What bright varieties should I plant for the summer?
Beautiful climbing flowers are perfect for decorating a loggia; they create a kind of wall of leaves, look romantic and mysterious, while protecting from excess sunlight.
Try to select the least demanding varieties, since weather conditions in summer can be very changeable. These are:
- marigold;
- calendula;
- nasturtium;
- petunia;
- pelargonium;
- nemesia;
- Snapdragon;
- begonia;
- fuchsia;
- pansies.
See the classification of plants for the balcony and tips for growing them in this article.
Minimal finishing
After disposing of unnecessary things and clearing garbage from the loggia, we find elements that need to be refreshed, most often these are:
- window frames;
- walls;
- ceiling;
- floor.
Construction stores sell a large number of materials for every taste, with which you can make easy cosmetic repairs.
Window frames
Wooden window frames need to be painted or varnished, after removing the old paint. Plastic windows do not require restoration.
Walls
Restoration of walls depends on their condition. You can simply and cheaply refresh the coating using paint, wallpaper and decorative plaster.
Brickwork can be left as an element of the Loft style, complemented with details in the form of forged lamps and decorative lamps.
Ceiling
On your own and in a short time, the ceiling covering on the balcony can be quickly restored using:
- PVC panels;
- drywall;
- foam tiles;
- white paint.
The cosmetic restoration of the ceiling will take 2-3 hours.
Idea 3. “Upholstered” furniture
It is not necessary to furnish the balcony with new furniture. Textiles can solve this problem. Instead of new floors, throw in a few blankets or a carpet; instead of chairs, quilted pillows, poufs, a frameless chair; instead of a coffee table, throw in an old box covered with a linen piece of fabric (note, not even necessarily a tablecloth). Add a couple of candles, a knitted basket and the balcony interior is ready.
Upholstered furniture on the balcony
Textiles on the balcony instead of furniture
Textiles on wooden flooring on the balcony instead of furniture
General list of works for a closed balcony
So, if you decide to convert the external part of your home into additional living space and have already decided on its functional purpose, then the following types of work await you:
- mandatory assessment of the condition of the balcony - slabs and fences;
- glazing of the structure;
- insulation, waterproofing with preliminary elimination of all cracks;
- in some cases, this is followed by dismantling the balcony block (depending on the reconstruction option);
- work on laying electrical systems;
- leveling (filling) of walls and floors (may be absent - it all depends on the types of finishing work);
- finishing;
- arrangement of furniture and accessories;
- decorating a new room.
Balcony glazing
There are two types of glazing: “cold and warm”. The so-called “cold” glazing is used if a balcony or loggia simply needs to be protected from moisture and dust, but there is no provision for organizing an additional room there to perform any functions. With this type of glazing, one of the following options for constructing transparent structures is usually used:
- “frameless” method - the barrier looks like a solid glass sheet. In fact, parts of the transparent wall can move along horizontal tracks to open and close windows;
- wooden swing doors;
- sliding or tilt-and-turn structures with a metal-plastic profile.
If you need to carry out “warm” glazing, then the option of using plastic double-glazed windows is the best way to create high-quality heat and sound insulation. Very often in such cases, the technique of moving the frames 15-25 cm beyond the plane of the facade is used to slightly expand the area of the balcony. The feeling of spaciousness and a fairly wide window sill, which can be used as a work surface, is a great bonus for the owners.
From the point of view of decor and adding originality to the design of the balcony due to the glazing stage, you can use tinted glass, stained glass, products with laser engraving or photo printing. Depending on the design decisions, such decor can be used either fragmentarily or for the entire surface of the protective glass barrier. Modern double-glazed windows can be made with any color scheme of frames and imitate any type of wood. The original appearance of the glazing is the key to creating a non-trivial image of a balcony or loggia.
Installation of insulation and waterproofing
This stage of work must be approached with full responsibility - do not skimp on materials or specialist fees. Poor-quality installation of thermal and waterproofing can subsequently negate all finishing work, lead to damage to the furniture and ultimately return you to the starting position with the need to redo the repair. Minor savings at this stage of work can result in significant reconstruction costs and loss of time.
Polystyrene foam is most often used as insulation for floors; polystyrene foam or technoplex is used for walls and ceilings. Any insulation is installed only after all cracks have been eliminated and processed. To create a vapor barrier, recently foamed polyethylene is most often used, which is laid with the shiny side inward. Next, it will be possible to install lathing on the surface to create a surface finish.
The most effective way to insulate a loggia is to install a so-called “warm floor”. One of the most affordable ways to install the system is infrared film flooring. In such a room it will be really warm and comfortable at any time of the year. Temperature control modes will allow you to independently set the microclimate of the additional room.
Electric installation work
The scope of wiring work will depend on the expected number of lighting sources and household appliances used on the balcony, the presence of “warm floors” and whether the loggia is being renovated in conjunction with the main renovation of the apartment or not. If the reconstruction affected only the balcony, then you can not complicate the process and limit yourself to a regular extension cord, having previously calculated the required cross-section taking into account the maximum load.
The number of light sources will directly depend on what you expect from the balcony or loggia. If this is a place for breakfasts and rare evening romantic dinners overlooking the cityscape, then one lamp or built-in lighting will be enough. If the additional room will be used as an office, workshop or children's play area, then one light source will not be enough. The number of lamps is also influenced by the size of the balcony and its location relative to the cardinal points.
