How to decorate a balcony with your own hands in an apartment. Arranging a balcony and loggia with your own hands - design and finishing ideas. Increasing usable area
Do you still use your balcony to store old sleds, skis and other junk that perhaps no one will ever use? Given the constant rise in real estate prices, such use of the square meters you own can hardly be called rational. How about getting rid of everything unnecessary and turning a balcony used as a smoking room or a place for drying clothes into a potential new space for an office, a home workshop, a place for short meals or even a summer bedroom? No matter how large our homes are, there is always not enough space. We bring to your attention a selection of interesting design projects for arranging balconies and loggias with a wide variety of functional purposes.
Where to begin?
Before turning precious 2-5 square meters into cozy corner that will become your source of pride must be developed detailed plan actions. First of all, you need to decide whether your work on improving the balcony or loggia will be decorative (the structure remains open and only the facade is sheathed with finishing material) or constructive (the balcony must be glazed and insulated). The choice will depend on your personal preferences and expectations. Someone lives in the south of our country and has a magnificent view of the sea, opening directly from the balcony. It is enough to refine such a structure and create a place for dining with a gorgeous view of the seascape. And for some, an unglazed balcony will be covered with snow most of the year and its improvement will require a considerable amount of action taken. But first things first.
We design an open balcony
Have the opportunity to be on fresh air without leaving your own home - great idea for those who live in the southern part of our country. From the point of view of designing the facade of an open balcony, the owners do not have many options. In addition to the traditional cladding of the fence, you can decorate the structure with original forging and living plants. It all depends on how the facade of your apartment building is designed and whether you want to join the existing design options for your own parapet or stand out from the general background.
In modern apartment buildings can most often be found as a durable fence metal carcass with inserts made of transparent, translucent or molded plastic in various colors (as a rule, the tone is selected for a harmonious combination with the color of the building facade). To create an original image of an open balcony, you can use a custom-made forged frame. In any case, before planning to reconstruct the appearance of an open balcony, find out whether the building has historical value and whether residents are allowed to design the parapets at their own discretion.
An excellent way to decorate a balcony in the case of an open structure can be the use of living plantings. In order to preserve as much as possible all the available internal space of the balcony for placing furniture, use the following devices for placing plants:
- flowers are located along the side of the railing;
- living decor is located at the base of the fence;
- at the end of the balcony you can use a cascade or stepped arrangement;
- for climbing plants, the ideal option would be trellises that are attached to the walls on either side of the doors.
Obviously, the decorative approach to decorating a balcony is a seasonal event, designed for warm, dry weather. Therefore, all elements of the furniture should be mobile, light and preferably foldable. Choose compact garden furniture, which is not afraid of various types of influences - from moisture to sunburn. And be prepared for the fact that in case of strong wind and rain you will need to bring textile elements (pillows, removable seats, blankets, etc.) inside your home. In the design of the balcony closed type there are many more variations in design and functional content - we will dwell on them in more detail.
General list of works for a closed balcony
So, if you decide to convert the external part of your home into additional living space and have already decided on its functional purpose, then the following types of work await you:
- mandatory assessment of the condition of the balcony - slabs and fences;
- glazing of the structure;
- insulation, waterproofing with preliminary elimination of all cracks;
- in some cases, this is followed by dismantling the balcony block (depending on the reconstruction option);
- work on laying electrical systems;
- leveling (filling) of walls and floors (may be absent - it all depends on the types of finishing work);
- finishing;
- arrangement of furniture and accessories;
- decorating a new room.
Balcony glazing
There are two types of glazing: “cold and warm”. The so-called “cold” glazing is used if a balcony or loggia simply needs to be protected from moisture and dust, but there is no provision for organizing an additional room there to perform any functions. With this type of glazing, one of the following options for constructing transparent structures is usually used:
- “frameless” method - the barrier looks like a solid glass sheet. In fact, parts of the transparent wall can move along horizontal tracks to open and close windows;
- wooden swing doors;
- sliding or tilt-and-turn structures with a metal-plastic profile.
