Design of a small balcony: options for decoration and decoration, ideas for arrangement

Balcony decoration with clapboard

Wood is a natural material, versatile, pleasant to the touch, it will go well with any style of facade. Remember that the floor needs to be weather resistant, so only some types are suitable for the balcony. It is best to choose an exotic tree, but larch or oak lining is also suitable. Sometimes the wood is impregnated by the manufacturer, but often you have to do the processing of the material yourself after laying. To maintain its color, the lining should be processed twice a year.

If the balcony is not glazed, then in winter you can clear the lining of snow. Even if the surface freezes, you don't have to break the ice, as everything will melt in the spring. Strong insolation and heavy rainfall make the tree more gray, so it is better not to mount it on the south side of the loggia without glazing. On the other hand, the lining does not heat up even in hot weather. It is best that the boards are at least 25 mm thick, then they will be durable, the minimum thickness is 20 mm. Such material is attached to beams. There should be at least 5 millimeters of gap between the planks so that the wood can work freely. The edges of the balcony are finished with a special board. The balcony floor will be 65-75 mm thick. Standard board dimensions: about 14 cm x 2.25-5.5 m.

Outside design

The eternal question is how to equip a small balcony? Start to embody the design of the balcony with a new mount. Holes are drilled in brick walls for special expansion bolts. They attach the main persistent corners to the walls on both sides of the balcony in parts with the letter "G" upside down.

Then firmly weld the fasteners obliquely from bottom to top, you get two triangles, weld the base for the floor. Installation can be carried out from a balcony door. Then connect the two sides with metal at the level of the previous horizontal of the balcony, and there is already a view of the base of the new one.

Further finishing the small balcony - sheathe it with wood, plastic of the "lining" type, insert the frames for glazing - made of wood or plastic with double-glazed windows.

Insulate, always with a vapor barrier film between two wood or plastic skins.

Someone may find such work difficult. Yes, not easy. But the masterful master on the shoulder. Or if you hire craftsmen.

If you are not attracted to plastic windows, then order country-style hardwood frames.

Useful Balcony Landscaping Ideas

Landscaping the balcony transforms it beyond recognition. Vertical gardening is achieved by planting climbing plants. They can provide a lush carpet, both on the wall indoors and outdoors. Among the popular perennials are loach, moonflower, grapes, lemongrass. A curly rose looks impressive. A support is selected depending on the plant. So for hops, it is not needed at all, but for a rose, a crate is required.

Indoors, gardening can be done by placing indoor flowers in different places. Pots can be of different shapes, and they themselves become an element of decor.

It is recommended to combine the blossoming flowers with the background of the walls. So yellow and scarlet flowers look great on light walls, and various blue, purple and cream - on a dark background. The color of the pots should also be in harmony with the overall color scheme.

Art Deco

A common movement, characterized by an abundance of velvet, fringes and tassels that adorn furniture and curtains. There are also large ornaments on the walls and paintings. They connect and change the perception of space.

Monochrome details set off colorful and flowery combinations. Dark woods lend depth and expression to the room. Contrast of white and black in geometric shapes is applied. Usually tiles are used for this effect.

You can add art deco elements at the design and construction stage. They can update the existing design and make it relevant. The style is well suited for furnishing lounges, libraries, and also goes well with kitchens and dining rooms.

Another advantage is great variability. Art Deco can be transformed from rushing to being laid back and minimal. It depends on the color of the walls, materials and furniture.

Open balcony design

In arranging an open balcony, the following features are taken into account:

The floor is exposed to the weather and the sun's ultraviolet light. This circumstance imposes certain requirements on the design. The floor is mounted on a concrete screed. Ceramic tiles, linoleum, plastic, terrace decking are used as a coating. Mosaic from ceramic tiles looks beautiful.
The walls of an open balcony are also subject to weathering, temperature extremes and moisture. Only moisture resistant materials are used in their design. Preference is given to decorative plaster, plastic and ceramic tiles.

An open balcony is most often used as a recreation area. This imposes characteristic requirements for a cozy environment. In the design, priority is given to such styles as hi-tech, minimalism, country, marine and classic styles.

