The popularity of panoramic glazing systems is growing rapidly. This type of design of balconies and loggias radically transforms not only a separate architectural element, but also the room in which it is located, giving the apartment a modern, respectable look. The advantages of full glazing are undeniable. In order to emphasize the advantages and take full advantage of the advantages of glazing, you need to take a responsible approach to choosing the design of a panoramic balcony and find the best design option.
Panoramic glazing, types and features
Panoramic glazing is called glazing that occupies the entire area of the fencing of the architectural protrusion. The main advantage of this design is the perfect overview. But this feature in some cases makes the installation of glass systems impractical. If the balcony overlooks an industrial zone, parking lot, or area for garbage containers, the opening panorama will not provide the desired aesthetic effect. Full glazing is performed if it provides the opportunity to admire beautiful natural, urban landscapes.
Panoramic glazing of the balcony provides an ideal view
When choosing the design of a panoramic balcony, many important factors are taken into account:
- glazing type;
- dimensions of the architectural structure;
- purpose of the zone;
- room decoration style.
If, after conversion, the balcony becomes an extension of the room or its year-round operation is planned, plastic and metal-plastic systems are used in the glazing to ensure a comfortable temperature. Installation of cold frameless structures or with aluminum profiles is advisable when using the zone in the warm season.
Panoramic glazing visually expands the balcony. With the help of a competent choice of finishing and interior elements, you can complement this effect and provide a feeling of spaciousness even in a small area.
Panoramic glazing will provide a feeling of spaciousness
The purpose of this zone plays an important role in choosing a design. It should provide comfortable conditions for rest or work. A glazed balcony is part of the living room, bedroom or kitchen. When designing it, a harmonious combination with the room is ensured. One style or similar design trends are selected, a combination of shades and materials is taken into account. Numerous photos of balcony designs with panoramic glazing posted on the Internet will help you find the best option.
The design of the panoramic balcony should be in harmony with the interior of the apartment
Pros and cons of panoramic glazing
Before deciding to radically change the design of your balcony, you need to carefully consider all the pros and cons of panoramic glazing. Not only the attractiveness of the opening view is taken into account. There are other factors that cannot be ignored.
The advantages of installing glass systems include:
- the ability to visually increase the area of a small balcony;
- the prospect of combining with the room, increasing its area;
- saving energy costs due to maximum natural light;
- creating a comfortable area for work or relaxation;
- giving housing respectability and compliance with modern standards.
Comfortable place to relax on the balcony
Panoramic glazing also has disadvantages:
- this restructuring requires obtaining permission from the relevant authorities;
- full insulation will reduce the area of the balcony;
- From time to time you will have to use the services of cleaning companies to wash external glass surfaces.
It should be taken into account that the architectural department may not issue permission to glaze a balcony in a multi-storey building if the object belongs to the category of historical monuments, since the design affects the design of the facade. The use of glazing systems may not correspond to the design features of the building; the BTI may prohibit their installation.
Permission is required for panoramic glazing
Cold glazing does not affect the area of the balcony. But one-, two-, three-chamber structures used in warm decorations will reduce it. In addition, to create a comfortable atmosphere, you will have to create multi-layer protection for the ceiling and floor. For small balconies, this design may be unacceptable.
It will not be possible to wash external glass on the upper floors without the help of industrial climbers. From time to time you will need to call these specialists to maintain proper cleanliness.
Warm and cold glazing of balconies and loggias using wooden structures
Wooden single glazing was considered the only option 35 years ago. It was represented by a frame structure made of wood, which was assembled using tenons and wood glue, had glass 4 mm thick, fixed using wooden glazing beads.
Currently, more advanced products are presented on the market, which are characterized by high strength, reliability, resistance to adverse weather conditions and durability. The frame is made of laminated veneer lumber with preliminary polishing, into which a sealed double-glazed window is inserted. Thus, it is possible to reliably glaze a balcony in a Khrushchev-era building. Photos and prices for structures are presented in a wide variety, and the cost depends on the type of wood. More affordable products are made from pine and larch, while more expensive ones are made from beech, ash and oak.
Modern wooden windows are made of laminated veneer lumber and sealed double-glazed windows
A distinctive advantage of wooden frames is their exceptional environmental friendliness. Wood, due to the presence of micropores in its structure, can breathe, providing air circulation that will not stagnate on the loggia or balcony. Wooden window frames have an attractive and presentable appearance. A balcony with such glazing has good heat and sound insulation qualities.
Wooden glazing is not without its drawbacks. One of the main disadvantages is the high cost of the structure, 2.5 times higher than the price of a metal-plastic analogue. In addition, over time, the wood dries out and cracks.
To extend the life of the product and give it an attractive appearance, the wooden surface requires constant care, which consists of covering the frame with water-repellent impregnations and varnish. A modern solution is a wooden structure with aluminum overlays, which are installed on the doors from the outside and at the junction of the frames.
