Interior design options for balconies
- Finish options
- Fencing
- Canopy
- Arrangement options
Balcony and loggia - what's the difference?
Before the arrangement stage, it is useful to understand the difference between a balcony and a loggia. Some people confuse two different designs that have differences.
- A balcony is a covered area that protrudes slightly from the facade of the building and has a fence.
The modern interior of a balcony can include either a full roof or a separate canopy. Glazing is optional, but it is not provided for by the technical design.
- A loggia is a part of a building or an extension that is open only on one side, which has a fence. On other sides it is surrounded by walls. Like a balcony, it can be open or covered.
There is also a French balcony. Its peculiarity is that the doors are installed in the wall opening. There is no ledge, there is only a fence on the outside. Often it comes in the form of forging.
Types of balconies
There are several varieties on which the arrangement of space depends.
How to decorate an open balcony?
First of all, the equipment takes into account changing weather conditions. For a cold balcony, choose furniture made from materials that are resistant to moisture and temperature changes. Fabric capes and pillows are used as decoration, which can be easily removed into the house in bad weather.
The photo shows the design of a cold open-type balcony.
Examples of glazed balcony design
They are not afraid of changes in weather and temperature; high-quality glazing with wooden or PVC frames helps. The windows are decorated with suitable curtains or blinds, and the glass is tinted, engraved, stained glass or photo printed.
The photo shows the design of a narrow, warm balcony made in light colors.
Sizes and shapes
In the design of a small balcony of 3-4 meters in Brezhnevka, it is not recommended to place too many pieces of furniture. A light wicker chair, a small table and a couple of folding chairs will suffice here. Wall shelves and cabinets are chosen as storage systems.
A loggia of 5 square meters becomes a wonderful relaxation area with a small sofa and a low table. A closed cabinet or shelving unit can be placed in a free corner.
A balcony with an average area of 6 square meters is perfect for converting into a workspace with a table top. In such a room, it is appropriate to install a compact sofa, refrigerator or cabinet in a niche.
A large balcony area of 6 meters can be equipped with comfortable chairs with a table, a chest of drawers with drawers and wall shelves. Such a semi-closed loggia has enough space to place plants, vases of flowers, lamps and other additional decor. In panel houses of the p44t series, boot-type balconies are often found. A cabinet is especially advantageously built into its corner part.
The photo shows a loft-style office with a corner balcony design.
The boat-shaped loggia has a characteristic irregular shape with a wide middle, tapering at the sides. Due to this configuration, some difficulties arise during glazing.
Corner balconies and loggias, which have an unusual trapezoidal, triangular, L-shaped shape and are distinguished by creases and narrow corners, deserve special attention. For example, non-functional areas on a sloping balcony in a Czech-type house can be enhanced with the help of vases with flowers or original decorative elements.
The photo shows the design of a small open-type French balcony.
Finish options and materials
Popular finishing options.
Floor
For an open loggia, you should choose a cladding that is resistant to high humidity and temperature changes. The most suitable solution is tile or porcelain stoneware, which is easy to maintain and durable. As a floor covering for a closed balcony, it is possible to use durable linoleum, laminate, tiles, wood panels or carpet.
The photo shows the design of a balcony space with a floor lined with brown laminate.
Walls
The most appropriate materials for wall cladding are low-cost plastic panels with easy installation and simple maintenance, inexpensive MDF planks imitating various textures, environmentally friendly wooden lining, decorative stone, plaster or siding. Sometimes plasterboard slabs are used for finishing, which are then painted or wallpapered on.
The photo shows the walls in the balcony design, lined with gray bricks.
Ceiling
For the ceiling surface on the loggia, whitewashing, painting and finishing with eurolining, plastic or wooden panels are suitable. An equally practical option is suspended plasterboard structures or Armstrong ceilings.
The photo shows the design of a loggia with a plain painted white ceiling.
