Is it generally possible to attach a balcony to a room?
In fact, there is a clear answer to this question. And, alas, it is disappointing. If you want to combine these two rooms, you will need to install glass or hinged doors after demolishing the wall.
Such standards are explained by the fact that the balcony is considered a cold room, and the demolition of partitions can disrupt the operation of the heating system. It is clear that if this is done in only one apartment, there will be no serious changes, but what if all the neighbors are inspired?
There are several more important points that you should pay attention to during such a redevelopment.
- Any redevelopment must be approved. Otherwise, you may be forced to redo everything as it was.
- Not all houses can demolish the window sill block. Indeed, in most houses it is not part of the supporting structure, but it’s worth checking just in case.
- But it is forbidden to touch the threshold in principle. In many houses it is this that is the connecting link between the apartment and the balcony.
- You cannot carry batteries onto the balcony! They need to be moved to the nearest wall from the old location.
- You need to take care of thoroughly insulating the balcony, otherwise you will not only not be able to use it, but also significantly lower the temperature in the entire apartment in winter.
We will show you different options on how you can combine a bedroom with a balcony or loggia. And which one is closer to you or which one you are ready to go for is up to you to decide.
Features and nuances of the interior
The decision to combine a room with a balcony can radically change the interior of the apartment and refresh it.
But before you start demolishing the wall, you need to do a lot of preparatory procedures. One of them is obtaining permission for redevelopment. According to the law, before making such changes, you need to go through several authorities and obtain the necessary documents.
In order to correctly draw up a new layout, it is best to invite an architect who will evaluate all the nuances of the room, determine what can and cannot be done in this apartment and suggest a solution.
Before finishing the inside of the balcony, you need to take care of the heating. To insulate an expanded space, a foam layer, penoplex, mineral wool or fiberglass is used. Minimizing windows on the outside wall will also help conserve heat. An electric heater or heated floor can be used as an additional heat source.
The radiator cannot be placed on the balcony.
You can learn more about insulation and connecting a balcony from the video:
Work zone
Perhaps the work area is the most popular option of all when choosing what can be arranged in the resulting space. It’s not for nothing that psychologists say that you need to rest and work in different rooms. Such zoning will help deceive the inquisitive brain.
This is an excellent solution for those apartments in which the window sill block cannot be demolished. After all, with the help of its surface you can organize a large corner table.
In addition, the former window sill can be used as a table or even a bedside table. In any case, the ban on its demolition is not a reason for frustration. Perhaps in the future you will be glad that you saved such an unusual piece of furniture.
By the way, who said that a balcony can only have one purpose? A work area can coexist quite peacefully with a dining area or one intended for relaxation. Moreover, the chair is usually turned towards the wall, so the sight of inviting soft chairs will not distract from work.
Interior design of a loggia with a combined room
The main thing is to rationally and correctly use the space obtained by combining a room with a loggia or balcony.
A successful design of a living room combined with a loggia will turn even a small room into a stylish, comfortable and unexpectedly spacious room
Interior features
- The interior of the combined premises is decorated in the same style.
- We choose furniture for small living rooms that is proportionate, not bulky, and without any additional bulky parts. A light, glossy wardrobe is ideal for such a room: it will significantly save space.
- Light wallpaper with frequent small patterns will visually enlarge the room.
- Let's not get too carried away with accessories and decorative items; there shouldn't be too many of them in such a living room.
- To illuminate the room, we will choose several spotlights: they will expand the space much more effectively than one chandelier.
Loggia with a combined room in a modern style
The most popular is the traditional design of a living room with a combined loggia.
This style makes such a living room cozy and spacious, which is ideal for relaxation and rest. Modern living rooms are lively and calm, thanks to the free play of calm shades with bright accents.
Features of modern design:
- space for active recreation has been created;
- modern technologies are used in the equipment of the premises;
- mobile furniture: a comfortable, practical sofa encourages complete rest and creates a mood of serenity and peace;
- modern finishing materials are advantageous: plaster, glass, plastic, metal;
- walls of calm colors, suspended and unusual ceilings, varied lighting - all this will give us freedom and ease;
- freedom to choose stylish and cheerful decor and interior elements.
Decorations for a living room with a modern-style loggia will be simple and unobtrusive.
Bedroom
The idea is exactly the opposite of the previous one. It all depends on the initial footage of the balcony and the size of the bed you want to put on it. Suitable for those who like to sleep in fairly cool rooms and get up early - the sunlight will not let you lie down for too long.
In addition, this is ideal for one-room apartments or studios, where this is, in fact, the only opportunity to separate the bedroom from the living room. Especially if you are not ready to sleep on a pull-out sofa.
There are several ways to visually separate your sleeping area from the rest of the room. These could be curtains, but then the living room may be very dark and it will not be very convenient to use the restroom at night. This could be an open shelving unit that allows light to pass through and quite clearly divides the room. You can simply leave the window sill block - at least it will support the illusion of zoning.
