After all, the correct refurbishment of these places allows you to create an additional room - and its functional purpose will depend on the wishes of the owners.
Today we will talk not about what kind of room can be made from a loggia, but about how to design an exit to the balcony
. Of course, this question is closely related to how exactly you see the space of your balcony (loggia) - however, we will focus specifically on finishing the exit from the kitchen or room to this street part of the apartment. The only condition that can be discussed in this case is that, regardless of the purpose of the balcony, the adjacent room must either be decorated in the same way as it, or have at least a common color theme in the decoration.
It’s impossible not to say one more thing. It should be remembered that any re-equipment of the balcony associated with changes in design features must be agreed upon with the relevant authorities and carried out on the basis of the issued permit.
Well, now, let's move on directly to how you can arrange access to the balcony. This question consists of several parts: - design - design of the threshold - design of the balcony opening. Let's consider each of the identified problems separately.
Balcony door
Where does any room begin? Of course, from the entrance, or rather, from the i. Doors to the balcony
may be different.
The traditional and most common option today is a balcony double-glazed window
.
It consists of a standard door and window. In this case, there are two options - the balcony door can be completely glass or half closed with plastic. If you want to save space in the kitchen (living room), as well as the loggia/balcony itself, types of doors such as sliding doors (compartment doors)
or
accordion doors
.
The latter option assumes the presence of an insulated balcony, since such doors are not airtight. In the case of sliding doors, they can be either completely glass or solid - if desired. If the space of the premises allows, then you can leave swing doors
- make them completely or partially glass, single or double-leaf. The use of double-leaf swing doors will help create the effect of “French windows” or access to the terrace, especially if you decide to arrange it on the balcony. Once you have decided what kind of door to the balcony you will have, it is equally important to pay attention to such a detail as the threshold to the balcony.
Where to start adding a loggia to a room?
We must not forget that any redevelopment of the apartment must be legalized. It is strictly forbidden to remove any walls without prior advice from an architect, as they may be load-bearing. Therefore, you need to study the layout of the apartment in detail, you need to contact the relevant authorities and organizations, and make sure that changes in the location of walls and partitions will not lead to dire consequences.
Once you find out that this kind of change in this case is permitted and acceptable, you can proceed to the issue of coordinating the connection of the loggia to the room. Before you start work, you must have the appropriate certificates, documents and official permission, thermal engineering plan and calculation, allowing you to make transformations. Otherwise, without documentation, a fine may be imposed and obligations may be imposed to return everything to its previous form.
Threshold to the balcony
The threshold to the balcony is important, because if the balcony is poorly insulated, or if there is no threshold at all, this can lead to constant drafts. Now it is important to completely cut down the threshold, thus uniting the two spaces - but first you should think about good insulation, which would prevent the appearance of drafts. And everyone living on, precisely for this reason, should not refuse to have a threshold at all. Many companies that install double-glazed windows offer to immediately install plastic thresholds. However, this is not the best option - in the absence of a solid base (usually the space between the old threshold and the new plastic one is filled with polyurethane foam), the threshold, under the weight of people stepping on it, can break very quickly. In this regard, it is better to finish balcony thresholds with durable materials
- stone (), wood, cement, etc. The threshold can also act as a design delight if, for example, it is made in the form of steps, thus creating a two-level space.
Unusual balcony openings. Decor of the exit to the balcony (loggia)
The entire previous conversation about the design of access to the balcony was based on maintaining the dividing elements (doors and threshold) between two spaces - the balcony (loggia) and the room to which it adjoins. In the same case, if these elements are completely removed (combining rooms is possible only with the permission of the relevant authorities!), the exit to the balcony takes on new shape. So, for example, you can completely cut out a balcony opening and, decorating it with curtains (other decor), increase the space of the main room (in this option, it is appropriate to use a threshold in the form of steps - to create the effect of a podium). In addition, while maintaining the conventional division of the rooms, you can design the exit to the balcony in the form of an unusual arch shape
, or (if the shape of the loggia allows it), make something like a bay window.
Another option for simultaneously combining space and maintaining the conventional boundary between the loggia and the main room is to install a bar counter in place of the previous balcony wall
.
Decorative elements for decorating the exit to the loggia
are also very diverse. First of all, these are, of course, tulle, organza and other transparent materials - suitable for both the kitchen, living room or bedroom. In the last two cases, you can also use heavy curtain fabric to “frame” the entrance. The main condition for using such curtains is the convenience of access to the balcony. Curtains at an angle are ideal, allowing unobstructed access to the loggia. If you do not plan to go out to the balcony too often, you can use long curtains on the door and short curtains on the windows, as well as use Roman blinds (for both windows and doors) or. Blinds can be either horizontal or vertical, plain or with an unusual pattern. In addition, curtains made of threads - glass beads, beads or vinyl - are suitable for decorating a balcony exit.
