Balcony decoration: stages of implementation, materials of use, design
Content:
- Modern photo ideas
- DIY finish: step-by-step instructions
- Glazing
- Interior: preferred materials
- PVC panels
- Lining
- A rock
- Concrete
- Decorative plaster
- Tile
- Turnkey finish in different styles
- The purpose of the balcony
- Final decor after decoration
Do you dream of a beautiful and original balcony, but don’t know how to design it? In this article, you can find out some interesting ideas that will help you choose the right project.
Balcony decoration: modern photo ideas
A balcony is an ideal option for those who want to walk in the fresh air without leaving home. After all, everyone wants a place where they can enjoy the street in fine weather. Some homeowners decide not to glaze the balcony to have constant access to open air. However, if you have little space in the apartment, then a glazed balcony resembling an additional mini-room at home is an ideal solution. Although this is a small space, it can embody grandiose projects. There are many balcony design ideas for each apartment owner.
DIY balcony decoration
It should be noted that very often a balcony decorated with their own hands is in no way inferior to the originality and courage of the solutions that professionals offer. However, you should not think that absolutely all installation work is subject to implementation without proper experience and knowledge. Some installation processes, such as windows, should be considered as technology. If there is no certainty about the results from the work, then only turnkey employees of the construction company can perform turnkey installation.
Step-by-step balcony finishing
Usually a small balcony (5.6 m²). However, you need to make 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 apartment building, you must remember the clear sequence of work. Step-by-step information on finishing your balcony helps you take the steps you need. So, here are the steps to follow:
- Take care of the integrity and strength of the design of the frame of the balcony, which is the basis not only for external and internal cladding, including the installation of future windows.
- Glazing. For installation, it is desirable to use two-chamber aluminum or wooden structures. It should be borne in mind that plastic is relatively budget, but in terms of performance it is worse.
- The outer part is recommended to make out with lining or siding.
- Galvanized metal sheets or plywood will help withstand the weathering of the frame.
- Warming is important enough, so you should take care of waterproofing with a special film, blowing cracks with special foam.
- Need to install additional strips from the racks.
- Finishing the ceiling, floor, walls with selected materials.
Repair on the balcony is desirable to carry out in the warm season, as this solution will greatly facilitate and speed up the work. Pay significant attention to the weather forecast so that cold or excessive humidity does not interfere with a quality finish.
Glazing and decoration of balconies
If you decide that the balcony will serve as a place to store unnecessary things in your home or a cozy room in the apartment where you can relax or work, then the repair should begin with glazing. What type of glazing to choose? The process is divided into hot and cold. What's the difference? It is worthwhile to find out what this means and choose the most suitable window installation option for yourself.
Cold frame
This type of work is made of aluminum profiles. It is currently used much less frequently than in previous years, but is still considered important. This option is intended for those who are not going to use the loggia in the cold season. The aluminum profile protects the room from dirt, dust, rain and snow. Such loggias will allow you to relax in comfort in the summer, as well as grow your favorite plants. In winter, this room can be used as a storage for blanks.
Warm plastic panels
Warm loggia includes the installation of plastic windows. Usually a two-chamber bag is used. In addition, walls, floor, and ceiling should be insulated. For this purpose, polystyrene foam (polyethylene foam) or other materials are used. I must say that a warm loggia significantly expands design capabilities. This method will allow you to combine this room with the kitchen and bathroom, which will increase the living space.
Turnkey warmed and glazed loggia today can be found quite in the budget version.
Glass railing
Modern balconies use transparent glass walls. They give you the safety of the railing, but retain the possibility of significant visibility. With the advent of a minimalist lifestyle, the smoothness of transparent glass walls has become increasingly popular. Cable balusters are also often used on these balconies.
Finishing the balcony inside
Today there is a huge amount of finishing material for the repair of the balcony. Walls, ceilings and floors can have stunning looks in a variety of themes. Just because your balcony is outdoors does not mean that it should have a boring floor. Choose a beautiful and functional coating that will last a long time, pleasing with its aesthetics and practicality.
