inwardswinging

An inwardswinging door is a door that hinges on the interior side of its frame and opens toward the inside of the room. This contrasts with an outwardswinging door, which hinges on the exterior and swings outward. The term is most often used for interior doors in homes and offices.

In residential settings, inwardswinging doors are common for bedrooms, bathrooms, closets, and many interior corridors. Exterior doors may also be built to swing inward in some regions or older buildings, though outwardswinging exterior doors are more common in other areas due to security and egress considerations.

An inwardswinging door offers several practical considerations. The hinge and hardware are tucked inside the room, which can simplify weatherstripping and security and reduces the likelihood that the door will strike people in a hallway. Because the door arc runs into the room rather than the corridor, it can offer more usable space in tight layouts when placed away from furniture.

Opening inward requires clear space inside the room; rooms with limited areas or heavy furniture near the door may experience obstruction. In crowded or egress-focused spaces, outwardswinging doors are sometimes preferred to allow faster exit without obstruction. For safety and codes, some public spaces require outward doors on certain routes.

Construction and hardware considerations for inwardswinging doors include hinges on the interior edge, door closers or dampers, door stops, and weatherstripping. Non-removable hinge pins or security hinges may be used to resist exterior tampering. Adequate floor and threshold clearances must accommodate the swing arc and any carpet or threshold.

Code requirements vary by jurisdiction. Some building codes specify the allowed direction for egress doors, especially in schools, shops, and hospitals, while interior doors retain flexibility. When choosing a door swing, designers consider room layout, usage, and safety requirements.