It is unusual to design an exit to a balcony (loggia)
possible without resorting to expensive materials or extensive construction work. The main thing is to correctly combine your design ideas with convenience, functionality and safety.
Note: all photos are enlarged by pressing the left mouse button
A loggia or balcony is an integral part of almost every apartment. And this opens up new opportunities for the rational use of this space. , dressing room, or due to its area - it all depends on the needs of the family.
The first step towards this transformation is designing the entrance to the loggia. After all, it is the connecting link between the living space and the outside space. How to design an exit to a balcony will be discussed in this article.
Design features of access to the balcony
The exit to the balcony is an interior opening that performs several functions:
- connection of residential premises with non-residential premises;
- zoning of space;
- addition to the interior of the room.
Usually, . Based on the design of the adjacent room, the design of its entrance group is carried out. Organization of access to the apartment space includes:
- structural design of the opening;
- arrangement of the threshold;
- decor of the entrance area.
Remember: since changing the structural features of the balcony threatens to violate the integrity of the house, all actions must be carried out only with the permission of the authorized body of the BTI.
Design options for the entrance balcony group
There are several ways to organize access to the loggia; the choice of a particular option depends on how the homeowners plan to use this space.
Door installation
One of the design options for a balcony opening is it. Traditionally, a window-door unit is used for these purposes. This design is convenient in that it consists of a large window through which sunlight enters the room, and a door connecting the apartment and apartment spaces.
A metal-plastic window-door unit with double-glazed windows is a beautiful and reliable way to design an exit to a balcony, photo
Glazing of the exit to the balcony can also be done by installing a glass door. A double-leaf swing door similar to French windows looks beautiful. It opens up a beautiful view from the apartment and visually expands the room.
Note: to save room space, the entrance to the loggia can be decorated with a sliding door, an accordion-type structure.
If you like to admire the panorama outside the window, design a French exit to the balcony, photo
Arch formation
When there is not enough space. To do this, the balcony opening is expanded by removing the old window-door block and part of the wall. This area can be decorated with a beautiful arch. It can be semicircular, geometric, or asymmetrical in shape. Also, the arch between the room and the loggia can have built-in shelves, which will make it more functional.
Attention: if you plan using an arch, take care of high-quality insulation of the street structure.
An example of how you can transform a room using an original arch to the balcony, photo
Installation of a bar counter
You can beautifully and functionally arrange the exit to the loggia from the kitchen by installing a bar counter. This element separates two spaces and at the same time unites them. The bar counter can be installed in a beautiful arch; this will only add zest to the interior of the room. You can also install additional lighting in the arch.
Tip: if the kitchen is small, the bar counter in the arch can be used as a dining table.
Every little detail is important in the design of an apartment: the shape of the handrails on the stairs, the color of the curtain on the kitchen window, the texture of the facing tiles in the bathroom and, of course, the design of interior openings. The exit to a balcony or loggia is also an interior opening and carries a double load: functional and aesthetic.
How to remodel
Before starting any redevelopment, you should remember that the balcony and the living room have different climates, so the remodeled room should be comfortable for living in all seasons. The loggia usually has a minimum of cladding and bare concrete partitions, but in the combined room it is worth making high-quality interior finishing and thermal insulation.
When simply expanding a room without dismantling the supporting structures and getting approval from utility services, the task comes down to removing windows, frames, doors and door frames and then finishing and insulating the resulting space. First, doors, ordinary windows with vents or double-glazed windows are removed from their hinges. Then the frames, door frame and securing beams are removed. For this you need: a crowbar or a small pry bar, a hacksaw and a hammer. In a panel house, especially if double-glazed windows were previously installed, there may be metal pins that need to be cut with a grinder or a hacksaw.
The main problem that is primarily encountered when continuing work is the different floor levels in the room and on the loggia. This is due to the fact that the load-bearing slabs have different thicknesses. To extend the floor of the same level from the room, you can use self-leveling technologies using dry leveling mixtures. This method has a significant drawback - there will be a large load on the balcony floor; these slabs may not be designed for such weight.
Another more effective and safer way to combine levels in both rooms is to use wood frame floors. At the same time, another advantage will be achieved: under the top layer of such a coating, you can place thermal insulation made of foam plastic, mineral wool or other insulating material, additional protection from moisture or a heating system.
Next, the question arises about insulating the front and side walls of the balcony. The combined room will have a larger volume, and the external walls of the loggia in standard apartments are not so insulated to maintain a comfortable temperature in winter. Another difficulty is that it is impossible to extend the radiators from the central heating onto the balcony area. Therefore, it is necessary to insulate the external walls as much as possible.
