Small balcony: modern design of small balconies and loggias (120 photo examples)

What can a balcony look like?

They are usually divided into two types:

Open – is an unglazed space. It will be appropriate to use it if you live in a warm climate. If it is not glazed in cold weather, then it will only be available in the summer. Then you can use it as a relaxation area or even plant a small garden on it. If the climate is cold, it is better to glaze the space;
It can be closed initially or you can bring it into this form yourself. Even in warm climates it will be appropriate, because no one is immune from precipitation in the form of rain.

Let's organize a creative studio

The beautiful view from the balcony serves as a source of inspiration and awakens creativity. Therefore, this room is perfect for adapting its design to a small studio.

In order to save space, it makes sense to abandon the table.

To do this, first of all, fence off the end part of the balcony. Install a countertop, several shelves and drawers to hold supplies.

The table can be replaced with a bookcase or sketchbook. If an artist is interested in, for example, sketching, they will not be needed either. In this case, a comfortable chair and the same folding table will be enough.

To make the atmosphere even more inspiring, add some decorative elements to the design of a small balcony: figurines, paintings, lamps.

A balcony is not a useless room, suitable only for storing unnecessary things. It is comparable to a blank sheet of paper on which a skilled artist will realize any idea. Adapting to your wishes, a narrow small balcony will become a stylish study, a cozy relaxation area or a stunning greenhouse.

As you can see, a small balcony can be transformed into zones that vary in functionality.

It can be decorated in any style and color scheme. We have suggested several ways to design this space, but there are many more you can come up with.

Think about what your balcony can become after renovation?

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Layout features

As a rule, a balcony in a small apartment is not distinguished by its scale.

But along with this, it also has its advantages:

The compact size will not allow you to store a lot of things in such a space, which means there won’t be much clutter. Only the necessary things will be stored on it;
The design of a small balcony can be developed individually; it can be unique to your apartment;
In addition, you will need few materials, because the area is small.

Such a balcony can be square, rectangular or in the form of a semicircle.

The fence can be made of concrete, lattice or metal. It may also have or lack a septum.

Specifics of small balconies

Now houses are being built according to designs that meet modern standards. In such apartments, loggias and balconies have a large area. The owners have the opportunity to turn this room into an additional room, create areas for games, work, and relaxation. In buildings built in the last century, balconies are small, making it impossible to install standard furniture or create large-scale structures. However, this is not a reason to turn them into additional storage. You can choose a suitable design for a 3 sq.m. balcony and make it a cozy area.

Balcony design 3 sq.m.

Ideas for transforming these premises may vary. When choosing, their specificity is taken into account. Small architectural elements include structures of several types:

square, rectangular, semicircular;
with concrete, lattice, metal fences;
with and without partitions.

The optimal solution can be found for any balcony. Finishing, insulating materials, and glazing systems will help implement ideas.

The optimal solution can be found for any balcony

Some apartment owners, in order to save money, decorate their balconies on their own. But you need to take into account that such work requires certain skills, knowledge of the specifics of materials, and the use of professional tools and equipment. If you want to get a high-quality result in the end, it is better to entrust the refurbishment of your balcony to experienced specialists.

Beginning of arrangement

Before finishing a small balcony, you should complete a number of preparatory procedures:

Cleaning the premises. At this stage, unnecessary things are thrown out, all the garbage is taken out, the walls are thoroughly swept off dust, and the floor is washed. If there are cobwebs on the walls, they also need to be removed;
After cleaning is completed, you should evaluate the condition of the balcony. How durable is its coating, perhaps the old wooden windows need to be replaced with plastic ones. You need to look at all the nuances so that there are no holes or leaks;
Next you need to repair what needs repair.

Important little things

Balcony lighting is an equally important part of arranging a small space. Particular attention is paid to the issue of installing lighting fixtures if you plan to equip a winter garden. A workplace or relaxation area also needs additional lighting in the evening. It is preferable to equip the work table with a lamp with a rotating mechanism.

In a relaxation area or a place for drinking tea, spotlights whose horns can change direction have proven themselves to be excellent. Experts agree that for a small space it is effective to equip general and spot lighting. Additional light sources will eliminate the presence of dark areas on a small balcony and visually increase the space.

You can solve the problem of an excess of natural light in the summer heat by equipping the windows of a small balcony with blinds.

Interior decoration options depend on the purpose of the small room, but several flower pots, soft pillows in practical covers and an original picture will be appropriate in any design.

What to place on the balcony

Repairing a small balcony can be done when you have decided what can be placed in the space.

Good for this:

Winter Garden;
Office for work;
Game Zone;
Lounge area;
Room for relaxation and tea drinking.

At this stage, you should think about how often the balcony will be used - all year round or not. If for 12 months, then you should think about insulating it, replacing the glass with thick double-glazed windows.

If only in warm weather, then you don’t have to think about additional expenses.

Since there is a lot of natural sunlight in such a space, you can adapt the balcony for growing plants. The green area will not only decorate the balcony, but also purify the air in the apartment. If the space is insulated, then the plants will feel comfortable there even in winter.
Since small apartments often do not allow for a separate space for a child, dedicating a balcony for these purposes would be a reasonable solution. You can also install a desk so that the baby not only plays, but also learns homework and does creative work.
Often the space is used as an office. Furniture can be purchased not only ready-made, but also made to order, specifically tailored to the size of your space. A separate zone will allow you to work in silence without compromising the workflow.