If you need to carry out “warm” glazing, then the option using plastic double-glazed windows is the best way creating high-quality heat and sound insulation. Very often in such cases, the technique of moving the frames 15-25 cm beyond the plane of the facade is used to slightly expand the area of the balcony. A feeling of spaciousness and a fairly wide window sill, which can be used as work surface– a great bonus for the owners.
From the point of view of decor and adding originality to the design of the balcony due to the glazing stage, you can use tinted glass, stained glass, products with laser engraving or photo printing. Depending on the design decisions, such decor can be used either fragmentarily or for the entire surface of the protective glass barrier. Modern double-glazed windows can be made with any color scheme frames, imitate any type of wood. The original appearance of the glazing is the key to creating a non-trivial image of a balcony or loggia.
Installation of insulation and waterproofing
This stage of work must be approached with full responsibility - do not skimp on materials or specialist fees. Poor installation of thermal and waterproofing can subsequently negate everything Finishing work, lead to damage to the furniture and ultimately return you to your original position with the need to redo the repair. Minor savings at this stage of work can result in significant reconstruction costs and loss of time.
Polystyrene foam is most often used as insulation for floors; polystyrene foam or technoplex is used for walls and ceilings. Any insulation is installed only after all cracks have been eliminated and processed. To create a vapor barrier, recently foamed polyethylene is most often used, which is laid with the shiny side inward. Next, it will be possible to install lathing on the surface to create a surface finish.
Most effective method insulation of the loggia - installation of the so-called “warm floor”. One of the most affordable ways to install the system is infrared film flooring. In such a room it will be really warm and comfortable at any time of the year. Temperature control modes will allow you to independently set the microclimate of the additional room.
Electric installation work
The amount of wiring work will depend on the expected number of lighting sources and the ones used. household appliances on the balcony, the presence of “warm floors” and whether the loggia is being renovated in conjunction with the main renovation of the apartment or not. If the reconstruction affected only the balcony, then you can not complicate the process and limit yourself to a regular extension cord, having previously calculated required section taking into account the maximum load.
The number of light sources will directly depend on what you expect from the balcony or loggia. If this is a place for breakfasts and rare evening romantic dinners overlooking the city landscape, then one lamp or built-in lighting will be enough. If the additional room will be used as an office, workshop or children's room game Zone, then one light source is not enough. The number of lamps is also influenced by the size of the balcony and its location relative to the cardinal directions.
Finishing work
Choice finishing materials directly depends on the general idea of using the auxiliary premises. But, regardless of how you will use the balcony or loggia (create a winter garden or install exercise equipment), there is a list of the most popular finishing options suitable for the special microclimate of the additional space:
- MDF panels;
- PVC finishing panels;
- Moisture-resistant plasterboard is perfect for eliminating unevenness and creating sheathing, niches and other structures;
- cork covering (creates excellent heat and sound insulation);
- decorative plaster;
- fake diamond;
- painting;
- combination various materials to create an original and durable coating.
The choice of material for creating a floor covering is influenced by the presence of a “warm floor” system, but in general, any modern raw material can be used:
- ceramic or stone tiles;
- floor board (parquet);
- laminate;
- linoleum;
- carpet
Speaking of choice color palette, then it is obvious that in a modest-sized room, light shades will look much more organic, allowing you to visually expand the space. But, on the other hand, if all your furniture and decor of the balcony (loggia) is made in light colors, then you can choose more colorful colors for the background.
Examples of using a balcony for various premises
Only at first glance it may seem that the limited space of the balcony significantly reduces the list of possible options for using this additional room. The modern owner has not used this utilitarian room as a storage room for a long time, but arranges there an office, a workshop, a greenhouse, a children's area, a playroom for adults with billiards, a gym, a hookah lounge, a place for meals and even a bedroom.
In order to place a complete and functional environment on several square meters with a specific geometry, it is necessary to resort to various options design techniques. This involves not only the visual expansion of space through the use of light finishes, mirror, glossy and glass surfaces, but also the installation of compact furniture (often made to order according to individual sizes), maximum floor clearance - folding furniture, shelving and consoles that are attached to walls.