Living room without balcony
Without combining the living room with the loggia into one room, you still need to insulate the structure, because it will be a living space. Initially, the balcony must be glazed and covered with facing material. Install durable metal-plastic doors (two or three chambers), which perfectly protect the room from cold, precipitation and dust. When combining a living room with a balcony, do not forget about insulation. It must be designed in such a way that the room serves as additional living space. The final process is the design of the internal structural elements of the room. For the basic principles of combining a balcony and a room, watch this video:
When combining a hall with a balcony, you need to pay attention to the selection of the interior. The classic method of connecting a hall with a balcony is to decorate the openings with curtains or tulle. Sliding curtains with soft colors will limit the entry of direct sunlight into the room, and will also separate one plane by color and material.
The decoration of the hall in a monochromatic solution, which can contrast with furniture or other interior elements, will look great.
Chill out
Of course, the balcony can also be used for its intended purpose, for which it was designed. This is a pleasant time spent in the fresh air (the balconies did not immediately begin to be glazed).
In this regard, a logical question arises: why then combine the balcony with the bedroom? Firstly, this makes the room much brighter. Secondly, it’s more spacious. Thirdly, it is unlikely that you will be able to enjoy a cup of coffee on an uninsulated balcony in winter.
Fresh flowers and plants, separate dim lighting, as well as everything that is associated with comfort - soft chairs, hanging swings and hammocks, an abundance of pillows and textiles - will help maintain the atmosphere.
Design options in the photo
Dressing table
When combining a bedroom with a balcony, you can install a dressing table on the balcony. This is very convenient if a representative of the fair sex needs to apply makeup while her other half is still sleeping.
Bedroom in light colors
Decorating a small bedroom in light colors will visually increase its interior space. By dismantling the window, door block and window sill, more sunlight penetrates into the room, making it seem more voluminous.
The bright interior allows you to visually expand the space
Another solution in light colors
Narrow bedroom
In a narrow bedroom, due to its disproportionate size, it is, in principle, difficult to choose furniture so that it looks harmonious. Placing only one bed no longer leaves room for free movement around the room. The functional purpose of such a room will be to provide a place directly for rest and sleep. Additional square meters will certainly not be superfluous.
A mirror is used to expand the space in a small bedroom with a balcony.
A good design solution for a narrow bedroom with a balcony would be to completely dismantle the protruding part of the wall and build a podium, then the apartment owner will be able to save space.
4.Work corner
Arranging an office on the balcony with a small bedroom
For example, a design solution for a small bedroom with a balcony may be to create a small work area with a computer and bright windows.
In Hi-Tek style
It is not recommended to overload a bedroom of 12 sq.m. with accessories; high-tech style is optimal.
Design in high-tech style
Zoning
When combined with a balcony, you can use the balcony space to zone the space and protect the place intended for sleep and relaxation from the desktop. An example of a 14 sq.m. bedroom design. m.
The photo shows an example of space zoning
But with a larger room you can play with colors. Then there is the possibility that a bedroom with an area of 17 sq.m. with a balcony will turn into a chic room with a winter garden area or a place to spend idle time.
The photo shows an excellent example of space zoning in a room with a balcony
Stained glass doors
Bedroom 16 sq.m. The room is no longer small, but I can’t say it’s big either. Sliding doors with stained glass windows dividing the room look unusual. When open, the area becomes a spacious room; when closed, such doors create a cozy corner.
The photo shows an example of stained glass partitions
Decor elements
Bedroom area 17 sq. m. already allows you to design it in any cultural and temporary style. Due to the use of decorative elements that have the same texture, the balcony and the bedroom echo each other, thanks to which it is possible to achieve harmony and integrity of the space.
The drawing illustrates decorative elements
Rest zone
As usual, a tabletop is placed on the remaining part of the partition. It can be used as a desk, dressing table, for flower pots or for arranging bookshelves. For lovers of noisy companies, you can create a bar counter in this area of space. In the remaining space you can place a relaxation area with a table and comfortable chairs. Today, the design of a modern room in which the night takes place cannot be limited by either shape or color.
Interesting color scheme in the design of a bedroom with a balcony
Multi-level ceiling
If the bedroom is small, for example, its size does not exceed 14 sq.m., then you can add a balcony and thereby increase the space of the room. By making the ceiling multi-level or mirrored, you can erase the boundary line between the balcony and the room.
Library
Do not be afraid that the conditions on the balcony are not the most suitable for books. If you insulate it according to all the rules, then the temperature in this zone will not differ in any way from the rest of the apartment. How great is this place for reading? Natural light during the day and the romantic outlines of city streets outside the window in the evenings.
