How to choose a plastic cabinet for a balcony, review of models

In apartments - both small and spacious - there will always be items that are rarely used, but it is not advisable to throw them away. They interfere in everyday life, so until the next use they are sent to the balcony or loggia. Gradually a disorderly pile of things forms here. It tends to spread over the entire area. As a result, finding the thing you need at the moment becomes so difficult that it becomes easier to buy a new one. Installing a plastic cabinet on the balcony will help reclaim space from these deposits.

Peculiarities

Plastic cabinets installed on the balcony perform several functions at once:

• the free space is filled, so a multifunctional piece of furniture is installed in the room;
• if you buy a spacious wardrobe, then it is used to store numerous objects and things, so they do not clutter up the space on the balcony, and are also hidden from view and laid out in optimal order in various compartments of the structure;
• plastic products can have different colors, so a model with the optimal shade is selected, which allows you to create a balcony in a unique color scheme.

Many people are put off from such a purchase by the material used to make the cabinet, as they believe that plastic does not have optimal strength and reliability, but modern high-quality products are made from special alloys that guarantee durable furniture that can withstand heavy impacts, constant exposure to sunlight, and temperature changes , exposure to moisture and other factors.

Plastic products are optimal for balconies, as their advantages include:

• UV resistance. The balcony usually has large windows, so it is not possible to hide various objects in this room from the sun's rays. Plastic structures will not fade or melt at high temperatures if truly high-quality models are selected;
• resistance to high and low temperatures. Typically, a balcony is an unheated room, so it is required that all items are resistant to low temperatures or changes in temperature;
• attractive appearance - due to the ease of processing the material, special technologies are used for the manufacture of various plastic products. This leads to the fact that numerous cabinet models may have different sizes, configurations, colors and other interesting characteristics;
• spacious and multifunctional - choose a cabinet for the balcony, equipped with many storage systems and additional elements. They allow you to really store a lot of things in this design, so you can free up various furnishings in your living space.

The above advantages apply exclusively to the most reliable and high-quality structures made from modern alloy. Cheap structures can melt under the sun's rays or be destroyed by minor mechanical shocks.

Advantages of using cabinets on the balcony

Any version of a cabinet installed on a balcony can save apartment residents from a number of problems:

• cluttering of the apartment: a lot of things that are a pity to throw away gradually occupy all the cabinet furniture and interior storage rooms, significantly complicating the search for the right item. And there is nowhere to put new things. All this “equipment” is transferred to the balcony cabinet, allowing you to freely arrange things that the inhabitants of the apartment often use;
• turning the balcony into a dump: the housewife, exhausted from the fight against clutter, takes everything that prevents her from living peacefully to the loggia. Gradually, a huge pile of necessary and unnecessary property accumulates there, completely filling the free space. The closet helps to put things in order and turn the balcony into a place to relax: all the trash is now stacked vertically, occupying a small floor area.

Types of structures

Plastic cabinets for balconies are produced in different models, each of which has its own characteristics. According to the design, the following models are distinguished:

• free-standing, which can be located in any part of the room along its wall. They are usually large in size and have numerous compartments for storing items. Not suitable for balconies with small dimensions;
• built-in - selected for certain niches and compartments found on almost any balcony. Their choice should be approached carefully, since their dimensions should ideally suit the available space in the room. The advantages of using such models include the fact that they occupy space that usually remains completely unused, therefore significant savings in space on the balcony are guaranteed;
• corner - chosen for small rooms where even small square meters need to be saved. They can have different sizes and contents. Different models are purchased for any balcony.

Built-in Cabinet Corner
When choosing such a cabinet made of plastic, additional attention is paid to the existing facades. Doors can be:

• swing - such designs are becoming less and less in demand. This is due to the need for a fairly significant space in front of such a cabinet to open the doors. Therefore, the significant usable area of ​​the room cannot be used for any useful purposes. The advantages of such doors include a long service life, tight closure and the ability, when opening them, to gain free access to inspect the entire contents of the structure;
• roller shutters - a closet with such doors has a high cost. The advantages of such doors include the absence of the need for free space in front of the cabinet. These elements are usually created from aluminum, which is resistant to exposure to sunlight and moisture. This is especially true for unheated rooms. Installation of roller shutters is considered a simple process, and they can also open to different heights. They are easy to wash and do not fade in the sun;
• accordions - such doors save space in front of the cabinet. They have an unusual design, so they can decorate any balcony. The disadvantages of using such doors are that they do not fit too tightly to the piece of furniture, so the thermal insulation parameters deteriorate significantly;
• coupe - this option is convenient and practical. Suitable for wide balconies, fits well into the interior and decorates any space. The downside is that it takes up useful cabinet space.