You can offer some design solutions for an open balcony:

The use of folding furniture. Seasonality of use and small size fully justify this approach. For “gatherings”, folding chairs and a table can be installed as needed.
Rest corner. Even an open balcony can be divided into zones. On one side, install a rack or cabinet for storing things, and in the opposite corner, place a cozy armchair and a small table.
Vertical garden. Flowering houseplants give particular attractiveness. The photo shows an example of such a design.
Lounge area. On the balcony in the warm season, you can quickly create an oriental-style relaxation area. For this, the floor is covered with a carpet, and soft pillows of different sizes are placed. In such an atmosphere, you can organize an oriental tea party.

There are many design options for an open balcony.

It is important that in an apartment building it does not stand out much on the facade facing the main street.

Small balcony furniture

Massive and space-consuming furniture will have to be abandoned. It just won't fit on your balcony. But do you need large armchairs and a dining table? You can create a comfortable and cozy atmosphere with a small round table with a "leg" or use a folding table. If the style and the balcony itself allows you, then the window sill can become a table top. In this case, it must be supplemented with a pair of bar stools.

To prevent excess furniture from interfering with your movement around the balcony, purchase several folding chairs. They will help you to seat guests both on the balcony and in the living room (if there is not enough space), and the rest of the time they will be stored in a corner without creating problems. Another way out of the situation is soft puffs, which are removed into each other according to the principle of nesting dolls. Stylish and very efficient.

Oriental style will save you from worries about the seats. The role of chairs is taken over by pillows. But it's still worth thinking about a small table, it can accommodate a hookah, a teapot and cups.

If you have an unglazed balcony, then do not rush to order plastic windows. Such balconies have their own indisputable advantage - the railings. They can also be used as a table support.

If you want to set up a real rest room where you can read while lounging on the sofa, then do not order it separately. You can create such a place using a small mattress, a beautiful bedspread and several pillows. Indeed, why do you need armrests on the balcony?

Balcony arrangement options

The main ideas for balcony design are limited to the following range of options that can be accommodated in the room.

Kitchen

Loggia will be a great continuation of the adjoining kitchen. As a rule, a large tabletop (on the windowsill) or a small table with chairs is placed in an additional room.

Such a non-standard solution fits perfectly into the arrangement of small apartments.

Cabinet

On the balcony, you can place a computer desk (although you will have to make an individual order), several hanging shelves or a low cabinet for papers. Instead of an office, you can equip a student's workplace.

Gym

The option is more suitable for large balconies, where several exercise machines, sports equipment and a yoga mat will comfortably fit.

Mini garden or vegetable garden

This idea will provide homeowners with fresh greenery even in winter. But you can just place flowers on the balcony with a beautiful composition.

Children's Corner

Any child will be happy with a hanging hammock, tent or even a sandbox right in the apartment, kitchenette or workshop. In one-room apartments where families with a growing child live, a balcony can become a kind of analogue of a separate children's room.

Workshop

Needlewomen are happy to equip a separate space for doing what they love. According to the project, the workshop is very similar to an office: it is enough to place a table (with a sewing machine, for example) and several shelves for the necessary little things, and also buy a good table lamp.

Home cafe

Having made a bar counter on the balcony (for example, from the windowsill) and having bought several high chairs, you can equip an excellent mini-cafe. It is especially good if the view from the window is suitable for such styling.

A place for relaxation and rest

You can put a soft sofa, a rocking chair, a floor lamp, a coffee table and other items associated with silence and comfort on the loggia. Suitable curtains on the balcony, floral prints or wood paneling will add the surroundings.

Neat pantry

If there is really not enough storage space, you should put a few additional cabinets and dressers on the balcony.