What to consider when choosing a material:
- which side of the world is the balcony directed to, since not all materials are resistant to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation;
- the roof or its absence, some materials do not tolerate precipitation;
- ease of laying material, especially if you want to mount it yourself;
- preservation method: some materials should be given less attention, and others - more;
- maintenance is usually also associated with additional costs, for example, when purchasing impregnation;
- weight: it may happen that the design of the balcony is not strong enough to withstand heavy materials, you should consult with the designer before deciding to buy a stone or terrazzo;
- price, since it is necessary to pay not only for the material itself, but also the preparatory work necessary for laying the floor, walls, ceiling, labor or tools.
Floor insulation
There are several ways to insulate the floor that you can use. The first of them is through hot water. In this case, pipes are mounted on the floor that are connected to the heating system. The height of the floor increases to seven centimeters. This method requires registration of permits with the relevant authorities. The second way is to insulate the floor on the balcony with an electric cable. The coupler is mounted, and electric wires are placed on it. The required process accordingly expands the scope of work. The height of the floor increases to 5 cm. Such an embodiment is currently rarely used, since electricity is expensive. And finally, the best way is electric film. Such a flooring has a thickness of 3 mm. He puts the screed on top. You can apply any coating that you have chosen, that is, tile, linoleum, etc.
Wall treatment
Usually the walls of the balcony are made in bright colors. This solution increases the space visually. Shiny and mirror elements on the walls visually increase the space. This technique is often used by designers when designing small rooms. A wall will not look too boring if you put a poster or a bright picture on it.
Decoration Materials
After glazing and insulated loggias you will create a reliable barrier against dust, noise and precipitation. It is time to choose quality materials. Finishing the balcony allows the use of a wide range of construction equipment. What materials are the most popular? It:
- plastic or wood panel;
- decorative plaster;
- a rock;
- siding;
- decorative bricks.
The latter option may be natural, because it is very popular in recent years. Decorative bricks have a wide range of colors: from dark brown to white, representing a versatile material. It recalls the traditional Russian buildings, and at the same time allows you to implement the most daring and modern projects.
The choice of finishing for the floor should be rethought before laying a concrete screed on the balcony, the materials have different thicknesses, so you need to plan the height of the gutter so that after laying the tiles, wood or anything else, you go out onto the balcony with comfort, without tripping over a high threshold. It is also very important to properly prepare the base for the floor. It is equally important to correctly position the subsequent layers that seal the floor so that it is resistant to prolonged rainfall and temperature changes.
PVC trim for the balcony
The interior decoration of the balcony with PVC panels is one of the common design solutions, as the material has increased strength characteristics. It is made of durable, flexible plastic, which is a combination of wood and PVC. The panels have a natural look, reminiscent of corrugated wooden boards. Such material is more resistant to atmospheric conditions:
- retains shape;
- does not crack;
- under the influence of frost and the sun does not exfoliate;
- not subject to insects;
- does not require maintenance;
- life of about 35 years;
- manufacturers give a ten-year warranty;
- Available in several natural colors that can be combined with each other.
Assembling PVC panels is very simple. Elements are cut to size, placed on a supporting structure (it can be a grill or just rubber washers), grafted with a special fastener, and the edges are sheathed with planks. Elements can be cut, milled, making holes in them using a woodworking tool.
The fastening system is hidden, so nails and screws are not visible. Elements have a thickness of 28 mm, and together with the base, depending on its height, 60-80 mm. The floor is ready for use immediately after installation. Rain water flows between the boards. Panels can slightly change the color intensity under the influence of the sun and humidity, especially in the first weeks after installation, but quite evenly, so the change in color will not be obvious. Such a floor is best washed with water, stains are cleaned with a brush or degreasing agent, which is on offer from the manufacturers of the material. In hot weather, PVC panels can become very hot. Dimensions: longitudinal elements - 14.5 cm x 3-6 m; square elements - 44 x 44 cm.
Lining the balcony
Wood is a natural material, versatile, pleasant to the touch, it will go well with the facade in any style. Remember that the floor must be weatherproof, so only some types are suitable for the balcony. It is best to choose an exotic tree, but lining from larch or oak 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 the 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 mounted on beams. There must be at least 5 millimeters of clearance between the boards so that the wood can work freely. The edges of the balcony are finished with a special board. The floor on the balcony will be 65-75 mm thick. Dimensions of a standard board: about 14 cm x 2.25-5.5 m.