A place for dining is one of the most popular options for using a balcony or loggia. If your balcony offers an excellent view of the city skyline or, better yet, you can see the sunrise or sunset from the windows, it would be unforgivable not to take advantage of such a wonderful opportunity. The width of some loggias allows you to install a compact dinner table, in others you have to be content with a bar counter or a narrow console (most often an extension of the window sill). Also effective method may be the installation of a compact round (oval) table or folding panel.
Another popular solution is to organize a corner for reading and relaxation on a balcony or loggia. It’s logical to install shelving for your home library and create a comfortable place to read books in a light-filled room. Even if the balcony glazing has frames, natural light it will still be enough for comfortable accommodation. In this case, in addition to shelves with books, you will need to install a pair of comfortable armchairs or a compact sofa or ottoman.
In order to organize modern office, very little is needed usable space. It is precisely these modest dimensions that a balcony or loggia has. A small console can be used as a work surface (modern laptops or computer screens take up little space), a comfortable adjustable chair and a pair of hanging shelves for storing documents and office supplies.
One of the most popular options for organizing storage systems in balcony spaces is the installation of shelving. Even a shallow shelving unit, mounted from floor to ceiling, allows you to arrange a huge number of household items. At the same time, the structure does not look massive due to the absence of facades.
Built-in wardrobes are no less popular. But given that in a small area it is necessary to install a storage system from floor to ceiling, it is better to give preference to light wood species. It would not be amiss to use glass and mirror surfaces - they will help lighten the image of the cabinet.
Even a small space under the balcony window sill can be used rationally. Shallow shelves hidden behind sliding doors can accommodate a large number of necessary small items.
It is effective to use corner sofas as seating areas, under the seats of which there are spacious storage systems. For small-width balconies, you can use similar, but only linear models.
The balcony is an ideal place to use homemade household items. For example, from construction pallets you can construct benches and sofas, tables and stands, shelving and other storage systems, even beds. Thus, you can not only save significantly, but also create a truly unique image of an additional room.
But they meet in modern design projects and completely unusual options use of available square meters. A gym, or rather a mini-room, a laundry room, a Finnish bath or a Russian steam room - this is not a complete list creative ideas. But it is important to understand that in order to organize many such original projects Not only will large resources be required, but also appropriate permits.
Before you start covering the surfaces, you need to glaze the room, make thermal insulation, and install the sheathing frame. Finishing the balcony is the final stage of the renovation. Interesting ideas for organizing space are presented in the photographs in this article.
Finishing features
Basic requirements to consider when choosing a material:
- Resistant to moisture, temperature changes and direct sunlight;
- Long service life: 20-30 years (minimum value);
- Easy maintenance during operation;
- Environmental friendliness;
- Aesthetic appearance;
- High degree of heat and sound insulation;
- There needs to be a balance between cost and quality.
The purpose and design of the rooms adjacent to the main space should be taken into account. It is advisable that the interior of neighboring rooms does not contrast.
The interior of the two rooms is made in the same style.
Popular ideas for organizing space
1. Combined layout
If the room area is sufficient, you can organize a multifunctional space - combining a recreation area and storage area.
Two functional areas on one area (storage and rest).
The bed design is equipped with a special place for storing items.
The main planning requirement is to place spacious wardrobes in such a way that it is convenient to move.
An original solution for the interior is the installation of a hanging chair model. The number of chairs depends on personal preferences and the size of the loggia.
2. Interior for relaxation
When arranging a room for the purpose of relaxation, create an additional sleeping place, install a sofa or purchase wicker chairs. Not only an ottoman or a bed is suitable for organizing a place to sleep. A good decision will also become a hammock, or suspended structure beds.
A comfortable chair in which you can relax and read a book.
The main condition: the choice of furniture should take into account the availability of free space and not clutter up the space.
3. Greenhouse in the balcony space
For proper organization A flower garden requires various designs, stands and shelves.
