Arch to the balcony: beautiful entrance design

how to make an arch
Almost every apartment has a balcony or loggia, and this provides great opportunities for increasing and improving living conditions. After all, if you finish and insulate the structure, you can improve the additional room there (children’s room, bedroom, office).

In this article we will look at how to properly design the entrance to the balcony so that such a design is not only airtight and comfortable for the residents of the house, but also matches the room design.

Beautiful arch to the balcony

And here another question arises. How to decorate the opening so that everything looks nice, ideal, but the main thing is that there is no narrow opening that no longer has a door, but is not finished comfortably. A balcony will be a salvation here . This is an excellent solution that allows you to implement a lot of very different ideas with the entrance or decorate the balcony as a separate area in the continuation of the room.

Expanding and removing an opening without glazing

Connecting balconies and loggias with a room or kitchen is a popular redevelopment that is suitable for small apartments where every meter of living space is important. In order to combine the rooms as much as possible, they try to completely remove the balcony block and the wall, leaving only the upper load-bearing lintel.

Exit to the balcony in the entire wall, the arched rounding smoothes out the massiveness of the opening

But often, due to technical reasons, it is necessary to leave the window sill block and a partially load-bearing wall. And here, for a beautiful exit design, you can go in two ways.

Window sill block as an independent part of the interior

Removing the doors and window, leaving the window sill block, is the simplest and least expensive way to create an exit to a combined balcony. Usually the block is finished with the same materials as the entire interior, and a countertop is laid on top and a pipe with bar baskets is installed.

A more complex way to design a balcony opening is arches and semi-arches. Of course, their production requires skill and financial expenses, but such a design solution becomes the highlight of the entire interior.

Arch to the balcony, photo of a simple and budget design

Arch is different from arch; it can be just a doorway, covered in a semicircle with clapboard or plasterboard on top, or a complex architectural structure.

The arches look very original, smoothly turning into a window sill block. This exit to the balcony allows you to preserve the usable area as much as possible, use the protruding load-bearing elements of the wall, and at the same time smooth out sharp corners.

Photo of the arch to the loggia with the preservation of the balcony block

Another interesting design find is asymmetrical arches. The combined design of straight and curved lines adds originality and ties together the interior details. For example, an arched exit to a balcony goes well with semicircular plasterboard inserts on the ceiling.

To create a single picture and somehow dissolve the arch in the room, it is recommended to finish it to match the walls

It is not always possible to successfully fit a massive window sill block into the overall design concept. In such cases, some tricks are very helpful. Firstly, asymmetry, which breaks the space, makes the arch more graceful. Secondly, everyone knows that a dark color visually reduces, and a light color increases, therefore, in order to smooth out the massiveness of the arch, it is recommended to play with contrasts. For example, decorate the inside of the structure in a darker color.

The arch between the room and the loggia zones the space, allowing you to preserve the authenticity of the premises, this is especially valuable when decorating bedrooms

And, perhaps, the most complex, but also the most effective solution for designing an exit to an attached balcony are arches with complex shapes. These can be circular arches, cut by massive straight shelves, as shown in the photo below. Or arched structures with irregular architectural forms, finished with original materials.

We combine a room with a balcony using an arch

Then let's look at the photo of arches for the balcony , select the best option and dismantle the acceptable forms to create a comfortable and original interior.

To make it easier to understand, it is best to break down the probability of installing an arch by the position of the balcony in relation to the apartment. the arch will look if it is located separately or redesign work has already been completed and the balcony is an extension of the room.

Opening expansion

But more and more often, when renovating, in order to make the apartment more comfortable and ergonomically design the space, the owners expand the opening to the loggia and balcony. Such redevelopment can take place according to several scenarios.

Removing part of a wall

The expansion of the exit to the balcony is due to the desire to let in as much light as possible into the apartment, and to install modern comfortable doors: double hinged or sliding, which in themselves are already a decoration of the interior. And besides, such a design solution goes beyond the usual, which further emphasizes the style and originality of the apartment’s design.

Expanding the exit to the balcony allows you to install modern doors with different fittings for opening the leaves

You can expand the exit to the balcony by removing part of the wall above the door, followed by installing a simple glass insert or stained glass windows. In rooms with high ceilings, semicircular arched inserts with artistic glass look very impressive above the doors.

Often, increasing the opening is associated with the desire to make the exit symmetrical. In this case, part of the window sill block is also removed, and the door is moved in the desired direction.