Penofol, a material made from foamed polyethylene and a foil coating, is effective for insulation, as well as vapor barrier, protection from noise and moisture. It has a small thickness, therefore saving space, comes in rolls and is glued together using aluminum tape. The second suitable insulation is polystyrene foam, the main advantage of which is its price. But despite the low cost, it effectively copes with protection from the cold. Sheets of foam plastic are fixed into the wall frame, the cracks between them are foamed, a moisture and vapor barrier is installed on top, then the finishing coating is installed.
Mineral wool is an inorganic fiberglass material. Compared to other heat insulators, it has a main drawback - it pricks during installation, even if you protect your hands and face as much as possible, some particles will get on the skin, which causes discomfort. But unlike other materials, it can clog any gap.
The most expensive material for insulating a balcony is penoplex or foamed polystyrene with a layer of foil. It has not only excellent thermal insulation, but also vapor protection, resistance to moisture and chemical influences. Penoplex rolls are easily rolled out into a thin and durable layer.
Some owners, when combining a loggia and an apartment, also use external thermal insulation on the street side. To do this, they can install a thermal fur coat based on mineral wool or polystyrene foam. The complexity of the work lies in the fact that installing an insulating layer on the external walls of the apartment is problematic. Therefore, for high floors, some are forced to order special vehicles for work.
After the issue of thermal insulation has been resolved, the final finishing of the combined space begins. Ideally, a living room or kitchen combined with a balcony should have a single appearance, so it is best to carry out all repairs to the floors, walls and ceiling at the same time.
The window sill space remaining after dismantling can be successfully used as a small table or bar counter. To do this, its side edges are leveled, puttied and covered with paint or wallpaper. It is important to consider that this small wall most often houses batteries from the central heating system. Therefore, finishing must be carried out taking into account that this is a place with elevated temperatures. A tabletop is usually installed on the top of the window sill.
Another option for using this small wall is for shelving. Additional shelves made of wood or plastic are installed on the upper part. The result is a very stylish and functional interior element. This idea is especially successful if there is a bedroom inside and a workspace with a desk and computer outside. Books, documents and other office supplies are placed on the rack.
If the wall separating the loggia and the room is completely dismantled, then it is worth taking care in advance about the redevelopment of the central heating systems. External or built-in batteries must be removed, which will require a skilled mechanic and welder. But after the redevelopment, you can maximize the area of the room.
The resulting U-shaped opening is decorated in different ways. You can create a separation of functional zones using an arched ceiling. This is a very popular method that looks impressive, but does not visually reduce the free space. The arch can be symmetrical or uneven, rounded, with right angles or trapezoidal. Most often, these elements are made from a plasterboard frame with metal stiffeners, less often from wood or plastic. Additionally, you can highlight zones using spot lighting.
Another method of separating two zones is using curtains, screens or sliding doors. They will also help create shade inside the bedroom or living room if it’s a very bright day outside, and in cool weather protect a little from low temperatures.
You can connect two former rooms together without separating two different zones through common decoration, decor and lighting. Then you will simply get a more spacious and bright room. But you need to take into account that in this case it is necessary to insulate not only the walls and floors, but also the ceiling, since it has the same thin and not insulated balcony slab.
As for lighting, you can use general lamps that relate to the room, especially since there is excellent natural light on the balcony most of the day. It is possible to install point-type devices or, for example, a floor lamp into an external area, but additional power cables from the home network will be required.
arched
Also, the problem of heat in apartments has been practically solved over the past 50 years: the heating works, and there have been no drafts through the windows for a long time. Of course, in some rooms you can do without interior doors...
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wooden stairs and varieties
wooden stairs wooden stairs from the site more details When renovating apartments or constructing them, four types of wooden stairs are most often used, which we will try to describe here. Typically the choice...
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balcony and arches - interior for the balcony
Often, a sub-window block remains in the balcony opening; in this case, arches with a table top are used. By installing an interior arch on the balcony, you get another small but bright room where you can make…
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Opening options
There are several ways to separate a balcony area from a room in an apartment. This is due to the fact that the balcony can be either a separate structure or a room space combined with the main one.
- Balcony door – as a rule, there is a balcony window nearby. This option is the most common. It is also used when it comes to an open balcony area and an insulated loggia. Recently, metal-plastic doors have become more popular, as they are characterized by higher rates of heat and noise insulation.
- Balcony opening - formed after complete or partial removal of doors and windows.
- Complete removal - in this case, not only the door and window are removed, but also the entire wall along the length of the balcony.
