The functionality of the balcony is increasingly appreciated by furniture manufacturers, who are developing multi-purpose accessories designed for this space. An indispensable piece of furniture for a loggia is a wardrobe. Thanks to this furniture, you can store various items on your balconies without taking up space at home. Find out more about chests and balcony cabinets, their characteristics, models and materials.
Wardrobe on the balcony: photos and the most popular materials
Do you already have furniture on your balcony? What material and design do you prefer? Today you can choose different designs for your balcony cabinet, both from natural and artificial raw materials. Beautiful door fronts, neat finishing that gives the product prestige, as well as comfortable and aesthetic handles - all this makes the balcony cabinet not only a spacious storage for various accessories, but also an excellent addition to a stylish interior. Even if your loggia is glazed, it is still advisable to choose materials that will have the following characteristics:
- moisture resistance;
- withstanding atmospheric temperature changes;
- resistance to insects;
- ease of care.
Learn about the pros and cons of wood, plastic and metal to choose the most suitable balcony cabinet for yourself.
What forms are there?
A straight cabinet will be appropriate for small balconies with a narrow structure. Most owners decide to assemble such furniture with their own hands, since installation is quite simple if you have the right tools.
The corner version is suitable for small spaces; with its help you can not only organize storage space, but also complement the design, making it an extension of the apartment.
Wooden cabinet for balcony
Since verandas, terraces and balconies are usually small, narrow cabinets installed there act as small storage. Loggias are increasingly becoming a space for growing plants, so cabinets are used as storage for tools and other accessories behind flowers. Parents of small children can also use closets as a place to store toys. Wooden cabinets are considered the most aesthetically pleasing choice. Design samples available in white, natural or dark colors. What are the most important features of wooden furniture? It is worth considering their main advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
- goes well with stone bases, tiles and panels;
- create the impression of naturalness;
- strong and roomy;
- allow you to update yourself after some time.
Flaws:
- heavy;
- improperly impregnated natural wood will not be resistant to moisture and frost.
If you choose a low cabinet for the balcony, then due to its weight and stability it can easily serve as a stand for pots or other accessories. You can also find decorated or carved furniture of this type. You can combine a wardrobe in a balcony design with wooden shelves. Instead of solid material, many people choose veneer coated with varnish or wax. This is a solution that most closely resembles wooden furniture, allowing you to get rid of the main wood defects. Veneered cabinets are durable, but it is difficult to renew them in the event of mechanical damage.
Worth knowing! Those who are put off by the periodic need to maintain the appearance of a wooden cabinet or its lack of resistance to harsh weather conditions, but still appreciate the aesthetic qualities of wood, can choose furniture made from a imitation material, such as plastic.
Door opening systems - advantages and disadvantages
Options for doors for balcony cabinets can be very different - from hinged to accordion. Their choice depends on the characteristics of the room, the design of the furniture and the preferences of the owner.
Sliding
Sliding doors save space because they move relative to each other when opened. This option will be simply irreplaceable if the cabinet is located behind a protruding window sill or other obstacle. The space in front of a cabinet with hinged doors must be left free, while this is not necessary for a sliding system. The only drawback is that the compartment doors cannot be opened at the same time. Therefore, only one half of the cabinet will always be available.
With roller shutters
A niche with a lowering iron curtain is an excellent option for a balcony storage room. Blinds as doors will be appropriate both in a regular storage system and in a corner one. No space is required to open the doors, but you still have access to the entire contents of the cabinet. Installation does not take much time. Roller shutters save space, are easy to clean and do not fade. An aluminum curtain will block the way to bright sunlight, moisture and dust. A plain light curtain will visually expand the space, and if it seems too boring, you can apply a design to it - airbrushing. The disadvantage of such doors is that in order to open or close the cabinet, you need to bend over. Another disadvantage of blinds is their low functionality. It is impossible to place hooks, hangers, shelves, or mirrors on their surface, either inside or outside the cabinet. But on the balcony you can do without mirrors, and install additional organizers in the side and back walls.