Finishing and preparing a loggia for a living space

If there is a need to equip residential balconies, then major repairs will have to be done. It affects all structural elements. You should start with a complete transformation of the walls and parapets in contact with the external environment or the adjacent open balcony. They must be cleaned of all coatings and mold traces. If traces of moisture are visible, then the structure is thoroughly dried. If necessary, converters and heat guns are used. Next, waterproofing is applied. Film materials are commonly used. The next step is the installation of the frame for the cladding (lathing). It will simultaneously provide a ventilation gap to eliminate condensation. Insulation is placed in the frame grid, on top of which a vapor barrier is laid with a foil layer directed into the room.

An important step is glazing. To preserve heat, a double glazing must be installed. Currently, sealed plastic, aluminum and composite frames are commonly used. When installing wooden structures, the wood must be thoroughly impregnated with an anti-rotting composition.

The preliminary work is completed by preparing the ceiling and the inner wall. If the roof of the balcony has direct contact with the environment, then waterproofing and insulation are provided on the ceiling. Further arrangement depends on the design idea.If a suspended version is not provided, then the surface of the ceiling is carefully leveled, primed and plastered for painting, whitewashing or wallpapering. For cladding with panels, special profiles and hangers are fixed.

We equip the recreation area

In the conditions of a limited area of a small balcony, it can be quite difficult to sit comfortably, and even more so to relax. To do this, select compact ergonomic furniture or make it yourself.

The main problem when decorating a recreation area on a small balcony will be the size of the furniture.

Plywood ottoman

The first idea that comes to mind, which almost everyone can bring to life, is a small couch made of plywood sheets. Install several posts from a bar, place a couple of plywood sheets on them. Ideally, its height should be such that drawers or a table are placed under the ottoman.

Calculate the height so that two drawers for storing things or a drawer with a pull-out table fit from the end.

For convenience, one plywood will obviously not be enough, so cover it with a mattress on top. Add some pillows for absolute comfort.

The softest furniture

A great idea for relaxing on the balcony is a pear chair.

This unusual furniture has a lot of advantages that make it ideal for such a recreation area.

Comfort. It fully adapts to the person, taking his shape, due to which it is incredibly comfortable.
Mobility

Thanks to its lightness, the pear chair can move to another room at any time and free up space on the balcony for something more important.
Compactness. This furniture does not take up much space and easily fits in any corner of even the narrowest balcony.
Profitability

Such an armchair is pleasantly different in price from its wooden counterparts. And on the Internet you can even find a master class on how to sew it with your own hands.
Stylish design. The choice of materials is huge and allows you to fit the pear chair into almost any interior.

An alternative to the pear chair is the carelessly scattered pillows on the floor, which can also be used as a place to relax.

Small table

An integral attribute of any tea party is a small table. This detail will make your leisure time on the balcony even more enjoyable.

Placing a recreation area on a small balcony, it is easy to arrange a place where you can enjoy a cup of coffee.

Folding models are perfect for a narrow balcony. You can create such furniture yourself. No special skills are required for this.

Another idea is a portable table, convenient in that it can be rearranged from place to place.

Glazing types

The development of the design of the balcony or loggia is preceded by a renovation. And the main repairs on these structures are glazing and, if so decided, insulation. The glazing of balconies and loggias is conventionally divided into two groups: cold and warm. Cold weather protects against the penetration of dust and precipitation, can significantly delay the wind, but cannot greatly affect the temperature. Warm glazing adds sound insulation and temperature rise to the entire specified set of properties.

The costs of warm glazing are much higher, but the functions that a room can perform after such a modernization is much wider. How can a cold balcony be used? To store some things, and even in the summer - to sit, relax, in the winter you can - just jump out for a couple of minutes. On the insulated balcony or loggia, offices and bedrooms are also arranged, someone transfers the dining area there from a small kitchen. The decision, of course, is yours, but to make it easier to navigate the topic, we will briefly list the main methods of glazing, their advantages and disadvantages.