- Expanding the opening - part of the wall is removed along with the door and window. The opening obtained in this way is narrower, while maintaining the division of the overall space.
- Partial removal - part of the wall under the balcony window remains and serves as a partition between two rooms.
The resulting openings are designed in a variety of ways.
Curtains
Without a doubt, this is the oldest and most versatile method, popular at all times. When choosing the type and color of curtains, it is recommended to follow a few simple rules.
- The color of the curtains should be either lighter or darker than the decoration of the room. A complete match with the shade of the walls will “blur” the space of the room instead of changing it.
- Curtains and curtains on the balcony opening should be easily moved to the side so as not to interfere with movement.
- The length of the curtains above the door and window is different: on the door it reaches the floor, and on the balcony window it reaches the window sill. Otherwise, the room loses perspective and visually becomes smaller.
To design a balcony opening, you can use many options depending on the design of the main room.
- Classic - in this case, the design of the balcony door and window does not differ from the decor of a regular window. Curtains should be chosen in the style of the room and the appropriate color. This option, like French curtains, is an exception: the length of all curtains should be to the floor.
- French - sections of fabric are decorated with lush semicircular folds. This design is an indispensable part of the interior of a room in the Baroque or Renaissance style.
- Roman ones are more suitable for the purpose of designing the exit to the balcony. Curtains are straight panels that gather upward when opened. It can be installed on each window section and on the balcony door, so it does not interfere with the opening of the door. The material used is very different: both dense and thin and in a wide variety of colors. In the photo there is an exit to a balcony decorated with Roman blinds.
- Japanese - straight fabric panels moving along the cornice. Ideal for minimalist and techno style designs. The fabric most often used is plain, light shades. Designs on fabric are not recommended.
- Roller blinds - the fabric is rolled into a roll. Since the curtain is installed on a section of the window, it also does not interfere with the opening of the door. Rolled fabric can be very dense and not transmit light at all, but thinner, permeable materials are also possible.
- Tulle curtains - a piece of fine fabric in itself creates a romantic mood. Such curtains can be easily decorated in different styles, assembled into knots or folds. In the photo there is a balcony door with tulle curtains.
Decorating the exit to the balcony
Curtains can also be used when decorating a balcony opening without a door or window. And you can use several more options.
- If the redevelopment made it possible to remove both the balcony door and part of the wall under the window, then the exit to the balcony can be designed with an arch or semi-arch. An illuminated arch looks especially impressive. Spotlights can be colored. In the photo there is an arched doorway with lighting.
The trends of modern life dictate their own rules to us, every meter is valuable, and people even adapt balconies to usable space.
But the article will not talk about what functionality to load the extension with, but about how to make access to a balcony or loggia as convenient as possible, be it a separate open utility room, a glazed space converted into a room, or meters attached to the apartment.
How to redevelop a balcony
In order for the reconstruction of a balcony to be called legal, it is important to carry it out only after agreement with the regulatory authorities. Otherwise, the owner may be held liable.
To carry out the procedure, you need to have two documents available. One of them is the project. It is developed by a specialized organization that has a license to carry out such actions and access to an SRO. You will also need to prepare a technical report.
It is important to comply with these requirements, since when connecting a balcony to the kitchen, the supporting structures may be affected and the thermal contour of the building may be disrupted.
During the redevelopment, the block located under the window is dismantled. It refers to the façade of a building. If the wall is considered load-bearing, then touching the partition above the window is prohibited. In this case, it will be impossible to expand the width of this opening. The owner will need to strengthen the opening with metal structures.
It is important to pay attention to the threshold. It is forbidden to cut it, because it helps to hold the balcony slab if the house is brick or panel. It is also necessary for the junction of balcony slabs and ceilings, protecting the apartment from freezing.
What is reconstruction
After the building is put into operation, the BTI issues a technical passport. If the glazing of the house is done in the same way, then a corresponding note is made in the document.
For reconstruction you will have to visit the BTI. Specialists measure the room and record the changes made in it. All of them are included in the new technical passport of the residential property.
Once this document is received, the procedure is considered legalized. If the repair was carried out without permission, the inspector will note in the passport that a permit was not issued. Then the owner will not only pay a fine, but will also face problems when selling the apartment. After all, not every buyer will agree to purchase illegally converted housing.
Glazing a balcony is not considered a redevelopment. But according to the law it is equal to it.
Therefore, the following applies to the procedure:
- sanitary;
- hygienic;
- fire requirements.
Glazing changes the appearance of a building. This increases the load on the covering slabs. In addition, if the work is done poorly, the glass may fall out.
Redevelopment of the balcony after insulation is also prohibited. Regulatory authorities will not allow placing radiators that are connected to public utilities.