Thus, plastic products are considered the best choice for any balcony. They are presented in many types, which allows you to choose a model to suit the taste of the immediate user.

Roller shutters Hinged Accordion Coupe

Manufacturing of parts

Having prepared all the tools and materials, you can begin making parts for the cabinet. It is necessary to transfer from the drawing to chipboard sheets and plywood all the required elements in the required quantity. After drawing them, all that remains is to cut them out using a jigsaw. During the work, you need to take into account the thickness of the saw, as it can reduce the dimensions of the parts, which will become critical during assembly.

When all the elements are cut out, they will need to be processed. Melamine film will do. It needs to be placed on the cut areas and then ironed. After setting with the surface, it remains to trim off the excess particles around the edges.

Posting rules

The choice of location for the structure depends on the dimensions and shape of the balcony itself. Additionally, it is taken into account what features the plastic cabinet has. The most commonly chosen installation locations are:

• in the corner of the balcony - for this purpose, purchase a special corner cabinet that fits perfectly into the existing area of ​​the room. It may have different heights, and its two parts may also differ in width;
• in a niche of the room - if there are certain recesses or niches on the balcony, then they can be filled with a cabinet. It is often not possible to find the optimal design for the space, so people prefer to create a plastic cabinet themselves. In this case, the walls of the niche will act as cabinet walls, which will save on materials. High-quality plastic doors are selected that can be opened in different ways. Shelves and compartments are also created for storing various things, and they must be firmly fixed so that they can withstand significant loads from various objects;
• along the wall of the balcony - this option is often chosen, as it is suitable for almost any balcony. If the room is narrow, then the depth of such a cabinet should be small.

Thus, choosing a place to install a plastic cabinet is quite simple, but you should first evaluate the features of each option.

Color spectrum

A distinctive feature of plastic furniture is that it can be presented in truly different shades. The choice of colors depends on various factors:

• the color should go well with other shades available on the street or at home;
• the style in which the room is designed is taken into account;
• if you are choosing a cabinet for the kitchen, then it is undesirable to focus on white color, since various contaminants will be too clearly visible on the surfaces;
• A closet for athletes is usually chosen in red.

The color depends entirely on the preferences of the owners and the color scheme of the room where the cabinet is planned to be installed.

How to care

Plastic is considered an easy-to-care material, so to maintain the attractive and perfect appearance of the cabinet, the following care rules are taken into account:

• dust can be wiped with a soft damp cloth;
• various stains can be removed with a cloth and soapy water, but you should not use hard brushes or scrapers that leave significant scratches on the surface;
• It is not allowed to place hot objects on the shelves;
• if you purchase an inexpensive cabinet, then it must be protected from direct sunlight, since due to the high temperature it may begin to melt;
• It is undesirable to install large-sized objects, since inexpensive plastic may not withstand significant impacts, so cracks or chips will appear on it.

If, due to careless handling, scratches remain on the cabinet elements, they cannot be eliminated by restoration or any other similar actions.

Stages of work

First you need to take measurements from the balcony. Then remove all uneven surfaces on the floor. Then you need to draw a sketch and compare it with the measurements. In case of disagreement, correct any inaccuracies. Then a frame is installed, which is attached to the wall using self-tapping screws. Next, the vertical slats are attached. You need to assemble the cabinet from wall to corner.

The finished frame must be covered with plasterboard using self-tapping screws. The final stage is finishing the cabinet. All joints must be treated with gypsum plaster. After drying, all seams must be cleaned.

Nuances of choice

To select the ideal plastic cabinet with the optimal price and high performance parameters, the selection rules are taken into account:

• high quality plastic;
• the presence of numerous storage systems;
• affordable price;
• optimal dimensions for the selected installation location;
• attractive colors;
• suitable design;
• ease of opening.

Thus, plastic cabinets are considered an excellent choice for a balcony. They have many advantages and are available in various models. They are easy to care for and multifunctional. If you can’t choose the right model, you can start the process of creating the structure yourself.

Purpose

Scattering toys on the floor is a favorite activity for kids. But no one likes to step on them: neither parents nor children. This causes pain, can cause injury, and toys simply break under the weight of the human body. There is a need for a place to store toys.

