Arrangement of a modern balcony or loggia
Whatever the area and shape of the loggia, its space can be made not only beautiful and cozy, but also comfortable and functional.
Small area (up to 3 sq.m.)
If the balcony area is very small, less than 3 sq.m., you can use it to the greatest advantage by placing a cabinet with shelves in a niche.
It will be convenient to store things that are not used often, incl. supplies of bed linen and towels.
Or you can create an individual relaxation area where you can sit after a working day with a good book and a cup of tea.
There is no point in cluttering a small space with an abundance of objects. In such an area it is convenient to use folding furniture, folding tables and transformable chairs.
Average area (4-6 sq.m)
On a loggia of 4-6 square meters you can create a wonderful place to relax. A small sofa or a couple of soft chairs will fit here. Place a low table nearby. The walls can be equipped with open shelves.
Place a shelving unit or closed cabinet in a free corner.
On a medium-sized balcony, you can also organize a work area by installing a tabletop.
Just before you decide to turn your balcony into a place to work, you need to take into account the climate of your place of residence. It will first need to be insulated.
To save space in the apartment, you can place a dryer and ironing board on the loggia. Place an open shelving unit in the side niche to put ironed linen on shelves and store a supply of laundry detergents, clothespins and other equipment.
Large area (from 7 sq.m.)
On the large loggia you can place not only comfortable armchairs with a table, but also a chest of drawers and wall shelves.
There is enough space here for plants and for additional decor in the form of lamps and vases of flowers.
You can also include a mini gym in the design of a loggia with a large area by adding a couple of exercise machines.
If the space is insulated, then the loggia can be turned into an independent room in the form of a study, a children's playroom or even a kitchen.
Arrangement of balconies and loggias of various shapes
The most common balcony shape is rectangular. The entrance is usually on the side. Therefore, it is customary to place furniture in a niche on the right or left.
If the balcony is square, then you can emphasize the symmetry of the space by placing a round table in the center. Place a couple of chairs around. Hang pictures or shelves on the walls.
Rarely, but sometimes there is a triangular-shaped balcony. In this case, it is worth playing around with the existing angle. You can place a large cozy chair in it, or arrange a desk in the corner. Only given the non-standard size, the tabletop will have to be made to order.
Narrow loggia
If the loggia is very narrow, then standard-sized furniture will not fit on it. In this case, it is advisable to either remodel and combine the loggia with the living room, or turn it into a greenhouse with your favorite plants.
Open balcony
It's great to relax on the open balcony during the warm season. Spending a summer evening on the open terrace, breathing fresh air, is simply wonderful.
When arranging an open veranda, it is worth taking into account weather changes. Therefore, it is better to choose furniture from moisture-resistant materials: metal or plastic. For convenience, you can use fabric capes and pillows, which can be brought into the house in case of heavy rain.
Glazed loggia
In order not to depend on weather conditions, the loggia should be glazed. Frames can be made of PVC or more environmentally friendly - made of wood. Having installed windows, it is worth choosing suitable curtains or blinds.
When calculating the width of each window, consider how convenient it will be on the back side if it is stationary. For opening compartments, consider the width of the balcony. If it is very narrow, measure whether the window can be fully opened. In this case, it is worth giving preference to a sliding window system, when the sashes move in one plane (as in sliding wardrobes).
Warm balcony
If you intend to use the balcony not as a place for short-term relaxation, but to spend several hours there every day, then insulating the balcony is a top priority.
To do this you need:
- Install good windows with double-glazed windows;
- Use mastic or sealant to seal existing cracks.
- Cover the walls with high-quality insulation.
- Make a “warm floor” or install a radiator to maintain a comfortable temperature.
All this needs to be done before decorating the space.
Space decoration
No matter how cozy our balcony is from the inside, if it looks untidy from the outside, then the overall impression of the renovation will be lost. Exterior finishing options will depend on both the owner’s personal preferences and budget. One of the most budget-friendly options is finishing with corrugated sheets or metal siding .
Also popular is finishing with vinyl siding, which, in addition to a wide color palette, has a variety of different textures - from smooth to imitating wood or natural stone. Wooden or plastic lining is another common option for both interior and exterior decoration of balconies and loggias. All of the options listed are excellent for the Russian climate.
An option that allows you to simultaneously design the external and internal design - the use of panoramic glazing - is captivating by simultaneously providing excellent natural light. A variety of curtains and blinds will help protect you from prying eyes and excess sun.
As for the interior design, its choice will directly depend on the purpose of the room and the overall concept. The materials most often used as interior decoration are the same wooden or PVC lining, plasterboard, MDF, decorative plaster, artificial stone. The combined use of plants, artificial stone and decorative plaster will add uniqueness to the design.