Finishing work
The choice of finishing materials directly depends on the general idea of using the auxiliary room. But, regardless of how you will use the balcony or loggia (create a winter garden or install exercise equipment), there is a list of the most popular finishing options suitable for the special microclimate of the additional space:
- MDF panels;
- PVC finishing panels;
- Moisture-resistant plasterboard is perfect for eliminating unevenness and creating sheathing, niches and other structures;
- cork covering (creates excellent heat and sound insulation);
- decorative plaster;
- fake diamond;
- painting;
- combining different materials to create an original and sustainable coating.
The choice of material for creating a floor covering is influenced by the presence of a “warm floor” system, but in general, any modern raw material can be used:
- ceramic or stone tiles;
- floor board (parquet);
- laminate;
- linoleum;
- carpet
If we talk about choosing a color palette, it is obvious that in a modest-sized room, light shades will look much more organic, allowing you to visually expand the space. But, on the other hand, if all your furniture and decor of the balcony (loggia) is made in light colors, then you can choose more colorful colors for the background.
Idea 4. Transformable furniture
A spacious balcony is the exception rather than the rule. Therefore, it is especially important to organize a flexible interior on a small balcony. For example, instead of armchairs, use a bench-chest. It will solve two problems at once: organize a storage system and create seating areas. Take a closer look at the folding wall tables, which, if necessary, can be moved to the wall and free up space.
Transformable furniture on the balcony. Placement examples
IMPORTANT: Choose weightless furniture for the balcony. For example, a coffee table on one thin leg will not weigh down the space.
Folding table on the balcony example
To create a weightless, seemingly airy interior on the balcony, hang a hammock or cocoon chair. Such furniture, without additional decor, in itself creates a cozy space.
Cocoon chair on the balcony
Idea 5. Old or unnecessary furniture
Look around. Maybe there is an extra coffee table in the bedroom, bought on the spur of the moment. A second stepladder is hidden in the closet. And in the corridor a rolled up rug is collecting dust. All this can be placed on the balcony. To make furniture of different colors and textures look harmonious, balance it with the same textiles or even repaint it with water-based paint.
TIP: If the balcony is very narrow, then move all storage areas to the ceiling, and leave only seating areas on the floor.
Cozy balcony with shelves made of wooden boxes
Cozy balcony with shelves made of wooden boxes. Photo examples
Where to begin?
Before you turn precious 2-5 square meters into a cozy corner that will become your source of pride, you need to develop a detailed action plan. First of all, you need to decide whether your work on improving the balcony or loggia will be decorative (the structure remains open and only the facade is sheathed with finishing material) or constructive (the balcony must be glazed and insulated). The choice will depend on your personal preferences and expectations. Someone lives in the south of our country and has a magnificent view of the sea, opening directly from the balcony. It is enough to refine such a structure and create a place for dining with a gorgeous view of the seascape. And for some, an unglazed balcony will be covered with snow most of the year and its improvement will require a considerable amount of action taken. But first things first.
Care
Remember that it is better to plant varieties with the same requirements for moisture and soil composition in one container, this will make it easier to care for them. Choose containers with drainage holes, or make them yourself, lay a layer of drainage on the bottom and fill with flower soil.
Next, simply monitor the humidity level and periodically water the plants, not forgetting about timely feeding and removing wilted and yellowed leaves.
Where to place it in a small and large space?
It cannot be said that the small space of the loggia is in some way inferior to the larger loggia. After all, in this matter, the main thing is to competently decorate all the available space, without turning a corner of paradise into a flower shop, chock full of various goods.
It is not recommended to fill balconies with modest dimensions too tightly. One row of pots along the railing will be enough, and they can be placed both on the inside and on the outside.
Vertical gardening will also help save precious space.
And on large loggias, where more space is available for landscaping, filling can be done using containers and pots of different sizes, placing them at different levels. In such conditions, the use of plants of various sizes is permitted.
Sports room
In the apartment, you can also play sports by purchasing exercise equipment, which is most conveniently placed outside the apartment, but at the same time being at home. Here you can lay down a rug and play sports while listening to your favorite music. In the fresh air, the benefits of such activities will be much greater. The balcony is suitable for yoga and meditation. Such a room should not contain unnecessary things, and the design should fully correspond to its purpose. Instead of curtains, it is best to use blinds, although curtains made of cambric or thick denim cotton will also work.
Types of glazing
The final result of the reconstruction largely depends on the chosen scheme for this part of the project. The cool type of glazing will provide protection from the wind and prevent the penetration of snow and raindrops.
Warm glazing means increased costs. Such investments are justified by the better insulating properties of the structures.
Glazed cold
Provides the following repair plan:
- insulation of the main wall;
- sound insulation gasket;
- device of panoramic or single-chamber glazing.
Such a balcony is comfortable only in the summer - during this time it can be turned into a cozy area for relaxing and playing with your child.
Glazed warm
Requires minimal work. There are much more variations to beat the interior. You can decorate the balcony inside in different styles and directions.
Rest room
Both small and large balconies can be arranged as a relaxation room, where you can spend time in a cozy atmosphere, relax, and read books. If you have space, then in addition to a wicker rocking chair and a table, you can buy a small sofa with soft decorative pillows. An important aspect here is design.
An abundance of flowers, some decorations, paintings and beautiful curtains will help maintain a special atmosphere. If everything is decorated with taste, you should end up with a cozy summer room that can replace trips to nature. It would also be a good idea to purchase an electric barbecue for meat, fish and vegetables.
