Bedroom Suite Progress And New Door Options
Progress has been made on removing the doorway to the bedroom, and now that I see this progress, I’m even more excited about this plan.
The door and the pocket door frame have been removed, and today, the rest of the framing will be removed and the drywall will be patched. But here’s how it looks so far.
It’s probably hard to tell very much from that picture, but in person, it looks so wide and open and spacious. And once that header is taken out and the ceiling is the same height throughout, it’ll be even more amazing. I admit that I wasted so much time yesterday just standing in the hallway, staring at the spaciousness, and dreaming about what this will look like when it’s finished. I can see it in my mind’s eye, but I can’t wait to see the rest of that framing come down today in reality.
But moving on. I was about to order the double doors that will go in the current cased opening between the music room and the hallway, but I stopped myself because I wasn’t 100% sure about my decision. I had been envisioning multi-lite French doors in that opening. I did this mockup a couple of weeks ago, and I’ve shared it a couple of times already.
Of course, those would be our new bedroom doors now that the pocket door into the bedroom has been removed, so the glass wouldn’t be clear. I’ve used glass pane doors in other areas, and I’ve added privacy using window film. I’m okay with window film, especially since it can save hundreds of dollars over purchasing French doors with privacy glass. I used the privacy film on the door to the master bathroom…
And I also used the privacy film on a 15-lite door on my studio.
The main thing I’m always thinking about is how to have more natural light in the house. I don’t like turning on lights in general, and I almost never turn on lights during the day. I prefer our house to have as much natural light as possible for as long as possible, so I try to keep that in mind as I make my design decisions.
So with that in mind, I plan to move the 15-lite door that is currently on the studio and use it on the current guest bedroom that will soon become the closet and laundry area. That will allow light from that room into the hallway.
That doorway into the studio is eventually going to be closed up anyway, so I don’t need that door for that room anymore.
And I don’t know if you remember, but at one time, I had a solar tube installed in the hallway to provide lots of natural light to that otherwise dark area during the day. This picture was taken right after it was installed. The light you see isn’t coming from the light fixture. It’s coming from the solar tube that was installed right behind the light.
That solar tube was removed when we had the back wall (i.e., the wall with the two bedroom doors) moved in to square up the room that would become the bathroom, and to make the hallway much smaller that it was originally. But that solar tube is still there. It’s still installed on the roof, but the bottom part that is supposed to come through the ceiling to give light to the room is just up there in the attic. So for now, it’s providing plenty of sunlight in the attic.
I’ve been waiting for all of my plans to take shape before deciding where to put it. I considered putting it somewhere in the master bathroom, or the hallway bathroom, or the entrance into the bedroom. But now that my plans are in place, I’m going to put it back in the hallway. That will provide even more light into this area.
So with all of that in mind — doorway removed to the bedroom, 15-lite door on the closet/laundry area, and solar tube in the hallway — I’ve thought that French doors with glass in them would be a nice choice for the entrance into the bedroom suite.
But I stopped short of actually making the purchase because I couldn’t shake the thought that so many people had said, “There’s no way I’d put doors with glass on my bedroom.” So I also did this mockup to see what it would look like with solid doors.
If I went that direction, that’s probably not the exact style I would choose. But at least we can get an idea of what solid doors would look like there. I like the look. And it definitely gives more privacy. I’m just not sure if I want to sacrifice the natural light that I would get from the hallway into the music room. And since the doors don’t lead directly into the bedroom, I do wonder if the privacy issue is really a big deal. Again, the doors would have frosted glass, and I’ve never felt self-conscious about being in the bathroom with the door closed and the shade on the front bedroom window open.
So as of this moment, I’m still leaning towards the doors with glass unless someone can give me a very persuasive argument as to why that’s a bad idea. 😀
UPDATE:
Here’s another option that was mentioned — doors with half glass. I really love this option!
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
I strongly vote for glass. Not even for the light, but for the ilusion of openess that it gives. It makes the music room feel more spacious than it is, plus it gives it more natural light.
Agreed! Most of the time it’s just you and Matt and your fur babies anyway, if had other people living with you, privacy would be a larger consideration. I love the idea of frosted glass.
Can you find doors with just glass at the top?
I really like the clean look of the solid doors as opposed to the busyiness of the glass panes.
