Bathrooms are intimate spaces where we don’t want anyone bothering us or intruding on our moments of privacy. And for many living in busy households, they’re also considered private sanctuaries – the only area of the home where they can enjoy some quiet time alone. This makes securing the bathroom door with a lock extremely important.
But this feature isn’t only essential for ensuring privacy in your bathroom space. When chosen right, it can also serve as an additional gorgeous detail on top of the look you’ve created. That said, shopping for a new bathroom door lock is a task that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Whether you’re into ornate vintage details or looking for a minimalist finishing touch, here’s what to consider to make the right pick.
Look for a Finish and Style That Complements the Space
If you already have a handle that you don’t want to replace and are shopping for a separate lock, remember that bathroom hardware pieces should seamlessly blend together or complement each other. That said, consider your existing hardware such as bathroom taps and the door handle before choosing.
If the same finish isn’t available for some reason, or you don’t want the space to feel too “matchy”, you can simply choose a lock that’s in a similar style. One example would be pairing a brass door handle with a nickel rim latch with an “aged” finish.
Think About Safety
If there are any children, elderly or people with disabilities sharing your household, make sure to take this into account when choosing a design. A bathroom door lock that can also be opened from the outside in case of an emergency is something that’s worth investing in.
Or if you don’t want this feature, a lock that’s higher up on the door and out of reach can prevent little ones from accidentally locking themselves.
Consider the Different Types to Choose From
Ball-type Door Knob
The most common type of lock for bathrooms is the ball-type door knob. Also called the privacy door knob, this is a lock that is round and fits into the palm. It serves both as a knob and a lock at the same time and usually features a lockset; the inner handle includes a button that may be pushed or spun to secure the door.
These door knobs are available in a variety of colour finishes that are appropriate for inside doors. They are perfect if you’re into a seamless look and don’t want any additional hardware features on your door. However, if you already have a handle you don’t want to replace, this type is unsuitable.
Bolts and Barrels
Door bolts and barrel bolts provide greater privacy and are appropriate for shared living situations. Their only downside is that they cannot be opened from the outside, therefore homes with small kids or elderly residents need to take this into mind.
Some bolt designs also feature privacy indicators that display an occupied sign, making them ideal for shared living spaces, offices and workplaces. All of the bolt designs are easy to install by yourself as they don’t need to be fitted in conjunction with the handle or knob.
Chain Lock
The locking door chain allows some handling from the external side of the door, while still ensuring that the person inside the bathroom gets some privacy. It allows just enough room for the door to be opened and exchange or hand items safely. It’s also fairly easy to install and doesn’t require a lot of drilling.
Thumbturn
Think of this lock as a mini door handle. It features a small knob that’s installed under the handle and which you turn 90 degrees to operate the deadbolt. This type of lock is extremely common due to the reason that it can be easily matched to the handle. It also features an emergency release latch which you can use from the outside in case someone gets accidentally locked in.
Rim Lock
This is perhaps the oldest type of lock found. It’s installed on the surface of the door instead of being fitted flush into the edge. It features a knob that operates a latch mechanism as well as a deadbolt you can operate with a key. The key can be used to unlock the door both from the inside and outside.
If you have a vintage bathroom or a period-style home, the traditional look of this type of lock will add an authentic touch to your space. Just make sure that your existing door knob or handle is compatible with rim locks.
Push-button Lock
For all the minimalists out there, this type of lock will preserve the simplicity of your bathroom space. It’s essentially a door handle that features a button that locks the door securely when pushed. Push-button locks are an affordable choice for those on a tight budget. However, this is only an option if you haven’t already purchased a handle or are considering replacing your old one.
To Sum Up
So there you have it – a quick guide on what to consider when choosing a bathroom door lock. Carefully compare the advantages and disadvantages of each type to ensure you’ve made an informed purchase that aligns with your needs and interior style.