Enlarging and glazing the exit to the balcony makes the room brighter and visually aligns the geometry

Removing the window sill block

Expanding the exit to the balcony by removing the window sill block allows you to create a wide opening for installing large doors. This design technique is aimed at combining the interior space of the apartment with a loggia or balcony, creating an optical illusion of room expansion, but at the same time each room maintains its isolation.

To glaze such exits, double swing doors in the French style are used, with floor-to-ceiling glazing with energy-saving double-glazed windows. Or now sliding structures are in fashion, but in this case you just need to take care of insulating the exit and glazing the balcony or loggia.

French exit to the balcony, photo of an expanded symmetrical opening

It should be noted that although sliding structures require additional work on arranging balconies and loggias: repairs, finishing and insulation, they significantly save space. The doors are compact, slide one behind the other, and no space is required to open the doors.

Separate

A balcony or loggia separated from the living area by a window block with a door is a more difficult option for installing an arch. After all, the door must be there to prevent the penetration of cold, but at the same time you want everything to be decorated aesthetically and individually. In this case, you need to decide on the window and door unit. If we are talking about the usual option - a large window and one side door - this is one example.

However, there are a wide variety of variations of a balcony window with a door. For example, these could be sliding solid glass doors, or they could be placed in the middle of a fully glazed window. This also needs to be taken into account.

Traditional way

The familiar exit to the balcony and loggia is a door with a window block. And if earlier the opening was decorated with an ordinary wooden door and window, then with the development of the construction market, there are many options. And first of all, these are various plastic swing structures. It cannot be denied that the door can be completely glass, broken by transverse inserts, or partially blank at the bottom. To design an exit to a balcony, a white profile is usually used, or lamination is selected to match the color of the floor or trim.

Exit to the balcony, photo of a full glass door

Standard

First, let's take the placement standard, which can be seen in many apartments, and see how to organize an arch with your own hands. First you need to decide where it will be located: either exclusively above the door, or above the entire block. Several options can be used above the door. But it will be important to choose the right door. If you want to install an arch, but the design of the ceiling and walls does not allow you to do this, then you need to change the doors or fill the resulting space from the top edge of the door to the arch with something. Although, on the other hand, this can be done using acrylic glass, painting it, for example, with glass paints. It will be very beautiful and original.

In order to do this you need to take several steps

The first is to remove the balcony door. In addition, this must be done with a box.
The second is to make the vault at the required height. For example, 40-50 cm above the door. This can be done using mortar or lathing. However, in this option, the structure will need to be built so that the profiles are not visible when organizing the decorative part. For an arch with your own hands, you can use any of the suitable materials: PVC, MDF and others.

The second question is when the arch

is necessary over the entire part of the window. In this case, you only need to make an arch using a metal profile, which will protrude slightly above the window opening. A common example: if there is a window sill, it will be at its level.

It is also better to make the base frame from a metal profile. Doing it yourself is very easy. First, the main guide running near the wall is screwed, then the other parts. The result is a stable frame that can be covered with plaster or panels; you can also comfortably place lighting with spotlights there, thanks to this an original effect will be created and the space will become larger.

Bonded

Another layout configuration is a bonded balcony

. In this case, you can make not only an arch, but use the window opening, say, to organize a table, shelves and other useful things in the interior. It’s better not to knock it out, but to specifically remove the frame and make a beautiful arch.

And here there are 2 options: you can purchase a ready-made one, made of wood, wood products, polymer material, and install it with your own hands; Or you can also make a frame, use gypsum, then decorative cladding. However, in this embodiment, it can be done much more aesthetically.

For example, use bas-reliefs and modeling. In this case, the interior will bloom completely differently. For example, an arch made of wood

. But modeling with gold or bronze edging is an ideal option.

Thanks to this, choosing a possible way to organize an arch depends on your needs, as well as the style in your interior. But, for example, a wooden arch is the best option for modern or country. Where the presence of this material is needed.

To summarize: you can make an arch for a balcony with your own hands, and it is easier, as it may seem at first glance. To do this you need desire and quality materials.

How to make an arch yourself

Arches on the balcony photo

Manufacturing of structural elements

To cut out arch elements from drywall yourself, you need to decide on the shape of the opening. Arches can be round, elliptical or pointed. For a novice finisher, it will be easier to make a rounded arch.

