Loggias and balconies in many apartments provide additional space for rest or work. Stylish and well-thought-out decoration of the loggia inside, as in the photo, makes the room not only more comfortable, but also functional. Changes in humidity and air temperature are more significant here than in an apartment, so the approach to the choice of materials should be more conscious. A well-chosen decor can visually enlarge the balcony and make it more comfortable.
A competent approach to the design of the balcony will create a comfortable place for work or rest, which will be a harmonious continuation of the living area of the apartment
Features of interior decoration
Content
- Features of interior decoration
- Ideas for using space on the balcony
- Types of materials for finishing the loggia and balcony
- Balcony finishing
- Lighting options
- Furniture arrangement options
- Video: Do-it-yourself budget balcony decoration
- Photos of examples of finishing the loggia and balcony
When choosing materials, creating a layout and selecting insulation materials, it is important to take into account the features of a particular balcony. Since these rooms are located in houses in different ways, they require a different approach to wall decoration, selection of design and materials. Balconies inside the house are located in most brick houses, they are surrounded on both sides by load-bearing external walls. This in itself already provides good hydro and thermal insulation. In some houses, the side walls of the balcony may even be adjacent to other rooms of the apartment, that is, the loggia is, as it were, recessed into the building. Thanks to this, the balcony warms up well and is not subject to winds. The same architecture can be found in most modern monolithic houses, when the loggia is actually built into the apartment. With this option, you can use any finishing and decorative materials.
For facing the built-in loggia, you can use almost any finishing materials
Another option is when the balcony is actually taken out of the house and surrounded only by light fences. It has virtually no insulation and is most susceptible to weathering. This is especially acute on the loggias on the front side of the house. Such premises require additional hydro and thermal insulation, the installation of additional balcony walls. Such architecture is typical for Khrushchev and Brezhnev houses, as well as for panel houses of a later period.
The finishing of the remote balcony starts from the outside
Ideas for using space on the balcony
Finishing methods, materials for decorating the balcony and the general appearance of the design primarily depend on the type of use of the room. A variety of zones can be accommodated here, but since the space is still limited, it is better to initially choose one main function.
A spacious loggia can serve as a sleeping place in a one-room apartment
The balcony, decorated with houseplants, looks very picturesque.
Room use options:
- Office or workplace.
- Children's play area.
- An area to relax with friends and family.
- Winter Garden.
When planning a room, it is worth considering the desires of all family members. In any case, it will be interesting for children to play on the balcony, so it is worth considering play corners for them, even if the room is planned for an office. Do not forget about the fluffy family members - cats, for example, love to relax in the fresh air, watching from above what is happening on the street.
For the office, first of all, good thermal and waterproofing is important, since sensitive equipment will constantly work here: computers, smartphones, a printer. That is, finishing the balcony inside as in the photo with the design of the cabinet will fit from wooden lining or MDF panels. At the same time, it is better to choose the design of the walls even and light - this will contribute to the concentration of thought.
To create a workplace on the balcony does not require a large area
As a desktop, you can choose a ready-made model or install a built-in tabletop "on site"
When decorating a children's play area, it is better to give preference to soft materials - carpet, drywall. In this case, it is important to pay special attention to the floor, which is better to finish with a laminate.
The photo shows an example of the design of the play area on the insulated loggia
If the balcony is planned as a recreation area for companies, then the interior decoration of the balcony, as shown in the photo, should be from the simplest materials - drywall, paint. The floor can be made from tiles or laminate.
An example of the design of a recreation area on a loggia with panoramic glazing
Also, the loggia can be used to organize a personal gym.
Types of materials for finishing the loggia and balcony
How to decorate a loggia inside the photo shows different options for using materials. Materials should be selected based on the location of the balcony and its functions. Wood and paper are the most sensitive to atmospheric phenomena, but at the same time they create the most favorable microclimate. A versatile material is ceramic tiles, but they are less comfortable.
Until now, one of the most common finishing options is wall painting.
Wooden lining is very popular because of its ease of use and the extraordinary microclimate it creates. A more expensive and more durable material is eurolining, it has a complex profile and high-quality locks, which makes it look modern in the interior. In addition, it has special ventilation gaps, which makes it more resistant to changes in humidity and temperature. But this material limits the masters in visual design. A balcony finished with clapboard can only have a rustic style. When using this material, it is important to carry out hydro and thermal insulation of the balcony, otherwise the wall cladding will lead after the first winter. In addition, mold can develop here.
Wooden clapboard can be sheathed with both cold and insulated balconies
MDF panels are a good alternative to lining. They come in a wide variety of colors, from black to white. The even shape of the details and different color options allow you to decorate the interior in the following styles: Scandinavian, rustic, modern. Its smooth texture makes this finish a perfect fit for the office.