There are now many devices for storing toys, but they all have drawbacks.

• box – holds a small number of items, takes up a lot of space on the floor, is often used for other purposes (as a house or hut), which is why it quickly breaks down;
• a cardboard box is ugly and impractical. Cardboard easily wrinkles and tears, and the boxes look unpresentable and spoil the overall appearance of the room. It fits a small number of toys. A child can injure his legs on the sharp edges of the box if he touches them during active games;
• fabric bag - textiles collect dust, but you can’t just wipe it off; you have to take out the toys and wash the bag. It takes up a lot of space because it does not hold its shape;
• chests of drawers made of wood are heavy and dangerous. To reduce the number of accidents that occur with children due to wooden chests of drawers, it is recommended to screw them to the wall with self-tapping screws, which spoils the wall covering. Wooden chests of drawers are limited in mobility, it is difficult to bring them yourself, you have to order and pay for delivery.

Thus, a plastic chest of drawers designed for toys is the best option for storing a child’s treasures. It is easy to bring it from the store by car and move it from place to place without damaging the wall covering. You won’t have to trip or rip your legs over children’s toys laid out on the floor. There will be no need to buy toys more often than planned due to their damage, because they will not be stepped on, which means they will break less often.

Photo

Design

Plastic furniture can be of different shapes, volumes and designs. The parameters are subject to the stylistic features of the premises and their purpose. These are not just plastic boxes that perform a strictly basic function: the models differ in aesthetic perception. They can be special due to the color shade or decorative elements.

Plastic facades can be decorated using additional elements (rattan inserts, bamboo, mirrors). The use of a mirror helps to visually expand the space and complement the furniture with another function, and facades designed like rattan or bamboo make plastic furniture more solid, visually similar to wood furniture.

Below are examples of cabinets made of plastic panels, as well as options for their design and decoration, which will help inspire your interior design.

7 photos

For information on how to organize order using plastic cabinets in the nursery, see below.

Application area

Depending on which room you plan to install the wardrobe in, there are several types of products:

• Kitchen cabinets are small furniture models that form a work area or are located above it. They are often equipped with a shelf that divides the cabinet space into two zones. This technique is convenient for storing kitchen utensils. And the appearance of the structure will not be affected, even if the temperature in the room is high during cooking.
• A storage cabinet is installed in the bedroom or hallway. This design is much larger than a kitchen one and sometimes plays the role of a full-fledged wardrobe. Often a large wardrobe is built into the wall and equipped with many shelves and compartments inside. It may have a compartment for outerwear with a special mount for hangers.

• The bookcase, contrary to classical trends, is also implemented using plastic panels. It has a transparent door or is an open structure similar to a shelving unit. Such cabinets will be excellent protectors of books from dust.
• A plastic toy cabinet can be bought for a child's room. This colorful design consists of a frame and several pull-out containers that hold toys. The design is extremely comfortable and roomy. Specially made plastic is not toxic, and you don't have to worry about your children.

• A balcony is a kind of place for a closet, but for many, the wardrobe is an integral part of the loggia. It assumes the presence of a plastic wardrobe built into the wall of the balcony or selected exactly according to its width. If you have a small loggia, then in order to save space, you can place a compact plastic cabinet in its lower part.
• Plastic is one of the most suitable materials for the bathroom and toilet. Despite humidity and temperature changes, such a cabinet will be an excellent place to store hygiene and household items. It is often located above the sink and is sometimes complemented by open shelves.

Requirements for children's furniture

Children's furniture should be made from safe materials. The safety level of the material depends on the recommended age of use of the item. Items marked 0+ should be made from completely food-grade materials, since children of this age learn about the world through their mouths. And what goes into your mouth should be safe.

A children's locker should not have a large number of small parts that can be easily removed. Otherwise, the child may choke on them or suffocate if they get into the nasal passages. Therefore, the cabinet fastenings are made hidden in those places where this is possible. This is especially true for attaching handles to drawers. They are made as strong as possible so that a child cannot tear them off.

For furniture intended for children, the presence of sharp protrusions and corners, glass inserts, and metal furniture fittings is unacceptable. Plastic cabinets meet these requirements. They have a smooth shape and rounded corners, soft plastic fittings. They do not have glass inserts. It is heavy and the plastic simply will not withstand the load. The center of gravity will also shift, and the structure will become unstable.