If you carefully insulate the balcony, you can grow and breed flowers all year round. At the initial stage, you should consider arranging the plants in such a way as to create an effective composition.
In order for plants to grow and develop well, sunlight must penetrate unhindered, shadow from neighboring flowers should be excluded as much as possible.
4. Storage area on the loggia
In order to make the most of the space, you need to purchase roomy but compact furniture.
Often the area of balconies is small, so when arranging it, it is advisable to choose built-in furniture. Basically, niches, racks, shelves, cabinets and cabinets are used to fill space. Thanks to the built-in models, you can use every corner. As a rule, such designs are created according to specific sizes (to order).
The space under the window sill is used for storage.
Spacious wardrobe made to order according to individual sizes.
5. Office or workplace
Sewing workstation.
A mini-office that does not take up space in the main part of the apartment.
The most important point is to properly organize the lighting in the office. In the evening, artificial light sources are needed. For comfortable work, you should also block the sun's rays with blinds.
If the room is small, pay attention to a light range of shades when decorating the interior.
Artist's workshop.
6. Bar
The bar counter with chairs can be placed on the loggia. This option will allow you to enjoy the view from the window while enjoying a cup of tea. This layout does not depend on the size of the room. Most often, the bar countertop is a continuation of the window sill.
Bar counter overlooking the city at night - perfect option for evening leisure. 
Photo from onliner.by
7. Sports corner
Gym on the loggia.
Equipment for sports training.
In order to organize sports leisure at home, the balcony area is quite suitable. Here you can place an exercise bike or treadmill. If the room is spacious, you can make a full-fledged gym if you wish, equipping the area with the necessary equipment.
Flooring options for exercise equipment: carpet with high-stiffness pile, linoleum, laminate slats.
Finishing material options
1. Wooden lining
It is better to use for covering balconies conifers tree. This type of lining is most resistant to changes temperature regime and exposure to moisture.
Floor and wall cladding with wooden clapboard.
To ensure that the elements do not lose their visual appeal, timely protection against darkening during operation is necessary. You should also avoid damaging the surface.
The use of lining provides an effective finish and comfort in the room.
Finishing the surface of the walls with clapboard, linoleum was chosen as the floor covering.
2. PVC panels
Cladding with PVC panels is an economical finishing option. Installation of elements is easy to carry out on wooden frame using self-tapping screws. If the walls are fairly even, there is no need to create lathing; in this case, special glue is used for fastening.
Covering with PVC panels.
Mandatory operating condition: the indoor temperature must be + 5 degrees and above.
3. Drywall sheets
Using drywall, you can create curved shapes due to its good flexibility. The surface is painted, decorated with decorative plaster, wallpaper or artificial stone.
Plasterboard base, upper layer- wallpaper.
A combination of decorative plaster and wallpaper with a bamboo texture.
Artificial stone and plaster.
The final finishing layer is wallpaper.
The main disadvantage is poor moisture resistance. It is better to use a moisture-resistant version of drywall (GKLV).
This method does not require large time and financial costs.
4. Cork
Decorating the loggia with sheets of cork.
The raw material for the manufacture of panels is cork oak. Sheets of pressed cork are produced in a small thickness. The flexibility of the material makes it easy to form and install elements yourself.
Cork material can be installed not only in an insulated room, but also on cold loggia without double glazed windows.
The sheets are resistant to sun exposure and do not absorb moisture or odors. The main disadvantage is the cost - from 400 rubles. per sq. m.
5. Siding
Siding in a completed project.
For internal surfaces Vinyl siding is used on the walls. The cost of the material is low - from 180 rubles. and more (per sq. m).
Main characteristics:
- Harmless to humans;
- High level of resistance to cold temperatures and fire;
- Light weight.
It is better to purchase white panels. This color is not subject to change over time; sun stains will not be visible on the surface.
6. MDF panels
On construction market exists big choice shades and textures of MDF panels.
For production, compressed wood is used, which is pre-dried. The material is laminated on top. MDF surfaces can be colored (film) or replicate the texture of wood (veneer).
MDF panels imitating the texture of natural wood.