Cold glazing

Any of the methods in this category will cost significantly less than a warm one, but the level of comfort and functionality of the room remains rather low. The methods are as follows:

Single wooden swing frames. The cheapest method, but also the most short-lived method that requires constant care. Wood is in difficult conditions: the sun roasts it, the water wets it, the frost destroys it. Because of this, paint or varnish constantly peels off. We have to update the coverage over and over again.
Metal glazing. People also call it "tram windows" because of its characteristic appearance. A frame is cooked from steel, into which glasses are inserted with the help of sealing rubber bands. This option is more durable, but has a very high thermal conductivity. In summer, on such a balcony or loggia, it is hot, in winter it is cold.
Single aluminum profile. It has the longest service life, but also the highest price described above. Unlike other types, sliding windows are more often made, rather than swing windows: they are cheaper, and even help save space. The disadvantage of aluminum sliding frames is leakage, but with cold glazing, this is uncritical.

The most aesthetically pleasing are well-finished wooden frames and aluminum glazing. They are still used to this day, but metal can be seen less and less. Tram windows are present only in old buildings: the service life is still decent, but there are very few "freshly placed" windows: the view is too specific, and the temperatures, to put it mildly, are uncomfortable.

Warm glazing

Until recently, there were two options: PVC profile frames or double wooden frames. Double wooden have the same disadvantage as single ones: they need good and regular maintenance: painting. PVC profiles in this sense are much more practical: they only need to be periodically cleaned of dust and dirt. The second concern is the adjustment of the fittings of plastic windows, which allows them to be transferred to the summer and winter positions, takes only a few minutes and serves mainly to increase comfort and extend the maintenance-free service life.

The use of PVC profiles is the most popular type of warm glazing

The disadvantage of glazing with plastic profiles is their significant weight. Therefore, they are installed on a base that has a high bearing capacity: brick, concrete, welded from profiled pipes. In some cases, the disadvantages include the width of the profile: it limits the amount of light entering the premises. But high tightness and excellent heat-insulating properties, with good insulation of the floor and ceiling on the balcony and loggia, allow maintaining a stable temperature inside. And this makes it possible to use the area more fully: balconies and loggias are combined with premises or they arrange an office, a summer garden in them.

Panoramic glazing can be warm: energy-efficient double-glazed windows allow you to maintain the temperature without much effort

The third type of warm glazing of balconies and loggias is panoramic. These are double-glazed windows, created using a special technology, for which a minimum of material is used. There is an option for generally frameless glazing: double-glazed windows are attached to one another. An interesting but expensive option, and not the easiest to design.

Decorating the balcony with your own hands

It should be noted that very often a do-it-yourself balcony is in no way inferior to the originality and boldness of the solutions offered by professionals. However, one should not think that absolutely all installation work can be performed without proper experience and knowledge. Some installation processes, such as windows, should be considered technology. If there is no confidence in the results of the work, then turnkey installation can only be performed by employees of the construction company.

Balcony step by step

Usually the balcony is small (5.6 m²). However, you need to draw up a plan for the future interior. Think about how you would like this room to be used as efficiently as possible.Do you need a warm loggia? Or do you just want to protect your balcony from dust and noise? If you have come to the decision to repair this room of the apartment, then you must remember about a clear sequence of work. Finding out how to decorate your balcony step by step will help you take the steps you need to take. So, here are the steps to follow:

Take care of the integrity and strength of the balcony frame structure, which is the basis for not only external and internal cladding, including the installation of future windows.
Glazing. For installation, it is advisable to use two-chamber aluminum or wooden structures.

It should be borne in mind that plastic is relatively budgetary, but in terms of performance it is worse.
The outer part is recommended to be decorated with clapboard or siding.
Galvanized metal sheets or plywood will help withstand the weather.
Warming is quite important, so it is worth taking care of waterproofing with a special film, blowing special foam around the cracks.
Need to install additional strips from the racks.
Ceiling, floor, wall decoration with selected materials.

Apartment balconies: decoration with interesting accessories

After finishing construction work, you should take care of the final decoration of the balcony, which will help
make a cozy rest room out of an ordinary room.

Vegetation

Plants are a great way to add color and life to a balcony. Depending on the design, your plants can have different purposes. If you have neighbors nearby, the balcony can be easily detached to others. Create some extra privacy with a trellis to house climbing plants such as ivy. This will add a touch of green to your balcony while adding privacy. The plant should be selected based on the chosen design. For eclectic styles, use vibrant flowers to match the decor. Flower boxes that are attached to railings are also common on balconies. It can bring a joyous touch to a boring space.