The production of arched elements occurs according to the following scheme:

The dimensions of the opening are measured. It must be remembered that the construction of an arch lowers the height of the opening by 100-150 mm, therefore, in apartments where the height of the opening is below 2000 mm, it is not recommended to make an arch.
GKL, 12 mm thick, is laid on a flat surface. Such sheets are used to prepare an arched semicircle. The bottom wall lining is made of gypsum board, 6 mm thick, which bends easily to take the shape of the frame.
To mark the semicircle, the width of the opening is divided in half. A self-tapping screw is screwed into the middle of the sheet of drywall, to which a strong thread with a pencil at the end is attached. The length of the thread is equal to 1/2 the width of the opening. While pulling the thread, draw a semicircle of the desired size with a pencil. The second part of the arched lining is also marked.
An arched element is cut along the marked line. You can cut gypsum boards with a jigsaw, but it is better to use a special saw for drywall.
To cut out the hem strip, you will need to measure the circumference of the arch. Usually several strips are cut to facilitate the process of fixing to the frame.

Frame installation

To assemble the frame of the arched opening, use a metal profile for drywall. First, the wall elements are attached around the perimeter of the arch. To do this, use an angle grinder or metal scissors to cut the profile into the required pieces and attach it to the base with dowels.

Then vertical posts are attached along the length of the opening. Guides for filing are attached to the vertical posts. They can be attached along the width of the opening, or along the length. To secure curved guides, scissors make cuts along the entire length of the guide and bend it to give the desired shape.

Drywall fasteners

Installation of prepared plasterboard parts begins with fastening semicircular elements. It is better to have one worker tighten the screws with a screwdriver, and the second to support the element in the desired position.

Having secured both parts, proceed to hemming the end with bendable strips.

Finishing work

After installation is completed, they begin to seal the joining seams and putty the surface for painting. The joints are sealed with putty and sealed on top with sickle tape.

The entire surface of the drywall is covered with putty. After the putty has dried, the surface is sanded with sandpaper and painted with water-based paint for interior work.

How can an opening be designed in an apartment design?

An arched span for apartment interiors can be an interesting solution for combining two spaces. Our website contains photos of arches for the kitchen, bedroom, living room and children's room. The arched design fits into any concept of organizing space.

In the interior of the living room, the arch separates the space on which the following is placed:

a sofa or daybed for relaxation;
table for celebrations;
cabinet;
a small reading room with a coffee table and a cozy armchair.

It is better to design the arch in contrasting shades. Paint the front side in light colors, and make the hem dark.

The kitchen suggests expanding the dining area by combining spaces. Therefore, it is in this room that it is advisable to remove the part of the wall that remains after dismantling the window.

If the wall cannot be disassembled, in this case it can become a bar counter, a base for a dining table or an extension of the kitchen unit.

An arch in a kitchen space should not attract attention due to limited space. It is better to paint it in neutral colors.

In the bedroom, as in the living room, the balcony area, highlighted by an arch, can be used as an office or area for doing handicrafts. You can use this area as a wardrobe or a place for a boudoir. If the niche is completely free of partitions, you can install a bed in it, with the headboard facing the window. It is better to paint the arch in the bedroom in soft, warm shades.

In a child's room, a bright, colored arch can separate the space with a crib and study table from the play area. It contains boxes with toys, you can hang a hammock or put a soft ottoman, which will become that cozy nest where it will be pleasant to read a book. If the children's room is small, you can move the crib to the balcony. This will immediately free up space for your desktop and games.

Basic methods of arranging an opening

How to design an exit to the loggia and where to start? The balcony area can be separated from the room in the house in several ways. After all, a balcony can be a separate structure or a space combined with the main one.

However, the design of the room needs to start from the front door. Installation of double-glazed windows is considered traditional here. Such a door can be glass over its entire height or half closed with plastic.

Glass door to the balcony from the kitchen

You can also use accordion doors or sliding doors, which will help save space in the kitchen or living room.

Note: Accordion doors are not airtight, and therefore are installed only on insulated balconies.

Preparing the opening for installation

An exit to the balcony is installed if the balcony block (walls, floor, ceiling) has been insulated, and a source of room heating (heating radiator, heated floors, electric convector) has been installed in its space.

The design of the arch on the balcony begins with preparatory work. First of all, remove the door and dismantle the window blocks, forming an opening to the balcony. A fragment of the wall under the window overlooking the balcony can be dismantled only after receiving prior approval from the housing inspectorate. This element refers to a permanent wall, the removal of which is prohibited by building codes and regulations.

It is possible to remove part of the brickwork or panel under the window, but in this case it will be necessary to carry out load calculations and approve a design for strengthening the niche, if required.

But if it is impossible to obtain approval for the dismantling of part of the wall, you should not be upset. Fitting the window sill into the overall design of the exit from the room to the balcony is not difficult.