Pros: affordable price and possibility of self-installation. The downside is poor resistance to moisture and low temperatures.
7. Block house
The material is made of metal, wood or vinyl. The shape of the elements is a rounded log. The imitation of a log house in the decoration of the loggia looks impressive and rich. The use of a block house is not appropriate in small rooms, since the area will become even smaller due to the thickness of the material (3.6 cm).
Block house in the interior of the premises.
It is better to choose a vinyl block house. This will reduce the load on the floor and walls.
8. Plastic lining
This is the most economical way facing the loggia. Cost of 1 sq. m starts from 130 rub. Feature of the material: practical, has good sound insulation and high thermal conductivity; elements can be installed even if the room is not insulated.
Plastic lining.
The operation of plastic lining is permissible both in cold conditions and at high temperatures.
9. Stone
Imitation natural stone in the design of the balcony.
Artificial stone in the balcony space looks reliable and presentable. Manufacturers indicate a service life of 15 years or more. The stone surface can be used in different temperature conditions. The finish is not afraid of moisture and prevents the occurrence and spread of fire.
Disadvantage: the cost varies in the range of 400-2000 rubles (price per package).
Until recently, our compatriots did not even think about how to equip a balcony and loggia: these premises, as a rule, served them exclusively as a warehouse for unnecessary things and pickles. Today, a balcony or loggia is increasingly beginning to be used as independent rooms, which also require decent functional and decorative arrangement.
Increasing usable area
This is what all those who strive for uses a balcony as a separate room. With a competent approach to glazing, waterproofing, insulation, finishing the balcony and its design, you can not only increase the total footage of the apartment, but also purchase a fairly functional room in which you can relax after a busy workday.
A small loggia is often equipped in the form natural continuation of the kitchen space. This option is especially relevant for owners of Khrushchev-era apartment buildings or narrow balconies. You should also approach the arrangement of a large room carefully: the pleasant dimensions of the spacious loggia will allow you to use its space to accommodate a real gym with large-sized simulators, full bedrooms with an ergonomic bed, children's corner with a hanging hammock and so on.
Start of arrangement of the balcony
Work on arranging a balcony begins with cleaning everything unnecessary: clean balcony space from old things, clean up, take out what may still be useful to the dacha. After thoroughly cleaning the room, the following procedures must be carried out step by step:
- Glazing. You can install luxurious windows made of durable wood, functional and, or install universal frameless glazing. Thanks to this procedure, your balcony will become warmer and soundproof. You can use interesting stained and tinted glass, or traditional - ordinary glass.
- Waterproofing. This procedure will help protect the room and its structure from aggressive influences. natural factors. The most popular: coating based on bitumen, polymers and universal liquid rubber; pasting roll (usually roofing felt); special water-repellent primers and impregnations. Waterproofing work on the balcony can also include the installation of an external cornice.
- Insulation. Often: walls, floor and ceiling. A wooden or metal frame is mounted, then a waterproofing layer is installed, then insulation is laid, and polyethylene, penofol or other vapor barrier material. Mineral wool board, penoplex or foam plastic are usually used as insulation.
Tip: If possible, install a heating system in the loggia. The most convenient and a comfortable option It is believed that with its help the balcony area will become not only functional room for relaxation, but also an excellent bedroom in which you can not be afraid to spend the night even in winter.
Balcony finishing
Upon completion of the above procedures, it is necessary to carry out the interior finishing of the balcony. The sheathing material will depend on personal preferences, the overall style of the adjacent room and, of course, the financial capabilities of the owners.
- Ceiling. It can be suspended, it is often lined with clapboard or whitewashed. Most often the ceiling. Once installed, this material can be styled using paint or wood panels.
- Walls. Usually interior lining The balcony is made using modern and sustainable, universal wood or PVC lining, as well as a cheaper but wear-resistant material - vinyl siding. You can also decorate walls using bright and non-standard photo wallpapers.
- Floor. Laminate flooring is suitable for flooring, ceramic tiles and carpet. The most comfortable, but expensive option would be to install a “warm floor” system, which can replace all traditional heating devices.
