Bathroom doors can make a significant impact on the look and feel of a bathroom. An outdated or boring bathroom door can detract from an otherwise stylish space. Replacing or updating a bathroom door is an affordable way to give your bathroom a fresh, bold new look. With some creative ideas and smart shopping, you can update your bathroom door on a budget.
Factors to Consider When Updating a Bathroom Door
When selecting a new bathroom door, there are several factors to take into account:
Size
Measure the existing door frame to determine the appropriate door size. Standard interior door sizes include 24, 28, 30, and 36 inches wide. Measure the height as well – a common height for bathroom doors is 80 inches.
Material
Bathroom door materials must be moisture-resistant. Good options include:
- Fiberglass – Durable, affordable, easy to clean. Can be painted or grained to mimic wood.
- Vinyl – Waterproof and extra moisture-resistant. Easy to clean.
- Engineered wood – Real wood veneer over a water-resistant core. Withstands moisture better than solid wood.
- Solid wood (teak, mahogany, oak) – Beautiful but requires extra sealing to withstand bathroom humidity.
- Glass – For an open, airy look. Frosted or patterned glass ensures privacy.
- Metal – Durable and waterproof. Chrome, brass, bronze and stainless steel give an ultra-modern look.
Style
Consider the door style that best fits your bathroom’s look and layout:
- Classic paneled doors complement traditional decor. Raised or recessed panels add depth.
- Sleek, plain slab doors work for contemporary spaces.
- Pocket doors slide into wall cavity, saving space in small bathrooms.
- Barn doors slide on wall-mounted hardware, providing rustic flair.
- Curved doors make a unique focal point.
- Arched doors echo arched windows or architectural details.
- Full louvered doors allow air circulation. Good for humid bathrooms.
- Etched or frosted glass doors distribute light beautifully.
Functionality
- Hinged doors are most common. They swing inward or outward. Allow ample clearance.
- Bifold doors fold compactly out of the way, but limit accessibility.
- Sliding doors conserve space. Bypass doors have two panels; pocket doors need a recessed pocket.
- Salvaged and antique doors add quirky charm. Update hardware and seals for functionality.
Budget-Friendly Bathroom Door Ideas
Updating your bathroom door doesn’t have to bust your budget. Here are some easy and affordable ideas:
Paint It
A fresh coat of paint is the easiest and least expensive option to update a bathroom door. Use a high-quality bathroom and kitchen paint that can withstand humidity and frequent cleaning. Consider painting the door the same color as walls for a cohesive look. Or make the door a bold accent color to really make it pop.
Replace Hardware
Replacing tired old door knobs and hinges with new hardware updates the look for less. Matte black and brass are popular choices for modern bathrooms. Crystal or glass knobs create a glamorous vibe. Salvaged hardware, like barn door rollers or vintage crystal door knobs, adds distinctive character.
Stencil or Decorate It
Get creative with paint or decals to transform a basic slab door. Some ideas:
- Stencil a geometric or nature-inspired pattern.
- Stencil letting like “Bath” or “Water Closet”.
- Decoupage with clipped images or wallpaper scraps.
- Apply molding trim as a frame.
- Adhere decorative 3D tiles or sea shells.
Add a Window
Installing a window transforms not just the door, but the whole bathroom. A transom window across the top of the door adds cross-ventilation and natural light. Cutouts in a solid door create a stunning stained glass effect. For privacy, use obscured or frosted glass.
Change the Direction
Do you have a boring hinged door that swings into the bathroom? Changing the door to open outwards can make a surprising impact. For safety, ensure the door doesn’t obstruct fixtures when opened out.
Update Door Seals
If your door has visible wear around the edges, update it with new seals or strips. Self-adhesive vinyl seals easily stick to the door edge, giving a refreshed finished look and preventing drafts. Clear silicone seals the gaps while allowing the door’s edges to show.
Add Molding
Iron-on edge banding applied to the door’s sides mimics molded detailing. Traditional carved wood trim can also frame out plain doors. Use stock crown molding or create simple picture-frame trim from wood strips. Mitered corners dressed with wood putty create a built-in look.
Layer on Trim
For inexpensive panache, nail layers of trim molding to a flat door. Mix different size and style moldings – try baseboard, quarter-round, casing, cove, and picture frame trims. Paint moldings in contrasting colors for bold definition.
Get a Wallpaper Wrap
Services like Spoonflower let you design custom wallpaper printed with your own photos or artwork to wrap cabinet doors. This allows unlimited possibilities for pattern and self-expression! Select images that coordinate with your bathroom decor. Consider waterproof vinyl or acrylic wallpaper to withstand moisture.
Install a New Door
Of course, for the biggest impact, full replacement is an option if your budget allows. Pre-hung interior doors with trim and jambs included are readily available at home improvement stores starting around $100. Custom doors can be made to your specifications by online services or local carpenters.
