Currently, French balconies decorate apartment buildings and cottages not only in Europe, but also in our country. The photo of the article shows a selection of different options that can be found in any city. Such designs give the façade of the building an original look.
- 40 ideas for wrought iron balconies
- 30 ideas for decorating a balcony in Khrushchev
An example of a classic version.
In the classic version there is not much space. Only indoor flowers can be placed here.
What is a French balcony?
A French balcony is an unusual balcony design that consists only of a large window (from floor to ceiling) and its railing, which protrudes minimally from the facade. He does not have a platform to go out there or it is very small and narrow, less than a step outside the apartment. You can just open the balcony door and admire the view of the street from your living room.
This type was common in French cities (hence the name), where building regulations did not allow ordinary balconies to fit into narrow streets.
A French balcony on the streets of our cities can be unmistakably identified. Its railings are installed directly in the opening. It turns out that I opened the door and immediately there was a fence, which is often made in the Roman style in the form of balusters or made of forged metal.
Based on its appearance, such a balcony is a large window that does not carry any functional load. The “plus” here is the originality of the fence, or more precisely, its decorativeness. It helps create a unique look. The structures protruding behind the wall give the façade an original design.
French glazing of balconies is especially popular in office buildings, where it complements the strict and stylish appearance of the building.
Due to their smaller size, the price of a French balcony is usually much lower than a regular one.
To correctly calculate balcony metrics, it is important to take into account several factors, namely:
● The weight of the balcony is calculated based on the load-bearing capacity of the floor slab. This is what determines which type of glazing to choose.
● Wind load determines the ability of window units to withstand weather conditions.
● The lighting area has restrictions according to SNiP 02.23.2003 clause 511, which describes that the area of the illuminated space of the facade of a residential building should be no more than 15% and no more than 25% for public buildings. To determine the illuminated area of enclosing structures, all end and longitudinal walls should be taken into account.
For skylights, which we wrote about earlier, the area restrictions are 15%, and for roof windows - 10%.
Stage 3 - installation of French glazing
It is better to entrust the installation of French windows to professionals, since there are many nuances that the average person may not notice. For private and apartment buildings, the glazing installation process is different. Below we will analyze the installation stages for each type of house.
French balcony design ideas with flowers - exterior decoration
If your French balcony has a small exit, you can add potted plants or even a small herb garden there. Nasturtiums are especially suitable for the lower part.
Forged trellises are often decorated with devices for flower pots. Hanging plants such as geraniums, petunias and ivy look good in it. In any case, be sure to secure the flower boxes well so that they do not fall even in bad weather and pose a threat to others.
You can also use the French balcony as a small vegetable garden. Herbs, tomatoes or beans do well in a small space with good lighting.
A modern French balcony decorates the building from the outside, and the interior design of the room will emphasize the individual taste of the apartment’s owner.
Finish options
When planning to make a portfolio, you need to take care of heat conservation, so that in cold weather you do not regret your choice. Remember that the heaviness of a double-glazed window directly affects its weight.
Our tips for choosing windows for a French balcony:
- Residents of the south can install lightweight aluminum profiles.
- If the building is subject to high wind loads and the apartment is located on the top floors, it is better to choose a canvas that is divided into sections. Of course, canvas without frames looks more elegant, but for such conditions it is not practical.
- If you want to hide from the prying eyes of passers-by and residents of the house opposite, choose glass that is transparent on only one side. The lower sections can be covered with film or sandwich panels.
To make the facade and balcony look harmonious and complete, it is important to carry out all the work outside and inside. We deal with exterior and interior decoration using different materials and proven technologies.
Portfolio is aesthetically pleasing and practical. Thanks to him, the building becomes like a medieval castle with a modern design. This is a combination of two eras and the most accessible method to get closer to the architecture of past centuries.
Stylish interior of a French balcony from the inside - photo
The French balcony is not a full-fledged balcony in the usual sense, but it has its own charm.
