterproof, compact, height reduced for ceiling fit

• Materials: Aluminum-glass, composite wood, PVC

• Recommended: 750mm×2000mm

4. Balcony Door

• Standard: 900–1500mm W, 2100–2400mm H

• Features: Sliding/folding, wide for light

• Materials: Aluminum-glass, thermal break aluminum

• Recommended: 1200mm×2200mm

5. Other (Storage, Closet, etc.)

• Standard: 600–800mm W, 1800–2000mm H

• Features: Compact, space-saving

• Materials: Molded, folding doors

• Recommended: 700mm×1900mm

IV. Design Considerations & Sizing Tips

1. Space & Function

• Small homes (60–90㎡): Use standard sizes to save space

• Medium/Large homes (90–150㎡): Consider wider doors for comfort

• Villas/Luxury: Customize for grandeur, e.g., 1.2–1.5m wide, 2.4–2.8m high

2. Design Style

• Modern: 850mm×2000mm flat-panel doors for minimalism

• Chinese: 2.2–2.4m high, carved or wooden doors

• European: 1.0–1.2m wide, 2.2–2.5m high, arched frames

3. Ergonomics & Accessibility

• Width: Minimum 700mm (bathroom); 800mm+ is more comfortable; entry doors ≥900mm for moving furniture

• Height: 2.0m is standard; 2.2m+ feels spacious

• Swing direction: Outward saves indoor space; inward aids evacuation; adjust per layout

4. Frame & Wall Compatibility

• Frame thickness: Residential walls are typically 120–240mm; match frame to 120–150mm

• Installation gap: Leave 5–10mm for adjustments and sealants

V. Purchasing & Installation Tips

1. Buying Advice

• Material selection:

  1. Entry door: Steel or cast aluminum; anti-theft class A/B; 30–40dB sound insulation

  2. Interior door: Composite wood; E0/ENF environmental grade; 25–35dB insulation

  3. Bathroom door: Aluminum-glass or PVC; choose frosted or one-way glass

• Size confirmation: Measure openings carefully; select standard or custom to ensure fit

• Recommended brand: ZONLE DOORS—reliable quality and after-sales service

• Where to buy: Brand websites or major e-commerce platforms; verify certifications and warranties

2. Installation Advice

• Professional installation: Use brand-certified or skilled teams; ensure frame alignment and sealing; costs ~200–500 CNY/door

• Gap allowance: 5–10mm bottom clearance to avoid floor friction

• Check hardware: Use high-quality hinges and locks (e.g., 304 stainless steel)

• Inspection checklist: Smooth operation, no noise, even gaps, responsive locks

VI. Maintenance Tips

• Cleaning: Use neutral cleaner and soft cloth; avoid acidic/alkaline substances

• Moisture protection: Ventilate bathroom and balcony doors; keep indoor humidity 40–60%

• Regular inspection: Every 1–2 years, check hinges, locks, seals; replace worn parts

• Wood care: Wax or repaint solid wood every 2–3 years to prevent cracking/fading

With proper size planning and high-quality material selection, doors not only fulfill practical functions but also enhance spatial aesthetics and overall living experience.

Conclusion