Accordion doors
This option retains the main advantage of swing doors - when fully opened, all the internal contents are clearly visible - there are no “dead zones”. At the same time, folding doors can effectively save space. The “accordions” do not rest against the window sill, they are compact and easy to open. Unfortunately, such doors are not very reliable and durable. This is due to the large number of connections. The slats of such doors are usually made of plastic or glass, and this is not a very reliable option. Insufficient adherence of the panels to the cabinet structure leads to dust penetration. Therefore, the installation of brush seals is necessary.
Rack – cabinet without doors
If the contents do not have to be hidden behind blind doors, it is quite possible to refuse them. This solution will reduce your expenses and make access to things convenient and quick. The rack is suitable for flowers and seedlings - after all, they simply need the sun's rays. On the glazed balcony, open shelves can be filled with books, decorative accessories, and craft kits. Or design the rack in such a way that one of the shelves turns into a desk or a comfortable mini-sofa.
Plastic cabinet for the balcony - the most important features
An increasingly popular alternative to wooden balcony furniture is plastic structures. Before purchasing, you need to check what the maximum weight the item can carry. Features of plastic cabinets on the balcony:
- waterproof and insensitive to ultraviolet rays;
- lightweight, easy to carry;
- available in different models;
- large selection of colors and patterns;
- cheaper than wood or metal;
- easy to maintain and clean.
However, it should be remembered that in the case of plastics the range of quality is very high. You can choose durable, aesthetic and waterproof samples, as well as cheap, fragile and thin ones that will not be used for even two seasons. The latter, however, have the advantage that they can be purchased at an affordable price if furniture is needed for short-term use.
Features and Benefits
By installing a cabinet on a loggia, we unload the space to the maximum, remove all unnecessary things from view, and the more spacious its design, the better. The closet can be made to the full height and width of the balcony, and there will be plenty of space for optimal organization of things. The furniture is made to individual sizes and fits optimally into the prepared space.
The storage system located on the loggia allows you to:
- free the apartment space from bulky furniture;
- ergonomically organize things in a small area;
- do not spend money on an expensive cabinet - a simple and unpretentious model - ideal for a balcony;
- hide necessary but rarely used things - skates, stepladder, Christmas tree;
- turn a cluttered loggia into a stylish and tidy room.
Metal cabinets for balconies
What other furniture is good for a balcony? Metal cabinets are used, although less frequently. Their advantage is the undoubted durability of the material and resistance to weather conditions. They will be a great addition to balconies or terraces decorated in a minimalist or industrial style. Metal cabinets can be very spacious. The material is durable, so it will last until you get tired of it. In addition, the cabinets are available in very large quantities. The walls or shelves of this design are thin, so the furniture will be optimally spacious.
It is worth remembering that uncoated metal conducts temperature well, so if the furniture is placed in a sunny place, it may heat up. The disadvantage is also the rather poor selection of colors. An improperly maintained or low-quality cabinet can also rust over time.
Filling
When choosing a cabinet, you need to consider what exactly will be stored in it. Its internal content depends on this. It is best to use the following parts for the filling:
- rods for jackets and other outerwear;
- mezzanines for things that are rarely taken out - a guest bed, suitcases, etc.;
- simple medium-sized shelves for clothes;
- boxes for storing small household items;
- shoe compartments;
- bottom drawer for storing canned food and vegetables.
All these are necessary filling details in everyday life.
Facade texture: smooth or decorated
Another important feature of a potential cabinet to consider is the cut and texture of the fronts. Smooth and embellished fronts are in fashion today. For modern balcony cabinets, a much better solution would be facades with a uniform structure, which can be varnished or have a visible wood pattern. In other options, you can choose different types of grooves and cutters, which will significantly change the appearance of the facades.
When choosing facades, an important decision is also the finish, which can be matte or glossy. Shiny painted surfaces are synonymous with modern interiors. More often they are also chosen for rooms that require optical magnification. Glamorous facades have many supporters, even when it comes to keeping them clean. The matte finish is more subdued, but it also has benefits. First of all, it looks very elegant. On a balcony that has plenty of access to natural light, this type of façade will bring peace and be calming.
There are disadvantages
The disadvantages include small capacity, even custom-made cabinets will not be able to please with the large depth of the product. Not all large items will fit into such furniture.