Window
Standard double-glazed windows with hinged sashes are especially relevant. Stained glass, frameless or panoramic windows will add a truly chic look to your home, adding extra space to your home.
Doors and doorway
Proper design of the threshold will make access to the loggia much more convenient, and the area between the room and the doorway will be more aesthetically pleasing. Doors usually have a glazed upper part and a solid lower part. Full glazing of the panels will help to give the room a sunny atmosphere.
Fireplace
Using a decorative fireplace, it is possible to create a cozy and luxurious atmosphere on the loggia in the evening.
Wall cladding
Thanks to wall cladding, their surface is not only leveled, but also makes it possible to hydro- and sound-proof the room, as well as insulate it.
Selection of materials
To sheathe the walls on the balcony, you can use materials such as:
- Drywall
- MDF
- Plastic panels
- Lining
- Cork panels
- Decorative rock
When choosing a material, you need to proceed from how practical it is and how suitable it is for your room. For example, if your balcony is on the sunny side, you should not use brightly colored plastic panels; choose lining or cork. For more economical cladding, you should use plasterboard or MDF. But if you live in a climate where winters are harsh, then you should generally use natural stone.
How to effectively use a balcony?
Options for rational use of space:
- Install the dryer. Organizing an area for drying and ironing clothes on the loggia will save useful space in the apartment.
- Storing things. The balcony space provides not only a warehouse for storing all sorts of small items, but is also perfect for placing a bicycle on special mounts or tires, which are hidden in cabinets or placed on brackets.
- Place the refrigerator on the balcony. Installing a refrigerator on the loggia will be an excellent option if the kitchen has a small area.
- Create a full-fledged room or functional area. Even a small-sized balcony space, due to thoughtful design and ergonomic furniture arrangement, can be converted into a comfortable relaxation area, a work place, a sleeping place or a utility room.
- Expand the main room with a balcony. By combining two rooms, a significant increase in usable space is obtained, which contributes to a radical change in the surrounding interior.
The photo shows an option for expanding the living room due to the balcony area.
In the process of developing a design project, the planned arrangement of all items will make it possible to make the most efficient use of square meters and not create a feeling of clutter.
Loggias for storage
If the loggia is not used as an additional room with its own functionality, it is used for storage. Use plain cabinets under the ceiling to visually elongate the room. And choose identical baskets and storage boxes so that all the little things stored in them are hidden from view.
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How to decorate inside?
If the loggia is of sufficient size, it can be turned into an independent room or, by dismantling the partition, combined with an adjoining room.
Rest zone
Even a small balcony is suitable for creating a relaxation area. The decor will be complemented by a hanging chair, a hammock, a swing, a lounger or a comfortable sofa with armchairs. An unusual and interesting solution would be to arrange a small decorative pond or mini-garden, which will help create a serene atmosphere.
The photo shows the design of the seating area, complemented by soft ottomans.
Bedroom
The loggia can easily turn into a cozy bedroom in a studio apartment. This space is equipped with a bed, a small table, lamps, lamps, flowers and other decorative items that create a comfortable environment.
Cabinet
Setting up an office does not require a lot of space. This area can be supplemented with either a ready-made factory table or a custom-made tabletop. A large number of windows always provide high-quality natural light for comfortable work.
The photo shows the interior of a study on a balcony with panoramic glazing.
Gym
With relatively large dimensions, the balcony is used to create a personal gym. The room is equipped with exercise equipment, horizontal bars, a punching bag, and even an acoustic system is installed.
Wardrobe
To save space in the apartment and to avoid installing a large closet, it would be appropriate to place the dressing room on the loggia. To prevent things from fading in the sun, open shelves with crossbars are covered with screens, doors, or the window design is carefully thought out.
Dining room
Organizing a dining area on a balcony area is an ideal option in the design of small apartments. Such redevelopment allows you to add space and freedom to the working area in the kitchen. The functional minimum of a dining room is considered to be a neat table, several chairs or armchairs.
