Best Bedroom Door Lock For Privacy And Enhanced Security

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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A bedroom door lock isn’t usually among the homeowner’s top priorities. But if you have housemates or children, you probably know why you may need a bedroom door lock. Having a bedroom door lock can significantly enhance your privacy. They can help you feel much more comfortable and protected inside your room.

However, these benefits do not come from any old bedroom door lock. You need the best bedroom door lock. But how do you find the perfect fit option for your home’s bedroom door? It comes down to looking into various essential factors. I’ve compiled some of the best bedroom door locks to help take away the frustration of searching and comparing products.

My top pick is the Berlin Modisch, which has a solid, versatile design with multiple finishes to choose from. Also, it has an emergency bypass, allowing you to unlock it from outside in case of an emergency. My second-best choice, MiLocks TKK-02SN, only came second because it doesn't have an exterior emergency key. However, this bedroom door lock allows you to add up to six users with unique codes.

The third option I recommend is Amazon Basics, which has a simple solid design at an affordable price, making it my best budget option.

Read on for a detailed review of these top picks, plus a buyer’s guide to get you started!

Best Bedroom Door Locks

1. Berlin Modisch Privacy Lever Door Handle

Sale
Berlin Modisch Privacy Lever Door Handle [Thumb Turn...
  • Designed to complement both conventional and modern style...
  • Includes a reversible handle that makes it perfect for fitting...
  • Uniquely crafted door lever privacy Set With 2 3/8 inch- 2 3/4...
  • Comes with unique turn-button interior knob that may be opened by...
  • Durable & Portable Satin Nickel Finish handle which Fits...

Berlin Modisch’s Privacy Lever Door Handle is a reliable way to begin your journey through bedroom door locks. It has several interesting features, and it’s a sleek and stylish addition to conventional and modern style interior doors, giving you the best of both worlds for your entrance.

I was particularly pleased with its ability to fit left and right-handed doors. It offered a bit more versatility than expected from door handle locks. This made it easy to use on many bedrooms and other interior doors in my house. The installation itself is quite seamless and takes less than 30 minutes.

Image Source: dontwasteyourmoney.com

It comes in three finish styles: brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and iron black. These finishes blend with any bedroom door with ease. However, I chose brushed nickel because it offers a more conventional style that worked well for my master bedroom door.

Lost your keys suddenly? Berlin Modisch has a unique turn-button interior knob that allows you to open the door from outside using an emergency key. Besides, it is uniquely crafted with a set of 2 3/8 inch – 2 3/4 inches adjustable backset latch and square corner striker to offer door lever privacy.

This compact and powerful lever can be used on doors measuring 1-3/8 inches -1 3/4 inches wide, perfect for any home or commercial building.

My only complaint would be the handle’s sharper edges. I’d prefer the handle to be more rounded for more comfortable usage. Otherwise, its quality and durable construction are worthwhile.

Pros:

  • Compatible with right and left-handed doors
  • Easy installation
  • Three finish style choices
  • Has emergency option

Cons:

  • The handle has sharp edges

2. MiLocks TKK-02SN Tkk-Sn Digital Door Knob Lock

MiLocks TKK-02SN Tkk-Sn Digital Door Knob Lock with...
  • Interior door keyless entry: add up to 6 keypad users for storage...
  • Adjustable: Fits left and right handed doors. Bluetooth: not...
  • Easy programming: simple keypad programming procedure adds or...
  • Direct replacement: no extra work on standard door prep
  • Glow in the dark keypad: better visibility in the dark; Min. Door...

If you’re having difficulty keeping track of keys, the relief is here. The MiLocks TKK-02SN Tkk-Sn Digital Door Knob Lock is a fascinating bedroom door lock with its keyless design. It depends on a code to unlock and lock a door, making it a much better fit for you.

Image Source: manuals.plus

I was especially impressed with its glow-in-the-dark keypad. It made it much easier to walk to my door at night to lock or unlock it. After all, there’s nothing worse than trying to locate a thumb-turn knob or keyhole when all the lights are off in the house.

This door lock is rather adaptable, too, as it will work on any door of thickness between 1 ¼ and 1 ⅞ inches, and it doesn’t matter whether the doors are right-handed or left-handed. Also, the installation is easy. Provided the door’s thickness is within the required range, the knob bedroom lock will install without the extra work of standard door preparation.

I should also mention that this digital door lock doesn’t only store one code. You can add up to six keypad users to ensure everyone has their unique code. Most importantly, programming the codes was easy, and it took me only a few minutes to delete and add codes. I'll gladly rank this door lock among the best keypad door locks.

However, this door lock doesn’t come with some batteries included. Therefore, I had to buy separately, incurring additional expenses that other options don’t provide.