Stylish and Affordable Bathroom Door Ideas
With some creative thinking, you can transform the look of your bathroom with a stylish new door, even on a tight budget. Here are some inspiring ideas:
Accent Tile Door
Cover a slab door with bold ceramic tile like Moroccan fishscale tile or retro pink penny tile. Use a decorative border tile to frame the outer edges. The tile gives a spa-like vibe, and the vinyl door is waterproof.
Distressed Wood Door
Achieve the farmhouse look with a faux reclaimed wood door. Select a low-cost hollow core door and paint with “aged” techniques like liming wax or chippy paint. Add vintage hardware and distressed details.
Painted Glass Door
Etch or sand the back of a glass door, then paint the backside a striking hue like teal or gold for a stained glass effect. Leave some areas transparent for privacy. Outline etched shapes with black paint for definition.
Framed Mirror Door
For contemporary dazzle, cover the door with mirror tiles or attach a large mirror sheet. Install wood trim around the edges, like chunky picture frame molding. When closed, the door will reflect light and create an illusion of more space.
Graphic Block Print Door
Make a bold statement with a black-and-white abstract design stenciled in graphic black stripes and blocks. Use tape to mask off stripes and shapes. The graphic pattern adds artsy impact.
Wallpapered Door
Choose a favorite wallpaper like bamboo prints, botanical motifs or Moroccan tiles and use wallpaper paste to adhere it to an existing or new door. Complement with matching cabinet knobs.
Recycled Shutters Door
Give new life to a pair of old shutters with bright colored paint or stain. Mount them side by side to create a rustic cottage bathroom door. Add strap hinges and antiqued bin pulls from a salvage shop.
Beadboard Panel Door
Trim out the frame of an ordinary hollow core door with pine beadboard paneling for cottage style, then paint or stain any color. Add crystal knobs for traditional charm with a budget price tag.
Penny Glam Door
Incorporate trendy copper penny tiles into your door design. Cover the door’s center panel with pennies for metallic dazzle. Surround with wood trim and paint black for contrast. The unusual door becomes a shining focal point.
Fabric Covered Door
Staple or glue vibrant printed fabric like Ankara, Ikat, or batik onto a hollow core door. Use lightweight canvas or upholstery fabric. Trim the edges with acrylic gel medium or binding tape to finish raw edges neatly.
Steps for Installing a New Bathroom Door
When it’s time to fully replace an outdated or damaged bathroom door, here are the basic installation steps:
Remove Existing Door
Take the door down by unscrewing the hinges from the jamb first. Protect the surrounding walls by scoring the paint outline with a knife before prying off trim. Remove gripper strips and old seals.
Prepare the Opening
Check that the rough opening framing is securely nailed and square. Repair or replace rotted wood. Insulate if needed, and vapor barrier behind exterior walls.
Size New Door
Measure carefully to order a door that fits precisely. Allow proper clearance – 1/8-inch gaps on sides and top. Cut bottom to allow 1/4-inch above flooring.
Install New Jamb
Solid wood jambs with stops are best for durability. Use shims and secure jambs with finishing nails. Set nail heads and fill holes. Adhere new weatherstripping.
Hang Door
Following manufacturer’s instructions, position hinges and drill pilot holes. Use long screws to anchor into framing. Test swing and alignment.
Install Casing Trim
Cut miters and affix trim strips around the jambs. Use backer boards behind joints for strength. Fill nail holes and caulk cracks for a polished look.
Paint or Seal
Finish with primer and paint, or seal wood doors with polyurethane. Let dry fully before regular use. Finally, attach door hardware – latch, knobs, and a decorative plate.
Bathroom Door Style Ideas
Bathroom doors are available in a range of styles to match any decor. Consider these popular options:
Four-Panel Doors
The classic four-panel design has stood the test of time. Vertical rails separate upper and lower solid panels. Stained wood four-panel doors complement traditional bathrooms. Paint them white or black for contemporary flair.
Five-Panel Doors
Similar to four-panel but with a small extra vertical panel between the two wider ones, five-panel doors offer more detail. The Shaker-style five panel was popular for furniture and looks right at home in a cozy cottage bathroom.
Slab Doors
Flat, simple slab doors work with almost any decor. Go bold with a bright color or make a textural statement with reclaimed wood. Framed with trim and crowned with arched transom windows, slab doors take on rustic cottage character.
Louvered Doors
Rows of angled louvers allow air to circulate, making louvered doors a smart choice for humid bathrooms. Paint them crisp white for beachy flair or a saturated tropical hue. Mix materials like wood with frosted glass louvers.
Pocket Doors
Pocket doors slide directly into the wall cavity rather than swinging open into the bathroom space. Great for small baths, these neat sliding doors can be simple slab styles or detailed with raised panels or glass.