Sample application for reconstruction and (or) redevelopment of residential premises:
When glazing or insulating a loggia
Article 26 of the Housing Code of the Russian Federation allows the connection of a balcony to a living room. In this case, the partition under the window must be replaced with sliding doors.
In this case, the auxiliary areas become smaller. Therefore, the main living area is expanding. It is important not to touch ventilation and other utilities during redevelopment.
When glazing a balcony, there is no need to develop a special project. Coverage is installed even in the absence of permission issued by technical or housing inspections.
Types of exits
Depending on the specifics of the balcony and loggia, there are several options for how to design the opening so that it is not only comfortable and beautiful, but also organically fits into the interior of the apartment, connecting the space into a single composition. Conventionally, exit from the room to the loggia or balcony can be organized in the following ways:
- Using a balcony block.
- Expansion of the opening followed by glazing.
- Complete or partial removal of the balcony block and addition of an extension to the apartment: arches and complex architectural forms.
Each type of exit to the balcony, in turn, has its own design options, and below we will talk about the most interesting solutions in more detail.
Standard exit to the loggia from the kitchen, without removing the window sill block
Important: If you plan to combine the extension with an apartment, or the design includes sliding structures, then the balcony should be insulated and glazed with high-quality 2-chamber or more double-glazed windows.
Original exit to the balcony, arch combined with columns and rectangular niches
Traditional way
The familiar exit to the balcony and loggia is a door with a window block. And if earlier the opening was decorated with an ordinary wooden door and window, then with the development of the construction market, there are many options. And first of all, these are various plastic swing structures. It cannot be denied that the door can be completely glass, broken by transverse inserts, or partially blank at the bottom. To design an exit to a balcony, a white profile is usually used, or lamination is selected to match the color of the floor or trim.
Exit to the balcony, photo of a full glass door
Design of an opening without glazing
When combining a balcony and an adjacent room, the window and door unit is completely or partially dismantled. In this case, glazing is not required, but high-quality design of the expanded opening is indispensable.
To finish the opening slopes, you can use almost any finishing material. The main thing is its compliance with the chosen interior style. It could be:
- fake diamond;
- dye;
- ceramic tile;
- decorative plaster;
- PVC panel, wooden lining.
Expanded opening without glazing
Drywall gives flight to your imagination. With moderate moisture, it becomes more pliable and bends, taking on various shapes. Take advantage of this to design the exit to the balcony in a non-standard way. From the same drywall you can make practical shelves or racks that you will build into the widened opening.
Asymmetrical arch with shelves
Spot lighting of an arched opening
Are you decorating a room in a classic or Greek style? You will find gypsum decorative elements in the form of various overlays, columns or small sculptures useful. However, when making the appropriate purchase, correctly evaluate the dimensions of the product in relation to the area of the room.
Opening expansion
But more and more often, when renovating, in order to make the apartment more comfortable and ergonomically design the space, the owners expand the opening to the loggia and balcony. Such redevelopment can take place according to several scenarios.
Removing part of a wall
The expansion of the exit to the balcony is due to the desire to let in as much light as possible into the apartment, and to install modern comfortable doors: double hinged or sliding, which in themselves are already a decoration of the interior. And besides, such a design solution goes beyond the usual, which further emphasizes the style and originality of the apartment’s design.
Expanding the exit to the balcony allows you to install modern doors with different fittings for opening the leaves
You can expand the exit to the balcony by removing part of the wall above the door, followed by installing a simple glass insert or stained glass windows. In rooms with high ceilings, semicircular arched inserts with artistic glass look very impressive above the doors.
Often, increasing the opening is associated with the desire to make the exit symmetrical. In this case, part of the window sill block is also removed, and the door is moved in the desired direction.
Enlarging and glazing the exit to the balcony makes the room brighter and visually aligns the geometry
Removing the window sill block
Expanding the exit to the balcony by removing the window sill block allows you to create a wide opening for installing large doors. This design technique is aimed at combining the interior space of the apartment with a loggia or balcony, creating an optical illusion of room expansion, but at the same time each room maintains its isolation.
To glaze such exits, double swing doors in the French style are used, with floor-to-ceiling glazing with energy-saving double-glazed windows. Or now sliding structures are in fashion, but in this case you just need to take care of insulating the exit and glazing the balcony or loggia.
French exit to the balcony, photo of an expanded symmetrical opening
It should be noted that although sliding structures require additional work on arranging balconies and loggias: repairs, finishing and insulation, they significantly save space. The doors are compact, slide one behind the other, and no space is required to open the doors.
Is it permissible to carry out such redevelopment?
The current legislative acts do not currently stipulate clear standards for carrying out redevelopment of this type.
