Many city apartments have balconies or loggias, which often become a favorite place for rest and relaxation. For a long time now, no one has been storing old things on balconies, but on the contrary, they are decorating these premises beautifully and enjoying relaxation on the city micro-veranda. However, designing a small balcony is not an easy task. After all, you want to realize all your creative ideas, and make the room as functional as possible, and at the same time fit it all into 2-3 square meters. meters.
Knowing the basic rules of interior design, the principles of composition, as well as using modern materials, furniture and technical techniques, you can equip a balcony both beautifully and conveniently.
A competent approach to arranging a balcony will allow you to create a comfortable relaxation area or a place to work
This is especially important when designing a small balcony, which can be seen in old, Soviet-built houses. At that time, loggias were not perceived as a place of relaxation and recreation, and were designed to be too miniature. In modern houses, these rooms play a larger role, and there is more space in them. But knowledge of the design principles of a small balcony will help you decorate and equip a much larger room well.
Features and advantages of a small balcony or loggia
In a small room, space is very limited both for design solutions and functionality. The room may be irregular in shape, and if in a standard room this is easy to get around, then on a small balcony a beveled corner or a rounded wall will be a significant hindrance.
When finishing a balcony with a brick wall, you can save a lot of money by simply covering the brick with paint or varnish
Most loggias have an elongated rectangular shape. Placing furniture in a narrow space is not so easy. As a rule, the interior of a balcony is planned so that the largest furniture is located at its ends, while the center remains free.
One of the main and pleasant features of any loggia is bright natural daylight. This can be used for growing plants, for creative artistic work, even working at a computer in good natural light will be more pleasant and your eyes will be less tired.
Another nuance of balcony rooms is that they cannot be zoned in parts. Therefore, at the stage of thinking through the design, it is necessary to immediately decide what function the balcony will perform.
Small wardrobe on the balcony combined with the bedroom
This room can become the following zone:
- Winter garden.
- Personal rest room.
- A room to relax with friends.
- A work office.
- Children's playroom.
Also, when developing the design of a small loggia, you should take into account the rule of the “golden mean” in design. The fact is that large objects and furniture - a table, a chair - will look bulky in such a room. At the same time, a large number of small items will also make the room smaller.
Children's play area on an insulated loggia
Home gym on a glassed-in balcony
In order to avoid excesses in one direction or another, you must first choose a general design style, understand its pros and cons, and then begin developing a detailed project.
Without at least some hints of style, it is difficult to create an organic and attractive space.
Reading corner
If you like to spend time reading a book and need a quiet, secluded place, arrange a loggia for comfortable reading. You will need a soft chair and good lighting. Alternatively, consider a hanging chair or frameless ottoman.
If the loggia is insulated, set aside one wall for a collection of books. A mini-library in the form of an open shelving will not take up much space if placed from floor to ceiling.
Choosing a style for a small balcony or loggia
There are many options for style directions suitable for the design of a small balcony. We present a photo of the design of a small loggia and consider the main ones:
- Classical.
- Avant-garde loft.
- Arab East.
- Japan.
- High tech.
- Rustic.
Classic on the balcony
The classic design of a small balcony is the simplest option. It involves light pastel colors, painted walls, a floor tiled to match the walls or a little darker, and simple furniture design. This option can be supplemented with elements of Greek classicism or French Baroque. Several relief stucco elements - false columns, stucco patterns or bas-relief on the ceiling will create a chic atmosphere, will look elegant and will not become a hindrance in a small space. The classic design style is well suited for decorating an office or winter garden.
A small table and comfortable chairs on the balcony in a classic style
Mini-office on the balcony with wrought iron railings
Desk on the loggia with panoramic glazing
Loft interior
An avant-garde loft also involves painted walls. Walls decorated with decorative bricks will look stylish. It is important to avoid too dark or red tones. In a small room they will look depressing. It is better to choose beige, white or light gray tones. A minimum of dark-colored furniture will set the necessary accents. A small table, a bench, a couple of shelves and a lamp - that's enough. This option is best suited for a work office where nothing will distract from work.
An example of a loft-style loggia design
A place to relax on a balcony with panoramic windows
Option for arranging a small balcony in the Scandinavian loft style
Japan and hi-tech
Japanese minimalism or hi-tech is somewhat similar to the avant-garde style, but surprises with the smoothness of its lines. For these styles, it is better to choose white, beige or light gray tones. This design is suitable for a winter garden or an office.
Miniature garden on a Japanese-style balcony
Option to create a relaxation area on the balcony in high-tech style
Arabic style
The most difficult style for decoration is the Arabic East. It is replete with a lot of detail and bright colors. On the other hand, it is with the help of this style that you can create a relaxing and cozy atmosphere of pleasure and glamor. Warm terracotta, purple or beige colors, delicate oriental lamps, wallpaper with cucumbers on the walls and mosaic ceramic tiles with a fancy pattern - isn’t this the balcony of an Arab sheikh? This interior will be complemented by a bench-ladder with two steps, a small wooden table with carved legs and many, many pillows and poufs. Lounging on them in the company of friends, drinking aromatic tea or a stronger drink - it’s hard to imagine a more wonderful relaxation.
Small balcony decorated in the style of the Arab East
Cozy loggia decorated in Arabic style
Provence and country
The rustic style is also suitable for a relaxation room on the loggia, and you can also place a children’s room here. A balcony covered with wood, with a warm floor covered with laminate, will attract and warm you with its coziness.