Loggia as a continuation of the apartment
If the area of the loggia allows, then you can make it into a separate room, or remove the partition and combine the space with the adjacent territory.
Children's
The loggia can be turned into a play area for a child. You need to lay a warm carpet on the floor. Hang shelves for toys along the walls. For older children, the loggia can become a creative workshop.
Cabinet
For people who work on a computer at home, turning a loggia into a work office is a very common occurrence. Not much space is required for a table and other equipment. In addition, thanks to the large number of windows, it is always bright there.
When creating a work area, you can install either a ready-made factory table or install a custom-made tabletop according to the specified dimensions.
If the loggia is combined with a room, then a work space can also be built into the existing niche on the side.
Kitchen
If you want the house to have another additional living room, then you can include a kitchen in the design of the loggia. True, you will have to take care of transferring communications. In this case, installing a small compact headset will be the ideal solution.
To save space, you can install a folding table, or you can only do cooking on the loggia, and place a dining table with chairs in the living room.
Wardrobe
To save space in the apartment, you can not install a large closet for things, but make a dressing room out of the loggia.
Just keep in mind that if things are constantly exposed to the sun, they will fade over time. Therefore, shelves and crossbars where clothes will be placed must be covered with doors or a screen.
How to decorate a balcony or loggia
When all the preparatory work has been carried out, the essential question arises of how to decorate the balcony or loggia.
Floor and its insulation
If the balcony is open, then the floor covering must be resistant to moisture and temperature changes. In this case, you can lay tiles or porcelain stoneware on the floor. In addition, this material is easy to clean, easy to maintain and durable.
If the balcony or loggia is closed, then the following will look good on the floor:
In order for the floor to be at a comfortable temperature, it needs to be insulated. For this you can use:
Or use the “warm floor” system.
Wall and ceiling cladding
The walls of the balcony can be finished with the following materials:
The ceiling on a loggia or balcony can be:
Lighting
When thinking about lighting, you also need to take into account the future design and interior of the space. In the apartment, along with natural lighting, it is necessary to provide additional artificial lighting (both general and local) in the dark. The wiring can be hidden under the panels or laid over the walls and ceiling in special cable channels or under the baseboard.
It is necessary to provide for the location of all lamps, sockets and switches. The cable power will directly depend on the availability of heating devices. Only after installing the wiring can you begin insulating the room and finishing work, and then installing lighting products.
Balcony design
Let's consider several options for the interior of a balcony.
Balcony in a panel house
In panel houses, balconies, as a rule, have a small area. To make their interior more interesting, use different types of wall coverings. For example, one of the walls can be decorated with decorative stone, and the rest can be leveled with plasterboard and painted.
Place decorative tiles on the floor. Don't forget about plants and decorative elements.
Balcony in a private house
If a private house has an open balcony, it can be decorated in a rustic style.
Wall decoration in the form of natural boards or wooden lining will look harmonious. Place wicker furniture. Add textiles to the interior: rug, decorative pillows, blanket.
Balcony in a brick new building
Frame the open balcony with an elegant wrought iron fence. Place water-resistant furniture to create a resting place. Place plants around the perimeter.
Greenhouse or mini-garden
For lovers of plants and flowers, there is another idea for renovating a balcony - creating a mini-garden or greenhouse. The ways of arranging plants in the interior can be varied, from potted flowers on the railing to a planted vertical wall on a trellis; climbing plants can even be placed on the ceiling! On a very small balcony it is possible to place your favorite plants using shelves and racks in the interior of the balcony.
On loggias with an area of 6 square meters or more, you can arrange an original mini-garden with a decorative fountain. Naturally, plants should not be poisonous. In the design of a balcony, when decorating the walls, attention should be paid to natural wood, as well as stone and decorative plaster.
In addition to those listed, there are other unusual design ideas for balconies and loggias. Go ahead, don’t be afraid to start restructuring . After all, from the most cluttered and small balcony you can make a cozy and functional room that you can be proud of!
Green corner on the balcony
The balcony looks very picturesque, where there are many plants.
Such a green garden can become a real highlight of any home or apartment.
Choose pots in the same style. Place plants not only on the floor, but also along the walls, using fasteners.
When choosing plants, give preference to those that tolerate plenty of heat and light.
Choice of colors
When choosing the color scheme for the balcony, keep in mind that white and any light shades visually increase the space, while dark ones reduce it.
If the balcony is combined with a living room, choose finishes in a similar shade to visually unify the space.