In addition, when choosing a material, you should give preference to moisture-resistant components that can withstand temperature changes. Most people are put off by such a scrupulous approach to choosing a purchase.
DIY built-in wardrobe for the balcony
On the balcony, the wardrobe is the preferred furniture. However, the design is quite simple, so with a little knowledge and special tools you can make this type of furniture yourself. To find out where to start and what you will actually need, read the information below.
More and more furniture manufacturers are offering custom cabinetry. Thanks to this, you can make practical use of free space in the form of recesses or slopes. Contrary to appearance, it is possible to implement a built-in wardrobe yourself. Measuring the required recess will allow you to plan the size of your storage space. The recess should be spacious enough to provide convenient storage of clothing or household items. In general, built-in wardrobes replace traditional freestanding furniture, but they are not always used that way. This is also a great suggestion for storing canned goods when we don't have a typical pantry. The size of the recess must correspond to the material from which the cabinet will be made. Usually these are chipboard and MDF boards. The planned design, as well as the interior of the cabinet, should be sketched out in advance. This is necessary in order to estimate how many slabs will be needed and how individual units should be organized in the form of shelves or hangers.
Interior, shelves, doors
The connections will require plates for the cabinet body and subsequent shelves. Strengthening the connections, of course, will be provided by the corners. Only after the body is made, the interior of the cabinet is divided into shelves in the desired location. On the side walls, check the position levels of the individual elements. Special brackets will be useful for installing shelves that are attached to the side walls of the cabinet body, as well as to the shelves themselves. Making the frame isn't all you'll be dealing with because it's worth taking care of the door. Most often the solution falls on the sliding door. You can buy it along with the guide system as a set. This solution is especially recommended for people who have little experience in implementing built-in wardrobes with sliding doors. Ready-made guides are built into the upper and lower parts of the cabinet body. Most often, such guides are attached to the ceiling and floor.
Additional freezer
An interesting option for most owners would be to place a refrigerator on the balcony.
When the temperature outside in winter drops below 0 on the thermometer, you can put frozen food there and not be afraid that it will spoil.
The method allows you to store a large amount of vegetables, healthy fruits, meat and fish.
The only inconvenience will be putting on warm outerwear every time you need to look into the improvised freezer.
Note!
- U-shaped sofa: TOP-160 photos and videos of design ideas with a U-shaped sofa. Pros and cons of the design, choice of upholstery and color of the sofa
- Gray sofa - TOP 180 photos and video designs with a gray sofa. Advantages and disadvantages of furniture in gray tones. Gray sofa upholstery options
- Bookcase - the need to use a bookcase. Varieties of designs, sizes and shapes. Bookcase materials (photo + video)
How to make a free-standing wardrobe on the balcony?
Making free-standing furniture yourself is, of course, possible. However, because components and connections are more visible, significant emphasis is placed on the aesthetics of the work. This applies to both wooden structures and panels. Mostly, a free-standing cabinet body is made of boards, thanks to this material you will create products in a shorter time with relatively low costs. After trimming, visible edges should be masked using melamine veneer. The color of the veneer should match the color of the board so that the product is aesthetically pleasing without adding additional contrast. The framing is usually coated using high heat, so an iron will come in handy. The width of the offered veneer is only 22 mm. Once dry, sand the surface until it is smooth. Fine-grain sandpaper is suitable for this. Further work is similar to that performed in built-in cabinets - this is a combination of interior elements, installation of shelves and cabinet doors. Traditionally, opening cabinet doors are, of course, secured with hinges.
Bookcase on the balcony
It happens that you don’t need to assemble an entire closet to get an additional piece of furniture for storage. For this reason, shelves are also increasingly being produced. Typically wood is used as a raw material. Many people choose pallet racking. And although they usually do not complement the equipment of guest rooms, they can often be seen in basements, storage rooms or on balconies. In case of higher loads, you can think about a cabinet whose frame will be made of metal. The main elements are, of course, perforated profiles and OSB boards.
What are the differences
There are quite a few types of cabinets, and all of them are designed for installation on open or closed loggias. The dimensions will depend on the size of the room itself.