Lighting

One of the finishing touches to add to any space is lighting. It really enhances the look of the room and completes the small details. The same rules apply on the balcony. Create the best ambiance with the right lighting. Luminaires come in a wide variety of designs and materials. If you choose to stick with a Moroccan theme, choose bright colors and accents. Colored glass lanterns framed with gold fittings are the perfect finishing touch. Minimalism encourages crisp shapes and discreet décor.

Balcony decoration can be different. But in any case, lighting plays a special role. Typically, experts recommend using small, local fixtures that create a romantic atmosphere, but you can opt for chic and original chandeliers for larger areas.

The choice of furniture for the balcony

Regardless of the style you choose, furniture design should be treated responsibly. Furniture manufacturers already offer customers special series suitable for balconies. If the room is narrow and cramped, give preference to built-in furniture or a transformer. Items will take up little space after folding. The most suitable balcony furniture can be made of wood, metal, plastic or rattan.

How to decorate windows?

Balcony decoration will not be complete if you do not pay attention to window decoration. Tulle or compressed air flaps can be used on different occasions

Combinations of variants are not prohibited. Various types of curtains and blinds create an atmosphere of elegance and lightness, breaking direct sunlight and softening the lighting. To match the interior of the balcony, choose sheer tulle in fabrics that match furniture or walls.Heavy curtains should not be used in such a room, as they greatly reduce the space. It is more expedient to use a curtain. Blinds add functionality to the project.

A balcony is a place where you spend a lot of time with the appearance of heat

Therefore, it is very important how you finish this surface. Not only aesthetic considerations must be taken into account, but also functional parameters, among others slip resistance, as well as resistance to frost and other adverse weather conditions.

The surface of the balcony should also match the design of the adjoining room. When considering the choice of finishing technology, you should be guided not only by aesthetics, but also by durability to weather conditions. Give preference to ceramic tiles, decking, composite materials or modern flooring systems.

Design of a children's room on the balcony and loggia

Part of the children's room can be taken out onto the balcony: a play area, a place for classes and hobbies, a sports corner

It is important to ensure comfort and safety here. The main requirement is warmth, and the floor also needs to be insulated.

The "warm floor" system will do. The design and equipment of the nursery must correspond to the age of the child. In the color scheme, the choice is made taking into account the purpose of the zone. For babies, bright colors and large patterns may prevail. A soothing tone (beige, light lilac, etc.) is suitable for exercising.

Special attention is paid to adequate lighting

Carpet and carpet are suitable on the floor. Wallpaper looks good on the walls, but plastic panels are not suitable for a nursery. Among the furniture and equipment, there are children's toy lockers, a comfortable table for classes, sports simulators and game attractions. You should not install a swing with an overhang above the windowsill. For safety reasons, you should take care of the required window height.

Ideas for beautiful interior decoration of the balcony

If the loggia is initially glazed, then the balcony can be either closed or open. For the effective use of each option, it is necessary to decide on the functionality of the future premises.

Arrangement of the balcony space largely depends on the presence or absence of glazing

Are you planning an open area? It is best used for summer vacations. Indoor plants, light Provence interior and a couch or wide bench with cushions. An enclosed space has plenty of room for creativity. Both options should be considered in detail.

Open balcony interior

A small open space can be made cozy and practical. The balcony can be used as:

Small living room. You will need a table and several chairs or ottomans. If the living room is adjacent to the kitchen, you can arrange evening tea with guests in the open air. Or have breakfast here in the morning.
Resting-place. Rattan furniture or a classic rocking chair will do. A bold solution would be a hanging chair or hammock. On such a balcony, you can sunbathe during the day and drink tea in the evening, sitting comfortably in an armchair under a blanket.
Grill area. Modern grilling technology is compact. There are special ovens with mounting for the side. A table and a couple of folding chairs and you can start the party.
Mini-cabinet. A table, a chair and an extension cord - this is the work area for the laptop. It is much better to think in the air.
Summer garden. The open area, filled with air and light, is an ideal place for living plants. They can be placed along railings and walls in pots or wooden boxes, and large flowers can be placed on the floor. A modern solution is phyto-painting from moss or climbing plant varieties. Vertical vegetation climbing the slats will adorn the walls.