The photo shows the dining room equipment on the balcony in the kitchen interior design.
Creative workshop
Thanks to the ergonomic arrangement of a desk, a comfortable chair, cabinets and shelves as storage systems, the loggia turns into a cozy creative corner.
Home garden
A balcony decorated with many plants looks very picturesque. Flowers, located on the floor or hung in pots on the walls, make the room a real green garden and the main accent of the entire living space.
Play area for children
When converting a balcony room into a play corner for a child, the floor is decorated with warm carpet, the walls are decorated with shelves and cabinets or racks for toys are installed.
Greenhouse
This is a space filled with lots of greenery planted in pots, and between them there are comfortable furniture made of natural rattan or techno with comfortable floral pillows and a small coffee table.
With this arrangement, you can combine all-season plants with seasonal ones, which add green color space in spring and summer, and in winter, all-season plants create a wonderful conservatory.
A greenhouse is most often glazed on four sides, but even in a loggia with two concrete walls it can be decorated, for example, by lining the stonework with artificial grass or moss, although access to natural light is limited, the surface will be really green and beautiful.
Balcony combined with room
Examples of design of an attached loggia.
Kitchen combined with balcony
In the design of a small kitchen, the loggia becomes a functional extension of the living room. The balcony area can partially accommodate a kitchen set, a dining area or a bar counter. The combined space looks more spacious and brighter.
The photo shows the design of a small kitchen combined with a bay window loggia.
Combination of living room and balcony
Such an association is suitable for both an apartment building and a private house. This planning idea creates a very stylish design and at the same time expanded space.
Bedroom with balcony
For a bedroom that can only be furnished with a bed, a wardrobe and bedside tables, adding even a small additional area is a great option to create a cozy corner. The combined loggia will act as a mini-dressing room, flower garden, workplace or ladies' boudoir with a dressing table and poufs.
Children's room and balcony
In a schoolchild's room, the balcony will become an excellent work area with a computer desk, shelves and book racks. The carefully insulated space is used as a personal corner for modeling, drawing or reading, as well as a place with sports equipment.
Which color should I choose?
When choosing a color scheme, it should be taken into account that white, gray, beige and any other light colors contribute to the visual increase in area.
The photo shows a glazed balcony room, designed in light colors.
A balcony facing the sunny side can be decorated in a cool blue or purple palette, and the design of a loggia located on the shady side can be diluted with bright yellow, orange or other colorful shades.
The photo shows the design of the recreation area, made in a beige color palette.
Modernity
Quite an interesting way to decorate balconies. Here you can use frameless furniture; wicker chairs are also suitable; finishing can be done using decorative panels on which an original design is applied. Also don't forget about accessories. You can hang pictures as decorations, or colored blinds or other bright curtains on the windows. Fresh flowers will not be superfluous either. A different color palette can be used, for example white and brown, as well as mint color or blue, red and blue.
Furniture selection
In the design of a glazed balcony room, it is possible to install any furniture. The only criterion when choosing is compliance with the dimensions and style of the interior. For an open balcony, tables, racks and shelves made of practical and moisture-resistant materials are suitable.
The photo shows a hanging chair in the interior of a small balcony.
A sofa on pallets or chairs with a metal frame can be decorated with pillows and blankets for greater comfort. As a bed, it is better to give preference to compact or built-in structures that are in harmony with the color scheme of the design. It is not advisable to install dark, varnished and bulky cabinets that visually conceal the space.
The photo shows the design of a glazed loggia decorated with a hammock.
Country style
This design involves the use of special decorative stone, as well as wooden elements, fresh flowers and bright colors. For window curtains, choose fabrics that will have large patterns on them, and colored floor runners on the floor.
The furniture can be absolutely simple: wooden benches, a regular table and chairs upholstered in chintz fabric.
Choice of style
For the design of a loggia, as for any other interior space, you can choose a popular style solution.