Agreed this corner is busy. A solid door would quiet it. When looking at the photo mockups, the picture with the glass doors + the sidelight in the entrance+ wallpaper+ tongue and grove ceiling… its A LOT of pattern in one corner.
I just added a mockup of the doors with half glass. I love it!
Can’t wait to see it!
I would use a solid core door. It would be better for sound if someone is in bed during the day ill/sleeping. It looks elegant and has a wow factor. I would think the only reason you would have the door shut during the day is if you had company, so the light will be in the music room most of the time.
It’s just you and Matt. I don’t see it as a deal breaker with privacy film or those gathered curtains on the inside if it becomes a problem. Realistically, how often are you going to close said doors anyway? Will Matt be in bed when your study group comes over?
Crazy thought (my specialty!) Could you make the same doors that you have in the music room to the sunroom? They are gorgeous, allow some light, and still private – and beautiful!
I was also thinking this. I like the repetiveness of the doors being the same. The music room has so many entry points and the gorgeous “wallpaper.” I like the simpleness to the eye of having the same door at both entries.
Sheila F.
I agree with this idea!
Those doors are beautiful! Will those doors be there after the addition is built? I don’t think I’d like the French doors with rectangular panes so close to the music room doors. How much natural light will actually go into into the hallway? It doesn’t seem very close to the living room windows.
I have doors with reeded glass installed in all my upstairs rooms – and my main bathroom up there is not an ensuite. I did it for the same reason you talk about – to keep the maximum amount of light in those spaces. My upstairs is not a public part of my house.
All that is to say that I think glass doors with privacy film will be just fine in that spot. There is a long way between them and your actual bedroom so IMO no one is going to see anything you would rather they did not.
That sounds stunning, I just love reeded glass. I had a front door/transom in it in a former house, thanks for reminding me of it
I love the glass,and I think it will give you some continuity that helps the house feel more connected. The half glass door is pretty,but that feels kitchen/pantry-ish to me
Agree the half glass ones feel like kitchen, pantry or even doors that go out to the outside or to a garage.
Agreed
Agreed- or outdoorsy
Agreed, I think they look out of place with the other multi-pane doors in this area. I’m for the full multi panel door choice.
French doors with glass to keep the continuity of your other panes in the room.
I would absolutely install the multi-lite French doors. Sincerely, since it’s only you and Matt in the home the vast majority of the time, in what scenario do you envision needing privacy when your bedroom is far from those doors? Even if you had company staying a night here or there, would it be worth it to visually block that light the other 350 days of the year? You always say that you’re creating this home to fit the needs/wants of you and Matt.
I love the half glass option, it works so much better with your wall treatment. Having that solid half also just makes it feel a bit more like the space behind is a bit more private and not for public use.
My partners’ mother moved her bedroom from upstairs to the second reception room downstairs when it was not safe for her to climb the stairs anymore. The new “bedroom” had privacy glass 15-light door. If the lights in the hallway were on, it disturbed her sleep.
For me the no-no of a glass door in a bedroom is not that anybody can see me, it is me not being able to sleep undisturbed in a dark bedroom.
Use a 10 panel solid door that mimics the glass panels to the left of that opening. It would give it a cohesive look with that area. I also would not have a problem having glass doors there if it was my house.
I really like the original option of French doors with privacy film. They match the elegance of the doors going into the master bathroom and the new closet once you move the one from the studio. Especially since it would mostly be left open for guests to use the bathroom or for you and Matt to move in and out of the master bedroom. Both the half glass and solid doors look like options that don’t match the style of the rest of the work you’ve done.
I love the frosted glass look, but I think having 15 lights for both doors is too busy. Is it possible to order the French doors with 10 lights each? Then the size of each pane would be similar in size to the other glass doors in your house.
Dear Kristi,
For continuity I think the full glass door with privacy film is the way to go. Especially if you’re doing a full glass door on the closet/laundry room.
Have you thought any more about doing the same type of entrance/archway into the laundry room as you are doing for your bedroom? I would need that, if it were my space, to have both openings treated the same.
I look forward to seeing this project move forward!
YHWH Bless You : )
While there’s nothing wrong with the paned option (although rather busy), I love the elegant look of the solid door. It says “there’s something special here. We’re entering the master suite.” Of course, you also can leave the doors open when appropriate and gain light that way.