Wooden glazing of balconies is expensive
Glazing of balconies and loggias with wooden structures: procedure
Before installing a wooden frame, it is necessary to prepare the base, which consists of strengthening the railing with a wooden support beam. Its lower part can be strengthened with spacers. Metal support posts are installed in the corners, giving the structure additional rigidity.
Next, they begin to install the wooden frame, from which the glazing is first removed and the sashes are removed. Anchor plates are attached along the perimeter of the frame in increments of 70 cm. The structure is installed on the balcony railing in support blocks. The frame is aligned in horizontal and vertical planes.
The structure is fixed from below to the railing and from above to the ceiling slab using anchor plates. Next, the joints between the structure and the railing, ceiling and wall are sealed using polyurethane foam. The gaps are closed with mounting tape to prevent moisture from entering and condensation from accumulating. After installing the frame, the glazing is returned to its place, and the sashes are hung on their hinges.
Before glazing a balcony with wooden windows, it is necessary to significantly strengthen the railings
The cost of glazing a balcony with a wooden structure averages 9-13 thousand when using a frame with one glass, 25-50 thousand rubles. – in case of using a product with aluminum inserts.
Decoration of a glazed balcony
If the glazed balcony becomes an extension of the room, the wall with the window and doorway system is removed, and the same material is chosen as the floor covering as for the entire room. In such designs it is necessary to make changes to the design of the heating system. Traditional radiators can be installed. But the best option is convectors. These can be compact floor-standing models or devices that are mounted in niches in the floor.
Convectors are the best option for heating a balcony
When decorating a balcony that is not combined with a room, the choice of finishing materials largely depends on the purpose of the area and the specifics of its use. Most often it is used as:
- winter garden;
- places of rest;
- work office.
Full natural light creates high-quality conditions for growing plants. Exotic flora can be placed on the insulated balcony. It is possible to choose flowers and green spaces taking into account the design style. Photos of designs for panoramic balconies that serve as a winter garden can be viewed on the Internet. To equip an area with cold glazing, annuals are selected that will provide the interior with attractiveness from spring to autumn.
Design of a panoramic balcony with a winter garden
On the balcony you can create a comfortable place for relaxation, family tea parties, and pleasant conversations. With the help of a competent choice of finishing materials, furniture, and textile decor, maximum comfort and an environment conducive to relaxation are created.
If the apartment does not allow you to allocate a separate place for work or hobbies, a balcony can become an ideal office. Even in a small area, you can equip a comfortable area for working on a computer, painting, handicrafts, modeling, etc.
Comfortable work area on a small balcony
Finishing materials in the design of balconies
The modern range of finishing products makes it possible to create a comfortable environment on the balcony, regardless of the type of glazing, size and purpose of the area. Their choice depends on personal preferences and capabilities.
In finishing the ceiling you can use:
- whitewash,
- paint,
- clapboard,
- tiles
White color will visually raise the ceiling and increase the area of a small room. If cold systems are used in the glazing, the ceiling can be painted and trimmed with clapboard intended for outdoor use. A good option is plastic ceiling panels or tiles.
White color will visually increase the height of the ceiling
Floor coverings are selected taking into account the design style. A popular option in the design of cold balconies are materials that imitate natural wood. They have decent technological characteristics and create an atmosphere of comfort. You can use tiles, porcelain stoneware. These coatings retain their quality under the influence of low temperature, high humidity, and direct sunlight.
Tile maintains quality under low temperature
Walls play an important role in any interior. You don’t have to deal with finishing them if the balcony is designed in a loft style. Brick and concrete fit well into this design. To create a classic interior, you can use natural wood finishes or imitation. You can use vinyl, non-woven wallpaper, polyvinyl chloride panels, etc. in the decoration. On Internet sites there are photos of designs of balconies with panoramic glazing in different styles. It is possible to choose the optimal solution.
Design of a panoramic balcony in loft style
What can be used for interior decoration?
Option #1. Plastic
A balcony covered with this material looks modern, has a laconic design and goes perfectly with metal-plastic glazing. The finish is simply installed and will last at least a quarter of a century. A wide selection of colors and textures allows you to easily select panels to suit any idea.
Finishing a balcony with plastic panels can be done not only on wall surfaces . The ceiling is often sewn up with them.
Balcony finishing with plastic panels
Claims about the toxicity of the material are mythical. Plastic begins to release harmful substances only after heating to 3000C. But it’s worth paying attention to the width of the lining. Provided that the balcony is not heated, it should be sheathed with narrower panels. The secret is that they react more adequately to temperature changes, that is, the risk of their deformation is minimal.
Option #2. Wooden lining
Aesthetic and attractive finish. Even today, with a wide selection of materials, it remains very popular, as it can create a particularly cozy atmosphere. You get the feeling of being somewhere outside the city, on a wonderful terrace, and city dwellers really like this. In addition, wooden lining is an excellent insulator. It retains heat well and does not conduct noise.