Thermal insulation of the finished room
As you know, a large area of glass on a loggia or balcony is a place of enormous heat loss during the cold season. Since the project does not initially involve the installation of heating devices, when combining, it is worth thinking about how to ensure a comfortable temperature and bring comfort to your bedroom.
To begin with, a material is selected for insulating the enclosing structures - walls. Expanded polystyrene, polystyrene foam or mineral wool are suitable for this purpose. Each of the proposed options requires an additional layer of vapor and waterproofing.
To ensure a thermal microclimate, it is most rational to use warm water or electric floor systems. Having radiators available, you can try to arrange a working line. However, these heating devices may ultimately interfere with the arrangement of a sleeping area on the balcony.
READ MORE: Children's room on the balcony
"Nest"
An idea for those who don't like standard solutions. A former balcony can be turned into a cozy... nest. Yes, you heard right. This is a space where it’s convenient to climb into to read, look out the window, or just be alone with yourself. Well, who didn’t dream of this as a child? Why not make your dream come true as an adult?
To do this, all you need to do is build a podium (by the way, it can become an additional place for storing things), lay a soft mattress on it, throw some pillows and install lighting there. On the sides you can add shelves filled with nice little things. This space will definitely not leave any family member indifferent.
For lovers of hot trends or simply experiments, designers suggest highlighting this area additionally. For example, completely “dressing” it in a wooden frame. It can consist of either solid slabs or slats. The effect of such a technique will definitely cover all the costs and effort spent on repairs.
If the option of creating a “nest” does not fit into the interior concept, but you still want a very cozy area, you can put a large low sofa or sofa across the entire width of the balcony. You will get no less pleasure from relaxing on them.
Glass
Glass can be called a universal option: it meets the standards and looks quite good in the interior. If sliding doors are your thing, our only advice is to not go for completely clear glass, as this could pose a risk of injury to those not in the know. Drawing is also not an option. This is already an outdated trend. It is better to pay attention to colored and tinted glass.
Swing doors that span the entire height of the opening will look luxurious if they have square or rectangular glass divisions. This decor is suitable for classic style and Provence.
Partial glazing can also be used, combining this material with stable cement structures. But when choosing such a technique you need to be very careful - it’s easy to slip into bad taste.
Loggia as a relaxation area
Having decided to remove the window, the window sill should serve as an additional detail: instead of a table, bookshelf or bar counter. It is also possible to decorate it as an element of the interior of the hall or in the same style as a large room, using the same material and decor.
If you manage to combine two zones by dismantling the partition, you can make the room in a classic style using a side column. Watch this video about turning a loggia into a Scandinavian lounge area:
In this case, the ceiling should be made in a stepwise manner from plasterboard sheets or other shapes with unusual lighting.
Thus, a living room with a balcony can serve as a good place for the whole family to relax and be an excellent opportunity to expand the square footage of the living space.
Curly partition
A stylish way to zone a room and emphasize the chosen style. For example, carved doors are suitable for a modern or minimalist design. And for the oriental style - a colored arch, in addition to which there can be decor made of glass and stones.
Window sill block
The window sill block can also act as a separate zoning unit, especially if it remains from the loggia and is large enough in size. During parties, it can be converted into a bar counter, snack stand or game table.
And yet the window sill block alone looks quite empty. It will look much better if in addition to it there are at least light curtains or tulle.
In order not to disturb the harmony, you should choose curtains to match the walls. Then, if you hang them, they will look like an extension of the wall. In any case, in the balcony area you need to hang additional protection on the windows. Roller blinds or Roman blinds are best suited for this.
Photo of living room design with a balcony
Undoubtedly, it is a winning situation in interior design when there is a loggia or balcony in your living room. This additional space can be easily added to the total area of the room, thereby expanding the space and creating an additional area in the interior, be it for relaxation, tea drinking or a workplace. Everyone understands that an open balcony is first sewn up in the usual construction way, using ordinary building materials (brick, plasterboard, insulation) and glazing. In order for the area on the loggia to be functional and suitable for living in winter, immediately think about the output of the heating system, electrics and lighting. As a rule, the loggia is initially separated from the hall by an exit and a window in the load-bearing wall. After dismantling the door and window, you will have a part of the wall left - the window sill and above the window, from which you can dismantle the lower part under the window, having thought about moving the battery in advance.
The outlet and the battery need to be moved to the loggia, you can additionally install floor heating, this can be done from an existing battery or with a separate electric floor heating, which is laid under the floor covering. You must, of course, determine for yourself how you want to use the additional area, and from this relate the overall interior design of the room.
Leaving the main architectural structure - the window sill - you can use it as a small partition from the loggia area. It can be used in a fairly functional way by placing TV equipment there, or constructing a bar counter, or simply decorating it with fresh flowers. And if you completely dismantle this “appendix”, thereby increasing the space even more, you can think about a more laconic organization of this space. In this case, it is beautiful to design the arched opening, starting from the intended design.