If you put a table with chairs on the balcony, it will be quite suitable for receiving guests. Some even equip an entire lounge area, installing sofas or bean bags there.

Setting up a recreation area

With a limited area of a small balcony, it can be quite difficult to sit comfortably, much less relax. To do this, choose 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.

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Plywood ottoman

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

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

Plywood alone will clearly not be enough for convenience, so cover it with a mattress on top. For absolute comfort, add some pillows.

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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 an ideal option for such a recreation area.

Comfort. It completely adapts to a person, taking his shape, making it incredibly comfortable.
Mobility. Thanks to its lightness, the pear chair can be moved 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 can easily fit in any corner of even the narrowest balcony.
Economical. This chair has a pleasant price difference from its wooden counterparts. And on the Internet you can even find a master class on how to sew it yourself.
Stylish design. The choice of materials is huge and allows you to fit the pear chair into almost any interior.

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

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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.

By placing a relaxation area on a small balcony, it is easy to create a place where you can happily drink a cup of coffee.

Folding models are perfect for a narrow balcony. You can create such furniture yourself. You don't need any special skills for this.

Another idea is a portable table, which is convenient because it can be moved from place to place.

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Storage space

Do not categorically refuse the storage area. It involves arranging a space with careful thought and a whole system, and not just an accumulation of rubbish.

A spacious and compact cabinet, built into the side wall, will look compact. You can put a shelving unit instead of a cabinet, but in this case it will be open and all its contents will be visible.

A light finish will help visually expand the space, and grouped shelves or one cabinet will leave a lot of free space.

To insulate or not

The photo of a small balcony shows that everyone uses the space as they see fit. However, owners of an uninsulated lodge often wonder whether it is worth insulating it or not?

An ordinary glazed balcony, used only in summer, will be more profitable because you will not have to spend money and materials to make it functional for the whole year. It will be protected from dust, wind and rain by glass. The window sashes can be sliding to provide free air flow.

If the room is planned to be used year-round, then you will still have to deal with insulation. But you will have additional space where you can place a winter garden, a playroom for children or a study.

To be comfortable in such a space, you need to think about heating. For this you can use:

Additional heating and heating elements;
You can install a heated floor system;
You can connect the heating system.

Insulated and non-insulated balconies

After you decide for what purpose the design of a small balcony will be designed, you can begin preparing it for the upcoming transformation. The stages, order of design work, and choice of materials depend on whether insulation is planned.

Equipping a balcony, which will be fully operational only in the warm season, will cost less. Reliable protection from dust, wind and rain will ensure comfortable conditions for relaxation. For this purpose, glazing systems with aluminum profiles are installed. Designs with sliding shutters will fit perfectly into the design of a narrow balcony. They do not take up space, provide maximum convenience, and the ability to regulate the flow of fresh air by opening the necessary doors.

Sliding structures do not take up space

If you plan to design a winter garden, a children's playroom or a full-fledged office on the balcony, you will have to deal with its insulation. The modern assortment includes many materials that provide high-quality thermal protection. Their use makes it possible to maintain positive temperatures in the most severe frosts. To create the most comfortable mode during the cold season:

heating devices are used;
a “warm floor” system is being installed;
The balcony is connected to the heating system.

The “warm floor” system will provide heating in winter

This will require additional costs. But if the balcony must serve as a full-fledged room, such expenses are reasonable.

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.

Turning a balcony into a study

One of the most popular ideas for the practical use of a small balcony is to create a work office on its basis. Even a very narrow balcony is suitable for this purpose.

You can also place a workplace on a small balcony.

The following ways to save space can be used in your design:

A deep tabletop that compensates for the lack of width. At the same time, no less things can fit in it.
A chair that can be completely retracted under the table.
Hanging shelves for books and small items.
Built-in cabinets.

When organizing your workplace, take care of the lighting.

Typically, wall and table lamps of a laconic shape are used.

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We increase the space visually

The finish is chosen based on style. There are certain criteria that need to be used in a particular design. But there are universal techniques that will fit into any room and at the same time can visually expand the space.

These include:

Maximum glazing;
Light finish;
Lightweight materials to frame the window;
Using small things for decoration.

If space allows, you can make panoramic glazing. Nowadays, modern glass is quite safe and stable to use for a long time. The space can also be expanded by installing a mirror.

As you start, so it will turn out

The main thing in this matter is a complete audit of the liberated territory. Then cleaning, cleaning, including mechanical brushes, washing.

Read here: Blinds for the balcony - instructions for choosing and installing different types of light-protective elements with your own hands

The procedures will help to detect places of chips, cracks, and exposed metal of the balcony heel. It is the most vulnerable point of any balcony. According to SNiPs, it must be changed during major repairs.

But this work is almost never carried out, and the slabs are destroyed. After all, they are not particularly firmly inserted into the wall; over time they sag, and the reinforced concrete crumbles.

When renovating a balcony, the old slab is not attached to it and may collapse. Instead, a new base is laid out in the reinforcement - from corners and chipboard.

The owner of the apartment and the construction organization are responsible for the problem. Responsible owners, including when arranging a mini-balcony in a Khrushchev-era building, attach the slab to new wall fittings.

Small balcony - the best photo examples of stylish and practical design