What is the preferred direction for hinged doors to swing when possible?

The preferred direction for hinged doors to swing is generally towards a blank wall for safety reasons. This design choice minimizes the risk of injury when the door is opened, as it prevents the door from swinging into high-traffic areas or overlapping with other doorways and pathways. Additionally, swinging doors towards a wall can help ensure that they do not obstruct the flow of movement within a space, enhancing overall accessibility and usability.

While other options present valid considerations, such as aesthetics and minimizing space, the primary focus on safety and practical design makes this direction the most favored approach in residential building practices. In summary, swinging doors towards a blank wall optimizes safety by reducing the likelihood of accidents and enabling smoother navigation in various settings.