Note!
- Dark sofa: advantages and disadvantages of dark sofas. Features of choosing dark shades of a sofa for different styles (photo + video)
Chest of drawers for the bedroom: TOP-170 photos and videos of chest of drawers for the bedroom. Choosing the shape, size, color and material of the chest of drawers
- Light sofa: TOP-130 photos and videos of light sofa options for different rooms. Varieties of upholstery materials and colors
It is important to take into account the parameters and design nuances; only thanks to well-thought-out accompanying factors will you be able to make the right choice.
Wardrobe for balcony Ikea
For people who feel good in minimalist spaces, preferring to surround themselves with quality materials, the Ikea cabinet will certainly appeal. Its elegant design belongs to the Scandinavian style, which loves simple lines and classic shapes. Balcony furniture is available in white, beige and brown colors. Surely this will be an excellent, both practical and aesthetic addition to your balcony or terrace.
Practical, spacious storage or modern design? You no longer need to think about what worries you more. The Ikea balcony cabinet is the ideal solution for rooms decorated in accordance with the latest trends, where minimalism and geometric shapes play a major role. Ikea furniture is made with attention to every detail. Even the door leaves are mounted on matching metal hinges that match the style perfectly. The innovative design highlights the fashionable color.
Which balcony or loggia is suitable for a dressing room?
Storing things on the balcony is a tradition that came to us from Soviet times. And if previously this space was occupied mainly by unnecessary junk, now apartment residents are trying to make it as useful as possible.
Some people try to store their shoes on the balcony. But under no circumstances should this be done on an unglazed and unheated one. Even if a pair of boots is stored in a box, it is still contraindicated from moisture and temperature changes that constantly occur on balconies and loggias. The solution to this problem can be organizing a wardrobe in this space.
It is ideal if the bedroom has access to even a small loggia. Then you can simply rid the room of heavy and bulky closets by organizing a separate room for clothes and shoes.
The most popular types of cabinets used on the balcony
Maintaining order in the interior of the balcony, as well as the possibility of storing clothes or shoes, is a guarantee of a harmonious atmosphere. The more structured the space, the more comfortable it is to relax on the balcony. Today you can find the type of cabinet that fits perfectly even into limited space on the loggia.
Chests
Probably the least practical, but at the same time the most decorative and traditional choice for a balcony is the chest. It was from drawers and chests of drawers that wardrobes emerged. A chest is a place in which you can store rarely used items or things for the purpose of the room on the balcony. This small element perfectly serves as decoration in any interior, regardless of the style in which it is decorated.
Dressers
Wide, deep, low chests of drawers are great for storing clothes or dishes. Furniture of this type adds a touch of originality to the room. You can use chests of drawers, for example, in rooms on the balcony, where every centimeter of space is important. They are decorated in different styles, fitting into any interior, both classic and modern. Today, a more classic, Scandinavian model of chest of drawers made of raw wood or a more modern one, finished with shiny material, is in high demand.
Shoe cabinets
Shoe cabinets are quite practical for the balcony, as they can store models from the out-of-season season. These are usually not very large spaces, so it is worth keeping them in order. All you need to do is hide the shoes on the balcony that you are not currently wearing to keep the hallway sparkling clean.
Nightstands
There are many types of cabinets, so there is plenty to choose from when decorating your balcony. It can be installed next to a chair to read in the evening under the light of a lamp. The cabinet can also be in the form of a seat and additional storage space for various items.
Traditional or sliding wardrobe for the balcony
Most often, cabinets are tall, they can be corner, with shelves or a hanger. They open classically or have a sliding door. Depending on your needs and design, you can choose the cabinet that best suits your interior. This type of furniture is often found on the balcony, as it is used to store various things. On small balconies, sliding doors are an excellent option because they do not require additional space. An interesting, varied option for the interior are sliding wardrobes. A glass door will make the room seem larger, which always works in favor of space.
Cabinets with transparent doors
The most elegant of all cabinets, designed for the living room, dining room and office, is the model with a transparent door. In such furniture you can store books or dishes. Thanks to glass doors, the balcony acquires a worthy character, creating a unique atmosphere in the room where it is located. Such cabinets are often additionally illuminated with LED strips.