For balconies located on the sunny side, you can choose cool shades of blue, green, and purple. If, on the contrary, the balcony is often in the shade, you can add bright colors using warm beige, yellow and orange shades.
Decoration of balcony windows
If the loggia or balcony is glazed, then to make it more comfortable you should hang curtains or blinds.
There are several design options. It can be:
Blinds can be either vertical or horizontal.
Too thick curtains on the balcony are not needed. Choose a light fabric that matches the tone of the walls.
In addition to the decorative component, curtains or blinds will help provide shelter from strong sunlight and prying eyes.
Choosing a balcony style
Like any other room, a loggia or balcony can be decorated in one of the popular interior styles.
Modern
A balcony decorated in a modern style usually has a laconic finish in calm shades and simple shapes.
High tech
The interior of the balcony in the high-tech style is distinguished by some minimalism. Elements of furniture and decor are made of materials such as metal and leather. Color shades of white, beige, gray are used.
Country
For a country-style balcony (“rustic chic”), use wooden or wicker furniture. Small metal hips can be used as plant pots. Hang imitation street lamps on the walls. Everything should be decorated simply, but with soul.
Loft
The loft style is characterized by minimalism and pristine materials. The photo above shows a version of a balcony where the walls are made of brickwork and plaster. The interior uses materials such as glass, metal, and plastic. The loft style does not tolerate unnecessary decorations - everything is strict and textured.
Eco
To recreate an eco-style on your balcony, use only natural, eco-friendly materials. Place wooden furniture as in the photo above. Decorative pillows and blankets should preferably be made of cotton or linen.
Recreation area arrangement
Completely different styles are suitable for decorating a recreation area - from all kinds of country styles to oriental or Japanese style .
- It is advisable to use the oriental style in a space of 6 sq.m. This is an abundance of decorative fabrics, pillows, low sofas, Moorish lamps, and possibly a hookah. The color scheme is in warm red, golden and dark brown tones. Matched curtains, paintings and mosaics on the floor will complement the feeling of an oriental fairy tale.
- The minimalistic and ascetic Japanese style in the interior will allow you to create a relaxation area even when renovating a small balcony. This style is characterized by a contrast of black or dark brown with various shades of beige, milky, and sand. A minimum of furniture, natural eco-friendly materials for decoration, bamboo blinds or linen curtains, lamps in traditional Japanese style - will perfectly contribute to relaxation and meditation.
- Provence, Mediterranean style - suitable for decorating open balconies and loggias, as well as warm ones. In this style you can decorate both the relaxation area and the kitchen on the balcony. The distinctive features of the listed styles are the use of natural wood, as if bleached by time. Colors - pastel sand, blue, light green, lavender, terracotta and white. The furniture is simple, even rough, shabby or forged. Fabrics - natural, preferably linen, patterns on fabrics - small flowers, checks, stripes. An excellent addition would be beautiful forged elements (for example, flower stands) and fresh flowers themselves. If we are designing a balcony in a Khrushchev apartment, it is enough to put at least a couple of flowers in pots.
- If there are panoramic windows on the balcony or loggia, then you can “swing” at the loft style. By the way, this style was originally the most budget-friendly, because it was born during the reconstruction of industrial buildings into residential premises. The walls are brick, often unplastered, natural color or whitewashed. Plank floors and non-standard accessories are welcome, as are homemade tables, inscriptions on walls and furniture, graffiti, and iron lamps. A very democratic style with a touch of bohemianism, for young and creative people.
Balcony furniture
For glazed balconies and loggias, you can use any furniture. The main selection criterion is compliance with the size and style of the interior.
If the balcony is open, then it is desirable that the furniture is made of moisture-resistant materials and is easy to care for.
If the frame of the chairs or sofa is made of metal, use pillows to add softness and comfort, as in the photo below.
Balcony insulation
Before insulation, it is necessary to carefully seal all cracks , as well as perform high-quality waterproofing. Mineral wool, polystyrene foam, polystyrene foam, technoplex or isover are usually used as insulation. To make the floor truly warm, it is recommended to install two-layer thermal insulation (like a “sandwich”). Chipboard, fiberboard, or plywood is laid on the finished floor; almost any coating can be used as the top layer, depending on its future appearance.
If you plan to equip a recreation area with low sofas, or a children's room, it would be useful to use heated floors, especially since the installation of such a floor does not require special skills and is quite affordable for budget renovation . In the event that the wall between the room and the balcony is planned to be at least partially dismantled, installing a heated floor, along with high-quality insulation, is simply necessary. Of course, the design style of the balcony and the adjacent room should not differ greatly.