Stone balcony decoration
Stone is a very durable natural material that blends well with the environment, is timeless and elegant. Unfortunately, heavy, it requires impregnation at least once a year, quite expensive, and very hot in summer. As with wood, not all types of stone are suitable for outdoor use. The safest way is to mount granite on balconies. Sandstones, travertines and alabaster will be worse, since they can be destroyed by atmospheric factors.
Attention! Popular marble should not be used outside the home because it peels off.
The stone intended for the balcony has the form of finished tiles or larger elements made in size. It should not be polished because it will be very slippery, so it is advisable to use rough surfaces. Unpolished stone has a less intense color, but you can use special preparations to deepen the color. It is not necessary to impregnate granite, although after such treatment it will be less dirty. With daily care, do not overdo it with the use of detergents; it is best to rinse the floor with cool water. If the stone is very dirty, then every few years it is necessary to perform crystallization treatment, that is, machine cleaning, which is usually combined with the subsequent impregnation of the surface.
The process of decorating a balcony with stone
Stone slabs are laid on cement mortar less and less, although this is a cheaper way, glue is often used. As with ceramic tiles, it is applied both to the bottom of the panel and to the substrate. Flexible joint masses with the addition of silicone are used for cementation. The edge of the balcony can be trimmed with a stone quarter or half shaft. If you decide to cut the tile, you can polish its edge - this is a very popular solution: stone elements usually have a thickness of 10-20 mm. If you put the stone on the glue, the floor will have a thickness of 20-40 mm, depending on whether the concrete foundation is smooth, and if on a cement mortar - 40-50 mm. Dimensions that exist in stone tiles: 45 x 45, 30 x 60, 40 x 60 cm or irregularly shaped elements.
Concrete balcony
If you have a concrete balcony, you want to add interesting notes to dull material, use the method of creating artificial stone. It is possible to give concrete the appearance of stone in two ways:
- reactive;
- not reactive.
The reactive finishing method is the effect on acid-based concrete, allowing the formation of a marble effect on the surface. Colors will be limited by natural earth tones such as brown and green. Some of these reagents contain metal salts that will catch sunlight, illuminating your balcony. Non-reactive methods are water-based acrylics that are more like paint. They have a much wider range of colors and are easier to apply. The surface will not be as unique as a jet spot, but it will remain no less beautiful.
Decorative balcony stucco
Decorative plaster is great for decorating a balcony. It has an insignificant structural effect, since the purpose of the material is to decorate or add dignity to the room in a strong and durable way. Decorative plaster on the walls has been used for centuries to give texture to flat surfaces with the possibility of painting in appropriate or contrasting colors relative to the wall itself, depending on the desired visual effect. There are many decorative stucco finishes and techniques. Some of them are in the distant past. Other methods, such as traditional gypsum stucco, have an almost 200-year tradition. Finally, there are many modern methods, such as adding metallic pigments or textured applications, which can give very impressive results when decorating a balcony.
Ceramic tile
The most popular way to finish the floor on the balcony is ceramic tile. The material can also be clinker tiles and porcelain tiles. Concrete and stone tiles, which are durable but unfortunately expensive, are more complex. The greatest advantage of the tile is considered aesthetics and the possibility of free choice of patterns or sizes corresponding to the location of the balcony. In addition, the tiles are easy to clean and do not require special treatment. Unfortunately, they are unpleasantly cold in winter and too hot in summer. When choosing this form of decoration, you should also pay attention to their technical parameters. The material must be frost-resistant, hard, non-slip and abrasion resistant.
Turnkey balcony decoration: decoration in different styles
Each balcony is a blank canvas, which can be decorated in accordance with the personal wishes and needs of the property owner. Like any interior space in your home, the decor of the balcony will determine its purpose. One of the main differences between the terrace and the balcony is the size. The terrace has a large area for entertaining guests, and the balcony offers a more personal pastime.
Eclectic design
If your home has a more eclectic style, Moroccan themed balconies are popular. Create a space filled with vibrant colors such as pink, yellow and green. Deep tones are also popular for this design style. Use large pillows as seats and golden accents in the form of baskets and lamps to create an exotic relaxation on your balcony. Natural wood tones are the perfect backdrop to support vibrant colors.