Wooden lining retains heat well
Although designs made from such material are simple, they are very reliable and are ready to serve for 15 or even more years. An alternative to simple lining can be euro lining and profile pine boards. They are more expensive, but their quality class is higher.
Option #3. MDF lining
The material is similar to plastic panels, and if you look at the photo of the balcony finishing with clapboard, it is almost impossible to distinguish at first glance where what was used. The main advantage of MDF material is the wide selection of wood colors. It perfectly imitates cherry and pear, oak and walnut, apple and hornbeam.
Interior decoration of the balcony with MDF panels
Since the lining is actually made from waste, its price is low. This is a completely budget option for decorating the inside of the balcony. However, one must keep in mind that MDF boards do not react well to moisture, so it is better not to use them on balconies without insulation and heating.
Option number 4. Cork panels
When you plan to arrange something homely and cute on your loggia, you should take a closer look at the cork finish. The material is of natural origin, is not flammable, is easy to cut, does not accumulate dust, and is not susceptible to rotting.
Decorating a balcony with cork panels is not difficult, but it has specific features . First of all, the surface to be designed must be flat. The wall must be carefully plastered or covered with plasterboard. The second option will allow you to additionally insulate the balcony.
The cork will allow you to additionally insulate the balcony
The next point is the drying speed of the glue. Its layer sets too quickly, so it is extremely important to immediately lay the canvas correctly.
The third problem is the meager range of colors. However, this scarcity does not prevent the decoration from looking noble. Moreover, the neutrality of the tones simplifies the further design of the balcony space.
Option #5. Ceramic tile
Always a relevant design element for loggias. All surfaces can be tiled, including the floor. It is possible to install heating underneath it, which is very important for balconies that are preparing for permanent, and not just seasonal, use.
The tiles are relevant for balconies for year-round use
Option number 6. Decorative stone
“Look at the possible design for finishing balconies and loggias in the photo, and you will understand that a more spectacular solution is not worth looking for”
This method is good in all respects. Technical characteristics allow the material to be used for decoration, both open and indoor spaces. Look at the possible design for finishing balconies and loggias in the photo, and you will understand that you shouldn’t even look for a more spectacular solution. Even if the room is not heated and the humidity level behind the glass leaves much to be desired, artificial stone will not lose its attractiveness.
Spectacular finishing of the balcony with decorative stone
Among the advantages of decorative stone:
- Easy to install.
- Fire safety.
- Variety of variations.
- Resistance to ultraviolet radiation and chemical irritants.
The only drawback is that it is undesirable to use tiles of too dark colors in the decoration of small spaces. The loggia will seem gloomy and a oppressive atmosphere will be created.
Combinations of artificial stone with other finishing options
This problem is solved by combining artificial stone with other finishing options. The most problematic areas should be left under the masonry, such as: panels, protruding corners, the area under the window, door jambs. The remaining parts of the surfaces can be plastered, for example, or made in plastic.
Furniture in balcony design
When choosing furniture for decorating a balcony, several criteria are taken into account. The comfort of the area directly depends on these items. The main factor is the purpose of the area. If it serves as a place to relax, you need cozy chairs. You will need a table that can be served for tea drinking and used to place the necessary items. If the balcony is small, a folding table top is installed and folding furniture is installed. A universal design with a computer desk and shelves is suitable for equipping a workplace.
Upholstered furniture for a comfortable relaxation area
Glass surfaces occupying the entire space of the fence are the main advantage of panoramic systems. Do not block them with furniture. Items are placed near the walls or in the center, if space allows. For a small balcony you need to choose compact models that provide the opportunity to rationally use the space. Wall and corner shelves are used to place the necessary things.
For small balconies, use compact furniture
Patterns on balcony curtains
Since the balcony is a rather small room, you should not buy fabric with large and flashy patterns to make curtains.
Usually they use plain material, and if they choose patterns, then preference is given to muted prints. These can be small floral ornaments, light monograms, geometric patterns.
Such options will definitely relieve the room from boredom and monotony, and will make the balcony more refined and spacious.
Design of glazing systems
You can do without curtains in the design of a panoramic balcony. This technique allows you to demonstrate all the benefits of full glazing. But it must be borne in mind that intense sunlight is not always a positive factor. In the summer, it can create discomfort and significantly increase the air temperature not only on the balcony, but throughout the apartment. In addition, proper design of glazing can make the interior more comfortable and attractive. You can choose an option from the photo of designs of panoramic balconies.
Curtains will make the design of a panoramic balcony more attractive
Depending on the area of the zone, the style can be used in decor:
- blinds,
- tulle,
- thick curtains,
- combined designs.