In particular, not a single document describes the process and rules by which two premises can be combined. That is why, when a person comes to the relevant municipal authorities with a project and a statement about the possibility of combining a balcony and a room, he is given a refusal, often without even considering the documents provided.
But why then in many apartments in our country loggias and balconies are combined with rooms? Is everyone breaking the law?
Not at all, because the way out of this situation is quite simple. It is known that the loggia and balcony are not living spaces (that is, they are cold), so they must be separated from the warm rooms by a wall or partition.
As a last resort, during the coordination of the work project, you can install light partitions (for example, French windows and doors) that will separate the loggia and the room. Redevelopment of this type will require approval from regulatory authorities, because there is a separation between the premises. As soon as the owner of the apartment completes all the documents and undergoes approval, he himself will be able to decide whether to remove the partitions or not.
Expanding and removing an opening without glazing
Connecting balconies and loggias with a room or kitchen is a popular redevelopment that is suitable for small apartments where every meter of living space is important. In order to combine the rooms as much as possible, they try to completely remove the balcony block and the wall, leaving only the upper load-bearing lintel.
Exit to the balcony in the entire wall, the arched rounding smoothes out the massiveness of the opening
But often, due to technical reasons, it is necessary to leave the window sill block and a partially load-bearing wall. And here, for a beautiful exit design, you can go in two ways.
Window sill block as an independent part of the interior
Removing the doors and window, leaving the window sill block, is the simplest and least expensive way to create an exit to a combined balcony. Usually the block is finished with the same materials as the entire interior, and a countertop is laid on top and a pipe with bar baskets is installed.
Arches
A more complex way to design a balcony opening is arches and semi-arches. Of course, their production requires skill and financial expenses, but such a design solution becomes the highlight of the entire interior.
Arch to the balcony, photo of a simple and budget design
Arch is different from arch; it can be just a doorway, covered in a semicircle with clapboard or plasterboard on top, or a complex architectural structure.
The arches look very original, smoothly turning into a window sill block. This exit to the balcony allows you to preserve the usable area as much as possible, use the protruding load-bearing elements of the wall, and at the same time smooth out sharp corners.
Photo of the arch to the loggia with the preservation of the balcony block
Another interesting design find is asymmetrical arches. The combined design of straight and curved lines adds originality and ties together the interior details. For example, an arched exit to a balcony goes well with semicircular plasterboard inserts on the ceiling.
To create a single picture and somehow dissolve the arch in the room, it is recommended to finish it to match the walls
It is not always possible to successfully fit a massive window sill block into the overall design concept. In such cases, some tricks are very helpful. Firstly, asymmetry, which breaks the space, makes the arch more graceful. Secondly, everyone knows that a dark color visually reduces, and a light color increases, therefore, in order to smooth out the massiveness of the arch, it is recommended to play with contrasts. For example, decorate the inside of the structure in a darker color.
The arch between the room and the loggia zones the space, allowing you to preserve the authenticity of the premises, this is especially valuable when decorating bedrooms
And, perhaps, the most complex, but also the most effective solution for designing an exit to an attached balcony are arches with complex shapes. These can be circular arches, cut by massive straight shelves, as shown in the photo below. Or arched structures with irregular architectural forms, finished with original materials.
An arch of an unusual shape, finished with original materials, will “revive” and decorate even a very standard or monochrome interior
For the exit to a balcony or loggia to take on new shapes, it is not enough to limit yourself to just new doors or some super exclusive arch. When decorating, do not forget about light and curtains, which will not only decorate the opening, but also delicately tie the interior into a single picture.
Today, there are a lot of original design solutions that allow you to create an elegant, comfortable and functional room in the living area of your house or apartment. To ensure that the apartment is filled with an atmosphere of comfort, and the space chosen for redevelopment is used to the maximum, professionals offer a wealth of options and ideas for implementing the task. One of the most common options is the one with the adjacent room.
Over the past few years, this has become very popular. After all, there is nothing better than a well-planned room, including a place to relax and a beautifully designed loggia area. To implement such an idea, it will be enough to get rid of the window partition between the two zones and take care of insulating the balcony.
Probably, each of the apartment owners has thought more than once about whether it is possible to combine a balcony with a room with your own hands? After all, combining a balcony and a room is a rather labor-intensive and complex procedure. However, anyone, both a professional and a beginner, can carry out construction and finishing work. And it is for beginners that this article tells you step by step how to do it correctly.
First of all, try not to lose sight of the fact that the redevelopment of the apartment must be legalized. It is prohibited to demolish certain walls without the consent of the city architect, as they may turn out to be load-bearing. Therefore, you should carefully study the apartment layout. Then call a specialist from one of the specialized organizations to make sure that the changes made to the placement of walls and partitions will not lead to undesirable consequences. Only after receiving a positive answer will it be possible to begin to coordinate the connection of the loggia to the room. Photo designs for remodeling rooms with a loggia or balcony are presented in the gallery of this article. What follows is for carrying out the planned work, as well as a thermal engineering plan and calculation.