In a classic interior style, the arch can be supported by columns or any other decorative elements using polyurethane decor. The shape of the arch can be changed and a new geometry can be created, maintaining the style of the interior, thanks to plasterboard structures. Modern, high-tech, fusion styles
provide many imaginative possibilities. Here you can emphasize the individuality of your style by playing with shapes. Asymmetrical arches look interesting. Country style encourages decorating the arch with wooden beams and elements.
The most successful lighting is a ceiling spotlight. The light will be diffused, creating the illusion of increased space. Therefore, the ceiling of the loggia itself must be thought out for the installation of lamps; if the loggia is wide enough, you can create a stepped suspended ceiling. It looks extravagant as a point - directed light from below, organized in the lower, side walls of the loggia or by a floor light source.
Don’t forget about electrical outlets, it’s better to have 2-3 sockets; they may be needed in the work area on the loggia or just for a floor lamp and other household appliances if this is an area for relaxation and tea drinking. There are interesting ideas for using the loggia area into a mini-bar area; the design in the Scandinavian or English style turns out very beautifully. A bar cabinet, high bar stools, a tabletop covering the window sill, soft lower light, light music and a view of the gorgeous panorama of the evening city, which makes you more hospitable and your home more comfortable.
It is very important to competently approach the choice of curtains or blinds for the loggia window. The types, properties and color of textiles for curtains largely depend on the chosen interior style. A win-win option is a light, airy, translucent and lightweight fabric. It is better to drape such curtains generously, creating volume. Elements such as flounces, ruffles, shells, etc. are not relevant now. Maintain the classic style in setting curtains with elegance, strictly using expensive exclusive fabrics. Buy curtains and thicker curtains with a backing so that they do not fade in the light. Fans of blinds are also provided with a wide selection of products; pay attention to the material, composition and light transmittance of the canvas.
The decoration of the walls of the loggia should be the same style as the hall, be it wallpaper or decorative painting. The flooring of the loggia can be the same as the total area of the room, or it can be laid from a different material or color, it all depends on the style and your taste. If the color and material are different, it is more advantageous to highlight the floor of the loggia with an interesting shape, for example: a semicircle or rectangle, supporting the concept of the integrity of the combined room. Try not to clutter the loggia with objects and decorative elements; this area should be as spacious and comfortable as possible.
The option of arranging a living room in conjunction with a balcony or loggia is very attractive for those who like to experiment, as well as those who are looking for additional opportunities to expand the living space of the apartment. This format has both positive and burdensome factors. To begin with, let’s talk about the good half.
The combined option with the living room (or, as it is now fashionably called, salon) brings with it the following positive nuances:
- a significant increase in the area of the newly created premises;
- the possibility of dividing space into two or more zones, the simplest of which could be a mini-office, a relaxation area or many other projects;
- There is no need for stylistic development of a separate arrangement of the salon and loggia.
Onerous features:
- the need to insulate the annexed territory in order to maintain a comfortable temperature regime and the corresponding costs for these actions;
- bureaucratic hassles that inevitably follow the connection of premises - approvals, issuance of permits in the municipality and other necessary formalities;
- possible problems due to the potential for a fire, because a separate balcony is the only safe place, but connected to the guest room, it loses this quality of a safety island.
Obviously, the above factors are most easily addressed by consulting with a qualified professional. And it’s even better, if there is such a financial opportunity, to entrust all actions for remodeling the apartment to professionals.
Curtains
Curtains can easily cope with the task of visual zoning on their own. But in this case they will serve rather a decorative function. The solution in this case could be thread curtains, which transmit light well, but at the same time hide well what is behind them.
Those who love sophisticated ideas will like the option with curtains that are hidden in a niche. It will be especially convenient to build such a structure if the partitions are partially preserved after dismantling.
Opening design
Partial registration allows for minimal wall removal.
Partial registration is a popular method. It provides the ability to perform minimal wall removal. The interior of a living room with a balcony in this case will be attractive and sophisticated. The balcony can be used as an additional living room or serve as a separate place to relax.
The combination of these rooms creates ease of use. In this case, there is no need to decorate the opening. The absence of decor will increase the space and emphasize its design features.
If you do not want to dismantle the doors and windows, you need to choose suitable curtains that emphasize the design idea of this design. You can use roller blinds, classic or Roman blinds. But in any case, they should be long, reaching the floor, and near the window reaching the level of the window sill.
Open door
If the bedroom is very small, then the best option would be simply an open doorway. After all, you combined the balcony with the room to add space, and you don’t need to lose a single centimeter. And in general, the presence of “air” is one of the main criteria for a successful design.
Narrow balcony
The design of the balcony has a number of limitations, because it is impossible to comfortably place all the furniture on it - the space will be cluttered.
And yet, if the balcony is glazed and insulated, then a winter garden can be made.