Color options

When choosing a plastic chest of drawers for toys, you don’t have to worry about whether you can choose the right color. They are made from plastic of any color; the material can be easily painted at the manufacturing stage. This prevents the paint from peeling off the dresser and ruining its appearance. The product will last a long time and retain its original appearance for a long time.

Plastic chests of drawers are often decorated with paper stickers. They are attached to the chest of drawers and the front doors of the drawers. This allows the child to choose a design with their favorite fairy tale or cartoon character or come up with their own. It is enough to buy a plain chest of drawers and special stickers that the child will choose.

If the child does not have a separate room, but storage space is already needed, there is plastic furniture that looks like wood. These chests of drawers are painted in neutral colors (white, beige, gray, brown) and will easily fit into any room interior. Most manufacturers offer chests of drawers of various colors with the same design. This way, the buyer has the opportunity to choose from the models he likes, and not just those that match the color.

Place in the interior

Not every interior can be combined with furniture made of plastic, so before purchasing a cabinet you need to inquire about its combination with design trends.

Plastic looks best in modern concepts. This is an integral component of such styles as minimalism, hi-tech, loft, Japanese. But such material is not always combined with Baroque, Provence, eco and Italian design.

There is a compromise solution - selecting plastic with a special texture that imitates natural materials. In modern stores you can easily find a cabinet made to resemble wood in various colors. Another advantage of this model is its affordable price compared to cabinets made from natural materials.

Blinds

If you don’t want to make doors, there is another original option on how to hide the pipes without installing a frame, drilling into the walls, etc. - installing blinds.

Blinds as a screen that covers the pipes

You will have to order blinds, since the height of the space from the side of the bathroom to the floor is small. But it won't cost much. The height of the blinds is equal to the distance from the floor to the installation site. Since the blinds are lightweight, a solid frame is not needed. The hanging bar is made of wood and installed just below the level of the side using corners. The method of installing blinds is the same as when installing them on a window.

The option with blinds is affordable and easy to implement; in addition, the space under the bathroom is well ventilated, while maintaining aesthetics. The blinds do not interfere with coming close to the side to wash the bathtub or the child in it, without having to create intricate frames.

Idea for a screen under the bathroom

Types of design

The most common decoration option is to apply a design to the surface of the facade using photo printing. The image can be an ornament, drawing, photograph, or imitate some material, such as metal, wicker, or wood. So, a chest of drawers decorated with a bright colored pattern will delight a child in a child’s room, while an imitation mahogany chest will look good in a hallway or bedroom.

Idea Alt Deco

A universal narrow chest of drawers with four sections, the facades of which are stylized as wood. Such a strict model is suitable even for a room in a classic style, and the spaciousness of the drawers will allow you to conveniently distribute the necessary items.

Characteristics:

• dimensions 40.5x50.5x95 cm;
• manufacturing material - high-quality plastic;
• color light brown;
• four deep drawers with handles;
• things will be reliably protected from dust and external factors;
• easy assembly.

It is practical and attractive in appearance. The pattern is securely fixed to the surface of the facade, the drawers can be washed (with the exception of abrasive products).

Little Angel Bears

The model is intended for installation in a children's room or bathroom. Calm beige color decorated with a soft, pleasant pattern. The drawers are very deep, with high walls, which allows you to conveniently store shampoos, gels and other containers with liquids.

The characteristics of the model are as follows:

• dimensions - 40x33x85 cm, weight 4.38 kg;
• material: high strength plastic;
• resistance to damage, moisture and ultraviolet radiation;
• long service life;
• safety - plastic and paint do not contain allergens and toxins.

A narrow chest of drawers can be easily placed in any part of the room. The smoothed corners of the frame eliminate the risk of injury for small children.

Shape and dimensions

Play chests do not have a standard size, as it depends on the number of drawers and the model of the chest. But there are the most common options (height*width*depth):

• 100cm*50cm*40cm;
• 100cm*40cm*40cm;
• 60cm*40cm*40cm.

The size of the chest of drawers depends on the design, number of drawers and depth. For different models, the dimensions may differ by 5 cm in one direction or the other. This must be taken into account when planning a room, before purchasing, so as not to get into an unpleasant situation. Chests of 3 and 5 drawers may have the same parameters due to different depths of the drawers. A chest of drawers with 3 deep drawers will be the same height as one with 5 shallow drawers. You just need to decide how many drawers and how deep the child needs.