Important! Without the necessary documentation, a fine and a requirement to return everything to its original form from the BTI are inevitable.
Examples of combining loggias with rooms
The most popular combination is the loggia with the kitchen; less often, such redevelopment is done in the bedroom or living room. Therefore, we will begin the description of the connection with the kitchen, and then we will talk about the connection with other rooms.
Kitchen combined with loggia
In this case, the combination of the loggia and the kitchen was done without demolishing the window sill block, so there was no need to move the heating radiator. The window sill in the connection itself is expanded and used as a bar counter. Since the combined area is small, the bar stools chosen were compact, without backs. The storage system on the left side of the connection is made open, but if desired, you can also place a cabinet with sliding or hinged doors.
Combining the kitchen with the loggia. Photo with a bar counter on the windowsill
The next kitchen is narrow, and placing a dining table there would make the room even narrower and make moving around it difficult. Attaching the loggia to the kitchen made it possible to place a dining area without losing the usable area of the room. The only inconvenience of joining is that if two people are placed on each sofa, then it will be inconvenient for those sitting by the window to leave the table. The unification here was completed completely, with the demolition of the window sill block.
Kitchen combined with loggia. Photo of the Soft Corner in the Joining Space
Combination of loggia with bedroom and living room
If the bedroom is small, then adding a loggia to it will give you the opportunity to get space for a bed of almost any size. This will also give you the opportunity to find a place to attach a pair of bedside tables or a chest of drawers. In the connection space you can place, for example, a dressing table with a mirror.
Loggia combined with a room. The photo shows how a dressing table can be placed in the connection
The next connection option is especially good for a one-room apartment. Combining a room with a loggia made it possible to have a living room and a bedroom in one room. During the connection, the window sill was demolished, and the partition that you see in the photo below is decorative, made on the basis of a metal profile structure. Combining the floor level of the loggia with the room, as well as installing the same floor covering over the entire surface, enhances the visual unity of the interior.
Loggia attached to the room. Photo - an example of how you can organize a bedroom by: combining rooms together
Expanding a room for a teenager when combined
Attaching a loggia makes it possible to significantly enlarge a very small room, as in the photo. Here it became possible to organize a full-fledged workplace for a teenager and place everything necessary in the room. The floor level in the connection and in the room was not compensated; the workplace turned out to be elevated. In general, this is a good combination: the room is well lit by the sun and looks very spacious.
Enlargement of the room due to the loggia. The bed is placed on the joining area
The loggia attached to the nursery in the photo below is used to place a shelf with books on it. The window sill remaining after the combination serves here as an additional shelf next to the work desk. For younger children, it would be possible to place a play area in the combined space, thus ridding the room of toys lying around everywhere.
How to connect a room with a loggia: photo of the continuation of the room in the combination
Beginning of work
Before you do anything, there is one more key issue to consider carefully. You need to understand that by eliminating the partition, you will significantly lower the temperature in the room. Hence the conclusion: the loggia will definitely need to be insulated. First of all, you should install sealed double-glazed windows with high-quality fittings. It is also worth remembering about floor insulation, for example, by installing a “warm floor” system. Of course, this is quite expensive, but the costs will meet all your expectations, and you will be comfortable on the balcony even in severe frost.
Combining a bedroom with a loggia - an option for designing an opening
If you become the owner of an apartment with a loggia, you can say that you are very lucky. It is the loggia that makes it possible to expand the usable area of the apartment by connecting it to the residential area and arranging it in a general style. Although, it must be admitted that the design features of not every loggia will make it possible to use its area in the overall interior with maximum benefit. If this is the case, then it is being developed that will allow the room to be visually perceived as one whole.
Interior design of balcony and room
In addition to the main issues, an important role is played by the interior of the room attached to the loggia. It must be thought through to the smallest detail. Since the space due to the balcony increases significantly, you should use it as much as possible. It is also worth making sure that two spaces, completely different in their original purpose, are correctly designed visually and functionally.
The most difficult stage of the unification work is the dismantling of some part of the main wall. And not only from the point of view of obtaining permission, but also from the technical side. Undoubtedly, this method of expanding living space will be justified in a one-room apartment. For example, if you install an insulated floor on the loggia and install a lightweight sliding door in the doorway, you will get a small but cozy bedroom. The resulting niches can be suitable for installing a dressing table, a small flat cabinet or shelves. Also, such dismantling will significantly expand the space if you decide to combine the loggia with the living room.
