Do People Have Doors on Their Rooms in Modern Houses?

Residential architecture of the 19th century had small stoves or fireplaces in each room for heat. It was a common rule of thumb that a room wider than about 13 feet was hard to heat with a fireplace. That led to Victorian style homes having many rooms around 12 or 13 feet across with closed doors to contain heat.

Since the middle of the 20th century, many homes have been built with forced air heating, which negated the need to close off small rooms. By the end of the 20th century, many newer homes were built with an “open floor plan” having few divide walls or doorways.

My mother’s house, for example, does not have a door between her living room and kitchen, but the wall that separates them blocks the air from the air conditioner. This leads to a ten-degree temperature difference on hot days, and the heat from the sun coming through the front window exacerbates the situation. There are, however, doors on the bathroom, bedrooms, closets, and exterior exits.

The Evolution of Modern House Design

The approach to door placement in modern house design has shifted significantly in the last century. Prior to the widespread adoption of central heating systems in the 20th century, closing off rooms with doors served a practical purpose. Rooms that were not heated would allow the warmth generated by the fireplace or stove to circulate effectively. This is why Victorian homes, in particular, featured a multitude of small, tightly-knit rooms.

However, as residential architectural designs moved towards larger, more open floor plans, the necessity for closed rooms diminished. Central heating systems, which distribute heat evenly throughout the entire home, made it possible to maintain a consistent temperature without the need for room-specific heating sources.

The Rise of the Open Floor Plan

The trend towards open floor plans gained momentum in the latter part of the 20th century. This design philosophy emphasizes fluidity and connectivity, allowing for a more spacious and airy feel. Open floor plans feature fewer partitions and fewer doors, promoting a more open and accessible living space.

Many homeowners prefer the open floor plan because it enhances the overall aesthetic of the home. It allows for better natural light to flow through the space, and it can be more practical for modern lifestyles that often involve multiple people moving through the house. However, this design choice has its drawbacks, such as the lack of privacy and the difficulty in regulating room temperatures, as seen in my mother’s home.

Privacy and Room Separation

While the open floor plan trend is popular, it doesn’t necessarily mean that all modern homes are devoid of doors. Many homes still feature at least a few closed-off rooms, especially for bathrooms, bedrooms, and closets. These spaces require privacy, and doors provide that necessary barrier. Additionally, exterior exits, such as doors to the garage or porch, are essential for safety and access.

For homeowners who value privacy and require quiet spaces, having doors on their rooms is still a significant consideration. Some people still appreciate the divide that doors provide, even in an otherwise open layout. The use of doors for room separation also allows for better sound insulation, which can be crucial in a home with multiple occupants.

Conclusion

While the modern trend favors open floor plans, the presence of doors in rooms remains a common feature in many homes. The decision to have or not have doors often comes down to personal preference, privacy needs, and the specific layout of the home. Whether it's for better temperature regulation or simply to provide a sense of separation, doors continue to play a significant role in modern residential architecture.

So, to answer the question: Are there doors in modern houses? The answer is a resounding yes! While the design trend leans towards open floor plans, the importance of doors for various purposes ensures they will remain a staple in residential architecture for years to come.