Are the finishing works completed? In this case, let's move on to a more joyful event - filling the balcony area with furniture and accessories, corresponding to the general design idea.
Arrangement options
The warm room of the balcony area can be used in different ways: it all depends on your imagination! To a greater extent, this expression refers to a large room, which can be equipped without saving every meter. However, even a small loggia can be decorated with dignity, especially if you add functional furniture and suitable decorative accessories to this matter.
What if there is a small balcony?
The balcony part of the Khrushchev building must be used rationally, since the room is as compressed as possible. If the balcony area is adjacent to the kitchen part, it is most logical to use window sill in the form of a dining table. If the loggia is an integral part of the sleeping space, for example, you should place a cozy rocking chair or wicker furniture in it. 
Small balcony requires visual expansion. To achieve this, various tricks are used: no voluminous decorative elements, light colors of the walls and ceiling, laconic furniture in limited quantities. It is best to use a glossy finishing surface, which will additionally “enlarge” the room visually.
In the design of a narrow loggia They also resort to “visual” secrets: light colors with a glossy shine, a minimum of furniture and large accessories, a maximum of free space. For narrow areas the finishing pattern should be narrow, and for wide areas it should be correspondingly wide.
Advice: It is advisable to remove the glazing of a narrow balcony. This will help increase the area of the balcony area by 30 cm.
Balcony lighting
The brightness and saturation of balcony lighting will depend on the specific purpose of this area. For example, bright light can be used if a home minibar or dining area is installed on the balcony. Diffused light is used more in rooms stylized as a recreation room and bedroom.
The light on the balcony can be exclusively ceiling or wall, or combined; it can be used only in the center of the zone or in different parts loggias. Great option For lovers of multi-format lighting, there will be touch-sensitive LED bulbs. Depending on the style you can use wall sconces, "falling" ceiling lamps, candles and other accessories.
Conclusion
Under certain conditions, you can adequately equip a loggia or balcony with your own hands. A heated and waterproofed balcony will serve as an excellent relaxation room or a wonderful workplace, combining a blooming winter garden and a cozy place for reading.
And in this video you will find many other ideas for balconies and options for their arrangement. Look and choose and transform your area!
Since Soviet times, balconies have been mainly used as storage rooms for storing unnecessary things that are a pity to throw away and have nowhere to put them. But this is a room in an apartment, studio or loft with proper arrangement can become a separate office, blooming garden, a corner for sports or a mini lounge where you can read a book and drink a cup of tea in the evening over a leisurely conversation. A real miracle for owners of small apartments. You can beautifully decorate a balcony or loggia with your own hands, using ready-made design solutions or using your own imagination.
Layout and forms
There are several types of balcony layouts:
- Regular with wind protection;
- Angular;
- Group of balconies with protection;
- Displaced along the façade;
- With storage rooms;
- Loggias.
By design, balconies are classified into several subgroups:
- On a cantilever reinforced concrete slab;
- On cantilever beams;
- With external supports;
- Mounted;
- Attached;
- Attached.
Loggias, in turn, can be divided into several types:
- Loggias-balconies;
- Remote;
- Built-in.
Standing apart outside of these classifications are French balconies, which perform a decorative function. They are completely glazed, very narrow and completely unsuitable for arranging a separate room.
Important! Before starting repairs, it is necessary to study the design features of the balcony. If necessary, installation of additional fences, strengthening of the base, and creation of a frame will be required.
In Khrushchev
In Khrushchev, balconies can be of three types in length:
- 2.4 meters;
- 2.7 meters;
- 3.2 meters.
The width of such a room is always less than a meter. The dimensions of the balconies in the Khrushchev building will not allow you to “turn around” much. To arrange such a narrow room you will have to try hard. Ideal style The design will be minimalist. Furniture should be light and multifunctional. In addition, it is not recommended to make balconies in Khrushchev very heavy. Their design may not withstand a lot of weight, so from ceramics, facing stone and the parquet will have to be abandoned. Otherwise, the structure will have to be strengthened.