City charm
If your balcony is something between fancy charm and industrial style, then designing a room in the form of a bistro style is an ideal choice. This is a great home solution that has a brick exterior and wrought iron railing. The table and chairs can be wrought iron or imitate steel products. This creates a space that is a beautiful place to spend time with friends while enjoying the good weather.
Modern design
If you want a modern balcony, choose simplicity. Color schemes are usually black and white, with one or two accents of bright color. Furniture is defined by uncomplicated forms and tends to a minimum. A characteristic of modern design and minimalism is open space.
Different purpose of the balcony: choose your option
It's no secret that quite often the balcony has home functions. In other words, you can store old and unnecessary things. It is worth considering whether it is necessary to make a warehouse where it is permissible to expand the living space? Proper balcony design will help you get even a small but comfortable room. What can you do on the balcony? Consider a few options.
Cabinet
If it is difficult to find a place to work in a small apartment, then a balcony is the ideal solution for you. Here you will not be distracted, but you can fully engage in your own business. This idea is very easy to implement. For decoration, use regular wallpaper or decorative plaster. Naturally, you need furniture: a small table, a comfortable chair or chair, shelves for documents that should hang above the table. Remember to provide good lighting for your work by choosing a desk lamp or sconce.
Playroom
Suffice it to say that this version is not suitable for very small balconies. If the area allows, then immediately begin to design a balcony. On a pre-plastered wall, place a wallpaper with a bright and clear pattern. You can draw them with your child. On the floor, if it is not insulated, you need a warm and soft carpet.
Greenhouse
Mini-greenhouse will appeal to many women. The beautiful greenhouse of the house will delight with a variety of colors, wonderful aromas, so the room will become a favorite vacation spot for all households. It is important to choose the right plants with the right flowering time, and then your balcony can become a container of beautiful flowers throughout the year. The design of the greenhouse is more suitable for bright colors, as they will be in harmony with green plants. You will also need furniture. It can be wicker chairs and a small table.
Resting-place
The balcony is ideal for relaxation. It is enough to make a simple repair, equipping the place with a comfortable armchair and a table so that you can comfortably drink tea and watch the street during solitude.
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 comfortable lounge out of a normal room.
Vegetation
Plants are a great way to add color and life to your balcony. Depending on the design, your plants may have different goals. If you have neighbors nearby, the balcony can be easily detached for those around you. Create some extra privacy with the trellis where the climbing plants will be located, such as ivy. This will add a little green to your balcony, giving privacy. The plant should be selected, starting from the selected design. For eclectic styles, use vibrant colors that match the decor. Flower boxes that attach to the railing are also often found on balconies. It can bring joyful notes to a boring space.
Lighting
One of the final touches to be added to any space is lighting. It really improves the appearance of the room and completes the fine details. The same rules work on the balcony. Create the best atmosphere with the right lighting. Lamps come in a wide variety of designs and materials. If you decide to stick to a Moroccan theme, choose vibrant colors and accents. Colored glass lanterns framed by gold fittings are the perfect finishing touch. Minimalism encourages crisp shapes and discreet decor.
The design of the balcony may be different. But in any case, lighting plays a special role. As a rule, experts recommend using small local lamps that create a romantic atmosphere, but you can choose chic and original chandeliers for larger areas.
Choosing furniture for a balcony
Regardless of the style you choose, furniture design should be treated responsibly. Furniture manufacturers are already offering customers special series suitable for decorating balconies. If the room is narrow and cramped, give preference to built-in furniture or a transformer. After folding, items will take up little space. The most suitable furniture for the balcony can be made of wood, metal, plastic or rattan.
How to decorate windows?
Finishing the balcony will not be complete if you do not pay attention to window decoration. Tulle or compressed air dampers can be used in various cases. Combinations of options are not prohibited. Curtains and blinds of different types create an atmosphere of elegance and lightness, breaking direct sunlight and making the lighting softer. Transparent tulle to match the interior of the balcony, select in fabrics that match furniture or walls. Heavy curtains should not be used in such a room, as they significantly reduce the space. It is more expedient to apply a curtain. Blinds add design functionality.
A balcony is a place where a lot of time is spent with the appearance of heat. Therefore, it is very important how you finish this surface. Not only aesthetic considerations, but also functional parameters should be taken into account, inter alia, 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. Prefer ceramic tiles, decking, composite materials or modern flooring systems.