I’d be a hard “no” on the half window door. That just looks like a back entrance.
I’m glad you’re weighing your options and I know you’ll come up with what’s perfect for you.
Hate to revisit the rug situation but this is the deal of the day at Lowes and might be worthy of consideration. The nice thing is that you can return with no cost.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/nuLOOM-Vintage-Floral-Lenore-Area-Rug/5001619927
For me, the issue would not be just the feeling of privacy/safety (not actual but perceived) but also light control.
I’d have to have solid doors, but you do you.
I am team glass doors with privacy film. I hate those solid doors, but thats just me. I also think those half glass doors look unfinished in the house. The look as if they should be on an outside door. JMHO
I really like the look of solid wood. It just looks so “right” with the wood wainscot and wood ceiling. It just seems to totally make the entrance to the bedroom suite better. Like the video you shared as he opened the doors. I think they were wood. My 2 cents would definitely be no to the half glass and wood. Just doesn’t look right.
Because they would be in the same room as the music room doors, would you want them to match?
Glass or no glass…that’s completely up to you. I don’t think I would like the feel, I think it would feel a bit too exposed for me. But, what are your plans for the doors you made going from the music to the sunroom? I can’t remember all the iterations and if the doors will remain after all the renovations. But could you maybe repurpose them for your bedroom? I’d hate to see them scrapped, they’re so pretty!
They’re staying where they are.
If you like a dark room for sleeping, solid wood doors have my vote. They will likely be open most of the time during the day to let daylight pass between rooms but at night can block out unwanted light.
Will the glass be a safety problem for moving the Hoyer lift or Matt in his chair? Can’t wait to see what you do!
I don’t think it’s an issue. We have glass doors elsewhere and they’re not an issue.
I love the idea of having the doors match the music room doors! Talk about symmetry! 🥰 Also, some people worried about light exposure at night. In our old house we had a single pane glass door to our en-suite bathroom installed with privacy glass. My husband gets up super early and I did not have a single issue with the light bothering me. The door was directly in line with our bed. I don’t think you will have any issues with this with how far away your bed will be from these doors.
Love the glass with film added as it echos the laundry and the bathroom. Tying the suit together. You still have privacy, but it feels more custom and special.
One way to save money on glass doors is to either use the window film or to make your own design for the door and use etching cream. No going back once done unless you used a separate piece of glass and attached it to the back of the door. This might work well with the half glass style door.
I vote half glass. I love those doors
It’s not a big deal, you’ll have plenty of privacy. I’d go for full glass.
I like the glass. It would be different if someone else lived with you or you frequently had overnight guests. Until you get the addition done, people will need to walk through that area anyway to get to the restroom, so it isn’t like it will be a completely closed off private space when others are there to begin with.
If this is to be your sitting/reading room I love the half glass doors. I can see bookcases lined with books and a plant or two with a comfy chair. 👌 perfection
I don’t prefer the half glass door, the solid doors I am not fond of either, the frosted glass doors look pretty. What did you decide to do with your electric box in your new to be bedroom?
For now, I’ll leave it where it is and put a piece of art over it.
I like the last idea of half glass. Looking at the double doors with glass, the separation of the glass into panes makes it look too busy in that area with that beautiful wall design, in my opinion. I know it’s your home and you have by far more design sense than I do, I know whatever you decide will be perfect for you. Blessings to you and Matt.
Love the half glass doors!
I would go with solid doors. I think these doors are going to be open most of the time, so there wouldn’t be an issue with light. When you do need the privacy, they can be closed.
I like the solid doors from the guest perspective. Solid doors more clearly communicate public areas from private. It makes me feel more at ease in someone’s house if I know clearly where private rooms are. Just a thought.
If Matt has a bad day and needs to rest during the day, will glass doors, even with privacy film, interfere with his rest? I like the idea of solid paneled doors that match or coordinate with the other doors in your home, if they can be opened during the day to bring light into the area. Would the light from the solar tube affect his rest in that situation?
Go with the glass panes that are frosted. The half glass doors look like barn stall doors where half the door opens or the whole door opens. The solid doors look just like…….well, solid doors. The doors with the glass panes all over are pretty.
I prefer the solid doors not only for the look, but also for the fire protection.