Wall cabinets
Wall hanging cabinets are those that are at eye height. People pay attention to them immediately after entering the balcony, so in this case aesthetic facades are important. Upper cabinets should look their best. In addition to the visual aspect, wall-mounted models are extremely convenient because they don't require you to bend over to pick up or put anything down. If you want to optically enlarge your balcony, you should choose cabinets with glossy upper facades. The reflection of light allows you to create an optical illusion, making the balcony seem much more spacious. Wall-mounted cabinets can be installed on either the wall or ceiling for larger and longer models, allowing you to gain more storage space.
Corner wardrobe for the balcony
This is definitely one of the best ways to save space. When there is limited space on the balcony, that is, not much space, it is always worth remembering the corners. By installing cabinets in them, you will get sufficient space for large items. This is especially important in the case of balconies open to the living room, where every additional shelf is worth its weight in gold.
For a glassed room
A built-in wardrobe is installed exclusively in closed and insulated balconies. Its use will help save free space in the apartment; it can be used in the winter.
In this case, you will have to wear clothes on the loggia, which is not entirely convenient for people with large builds.
Problems may also arise when equipping the fitting area with a mirror, because before leaving, it is advisable to make sure that the item fits your figure.
Balcony with wardrobe in different styles
The interior perfectly reflects the character of the people. For some, the balcony design is elegant and restrained, for others it is full of energy and bright accents. Loggias often attract attention with their modern design, allowing you to relax and unwind in a cozy environment. Balcony design is a play with color, shape, structure and equipment. What role can frame furniture, which is a wardrobe, play in interior design? Each stylistic direction has a specific list of rules and canons. Versatile white and steel indicate that the balcony is decorated with an industrial style, giving off austerity, while Scandinavian harmony radiates warmth due to the wood, thick blankets and soft pillows. In balcony interior design, all items can be part of the perfect combination, so choose the right front for a wardrobe or traditional storage using photo inspiration and helpful tips.
Scandinavian style
Scandinavian style is characterized by a subtle color palette that further illuminates the interior. A functional extension with facades in light pastel shades of gray and white, as well as a design imitating finely cracked wood, will be an excellent base for bright additions. This trend loves natural materials and creative design, so the balcony cabinet should be made in the decor of oak, maple, walnut or ash. Simple geometric designs are most often kept in their natural tone or painted white to ensure complete consistency with the rest of the arrangement. In such interiors, unnecessary decorations, fancy motifs or patterns on the fronts of furniture are not used.
Classic style
Supporters of the traditional trend should prefer wooden cabinets if there is a desire to create a balcony in the form of a living room or office. The classics are dominated by the usual solutions: oak, elm, walnut or ash, which go perfectly with the warm brown tones that dominate the room. Traditional designs also feature stylish glazing that looks chic and elegant, showcasing phenomenal china inherited from grandma or a sizable book collection. The use of glass will add sophisticated charm to the interior.
Minimalist style
If minimalism reigns on the balcony, the closet should also be characterized by simplicity, which is associated with a reduction in decorative patterns and muted colors. Everything should be in accordance with the principle of “less is more”, it is better to abandon frilly decorations and focus around economical design combined with functionality. Furniture should have smooth, shiny or matte fronts in one color. The color of the wardrobe facades should also not be a matter of chance, and in addition to individual preferences, it is worth considering the size of the room. Small spaces are visually enlarged when transparent glass facades are chosen. The surfaces will reflect light, providing a sense of optical magnification. In spacious interiors, you can play with color, using both cold beige, gray, warm pastels, and intense burgundy or brown tones.
Industrial style
When brick dominates the wall and metal accessories complement the interior, this is a sign that the space has a trendy industrial style, which is quite relevant on balconies today. The wardrobe in this version has something of minimalism, that is, without unnecessary decorations, radiating elegance and being simple. Since this composition is dominated by muted colors - from white, gray, to black and beige, it is worth choosing one of them to decorate the facade of the cabinet on the balcony. The lack of shine will result in the interior taking on a more natural tone. Materials that imitate concrete or show uneven wood textures will look great in shades of gray and graphite.