Balcony in oriental style
Luxurious, beautiful and imposing oriental style, characterized by the use of exclusively natural materials in the form of wood, gilding, mosaics, silk, satin or velvet textiles. The interior design includes bright colors, carved elements, fabric draperies and many pillows with different textures.
The photo shows a spacious balcony in the apartment design, made in oriental style.
Chalet style loggia design
Alpine design is distinguished by attractive laconicism and functional simplicity. It rarely contains graceful lines and artistic delights, but despite this, the chalet looks very harmonious. The interior decor consists of natural materials and finishes in natural colors.
Decoration in a marine style
This trend combines blue and white shades in combination with various decorative accessories in the form of pillows, lampshades or blankets. Marine style involves the use of natural wood in furniture or flooring.
Examples in modern style
The high-tech interior is distinguished by furniture elements made of metal or leather. Its shade range includes white, beige or gray shades.
Minimalist design recognizes only functional details that are simple and concise. The style welcomes high-quality natural light and open space.
The Scandinavian style is characterized by a whitened color palette and a large amount of light; this solution is suitable for open balconies or loggias with panoramic glazing.
The photo shows the design of a study on a balcony in the loft style.
Photo of a loggia in Provence style
French Provence suggests pastel shades complemented by ornaments, patterns and bright details. Forging, wicker decor and vintage furniture are often found in the interior. A large number of potted flowers will turn the loggia into a beautiful greenhouse.
Classic style
Classic is primarily distinguished by the presence of forged parts, handrails, flooring or wall cladding made of wood. Traditional decoration is carving, gilding or decoration with ornaments. To decorate windows, choose expensive curtain ensembles with appropriate accessories.
Mediterranean
For a special touch in the Mediterranean style, it is necessary to use natural materials. For wall cladding, use wooden materials, tiles in the appropriate style with a pattern; wicker chairs are also appropriate here, or maybe you like a hammock or chaise lounge. In addition to everything, a home palm tree will look great. But you shouldn’t clutter up the space too much, overloading it with large or voluminous objects.
The most common colors here are turquoise, mint, brown, olive or white.
Location Features
Accommodation options:
- Design of a balcony in an apartment. The area of the balcony in a panel house in Khrushchev allows you to implement a wide variety of design ideas and turn this space in a typical five-story building into a library, office, recreation room or playroom.
- Decorating a balcony in the house. A balcony in a cottage or country house can be located above buildings such as a veranda, open terrace or porch. Log or wood structures are a beautiful architectural addition that add personality to the entire structure.
The photo shows a small balcony in a Khrushchev-era building, decorated in light shades.
Balconies not only help to increase the level of comfort, but also decorate and enrich the facade of the house.
Modern design and decor ideas
In a glazed balcony room, to create a more comfortable atmosphere, the windows are decorated with textile curtains, vertical or horizontal blinds, Roman linens and other curtains. Lightweight options that harmonize with the shade of the walls are best suited. A loggia with panoramic glazing will provide not only a beautiful view, but also visually enlarge the room.
The photo shows panoramic glazing of windows in the design of a loggia in a new building.
Flowers on the balcony, with their rich shades, will undoubtedly delight the eye. To place plants in pots, a special rack is suitable, which will free up the window sills.
History of designs
The loggia and the balcony have structural differences and different histories of their origin. Their names also came from different languages. Thus, the word Loggia translated from Italian means an open gallery located along the wall.
This type of extension was especially popular in the 17th century: wealthy residents of Rome and Bologna equipped their palaces with them and used them for relaxation and admiring the beautiful landscapes.
The word balkon came into Russian from French, in which balko (beam) corresponds to the name of the main load-bearing element. The first versions of such platforms looked like ledges near the windows, then they began to be equipped with fences. In Asian countries with hot climates, balconies have been used since ancient times; they appeared in European architecture in the 13th century.
