In this article, we will be answering the age-long question about whether your bedroom should have door locks or not. What type of lock should your bedroom have? Should your children’s bedroom have locks? And should there be an emergency, are some door locks safety hazards?
There are two primary reasons why doors have locks: for security and to provide privacy. The use of a door lock provides security for you and your loved ones against burglars and other criminals while also guaranteeing you privacy whenever you need it.
Here is a quick answer. You may read the whole article till the end to know the reasons and find the right lock for your bedroom.
Like other rooms, for privacy and security, the bedroom should have locks, but you don’t need to have a door lock that has a key.
Should Bedrooms Have Locks?
Your bedroom is your private space and having a lock guarantees you privacy. However, having certain types of door locks can also be a bad decision and dangerous for your safety. For your front door, it is important to install a proper and durable exterior door lock as this is the most important door in your home. Some choices are a heavy mortise lock, a deadbolt, an electronic door.
But for your bedroom door, you should have locks. But you mustn’t get a lock that has a key! For a house with kids, the parents want to have a lock on their doors for obvious reasons, but having a lock with a key will be a disadvantage in terms of an emergency. Locks with keys are much harder to open or break down. And in a situation where there is an emergency, any delay might be the difference between saving a life or losing one.
While you mustn’t use a lock with a key for your bedroom, you must close your bedroom door before you sleep. Closing your bedroom door can help in an emergency. For instance, a closed bedroom door can slow down the spread of flames, reduce smoke inhalation, regulate temperatures, and improve oxygen levels in the room.
Instead, you should use an indoor lock. An indoor lock such as a sliding bolt is a better option for your bedroom door. The door can only be locked and opened from your end, and should there be an emergency, a sliding bolt wouldn’t be much of a challenge to break down, and you don’t have to worry about losing your keys.
Another pertinent question is whether your children’s room should have locks. If your children are teenagers, they should have locks on their bedroom doors. But if your child is 11 years old or below, it is advisable that they do not have locks on doors. This is because, at this age, you still need to monitor their activities. Rather, you should show them that you respect their privacy by always knocking on their door before you enter their room. This will also help them learn to respect the privacy of other people.
Your bedroom should have a lock but not a lock with a key as it can be a safety hazard. Make sure you consider the various types and features of each type of door lock before choosing one that matches your need and door. Make sure you use a durable door lock for your front door as it secures other parts and rooms in your home.
There are various types of bedroom door locks, and each of them has specific features and purposes. Here are some recommended types of door locks for the bedroom.
Types of Bedroom Door Locks
1. Knob Locks
Knob locks are the most popular type of door locks for bedrooms. They are very practical and can be used for every room and door in the house. If you have kids or pets in your home, and you have a room that you want to keep them out of, a knob lock is a good option for the room’s door. However, homes that have disabled people should not use knob locks as they will find it considerably difficult to open them. Knob locks are made from various types of finishes such as glass, ceramic, vinyl, etc.
2. Hand Levers
Unlike the knob lock, the hand lever lock is very suitable for a home that has a person with disabilities as they can use it to open the door even if they lack strength in their hands. Hand levers are not suitable for your front door as they provide less security in comparison to the other types of locks. This type of lock is best suited for inside doors because they are very easy to open and give you instant access. Hand levers are also the right option for your workshop and factories.
3. Deadbolt
This type of lock is the best option to protect your home against an intruder or a break-in. Unlike most other types of locks, this lock has a separate mechanism from a doorknob. This is why a deadbolt lock cannot be picked by a knife, crowbar, or hand tool, thereby making it nearly impossible to break in through the door. Contrary to hand levers, a deadbolt lock is the best option for your front door, but not recommended for the bedroom – but you can use it if you want. The types of deadbolt locks are Single Deadbolt, Double deadbolt, and Keyless Deadbolt lock. The Keyless deadbolt offers you better flexibility and security.
4. Chain Lock
Chain locks are stylish and flexible. They are mostly used by hotels because it allows you to open the door just enough to greet your visitor while still keeping the door closed. This is also a great choice for your bedroom. The visitor won’t be able to enter your room unless you close the door and remove the chain.
The chain lock is attached to the door frame while its track is fastened to the door. A chain lock is also easy to install, and if installed properly, it will require the use of physical force to open the door. However, most chain locks come with short screws that can be ripped out easily. It is not suitable for a home that has individuals with disabilities, hand tremors, and elderly people. Chain locks can also be installed to work with other types of locks.
5. Sliding Bolt
Just like a hand lever, a sliding bolt is best suited for your inside doors, and of course the bedroom. A sliding bolt should not be used for a front door. The primary purpose of a sliding bolt is to provide you with privacy. Sliding bolts are only installed at the back of your door and cannot be accessed from the other part of the door. The sliding bolt has two parts. One part is attached to the door frame, while the lock feature is attached to the door. Another name for a sliding bolt is Barrel Bolt.
6. Padlocks
Padlocks are one of the most popular and simplest types of locks. They come in different shapes such as Circular, U-shaped, Square, and Rectangular. Padlocks are freestanding locks, and they are not attached to anything and only lock into themselves. Unlike other types of locks, padlocks are portable and are not fixed to the door.
They are suitable for doors that do not require high-level security – hence is a great option for the bedroom. Padlocks are also cost-effective and practical, but it does not have the convenience like the knob lock, chain lock, or sliding bold for bedroom.
7. Mortise Locks
Contrary to the sliding bolt and hand lever, a mortise lock is suitable for your external door, not ideal for the bedroom. A mortise lock is very powerful and has both light and heavy models. It is installed in the hollowed-out section of a door and not installed in the doorknob of the door itself.
The mortise lock consists of a cylindrical body that serves as the house for the knobs of levers. Because the part where the lock is installed is hollowed out, you will require the help of a professional for its installation. Mortise locks are quite expensive and also give more aesthetic appeal to your door.
8. Electric Lock
Electric locks are high-level security locks. They are mostly found in various types of commercial buildings. Rather than use a lock and key, electric locks use buttons, codes, or fingerprints, or easily just with your phone.
This is another convenient option for the bedroom. By just putting your finger on the lock, you can open the door in seconds. But it is not usually seen as a bedroom lock. With an electronic door lock, it is easier to control the number of people who have access to your space and, most especially, prevent unauthorized personnel from getting into parts of your company’s building that are restricted to the public. Some electronic doors are automatic, so that means you won’t have to worry about opening and closing the door.
Now that you know the various types of door locks and their features, you can make a better and more informed decision when selecting your door locks but, should bedrooms have locks?