The area in front of the French balcony can be designed as if it were a large balcony - with cute chairs, a bench and folding table, and perhaps an atmospheric light fixture.
One of the ideas for decorating a French balcony from the inside: place seat cushions in front of the exit or right on the threshold - it will be very pleasant to sit on them and sit with the door open and a cup of coffee.
Light curtains, Roman blinds or blinds, candlesticks and lanterns, stylish chairs, armchairs and a table will complete the decor of a French balcony.
The following documents are also provided:
● Written consent of the owner of the house or maintenance service.
● Conclusions from technical services on changes to the house design.
● Balcony project.
● Coordination with Rospotrebnadzor and the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
● For buildings with historical value, approval from the relevant authorities is required.
All documents are provided to municipal services along with a BTI passport and a certificate of ownership.
French wrought iron balcony – photo ideas
Most French balconies and their railings and installation are custom made. And this is understandable, because openwork metal weaving can only be done by specialists. Therefore, it is ordered from master blacksmiths, with whom all the details of the design are carefully thought out - from the size of the site to the places where flower pots are attached.
Despite its minimal size, the French balcony gives the owner of a unique architectural composition enormous scope for imagination. Minimalism and classics come together here - a combination that has been especially popular lately.
The pretentious appearance of the building, decorated with a French balcony, should not at all alarm those who like to do everything with their own hands. “French” is quite within the capabilities of home craftsmen. They easily cope with work on expanding the window opening to field level. Anyone who knows how to hold a simple construction tool in their hands can handle installing an ordinary door.
French balcony in Khrushchev - photo of ideas
When installing a French balcony in a Khrushchev apartment, there are many nuances. Which option to apply to a particular home depends on your home, so here it is better to immediately seek advice from specialists.
A huge glass door with an external fence, and in some cases, right in the doorway - the simplest type of “French”.
In old houses, the balcony is made with a small concrete ledge. A supporting decorative cornice is fixed at the bottom: classic in the Roman style. This option is very useful in case of complete wear and tear and the need to replace the old balcony.
It is also necessary to take care of the reliable insulation of the door, especially at the junction with the floor.
Reviews: advantages and disadvantages
Like any other design, a French balcony has a number of advantages and disadvantages. The main advantages of such structures include:
- no additional costs for installation, finishing and strengthening of the parapet;
- no expenses for covering the outer part of the balcony with corrugated sheets or siding;
- no need for internal lining and insulation;
- visual expansion of space and filling the room with an additional flow of light;
- no welding work during installation;
- exclusive view from the panoramic window;
- many decoration options.
At the same time, many owners of a French balcony are unhappy:
- lack of a window sill;
- the need for mandatory reinforcement of the frame;
- the need for additional ventilation of the room in the warm season and increased heating in the cold season;
- high cost of installation of the structure;
- the difficulty of caring for a large area of glass surface.
French balcony in a private house - photo
Classic and modern versions of the balcony are different. The first one does not have a platform extending beyond the room, and the railings are located directly in the doorway: it’s like a large window-door with a fence.
Owners of private houses often prefer the modern “French” version. The masters offer something between the “classics” and the typical version of the balcony:
- Old fencing is removed.
- The balcony platform is reinforced, on which a structure made of PVC or aluminum is later mounted.
- Glass structures are usually energy-saving, which ensures appropriate temperature inside the room.
- Less commonly used is combined glazing, in which sandwich slabs are installed underneath.
- The number of packages and their optimal area are carefully calculated for windage.
Attractive colors, original accents, convenient and compact design are the three main elements of unique and beautiful French balconies.
Design reliability
When glazing a loggia, you don’t have to worry about the safety of the entire structure, since polyvinyl chloride, which is the main material when creating double-glazed windows, is strong enough to withstand heavy loads. In addition, such products are made from environmentally friendly materials.
Before glazing, you should find out what load the balcony slab can withstand. If necessary, it must be strengthened. If such work is impossible to carry out, it is worth installing aluminum sliding structures, which have less weight. When choosing windows, wind load must also be taken into account.