It is better to start repairs with updating the railing and visor so that they look in the same style and prevent water from getting inside as much as possible.

Open space assumes use in the warm season, therefore, modern designers are advised to use bright, saturated colors. Colorful textiles and multi-colored pillows will refresh the interior of the balcony. If the area is limited, you can put folding furniture or poufs.

Closed balcony interior

The closed balcony is operated all year round, so more zones can be equipped here. Dozens of photos of the interior of the loggia prove the variety of options for using the glazed space. Loggia can become:

A relaxation room. Reading a book on a warm balcony in winter is a city dweller's dream.
Play area for the child. You can provide cabinets for toys and a personal space for games and activities.
Cabinet. For the working area, you need to provide bright lighting so that you can work at night.
Storage area. Compact cabinets along the walls and poufs with space inside allow you to keep tools, shoes, materials for creativity, etc. in order.
Dining room. A table for tea and breakfast and upholstered furniture will allow you to enjoy the view from the loggia at any time of the year.
Winter garden. Home greenhouse with plants blooming all year round and a small seating area. A fragrant balcony, interior design and photos of various options will inspire creativity.

Before planning the arrangement of furniture, the loggia needs to be prepared. The main stages of the repair are glazing and thorough insulation. It is necessary to lay insulation not only on the walls, but also on the floor.

Stages of work:

Free up space completely.
Remove old trim.
Glazing the balcony. Panoramic glazing or insulated double-glazed windows are possible.
Fill holes and cracks thoroughly.
Insulate the future room with foam or mineral wool.
Think over and implement heating. An oil radiator, underfloor heating, thermal fan or infrared heater will do.
Sheathe the loggia with the material chosen for decoration. There are many options: lining, board, plastic panels, drywall, decorative plaster and tiles. Wallpaper or painting will do.

The material for decoration depends on the style preferences of the owner. Not every finishing material will fit the loft or Provence style.

The materials used for finishing the balcony must withstand high humidity and temperature drops

Balcony Tips

The proposed ideas for a balcony with a photo are the basis for a creative approach in planning your living space. The plans are realized with the help of furniture, lighting and decor.

A few practical tips on how to equip a balcony inside in a simple and cheap way:

DIY decor items will find their place on the balcony. The area of the loggia is small, so it is recommended to choose functional interior details. There should not be too many accessories, otherwise the room will seem even smaller.

Pay attention to the material from which the furniture and decorative items are made

Ready-made ideas and step-by-step instructions will help you decide on the choice of furniture and accessories for a new room.

The main thing is to rely on your taste and our recommendations on how to equip a balcony inside in a simple and cheap way, then you will succeed.

Beginning of work on the arrangement

The realization of the idea of finishing the balcony begins with clearing the space for the upcoming changes. So it is necessary to disassemble the old things that have accumulated over the years on the loggias, clean up and move everything that may still be useful to other storage places or, for example, take them to the country house. After cleaning the balcony space, you need to take turns to do other activities.

Loggia glazing

Frame or frameless, functional and durable PVC windows or luxurious wooden, two or three-chamber double-glazed windows, appearance and dimensions. You can order ordinary transparent glass, stained glass or tinted.

Waterproofing

Most often, for protection from adverse weather conditions, a coating waterproofing based on universal liquid rubber, polymers or bitumen, roofing material, special primers or impregnations with a water-repellent effect is used.

Thermal insulation of the balcony

You can insulate all elements of the balcony (walls, floor, and ceiling). The technology provides for the installation of a frame (metal or wood), a waterproofing layer, then the laying of insulation (foam, foam, mineral wool plate are used) and a vapor barrier material, which can be, for example, foam or polyethylene.