Glamorous style
Since the glamor trend loves to shine, it is worth using glass facades or choosing options complemented by a mirror, which will enhance the aura of exclusivity and provide incredible attractiveness. Furniture with reflective surfaces in delicate shades of vanilla or beige will not only visually enlarge the space, but can also add a touch of warmth and harmony to the balcony. 3D fills with geometric or plant motifs are also interestingly presented, so the room no longer needs decorations, and the surface of the facades will turn into a non-trivial decorative accent. The irregular texture, influenced by plenty of light and shimmering glamor style elements such as crystal chandeliers or gold and silver accents, will create an interesting visual spectacle.
A custom-made balcony wardrobe is an excellent solution for a small space
There are many styles in interior design. Each of you has your own preferences that best suit your personal taste. When decorating a balcony or choosing furniture, including a wardrobe, you need to skillfully combine elements so that the completed interior meets all expectations and fits into your favorite style. Therefore, every detail is of great importance. The front of the wardrobe is an element that immediately catches the eye, so you should make sure that the first impression of it is unforgettable. A wide range of materials allows you to create, offering many possibilities, thanks to which the interior of the balcony will not only meet the aesthetic needs of the household, but will become one whole: from the floor and ceiling to the furniture. A custom-made wardrobe for a balcony can be an excellent example of quality, since the product will be made according to individual measurements and clearly fits into the space.
Opening mechanisms
The configurations and designs are quite different. The swing door opening style is the most common. Its installation and subsequent operation are simple and convenient.
The main disadvantage is the large space when opening the doors. This option is only suitable for balconies with sufficient area.
A sliding wardrobe can also be accommodated if there is quite a lot of space, the obvious advantages include: space saving, visual enlargement of the room, originality of the interior, ease of use.
Beautiful cabinets on the balcony and other storage furniture
Sliding wardrobes, wardrobes, shelves, chests of drawers are a popular choice for a balcony, allowing you to successfully decorate the interior of a room, endowing it with useful properties. It’s worth taking the necessary furniture that will fit everything you want. A wardrobe in any form is a piece of furniture built in the likeness of a chest. Over the years, a way to open doors, different shapes and expanded functionality of the cabinet have been invented. Thanks to this, there is a large selection of different types of furniture for storing items, which makes interior design beautiful and practical.
A balcony is still an important and extremely valuable asset to any apartment you buy or rent. Especially in the city, since this is often the only opportunity for a person to spend even a moment outdoors. Your own balcony is an opportunity to relax in a comfortably furnished space without going to the park or leaving the city. You can use this space as a separate part of the apartment or expand it. Of course, everything depends primarily on preferences, location options, design and size of the balcony. Choosing furniture for your balcony is a very important decision. Cabinets often dictate the character of the entire space and, in addition to their decorative function, they should also be useful. Even small storage furniture will certainly work in a small space, allowing you to store different items. Plastic cabinets are resistant to moisture and are ideal for placing things in places with high humidity, for example, on balconies, terraces, laundries, garages, workshops. They are also easy to keep clean, which is a big plus.
Cabinets are very popular products for storing all tools, toys, textiles and other items. Wooden boxes in natural colors or painted white look very nice on a balcony or loggia. They go well with stone or tile, breaking their severity. In addition, they are roomy. A balcony is a salvation for many residents of a multi-storey building. You can place on it everything that does not fit into the usually small space inside the apartment. However, it is worth doing this carefully. If you arrange this space correctly, it will become a wonderful place for you to relax on warm days, and an area where you can store something.
Cabinet style and colors
In order not to disturb the harmony of the existing interior, furniture should be selected in the same style and in matching colors.
Style options for decorating a balcony:
- Scandinavian - an abundance of light shades, simple shapes and natural materials;
- loft – brick or concrete walls, natural wood, industrial accessories;
- Provence – softness and comfort of delicate colors and floral prints combined with artificially aged accessories.
On the balcony it is better to abandon the ornate forms of Art Nouveau and elaborate Baroque decoration. However, the choice of style entirely depends on the preferences of the owner.