Pros:

  • Convenient keyless design
  • Glow-in-the-dark keypad
  • Stores up to 6 keypad users
  • Easy keypad programming

Cons:

  • Batteries not included

3. Amazon Basics Exterior Door Knob Lock

Amazon Basics Exterior Door Knob With Lock, Standard...
  • Brass body; steel internal structure
  • Adjustable latch from 2-3/8"- 2-3/4"(60-70mm)
  • Includes two (2) brass keys, KW1 keyway, rounded steel faceplate...
  • Detailed installation instructions included
  • Fit all doors 1-3/8” to 1-3/4” in thickness

Amazon Basics is among the most popular brands worldwide, and there is nothing too crazy about Amazon Basic's Exterior Door Knob. It’s a simple, affordable, solid bedroom door lock that is easy to install. The brand is made simple and includes all the necessary hardware for installation.

Image Source: cayman.desertcart.com

For instance, I received two brass keys, a steel faceplate, a zinc alloy latch bolt, and a KW1 keyway. These inclusions made the installation process a breeze. Also, the detailed instruction manual was quite helpful as it ensured I didn’t have issues when fixing the lock.

This door lock easily adjusts to most standard doors with a thickness between 1 ⅜ and 1 ¾ inches. You can also use it on your exterior door without any issues. What more? This door knob’s steel and brass construction is another notable feature. It provides a heightened level of durability while offering safety and privacy. In fact, I gave my door a few strong pushes after installation to see where it stood, and I was impressed.

However, I noticed this Amazon Basics exterior knob has a noise level problem. It produced a clicking sound every time I turned the door handle. This can make moving around at night difficult when you have other people inside the house.

Pros:

  • Easy to install with Detailed instruction manual
  • Installation hardware included
  • Suitable for any most standard doors
  • Durable, brass, and steel construction

Cons:

  • It produces a loud clicking sound

4. Kwikset 97300-830 Juno Privacy Knob

Sale
Kwikset 97300-830 Juno Privacy Knob, Venetian Bronze
  • The product is manufactured in China
  • Designer style and superior security with this Kwikset Signature...
  • For use on interior doors where a privacy locking function is...
  • Universal handing; fits both right handed and left handed doors
  • Features an adjustable latch to fit all standard door...

The Kwikset Juno Privacy Door Knob is the ideal choice if you are looking to update your home with something stylish and affordable. It has a conventional design with three finishes to pick from, including Satin Nickel, Venetian Bronze, and Polished Brass, that will add sophistication and elegance to your home.

Image Source: walmart.com

My favorite finish, Venetian Bronze, has a rich look and feels! The Polished Brass finish is brightly colored and will stand out on your door frame. This door lock is also super easy to install. All I needed was a screwdriver to tighten the knob screws. However, I noticed it leaves exposed screw holes. Also, it fits both right-handed and left-handed doors of standard size.

Locking this door knob isn’t difficult either. Use a thumb turn to lock and unlock your door. It won’t keep out intruders, but it ensures my housemates stay out when they try to bother me.

Pros:

  • Easy-turn knob locking mechanism
  • Premium feel and finish
  • Reversible handle for left or right-handed doors
  • Multiple finishes and styles
  • Easy to install

Cons:

  • Might can scratched

5. GeekTale Smart Door Lock

GeekTale Smart Door knob, Fingerprint Smart Biometric...
  • 【3-IN-1 Unlock Ways】GeekTale smart door knob has 3 unlock...
  • 【Simple but Smarter and Securer】The biometric door lock...
  • 【Classical Design but Stronger】The biometric door knob...
  • 【Easy Installation】The fingerprint door knob door lock can be...
  • 【Localized Customer Service Guarantee】Worry-Free 30...

The GeekTale Smart Door lock is the most advanced option on this list. After all, it offers three unlock methods within its design. You can open/lock your bedroom using a fingerprint, mobile, or an emergency backup key.

Image Source: ebay.com

Honestly, the app control aspect intrigued me the most out of these options. It allowed me to remotely control this smart door lock and see a log of who enters or exits. Because of this, it is another level of home security the other bedroom door locks don’t provide.

The subtle, modern design was another aspect to catch my eye. Some smart locks have a rather outlandish style that does not blend with my taste. Thankfully, GeekTale is straightforward and wasn’t an eyesore inside my home.

GeekTale’s aluminum alloy construction provides a smooth feel and handling, making access to all the features and locking methods more convenient. The well-crafted aluminum alloy construction ensures durability and reliability.

This smart device could be the highest price choice on this list, definitely more than I would usually look to spend on a bedroom door lock.

Pros:

  • Three entry methods
  • Remote access via mobile app
  • Simple, modern design
  • Durable, aluminum alloy construction
  • Smooth feel and handling

Cons:

  • Batteries not included
  • Highest priced option

Factors to Consider when Buying a Bedroom Door Lock

Image Source: revolvar.com

1. Types of Bedroom Door Locks

The main factor you should consider when choosing a bedroom door lock is how much security and privacy you need. Depending on what you’re trying to keep out, any of the following types of door locks will satisfy your needs.

i) Privacy Lock/ Knob Lock

Knob locks or privacy locks are the most common type of interior door locks used in households today. The lock is housed in a circular doorknob and is locked using a push-button or thumb turn. You may also consider handled knob locks, also known as lever locks. Handle knob locks also come with push buttons. They might also come with tabs that you need to turn to lock and unlock your door.

