skip to main content

Windows Design Dilemma Bedroom

Sliding door on bedroom facing front yard?

4 years ago

We need to replace our ancient windows As part of a remodel. Current dimensions are not to egress code.

We are thinking of using a sliding door instead of a window in the master bedroom. It faces the street but there is a 24”diameter tree in front of it and a 3’ Hedge on a raised berm next to the public sidewalk. Also there is room to add a few strategic bushes...I know people usually have bedroom sliding doors facing back yard. We like to watch the birds from the bedroom and this would give us a great view...as long as we make sure that we also have privacy...

Also, while kitchen and front entry are being remodeled we will be living in the front half of the house. A lockable sliding door would give us a way to get in and out without dealing with any chaos during the remodel.

any thoughts on pros and cons of sliding door in that front bedroom?

thanks!!!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
4 years ago
A sliding door vs. a sliding window? Both should give about the same functionality for egress and an alternative entry point during the renovation. The rub on the sliding doors is that they will be more expensive (especially at a custom sized opening) and will usually have more heft on the frame and door sash (i.e. less glass) than a sliding window.
PRO
JAN MOYER
4 years ago
Not a great idea. : ( Sliding doors belong in a garden view, at the back. No matter what your window covering is.

Unless you plan to be carried from THIS house on a slab. Feet first.
Related Discussions
French doors to bedroom - cold winters
Q
Comments (18)
Our French doors are double-glazed and have three-point locking systems and good insulation around them. These are wood with vinyl exteriors. I *thought* I wanted all 'active' doors, but realize that I could have saved money with having only one half of a set 'active'. Mine are 92 inches tall, and I can't easily reach the standard latch on the 'other half' of my pairs. (I know I could get latch extensions, but have not needed to open these often enough to care.) I feel NO drafts, etc. from either the doors or my casement windows. These are 14 year old Pella Architecture Series, and I live near Chicago.
...See More
HELP! design dilemma! dark, north facing master bedroom paint
Q
Comments (6)
I dont like the idea of a wall to wall shelf or any other shelf over a bed. I have visions of something coming down and landing on the occupant or occupants of that bed. I do like the color and sconces etc, in the post above by Laura. It looks great. I also would want draperies on the window. The rods should be moved out a bit, so it looks wider and put the draperies on and pull to the sides, so the window itself is open. Paint one wall white and then view it for a day or two in all lights and see just how it works in your room.
...See More
vertical blinds for beach front bedroom
Q
Comments (4)
When it comes to window treatment for a door, the window treatment should have the same opening direction as the door. A roller shade is not the best solution because you have to fully bring it up before you can open the door. You can use either vertical shades which are available in hundreds of fun fabrics in different width and beautiful tracks or you opt for a panel sliding system which is also available in hundreds of fabrics. This system can have one track for each panel or just two tracks where the panels stagger to one side. Feel free to contact us to discuss your project at 619.665.9446.
...See More
Tiny bedroom with sliding glass door…
Q
Comments (8)
Can you do a quick drawing on graph paper to scale where one square equals a square foot that indicates where those windows are (or drawing on plain paper that shows the inches between the door and all other openings in the room)? You'll get more/better advise if you provide more information. What size bed are you working with? How far away is your lot line from the sliders? You could eventually put a small deck out there. If you don't do that you should have steps down or put a railing up so it's not a safety issue. If this house were built today that would be a requirement.
...See More
arcy_gw
4 years ago
Not the "usual" so it will hurt resale. Many would assume it's a safety risk. Most people don't want their bedroom at the front of the house PERIOD so to accentuate the fact....just not an idea with traction.
petula67
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
The large bow window in our ground floor bedroom was great for watching birds. Don't know what they cost relative to a sliding door, but might be worth checking.

Related Stories

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Yard of the Week: Elegant Poolside Retreat and Front Yard Lounge

By Wendy Helfenbaum

A landscape design-build firm gives a family in New Jersey an outdoor oasis for swimming, eating and relaxing

CURB APPEAL 15 Ways to Create a Welcoming Front Yard

By Annie Thornton

These homes featured on Houzz offer a neighborly view to the street

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Sliding Doors Open Up a Small Space in New York City

By Mitchell Parker

A wall teardown and custom treatments add more options for living and entertaining in a 450-square-foot apartment

CURB APPEAL 7 Ways to Create a Neighborly Front Yard

By June Scott Design

Foster community spirit by setting up your front porch, paths and yard for social interaction

EXTERIORS Where Front Yards Collide: Property Lines in Pictures

By Mitchell Parker

Some could be twins; others channel the Odd Couple. You may never look at property boundaries the same way again

PATIOS Patio Details: A Relaxing Front-Yard Retreat in Los Angeles

By Annie Thornton

A retractable awning, a water feature and an onyx fire feature transform a formerly unused front yard on a busy street

REMODELING GUIDES Pocket Doors and Sliding Walls for a More Flexible Space

By Laura Gaskill

Large sliding doors allow you to divide open areas or close off rooms when you want to block sound, hide a mess or create privacy

CURB APPEAL 9 Daring Colors for Your Front Door

By Jennifer Ott Design

Stand out from the neighbors with a touch of neon green or a punch of hot pink

BEFORE AND AFTERS Makeovers Create More Usable Living Space in 7 Front Yards

By Annie Thornton

Designers transform underused yards and entries into stylish, functional and inviting outdoor spaces

CURB APPEAL 77 Front Doors to Welcome You Home

By Annie Thornton

Crossing the threshold is an event with these doors in a gamut of styles

Sponsored

MCR ROMERO WORK LLC

Innovative & Creative General Contractors Servicing Franklin County

More Discussions

Marvin Windows Cracks/Flaking Warranty no Help

21

Need opinions on windows

17

Choosing windows for sunroom - which size and must they match?

1

Design Help for Old House Window Bank

1

Vitex windows replacement

2