Long loggia in Provence style with thick curtains made of natural fabric
Beautiful greenhouse on a rustic balcony
Sofa made of wooden pallets on a balcony in country style
Interesting design of balcony rooms
The originality of modern home design largely depends on the decor and furniture. One non-trivial item can set the style direction and become the basis of the interior concept.
Unusual furniture is the first thing you should pay attention to. An ottoman with a frame made of pallets, bean bags, hanging cocoon chairs and even a swing - all these interior items will find a place even on the smallest balcony of up to three square meters.
Floor lamps and lamps are another way to usefully diversify the decoration of your balcony. You can make many sconces yourself from scrap materials. For example, chandeliers made from wine bottles are especially popular.
Original shelves make it possible not only to store all the necessary things at hand, but also to organically complement the interior of the loggia. The wooden frame frame for hanging flower pots looks very interesting, in which hanging ornamental plants, for example, chlorophytum, look very aesthetically pleasing.
Choosing colors for balconies and loggias
In general, when designing a small balcony, it is better to choose light colors, as they visually enlarge the room. Dark colors are suitable only for accents - shelves, tables or individual design elements can be painted in them.
A light finish will visually expand the area of the balcony and the space will not seem narrow and uncomfortable
The choice of color scheme also depends on the direction of the balcony - it is better to decorate balconies on the south and west sides in cool colors, this will visually smooth out the hot rays of the sun. And the loggias of the northern and eastern sides, on the contrary, will look more comfortable in warm colors.
The photo shows a small balcony decorated in a pastel color palette.
Original ideas
If it is impossible to increase the existing area, you need to visually try to expand the space. Light shades will help: cream, butter, pale blue, sand, beige or white.
The next trick to expand the area is to use glossy surfaces in the finish. Such glossy materials reflect well any light (natural or artificial), making the balcony in a small apartment airy and light.
For those who don’t like boring, monochromatic interiors, surfaces with small, unobtrusive patterns in narrow and long spaces, and large patterns in wide spaces are perfect. With the help of such simple techniques you can “push apart” the narrow walls of the balcony.
Insulation and glazing of balconies and loggias
After the main design direction has been chosen and the functionality of the room has been determined, you can decide on glazing and insulation. If the balcony is chosen for a nursery, office or winter garden, it must be insulated and glazed. If it is chosen for a recreation area, then it is possible to leave it without insulation - then in winter it will be cool on it.
Balcony glazing can be warm or cold, depending on whether the room will be used during the cold season
For year-round use, the ceiling, walls and floor of the balcony are insulated with mineral wool or polystyrene
In any case, it is better to glass the balcony, because in this case it will be protected from atmospheric agents, which will preserve the finish and decor of the balcony. At the same time, for glazing and insulation, it is important to contact professionals from trusted companies, since this is a very complex matter.
Which style to choose
In such a small space you can use any style - from classic to modern. Nowadays there is a very large selection of various finishing materials in stores, so you can realize any idea.
The style will also depend on what is planned to be placed in the space. If we are talking about a winter garden, an antique design will fit well. If it’s a study, then strict hi-tech or minimalism.
Country and classic are suitable for rooms where you plan to relax.
Choosing furniture for a small balcony
The correct arrangement of furniture to increase space will be at the ends of the balcony; in addition, you can only use folding furniture. For an office, it is better to place a table at the end of the balcony and a folding chair.
Any furniture can be installed on the glazed balcony
For children's and recreation areas it is better to use upholstered furniture - poufs, pillows, soft small benches. Another option is to place a window-sill table along the railing and place folding chairs next to it.
The main criterion for choosing furniture is compliance with the dimensions and style of the interior
Shelves would also be appropriate on the balcony - you can store small things there so that they do not lie on the windowsill or table and clutter them. And then a beautiful and comfortable balcony, even a small one, will bring joy.
Garden Garden
If you are interested in growing indoor flowers, create a picturesque greenhouse on the loggia. This is especially true for those who live in the city far from green squares and parks. Many plants need plenty of light, so a glassed-in balcony will be an excellent place for them, and flower care will be simplified thanks to a single location.
Experienced “farmers” plant a real vegetable garden on the loggia and feast on fresh cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes all summer long. If you are a beginner, start by growing unpretentious edible greens (parsley, onions, lettuce) and herbs.
Photo ideas for decorating a small balcony
Seat with commode function
If you need extra storage but don't want to devote valuable space to a closet or freestanding chest of drawers, design furniture that serves multiple functions. You can make a seat with drawers yourself by covering the frame with foam rubber and upholstery.
You can also purchase a ready-made chest and put soft pillows on its hinged lid.
Summer terrace
If you miss the country atmosphere, decorate the loggia like a summer veranda. You will need the attributes of a country holiday - wicker chairs, plants, soft textiles, lighting in the form of solar-powered garlands or antique lamps. Wooden lining is best suited for finishing.
You can also imitate the style of your favorite country, where you recently vacationed or where you want to go. The interior will help you immerse yourself in pleasant memories without leaving the apartment.
Hobby corner
Do your family not understand your hobbies? Do small children interfere with creativity by scattering buttons or pressing computer buttons? Set up a craft workshop or a gaming corner on the loggia so you can indulge in your favorite hobby without interruption. You can decorate it as you wish and not disturb your household with noise by simply closing the door.
Equip your windows with roller blinds or blinds so that sunlight does not interfere with your favorite activities during the day.