Barn Doors
Barn doors are trendy for their rustic sliding style. Made of reclaimed wood planks or distressed metal with large iron rollers, barn doors lend vintage farmhouse charm to modern bathrooms.
Dutch Doors
Dutch doors were historically split horizontally to allow the top and bottom to open separately. Applied to bathrooms, they enable air flow while maintaining privacy and a cozy feeling.
Cafe Doors
Named for the small divided doors on cafe kitchens, cafe-style doors have clear glass panes framed by wood or metal mullions. Bring this breezy look to your bathroom with a glass-paned door.
How to Pick the Right Bathroom Door
Choosing a bathroom door that fits your space starts with assessing a few key factors:
Size
Measure the door opening to find the ideal height and width. Allow a gap on all sides for the door to swing freely. Standard interior sizes fit most frames.
Material
Bathroom doors must withstand humidity. Fiberglass, engineered wood, and solid wood doors are attractive durable options. Painted metal and vinyl doors are affordable and waterproof.
Style
Think about the look you want and your decor. Four or five-panel doors suit traditional baths. Louvered doors provide ventilation. Glass doors add an open, airy feeling.
Function
Hinged doors swing in or out. Sliding barn doors save space. Pocket doors tuck away into walls. Consider the bathroom layout and existing plumbing when selecting operation.
Privacy
Glass paneled doors should have textured, frosted, or opaque glass panels to obscure views in and out while permitting light. Shutters, louvers, and café doors also provide selective visibility.
Budget
Pre-made doors are available at home centers starting under $100. Custom wood doors cost more but can be made to your exact specifications. Salvaged and used doors are inexpensive.
Special Considerations
Look for ADA-compliant doors if needed. Make sure the swing direction works with the floorplan. Check that pocket doors won’t block fixtures when open. Select moisture resistant materials.
FAQs About Updating Bathroom Doors
What is the standard bathroom door size?
The standard interior door size is 30-32 inches wide by 80 inches high. Measure your existing frame to determine the right replacement size. Bathroom doors should have an 1/8 inch clearance.
How much does it cost to replace a bathroom door?
A pre-hung interior door with jamb can cost $100-$300. Custom or specialty doors run $300-$1000 installed. Removing the old door and installing a new one generally takes 2 to 3 hours of labor.
What kind of paint should be used on a bathroom door?
Use high quality 100% acrylic latex bathroom paint. It resists moisture, condensation, and mildew growth on damp surfaces like bathroom doors. Semi-gloss or satin finishes are most durable.
Should bathroom doors swing in or out?
Exterior bathroom doors must open inwards to provide security, but interior doors can open either way. Out-swinging doors save interior space, while in-swinging doors prevent conflicts with exterior walls and plumbing.
How can I soundproof my bathroom door?
To reduce noise transmitting through a bathroom door, attach soundproofing materials like mass loaded vinyl sheets, seal the door perimeter with acoustical caulk, and adjust or replace the door bottom sweep.
What are the best materials for a bathroom door?
Water-resistant materials like fiberglass, solid vinyl, and treated engineered wood are best for bathroom door durability. Solid wood doors must be properly sealed and maintained. Metal doors resist moisture if finished correctly.
How do I fix a sticking bathroom door?
If a bathroom door sticks, the cause is usually humidity swelling the wood. Trim the door bottom and sides as needed to open clearance. Make sure hinge screws are tight. Adjusting strike plates often solves minor sticking.
Should bathroom barn doors have a lock?
Bathroom barn doors do not offer as much privacy and security as traditional doors. While you can add a latch, most barn doors use a simple pull or recessed handle. A hook and eye lock can be installed for privacy if desired.
What is the most waterproof bathroom door?
Solid vinyl doors are 100% waterproof and the most resistant to bathroom humidity. Fiberglass bathroom doors are also highly water-resistant. Metal doors with rust-resistant finishes offer durable waterproofing as well.
How do I make my bathroom door quieter?
To reduce noise, adjust door hinges to eliminate rubbing and squeaks. Install felt pads on the door stop. Replace hollow core doors with solid wood or composite doors that insulate sound better. Weatherstripping also dampens sound.
Conclusion
Replacing a bathroom door is one of the easiest ways to update the look of your bathroom. With some simple paint ideas, creative decor touches, or a brand new door, you can transform the space without breaking the bank. Focus on moisture-resistant materials like fiberglass, metal and vinyl. Play with bold colors or prints. Consider clever space-saving options like sliding barn doors or pocket doors. And don’t forget the finishing touches like stylish hardware and trim to give your new bathroom door an inviting, polished look. A fresh new door can completely change the feel of your bathroom, giving it an affordable, renovated style.
