Reviewed by Er. Inderjit Sharma (Retd.), Punjab PWD
Why doors and windows matter: Doors let people move between rooms. Windows bring in daylight and fresh air. If they are the wrong size or in the wrong place, rooms become dark, stuffy or uncomfortable, and you may lose privacy from neighbours.
This guide covers the parts, standard sizes and placement of doors and windows in a house, with simple drawings that anyone can follow.
Parts of a Door
Standard Door Sizes
Most doors in Indian houses are 2100 mm (about 7 ft) high. The width depends on the room. These are common sizes (clear opening of the frame):
| Door | Width | Height | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main entrance | 1000–1200 mm | 2100 mm | Wide enough to bring in furniture; single or double shutter |
| Bedroom / living | 900 mm | 2100 mm | Most common internal door |
| Kitchen | 800–900 mm | 2100 mm | Allow for a fridge to pass |
| Toilet / bathroom | 700–750 mm | 2100 mm | Use water-resistant shutters (PVC/FRP) |
| Balcony / terrace | 900–1500 mm | 2100 mm | Often glazed or sliding |
Parts of a Window
Standard Window Sizes
| Room | Common window size (W × H) | Sill height from floor |
|---|---|---|
| Living room | 1500–1800 × 1200 mm | 750–900 mm |
| Bedroom | 1200–1500 × 1200 mm | 750–900 mm |
| Kitchen | 900–1200 × 1000 mm | about 1050 mm (above the counter) |
| Toilet / bathroom ventilator | 600 × 450 mm | high up, top at lintel level (for privacy) |
Important Heights on a Wall
In most houses, the top of all doors and windows is kept at the same level (lintel level), so one continuous lintel can run over them and the room looks neat.
How Big Should the Windows Be?
A simple rule used in building design (based on National Building Code guidance): the total window opening area should be at least 1/10 (10%) of the floor area of the room. For brighter, airier rooms, aim for around 15–20%.
Minimum window area = 10.8 ÷ 10 = 1.08 m²
A 1.2 m × 1.2 m window = 1.44 m² ✓ (more than enough)
Placement Tips
🌬️ Cross ventilation
Put windows on opposite or adjacent walls so air can flow through the room, keeping it cool and fresh.
☀️ Daylight
In north India, north- and east-facing windows give soft light with less heat. Use a chajja over south- and west-facing windows to cut the harsh sun.
🏘️ Privacy from neighbours
Avoid placing your window directly opposite a neighbour’s window. Use a higher sill, frosted glass or a ventilator on that side.
🚪 Door position
Leave about 100–150 mm of wall between the door frame and the room corner, for the switchboard and so the door can open fully.
↔️ Door swing
Room doors usually open inward, against a wall. Check that the swing does not hit beds, wardrobes or another door.
🔒 Safety
Fit grills on ground-floor windows, and use toughened or laminated glass for large glass doors.
Common Materials
| Material | Good for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Wood (teak, sal etc.) | Main doors, frames; strong and classic look | Costly; needs polish; termite treatment |
| Flush door (engineered wood) | Internal doors; low cost | Not for wet areas |
| PVC / FRP | Toilets and bathrooms | Waterproof, but less strong |
| UPVC | Windows; good sealing against dust and noise | Higher cost than aluminium |
| Aluminium | Sliding windows; light and rust-free | Can be noisy; poorer heat insulation |
| Steel | Security doors, grills, stores | Needs anti-rust paint |
Key Takeaways
- A door has a frame (fixed) and a shutter (moves on hinges); a window adds a sill, grill and chajja.
- Standard door height is 2100 mm; widths: main 1000–1200, bedroom 900, kitchen 800–900, toilet 700–750 mm.
- Usual window sill is 750–900 mm; tops of doors and windows line up at 2100 mm (lintel level).
- Window area should be at least 1/10 of the floor area.
- Place windows for cross ventilation and daylight, without facing directly into a neighbour’s window.
Sizes given are common practice in Indian houses. Always follow your approved drawings and local building bye-laws.
References: National Building Code of India (NBC) 2016, Part 3 (Development Control Rules) and Part 8 (Building Services – lighting and ventilation); IS 4021: Timber door, window and ventilator frames; IS 1003 (Part 1): Timber panelled and glazed shutters; IS 2202 (Part 1): Wooden flush door shutters.