Combining a loggia with a room - decorating a living room
Design of rooms with access to a loggia or balcony
Apartment buildings have balconies and loggias. Most often, access to them is made from the living room or kitchen.
Living room design with balcony
Designers can create any design for such an interior thanks to a variety of techniques. It is important to correctly determine the purpose of the room, and then think about the style. The advantages of this option include the possibility of expanding the living room area and dividing it into zones. Work on combining and insulating a balcony is quite expensive. Many refuse such decisions due to the need to legitimize redevelopment. Some people consider such options unsafe to use (in case of fire).
Bedroom design with balcony
The combined option relieves the load on the balcony and increases the space. The average bedroom size ranges from 11 to 14 m². Positive qualities of reconstruction:
- The room becomes more comfortable.
- The geometry of the room changes.
- The room becomes brighter. Energy costs are saved.
- Opportunity to create a unique design.
- The cost of housing is increasing.
Kitchen design with balcony
First you need to decide on the purpose of the balcony:
- work zone;
- resting-place;
- dinner Zone.
The positive aspects of the combination include:
- alcon stops being cluttered with unnecessary things.
- The space increases.
- The geometry of the kitchen changes completely.
The balcony to the kitchen should be equipped with a heated floor. In addition, additional batteries should be installed. The color of the room can be any. To create a calm environment, it is recommended to decorate all interior details, including kitchen units, in one shade (preferably light).
Benefits of joining
It must be admitted that combining a loggia with a room is always a controversial decision. The advisability of joining will be noticeable only if the room is small in area and there is a catastrophic lack of living space. Everyone uses the added space in their own way. The only recommendation is to try to ensure that the combined space fits harmoniously with the overall interior of the apartment. Carefully study all possible options and think through in detail the design of the loggia attached to the apartment.
Joining a room
In the case of expanding a room through a loggia, when the task is to increase the space, it would be reasonable to combine the interior of these two rooms into one. The original design of the opening can help solve this problem. For example, you need a small cozy corner, but not separate from the attached room. Then the flight of fancy in terms of decorating the loggia can be limitless. It is permissible to use any materials and the most extraordinary design solutions. It is important that the combined area, be it a study, a mini-gym, a boudoir or a relaxation area with comfortable armchairs, smoothly fits into the interior. Whatever the purpose of the added room, it must be decorated in the same style as the room, although everyone’s flight of imagination is limitless.
If you feel that the available living space is not enough for you, the loggia can be converted into a small but cozy bedroom, and the room can be turned into a living room. The resulting opening can be fenced off with beautiful and original curtains.
Decoration of partially attached loggias
Modification while maintaining the opening. The implementation of this combination option is not very difficult. It is especially convenient if you need to combine a balcony with a kitchen. Indeed, in most cases, kitchen balconies are small in size. For example, a slab of laminate laid on the shelf of an opening can become an excellent serving table.
Unfortunately, there are not many ways to play up the windowsill and heating radiator areas. In most brick and panel houses, expanding the opening is simply impossible, although removing the balcony doors and window block will allow you to unify the space. To visually tie the loggia to the room, you can install a tabletop on the window sill made of the same material and color as the furniture in the room itself. It would be a good idea to extend the similarity on the loggia itself, for example, by making a window sill of the same color and texture.
Design of the opening between the balcony and the room
Incomplete connection of the loggia
Most often, homeowners choose the option of incompletely joining the loggia to the room.
The bedroom, children's room, living room, and kitchen are well suited for this option, which can be enlarged without dismantling the window sill slabs. Work is usually carried out in the following sequence:
- The first step is to dismantle the glazing. First, the shutters are removed (on both plastic and wooden windows). Wooden frames can be sawed or broken with a crowbar, while plastic systems are simply unscrewed, loosened and removed after being separated from the polyurethane foam.
- Next, take a hammer drill with a chisel. With this tool you need to break the threshold to the required height. It can also be completely removed (everyone has their own opinion on this matter).
- In cases with a panel house, often after dismantling the window system, characteristic concrete protrusions are visible, which, if desired, can be removed using a grinder or wall chaser.
- Then a building level is taken, markings are made and the concrete material is cut using a suitable tool.
- You don’t have to do any trimming work at all, simply hiding all the unsightly protrusions and defects in a plasterboard box.
- After this, you need to prepare the surface for finishing work. It is recommended to install a metal profile at the corners to simplify finishing
Incomplete combination of the loggia with the room.
Finishing and cladding is carried out with any suitable materials. The main thing here is to hide all the unsightly protrusions and defects in the dismantling of the window system. Preserving the window sill will allow you to use it as an additional element of the interior.