MDF panels are much cheaper than wood, are easy to install and can be repaired
Decorative panels for cladding a loggia, as well as lining, are sensitive to moisture changes. Therefore, it is not recommended to use them on a cold balcony.
Another eco-friendly option is wood slabs. This material should only be used on a well-insulated and waterproofed balcony. The boards are extremely sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature. In addition, their installation is quite laborious, so if one plate is driven or warped, then the repair will be quite difficult. At the same time it is an ideal material for the balcony floor for children. Another advantage of the slabs is that they can be cut in any direction, making them suitable for complex designs.
Wood boards can be used for wall cladding, ceiling and loggia floor
A common drawback of all wood materials is their flammability. Therefore, it is better not to use them to decorate a recreation area for large companies, since an accidental cigarette butt can ruin all the beauty or even cause a fire.
Cork is a good alternative to wood. This material is non-flammable, waterproof, soft and delicate to the touch. It can be used even without waterproofing and thermal insulation. It will perfectly keep warm and create an even microclimate in the room. Cork is best suited for recreational spaces and children's play. Cork is available in a wide range of colors from white to dark brown and will suit any style, even the classics. You can diversify the interior with a cork covering with additional decorative elements made of artificial stone, vinyl wallpaper or plastic. This material has one drawback - high cost.
The cork finish is not subject to deformation, as it is not afraid of moisture and temperature extremes
Decorative stone has a wide variety of textures, colors and shapes. It is non-flammable, environmentally friendly, resistant to atmospheric phenomena. It can even be used on an open, non-glazed balcony. It is not susceptible to decay, mold and fungal growth. Stone colors can be anything from classic beige, brown and gray to fantastic blue, green, red and yellow. Interior decoration of the balcony as a photo using artificial stone will suit any style. With such a finish, you can decorate the interior in a pompous classic style, complementing it with stucco and false columns or in the loft and hi-tech style with emphasized utilitarian elements.
Decorative stone is one of the most beautiful and effective ways to decorate a loggia or balcony
Drywall is a versatile material. It has good hydro and thermal insulation properties, is not afraid of sudden atmospheric changes and is suitable for both outdoor and indoor use. However, drywall is rarely used for exterior paint finish. Most often it is used to install additional walls at the ends of the balcony or create arches, shelves in the interior, and then trim it with additional decorative elements.
Plasterboard is often used to create a two-level ceiling
Plastic is the easiest way to decorate a balcony. It is easy to attach, has different colors, and is not afraid of moisture. Moreover, this material is the least comfortable for people and fire hazardous. It is highly flammable and releases harmful chemicals when burned. This option is not suitable for children or recreational areas. Although separate zones on the walls can be decorated with them. These can be: plastic photomurals with a beautiful landscape, niches and mini-grottoes with a stone pattern.
Plastic panels are considered the most affordable material for interior cladding of a balcony.
Balcony finishing
Before decorating the balcony with decorative materials, it is important to make its capital finish. This could be:
- Warming.
- Glazing.
- Waterproofing.
Insulation is carried out using special materials that are placed between the walls and decorative trim. Together with insulation, waterproofing is usually performed.
At the stage of warming the loggia, it is necessary to clearly imagine the option of future finishing. For example, the subsequent clapboarding will require the laying of the lathing beams along with insulation, and when using polystyrene, the surface can simply be plastered and painted
Glazing is important if there are small children or animals in the family. At the same time, it is important to install a special aluminum mesh on the windows - an anti-catcher. This mesh is of high strength and is fixed with special bolts. It can easily support the weight of an animal or a small child and will not let them fall out.
Anti-cat mesh will save the life of your four-legged pet
Lighting options
After the balcony is decorated, you can think about lighting it. It is not recommended to conduct electrical wiring to the balcony, even if it has been waterproofed and thermally insulated. Firstly, because it is prohibited by the rules for the use of domestic premises, and secondly, because it is dangerous. The likelihood of a short circuit on the balcony is much higher than in an apartment, and you should not risk it. It is better to add light to this space using remote stand-alone luminaires.
It can be:
- Salt lamps.
- LED candles.
- Fireplace lamps.
- Luminaires with artificial fire made of fabric or LEDs.
- Solar-powered figured garden lamps.
- Candles in designer candlesticks.
Lighting options depend on the functional purpose of the loggia or balcony
Hidden lighting is suitable for creating a pleasant environment.
It is necessary to organize comfortable lighting in the office.
Furniture arrangement options
The last step to a cozy space is furniture placement. A minimum of items should be used on the balcony. At the same time, it is important that they are light and easy to move around:
- Folding chairs.
- Soft poufs.
- Large pillows.
- Small benches.
- Warm carpets with long pile.
On the balcony of an uncomfortable shape, you can equip a small seating area with a hammock or hanging chair
The photo shows an example of the design of a recreation area with soft poufs
Such simple items will make spending time outdoors pleasant and comfortable.