In small areas, compact models are used that do not require additional space. Plastic or textile blinds are ideal. They allow you to adjust the intensity of light fluxes and their direction. You can install Roman blinds, roller blinds, pleated blinds. These structures also do not affect the area and provide the opportunity to change the degree of natural lighting. A good option are Japanese panels that move horizontally.
Blinds allow you to adjust the light intensity
On balconies located on the north and east sides, there is no need to provide sun protection. Light tulle will provide comfort to the design and will not affect the intensity of lighting. On a spacious balcony you can use combined designs with thick curtains and openwork tulle.
Light tulle will provide comfort to the design
Herb garden
Place pots on the balcony and plant herbs in them. Your garden will be at your fingertips all year round.
Read our article here about 10 herbs + 1 berry you can plant on your balcony or terrace.
Plants in balcony design
Plants can play an important role in creating comfortable conditions for relaxation. Varieties and types of flora representatives are selected in accordance with the conditions and design style.
Any representatives of the flora can be placed on a warm balcony. The intensity of natural light allows even tropical plants to be grown. The following designs are used in the designs:
- floor,
- wall,
- hanging,
- trellis.
Even tropical plants can be grown on an insulated balcony
The choice depends on the size of the balcony. In spacious areas, tubs with large plants are installed. Wall-mounted flower pots and hanging structures with hanging flowers can also be placed on a small balcony. Trellis will help you decorate the wall with vines. In the design of a cold balcony, you can include artificial, canned greenery, which does not require the creation of optimal climatic conditions.
The range of indoor plants is huge. It is possible to choose pets by size, shape and shades of foliage and flowers. You can view photos of designs of balconies with panoramic glazing and choose the ideal landscaping for a specific interior.
Design styles in decoration
The choice of style for decorating a balcony largely depends on personal preferences. The size of the area and the purpose of the zone are also taken into account. Thanks to a wide range of finishes and furniture, you can create comfortable conditions for relaxation, work, and turn your balcony into a worthy decoration for your apartment or house.
When choosing a style, you need to take into account its character and features. The result should be a comfortable environment that matches the purpose of the room. If you need to give it sophistication, elegance, the classical styles of Empire, Baroque, and English style will help achieve the desired effect. In such an interior you can have tea parties and meetings with friends; it is well suited for a solid office.
Classic panoramic balcony design
Designs in fashionable modern styles are a good solution for a small balcony. Laconicism and the absence of unnecessary decorative elements allow for the most efficient use of space and avoid the feeling of overload. In the photo of panoramic balcony designs there are excellent options for styles:
- high tech;
- minimalism;
- loft;
- rustic.
Modern style is ideal for small balconies
These directions, despite a certain simplicity and rigor, are able to provide proper comfort due to functionality.
Romantic Provence creates excellent conditions for relaxation and recreation. Delicate pastel colors, light, airy textiles give the atmosphere a special charm, envelop it in bliss, stimulate dreaminess and peace.
Romantic design of a panoramic balcony in Provence style
What types of balconies are there?
There are two types of structures.
Open balcony in a private house
This loggia represents a decorative element of the facade. Therefore, its finishing, decoration and choice of materials deserve special attention. For open balconies, metal fencing is often used. The width between the bars of the grill should be no more than 10 centimeters.
The photo shows a project of a modern private house with an open balcony.
Closed balcony
Due to the glazing, the closed loggia is protected from wind, rain and other precipitation, and also has good sound insulation. Such a balcony will be an excellent place for growing plants that need plenty of sunlight. Thanks to partial, panoramic or stained glass type glazing, it is possible to turn the extension into an original and aesthetically attractive element of the facade of the house.
The photo shows a panoramic glass loggia in a country house.
Types of glass in panoramic systems
The strength of the frames plays an important role in the reliability of panoramic systems. But the main function is performed by glass, which occupies a large area. This design became possible only thanks to the advent of durable materials that can withstand significant loads, ensuring safety for users.
Tempered glass, which has a large thickness, is used in the manufacture of systems. This is a reliable, durable material. It is difficult to break such glass. But even if it is damaged, there is no danger of injury, since the canvas crumbles into small pieces.
Tempered glass is used in panoramic glazing
In panoramic glazing, you can use not only standard options. Systems can be equipped with glass:
- tinted;
- energy saving;
- with additional protection.
It is advisable to use tinted glass for balconies on lower floors. Such canvases provide privacy and do not allow strangers to observe what is happening from the street. These glasses reduce the intensity of natural light, which may be required in the design of a balcony located on the south side. Gluing a film with a mirror effect allows you to eliminate viewing on the first floors.
Tinted glass is used for balconies on lower floors
Energy-saving systems are very popular. They cost more than standard analogues. But the costs quickly pay off due to a significant reduction in heat loss. It is advisable to glue films to the glass of panoramic systems on the lower floor, providing reliable protection from mechanical influences.