Privacy locks usually have a hole on the outside of the door that you can use to easily and quickly pick the lock using a paperclip or screwdriver during an emergency.

These locks are great for keeping guests, children, or pets from entering a room. However, they don’t offer much when it comes to security.

ii) Keyed Locks and Deadbolts

Although these are mostly seen on exterior doors, they are invaluable in enhancing the security of your bedrooms and other internal rooms. Deadbolt locks have an integrated bolt sliding into a bracket on the opposite wall. This means an intruder must penetrate the door, wall, or bolt.

Image Source: masterlock.com

Furthermore, keyed deadbolt locks require a thumb turn on the inside and a key to be turned on the exterior side to disengage and engage the locking mechanism. However, in case of an emergency, it can be difficult to unlock the door if nobody has a key.

iii) Keyless and Smart Locks

Suppose you need something more secure than a knob lock but not as ‘dangerous’ as a keyed deadbolt lock. A keyless or smart lock is an excellent middle ground. Keyless door locks work in multiple ways, including using keypads, biometric fingerprints, and mobile apps, and some incorporate voice commands you can use to automatically lock your door.

If you choose this door lock type for your bedroom doors, it's recommended that another household member know the code or have access. In most cases, smart door locks will also require Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to work. This allows users to lock or unlock them using a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

Electronic locks are perfect for pesky and snoopy housemates you don’t fully trust.

2. Emergency Bypass

There are many reasons why you may need an emergency bypass on your bedroom and bathroom door locks. One of the most obvious reasons is if someone else in your house needs to access your room in case of an emergency.

Emergency bypass is also important if you have children or pets (such as cats or dogs that know how to unlock doors). If a small child or your pet gets stuck behind a locked door, the last thing you'll want to do is kick down the door. Therefore, no matter what the reason is, it is important to have a way to bypass your bedroom or bathroom door lock.

3. Lock Grades

Image Source: wayfair.com

Bedroom locks are given an ANSI (American National Standards Institute) security rating. This rating categorizes bedroom locks into three ANSI grades based on overall strength and durability.

  • ANSI Grade 1 Lock: The toughest, commercial-grade locks that can withstand one million open and close cycles for door knobs and levers and 150,000 for deadbolts. Also, they can handle up to 10 strikes at 75-foot-pounds of force.
  • ANSI Grade 2 Locks: Strong, residential-grade locks made of high-quality materials. Levers and doorknobs can withstand 800,000 open and close cycles, while deadbolts can withstand 150,000 cycles. They can also handle 5 strikes at 75-foot-pounds of force. Most interior and exterior door locks fall under this rating.
  • ANSI Grade 3 Locks: The weakest door locks should only be used on interior doors such as the bedroom door. They can withstand the same cycles as the ANSI Grade 2 locks but can only handle 2 strikes at 75-foot-pound force.

However, contrary to popular belief, ANSI grades have nothing to do with how easy it is to manipulate a lock. So, unless you’re worried about someone using brute force to break into your bedroom, lock grades should not affect how you choose a bedroom door lock.

Frequently Asked Questions on Bedroom Door Locks

Image Source: citywestlocksmiths.com.au

1. Should you have locks on bedroom doors?

It’s always recommended to install locks on bedroom doors. It’s the simplest and best way of providing yourself with security and privacy. However, whether or not to have locks on your bedroom doors generally depends on personal preferences.

2. Which door lock is best for a bedroom door?

Ultimately, the best lock for a bedroom door best suits your needs and provides the level of security and convenience you are looking for. Do you want to keep out curious children, or do you have housemates you don’t trust? Another aspect to consider is the ease of use and the ability to open your door lock in an emergency.

My best pick, Berlin Modisch, has a solid, versatile construction. It comes in three different finishes allowing you to choose what suits your décor. Plus, this bedroom door lock can be easily picked up in case of an emergency.

3. Which type of lock is best for a bathroom door?

When it comes to bathrooms, privacy is paramount. Therefore, the best locks for bathroom doors are privacy locks or knob locks. These locks are designed to give you privacy, preventing others from entering the room without your permission. They can be locked from the inside using a thumb turn and have an emergency bypass on the outside in case of an emergency.

4. Is it okay to put a lock on my child’s bedroom door?

It is best not to. A door lock on a child’s bedroom door is considered a fire hazard because they may accidentally lock themselves in during a fire. But if you must get door locks for the children’s rooms, ensure you have a spare key in case of emergencies.

Conclusion on the Best Bedroom Door Lock

Image Source: hunker.com

Ultimately, the best bedroom door lock is the one that best suits your needs, providing the security level and convenience that you’re looking for. And before choosing one for your bedroom door, consider the lock’s main purpose; is it for privacy or extra security? This will allow you to make the right choice easily.

If you want to open your door quickly in an emergency, then a lock with an emergency bypass is important. Conversely, an electronic lock is the best way to go if you want to enhance your bedroom’s security.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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