Inward-opening doors are the safest option. In the case of fire, it's easier for rescuers to smash their way through a door that opens inwards. Having the door open into the room will also prevent the possibility of opening the door into the face of an unsuspecting caller on the other side.
As we mentioned earlier, there is no right or wrong way that a door should swing. However, there are certain factors to keep in mind if you are still in the process of choosing. Commonly, right-handed people will feel more comfortable with a right-handed door.
The main door should always be in the north, north-east, east, or west, as these directions are considered auspicious. Avoid having the main door in the south, south-west, north-west (north side), or south-east (east side) directions. Main entrance doors must always open in clockwise direction.
Inward opening - the standard solution
In most cases, both front and interior doors open inwards into the room. This is mainly due to safety issues. A leaf opening outwards could accidentally hit someone on the other side, which in busy areas such as corridors can lead to accidents.
Although their hinges are on the outside, outswing doors may be your better option for security. Because they don't swing inward, they're pretty difficult to kick in. It's also possible to get security hinges that robbers can't take advantage of to get into your home.
Front door opening direction is typically inward for a number of very practical reasons. When the front door opens inward it means it is a left-hand door. Door manufacturers do not often design exterior doors to swing outward as they could get damaged if left suspended out in the open.
While there are areas of the country that may vary, there is no universal building code that forbids the use of residential exterior doors that open outward. Because of hurricane-force winds, Florida communities are now seeing the concept of outward opening doors as an advantage.
There's no rule that spells out which way the doors should swing in your home—that's ultimately up to the homeowners. There is a general consensus, however. Inside most homes, the doors swing inward into a room. There are a few key reasons why most people choose to have interior doors swing inward.
The main door direction as per Vastu should always be to the northeast, north, east or west, as these directions are considered propitious. Avoid having the main entrance gate in the southwest, south, northwest (north side) or southeast directions.
Most exterior doors swing inward for security purposes. As previously mentioned, most doors will swing in the direction of the knuckle. Hinges consist of two leafs that join together to form a knuckle.
The main entry to a house is ideally placed in the east or north direction, as these are believed to bring in the best energy flow and prosperity. An entry in these directions is said to invite positivity, success, and a harmonious atmosphere into the home, benefiting the occupants.
The most auspicious house direction in feng shui is south-facing, which is good for light, chi absorption and family harmony. Select a house with a good view from the front door, and a clear path up to it.
Ideally, the main door should face north, northeast, east, or west. These directions are considered auspicious as they invite positive energy. Conversely, avoid positioning the main door in the south, southwest, northwest (north side), or southeast (east side) directions, as these are believed to bring negative energy.
Avoid the southwest direction of the house
According to Vastu Shastra, the southwest direction is not the ideal direction for your house. It is believed to cause financial losses, health issues, instability, and relationship conflicts. Obstructions in the south-west may lead to financial problems and delays in success.
According to ancient traditions like Vastu Shastra, the best direction to sleep in is toward the south. This theory is also supported by some recent research . This means that when you lie in bed, your head is pointed south , and your feet are pointed north.
Making The Decision
You wouldn't want the door to knock into a wall and damage walls or any paintwork. It really is best for you to decide whether you want the door to open to the left or right, bearing in mind if there are any obstructions and which feels most natural to you. There is no right or wrong way.
The east, north, or northeast directions are considered highly auspicious. These main door directions, as per Vastu, are believed to allow the inflow of positive energy and abundance into the house, ensuring the well-being of its occupants.
The Basics of Door Etiquette
In the spirit of courtesy and in line with common sense, door etiquette is simply another aspect of being mindful of other people. When you approach a door that pulls open, reach out to open it then, continuing to hold the door open, stand aside so the person you're with may enter.
There are good reasons that most external doors open inwards rather than outwards. But this rule isn't as hard-and-fast as it might appear. If the circumstances in your home suggest than an outward-opening door would be better then you'll be able to get one installed without much trouble.
It's possible to reverse an inswing door to outswing, and this comes with a ton of benefits, including more safety and convenience. This is not to mention the extra space that you'll create for further DIY designing and decoration.
A direct line of sight from the front to the back of a home is considered poor feng shui because with nothing to slow or redirect it, chi will rush straight from the front door out the back. This allows the energy, which might bring luck or money, to leave your home without circulating and bestowing its benefits.