Any type of bathroom lock must give security, reliability and hardiness. They should also be easy to force-open if needed, to help the person inside if they have an accident or there is a fault that leaves the door locked from inside.

Bathroom Door Lock Types

There are many bathroom door lock types available, most tend to use a spring lock release that is activated by turning the thumb turn on the inside of the bathroom door. Many types of bathroom door locks on more modern doors don’t use spring locking mechanisms as it doesn’t offer a lock release mechanism on the other side for emergency situations. 

Ball-Type Door Knobs

Ball-Type Door Knobs locks are rounded to fit the palm. They are usually fitted with a lockset, which means the inside handle has a button that is pushed or turned to lock the door.

Lever Handles & Locks

Lever-style locks work in a similar way to ball-type locks, however, they are simpler to install and use than ball-type door knobs. Furthermore, the door lock can be used with a thumb turn. We recommended it to be used alongside internal bathroom locks.

This is ideal for locations with a high likelihood of being locked inside the bathroom, such as places aimed at children or older adults. These are also the ideal lock type for an accessible bathroom in the workplace or home.

Thumb turn and Release

This type of bathroom door lock usually comes in a set in a round shape. It uses a small button that the bathroom user can turn from the occupying side. It can be released from the outside in case of emergency by twisting the emergency release. They are best installed with mortice sash locks. 

Thumb turn locks are ideal choices for cloakrooms where small children could lock themselves in and require help to get out. 


Door Bolts 

Door bolts or Barrel Bolts offer the most privacy and are best suited to shared living, but they aren’t able to be opened from the exterior. This means consideration is needed in households that have vulnerable adults or small children. They are often straightforward to install due to them not needing to be used alongside a bathroom door lock mechanism. 

Chain Locks

A chain lock is best for handling people on the outside while providing the bathroom occupant more than ample privacy.

Most locking door chain come with keys that give you the ability to lock the door from the exterior too, making this product suitable for multiple door locations, such as: 

  • bathrooms

  • entrance door from the garages

  • laundry or pantry doors

  • conservatory or garden doors

The chain lock gives security and privacy by giving enough open space to hand or receive items safely, check identity, and leave a door open for your pets.

How To Choose The Best Bathroom Lock Type

Choosing a bathroom door lock type depends on the kind of door handle you purchase or is already fitted to your bathroom door:

  • With  a rose door handle, the lever is attached onto a small plate that can be either round or square depending on the design choice of the buyer. 

  • Lever handles need a locking mechanism separate from the handle which makes locking the door for privacy and security incredibly easy.

  • When it comes to locks suitable for the workplaces or public buildings, the lock must be easy to use and the buyer must ensure that the lock can be accessed from the exterior in case of an emergency in accordance with the safety regulations in place in the UK. 

Other things to think about when buying any type of bathroom door locks are:

  • The quality of the product - purchasing your locks from a reputed manufacturer ensures that buyers will gain from high quality finishing and after sales care standards like warranty and maintenance advice, as well as ample longevity of the lock.

  • Styling and usability - the lock's aesthetic and function should work in seamless synchronicity with the door handle style and fit perfectly with the whole room's overall decorative and aesthetic styling.

  • The finish of the lock must match the door handle in shape, colour and style, be it brass, chrome, black or satin.