In a panel house
Panel balconies have a number of features. From the end balcony slab a thin reinforced concrete “sheet” is welded, which is located vertically. A special gap is formed between the plates, which is used as a “drain” of rainwater into the glazed balconies. Because of this feature, difficulties arise when glazing them. In addition, the panel does not hold heat well, and the seams are usually poorly insulated, which makes such rooms a priori very cold. A layer of thermal insulation is usually installed on all surfaces. Particular attention is paid to the floor, on which it is best to install artificial heating. In panel houses, the floors are uneven. Aligning them can result in the use of a large amount of material, which will weigh down the structure. The solution will be the technology of adjustable floors.
Series P44 and p44t - “Boat” and “Boot”
“Boats” have a characteristic shape: a wide middle that tapers towards the sides. Such loggias cause difficulties with glazing. Arranging a non-standard space is also much more difficult. To visually expand it, the balcony window and door are usually removed. Narrow room does not allow you to place full-fledged furniture on it, so the easiest way is to limit yourself to a flower gallery or a couple of chairs near the window sill-table top.
The “boot” of the p44t series differs from the “boat” in the presence of three planes, which further complicates the task of glazing and finishing. The disadvantages of such a room can easily be turned into advantages if you use its “creases” as additional delimiters for zoning the space.
Open balcony
Balcony design open type will make it possible to turn a small “cold” room into a separate summer veranda, which residents of cramped apartments can only dream of. It is worth considering that such a room is used only in warm time of the year. This is one of the disadvantages of this design. The furniture used is light and multifunctional. When choosing it, the emphasis is on quick assembly and convenient storage in winter. There is no need to clutter the space with cabinets and furniture for storing things. A small table and a bench or a couple of garden chairs is enough. An open balcony will require minimal costs for its finishing. All you need to do is install beautiful grilles and make it easy flooring. This option would be ideal for growing a summer garden. If the apartment is on the ground floors, such attics are sometimes entwined with vines, which provide additional shade in the summer and at the same time decorate the facade of the house, pleasing the eyes of passers-by.
Closed balcony
Balcony glazing can be of two types:
- Cold;
- Warm.
In the first case it is used aluminum profile. For warm glazing, an aluminum profile with a thermal insert, natural wood or PVC is used. Cold type ideal for those balconies and loggias whose design does not allow the use of additional loads. This type is most often used in Khrushchev buildings. Insulation in this case is not required. Installation of such frames is simple and cost-effective. Warm glazing will make the balcony an “extension of the apartment”: the temperature in it will be the same as in the rest of the house, even in winter. It is worth considering that warm frames will add load to the balcony, so they cannot be used in fragile structures.
Glazing can also be partial or panoramic. With partial or classic, the lower part of the parapet remains closed. This type of glazing is more common. Panoramic glazing just coming into fashion, the entire parapet is glazed, and forged bars are located on the lower part for safety. They simultaneously perform a protective function and play the role of decoration. According to the type of opening, window sashes can be rotary, sliding or tilt-and-turn. Nowadays, the practice of installing plastic windows is widespread. They are durable, sealed, easy to use, have good sound insulation and are easy to install. However, wood is not a thing of the past, thanks to its main advantage: the presence of natural micropores, which allow the room to “breathe”, eliminating air stagnation.
Color design
To visually increase space, pastel colors are usually used, among which white is the leader. If a recreation area is designed, then it is shaded with light yellow, pale green and shades of brown so that the eyes can rest in such a room. For the office use all shades of brown, gray or black. For the dining area they are used warm colors, promoting relaxation and increasing appetite. An entertainment or sports area is designed by combining bright, aggressive shades with soft colors for balance. You can create separate “blocks” of dark or flashy shades that will attract the attention of guests.
Important! It is worth considering which side the loggia windows face. If the side is sunny, then the use of cold and warm colors is allowed. If the side is north, then warm shades should prevail in the design.