Types of exits

Depending on the specifics of the balcony and loggia, there are several options for how to design the opening so that it is not only comfortable and beautiful, but also organically fits into the interior of the apartment, connecting the space into a single composition. Conventionally, exit from the room to the loggia or balcony can be organized in the following ways:

Using a balcony block.
Expansion of the opening followed by glazing.
Complete or partial removal of the balcony block and addition of an extension to the apartment: arches and complex architectural forms.

Each type of exit to the balcony, in turn, has its own design options, and below we will talk about the most interesting solutions in more detail.

Standard exit to the loggia from the kitchen, without removing the window sill block

Important: If you plan to combine the extension with an apartment, or the design includes sliding structures, then the balcony should be insulated and glazed with high-quality 2-chamber or more double-glazed windows.

Original exit to the balcony, arch combined with columns and rectangular niches

Bottom line

There are several ways to design an exit to a balcony - a door, an arch, curtains. Some options can be implemented without the use of expensive materials and labor-intensive repair work. The main thing is that the design idea is implemented in accordance with all safety standards, looks harmonious and is functional.

An arch to a balcony is a great option to decorate the entrance opening of an insulated balcony. Such a design can radically change the interior design, giving it unique elegance, as well as visually expand the interior space thanks to the smooth curve of the opening lines and the absence of visual restrictions in the form of an entrance balcony group.

Many people think that creating balcony arches with their own hands is very difficult. In fact, any home craftsman who knows how to hold a tool in his hands can cope with such a task. All that is required for this is accuracy and the desire to create a truly unique apartment design with your own hands.

How to design a balcony opening

Most often, the design of the exit to the balcony and the balcony itself involves the use of curtains. Textiles in this case perform the following functions:

protects a small room from the sun, preventing its excessive heating;
is a laconic, but at the same time cozy decoration;
protects from prying eyes;
helps shade balcony plants from the scorching sun.

Of course, curtains must be selected according to the rules. So, they should never match the tone of the wall decoration - otherwise the space will look “blurry”. In addition, curtains and curtains in the opening should be easily moved to the side so as not to impede movement from one room to another.

And there is no doubt that the choice of textile design depends on the style in which the adjacent room is decorated:

For a classic interior, expensive textiles are selected, from which long curtains are made.

Decorating the exit to the balcony with long straight curtains with tulle

In Baroque and Renaissance interiors, French curtains with lush semicircular folds would be appropriate.
Roman blinds will fit perfectly into a modern interior. They are convenient and can be mounted on each section of the window and door separately. For this decoration, materials of different colors and varying degrees of density are used.
Straight fabric panels on the curtain rod are Japanese curtains, suitable for interiors in the spirit of techno and minimalism.
Romantic interiors require tulle fabrics - they can be gathered into knots or decorated with folds.

Light tulle curtains in the kitchen
Vertical blinds will become an inexpensive and practical frame for a window opening. Here you can use slats of various widths - it all depends on the scale of the room. For a block kitchen opening, this option can be the best solution.
Chinese curtains in the form of textile cuts equal to the width of the glass do not shy away from practicality. These cuts can be easily raised up to any convenient height, and then secured with braid sewn on the back side. In the straightened position, these canvases perfectly perform all their functions, and in the balcony opening they will look like spectacular paintings. By the way, it won’t be difficult to choose a material with an appropriate thematic print.
Thread curtains, which decorate a sliding glass partition, are also an interesting option. Such canvases look incredibly gentle and airy, creating a feeling of spaciousness. And since they use muslin, there will be no problems with passage between rooms. By the way, in the assortment of modern thread curtains you can choose options that are ideal for any style. For example, for classic ones you can choose pastel colors and interesting weaves of ropes, and for high-tech threads with spectacular metal beads are suitable.

Thread curtains on the balcony exit
When decorating the exit to the balcony with curtains, you must be sure to choose the right color - so that the canvases are in maximum harmony with the existing interior.
Tip: If you plan to hang standard curtains in the balcony opening, then it is better to use two panels that can be moved apart than one solid piece.

How to make an arch, materials and installation with your own hands

The arch in the apartment is designed to soften rectilinear structures. The rounded shapes of the arch emphasize the smooth transition from one room of the apartment to another, connecting different spaces. The arch looks especially good as a connecting element between the room and the insulated balcony.

For novice builders, creating curved partitions seems overwhelming. But in reality, it is not difficult to assemble an arch on a loggia yourself. To install this element, it is enough to have a little experience working with tools, accuracy and patience.