Doors and windows that are too small make a house feel cramped and make moving furniture a nightmare. Those that are too big waste wall space and money. Standard sizes exist because they fit people, furniture and readily available frames and shutters.
Typical door sizes
| Door | Typical width | Typical height |
|---|---|---|
| Main entrance | 1,000 to 1,200 mm | 2,100 mm |
| Bedroom | about 900 mm | 2,100 mm |
| Kitchen | about 800 to 900 mm | 2,100 mm |
| Bathroom and toilet | about 700 to 750 mm | 2,100 mm |
| Balcony (sliding or French) | 1,200 to 1,800 mm | 2,100 mm |
These are clear opening sizes commonly used in Indian homes. Check your architect's drawings and local rules, especially for accessibility, where wider doors are needed for wheelchairs.
Typical window sizes
- Sill height: commonly around 750 to 900 mm from floor level in living rooms and bedrooms.
- Lintel level: usually aligned with door tops at about 2,100 mm, which gives a neat line.
- Width: often 1,200 to 1,800 mm for living rooms and bedrooms.
- Bathroom ventilators: small, high openings, often around 600 × 450 mm.
The ventilation rule of thumb
Building rules commonly require window area in habitable rooms to be a minimum fraction of the floor area, often around a tenth or more, to give enough daylight and air. Cross-ventilation, with openings on opposite or adjacent walls, keeps rooms far cooler than one large window.
Practical tips
- Plan where furniture goes before fixing door positions, so beds and wardrobes are not blocked.
- Leave enough wall at room corners for wardrobes, typically at least 600 mm.
- Check that doors open against a wall, not into a walkway.
- Use a chajja or sunshade above windows facing west and south to block harsh sun.
Frequently asked questions
Why are most doors 2,100 mm high?
It comfortably clears tall people and aligns with standard frame and shutter sizes, keeping costs down.
uPVC or aluminium windows?
uPVC insulates better and seals well against noise and dust. Aluminium is slimmer and stronger for large openings. Both outperform old steel windows.