Selection of materials
To expand the functional space of the apartment, you must first insulate the balcony. For these purposes, various types are used thermal insulation materials. As an additional measure, a “warm” floor is installed. Particular attention is paid to the decoration of the room. For interior decoration walls are used:
- Wooden lining;
- Plasterboard sheets;
- Plastic lining;
- Cork;
- Siding;
- PVC panels;
- Block house.
Covering the room with clapboard will be the final stage of surface treatment. In this case, you can use your imagination only when choosing a color. Cladding with plasterboard will allow you to subsequently wallpaper the walls to your liking. Cork finishing is the most expensive and environmentally friendly. On brick balconies, sometimes the walls are left in their original form. Modern room design often offers this idea as an original solution. The brick is processed in a special way: leveled, primed and painted. Such Brick wall will become a decorative element in itself. At the same time, the texture of the brick can be made perfectly smooth, rough, or harmoniously combined Various types textures and colors. A photo gallery in metal frames or a series of abstract paintings will look great on a rough surface.
The following materials are used for finishing the floor:
- Laminate;
- Linoleum;
- Carpet;
- Parquet;
- Ceramics.
Carpet and linoleum are used for balcony structures that do not allow for heavy weighting. Laminate looks richer, but the cost is one step higher than other materials. For the ceiling, it is best to choose lightweight materials with a decorative function. The practice of using suspended ceilings is widespread.
Important! Don't forget about exterior decoration. It will not only make your balcony beautiful from the street side, but will also additionally insulate it. The best option For these purposes, corrugated sheets are considered.
Style
Provence is a light style of the French countryside. It is characterized by the use natural materials, floral patterns and light colors. The presence of abundance is required indoor flowers and lovely trinkets made of glass and porcelain.
Art Nouveau is characterized by soft colors and curved shapes. He does not recognize strict geometric lines. Although the premises are decorated in pastel colors, on individual elements bright colors the emphasis is artificially placed. Paintings and photographs on the walls, a small number of vases, lamps and souvenirs enliven the atmosphere. Stained glass windows will emphasize the sophistication of the interior of a balcony in an apartment in the Art Nouveau style.
Minimalism recognizes only the presence of functional interior details. It is characterized by simplicity and conciseness. The style is based on only two basic colors, which are played with shades in large interior details. Minimalism requires open spaces and plenty of natural light.
High-tech is considered modern style close to minimalism. It recognizes only strict geometric shapes. The colors used are shades of black, white, and gray. It is possible to add red, blue or purple as a backlight. High-tech prefers an abundance of chrome, metal surfaces and glass. The emphasis is on artificial lighting, which diffuses and visually enlarges the space.
Furniture
Furniture for open balconies is more like garden furniture. The main principle when choosing it is the ability to quickly fold it and put it away in a storage room. It’s a completely different matter if we are talking about a full-fledged room in an apartment or a closed private house. The designers did their best here. Depending on the functional purpose of the room, you can choose furniture parts made of metal, glass, plastic or wood. If the room is used as a gym, it will be equipped with compact exercise equipment that will allow one person to train freely.
The loggia combined with the bedroom is used as a corner for evening preparations before bed. In this case, a dressing table, a couple of ottomans and a comfortable sofa are used as furniture. For the recreation area, they are limited to a small table with a seating area: a folding sofa or a solid ottoman with big amount soft pillows, where guests can climb with their feet. If the space is arranged under work area, then the emphasis is on cabinets and storage racks. Transformable furniture type ZM2 will help save space. Wide choose such furniture elements at affordable prices in Dutch Ikea stores.
Lighting
Properly installed lighting can become the saving grace for a small balcony room. With the help of light you can visually expand the space. There are no restrictions on the choice of lighting fixtures. These can be light bulbs, chandeliers, lamps, sconces, LEDs, floor lamps and entire lighting systems. They can be placed on walls, ceilings and even on the floor. In order not to spoil the aesthetic appearance of the room with electrical wires, you should take care of their installation at the finishing stage. Then the electrical wiring will be of a hidden type, which will avoid peeping wires. Exposed wiring is masked with decorative elements and special panels. The main advantage of open wiring is its accessibility when repair work, which cannot be said about hidden.
