How to turn a balcony from a storage area for unnecessary things into a useful space
It’s a shame to admit this, but most owners of apartments with a balcony or loggia use such valuable and bright square meters as an ordinary warehouse. And it doesn’t matter whether unpaired skis and rusty sleds are stored there, fishing gear or a barrel of sauerkraut next to a box for storing vegetables - this space can be used in a completely different way.
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Fight the trash, because the meters are golden
The main value of a balcony and loggia is that these tiny rooms (yes, you shouldn’t treat them differently) are always flooded with light. Even if they are located on the north side, and a high-rise building is nestled next to it, these rooms are always brighter than in an apartment.
The second advantage is the small area. I believe this may seem like a dubious statement, but judge for yourself:
- You don’t need to invest a lot of money for insulation, waterproofing or decorative finishing;
- the cost of heating an insulated balcony corresponds to its area;
- An open window is enough for ventilation even on the hottest day.
And the only disadvantage of this room follows from its dignity - a lot, a lot of glass and too few blank walls. Consequently, when refurbishing the premises, you will need to seriously invest in windows. Although…
If the loggia or balcony is still not glazed, then most likely you have not yet had time to turn this little room into a warehouse (the dampness and the preparations will not survive the frost). This means that without serious investments, valuable meters can easily be turned into a summer recreation area - a kind of terrace on which you can drink coffee and admire flowers.
But you shouldn’t be strictly attached to this option. That's why…
Hello workaholics
Yes, now we will talk about transforming the balcony into a comfortable work area. True, you will have to take care of insulation and heating systems. The reason is simple: - when converting a room into a useful room, you should take into account the fact that it will be most needed in winter.
Personal Area
Freelancing is taking over the world, and if you have the Internet at home, it would be nice to supplement it with a personal room in which you can retire to work. And you won’t need much of it - just a table for a computer, a chair and a comfortable sofa (yes, also for work).
You will most likely have to order a table, since “apartment” options are often too bulky and inconvenient. But since it won’t be big anyway, it doesn’t matter. But as a complete set you can also order a wall cabinet for all sorts of work rubbish.
As for the sofa, choose for yourself:
- frameless chair (you can make it yourself, it’s inexpensive);
- a box with a lid that fits into the corner opposite from the table, onto which the mattress and pillows are sent;
- a light ottoman, complemented by a small bedside table or a wide window sill located next to it.
A box with a lid is one of the most practical solutions for organizing a place to relax, since it can contain a small storage area for rarely used items.
Workshop
It's almost the same office. But since the sofa will not be needed, it is better to replace it with a wardrobe the entire height of the balcony. Yes, you will most likely have to order this furniture too. But there will be plenty of space for tools and consumables.
Another important point is lighting. If in the office you can get by with a table lamp + sconce set, then in the workshop this will not be enough. A ceiling light above the work area is required.
Ideas for lovers of relaxation
Yes, a corner for these purposes can also be set aside on the balcony. And the best part is that on modest square meters it is easy to organize an area both for solo relaxation and for spending time with a noisy group of friends.
Winter Garden
This option for decorating a loggia or balcony is attractive because it allows lovers of the tropics to have a couple of strange plants at home and relax, admiring their beauty, even when a blizzard is raging outside the windows. True, they will look much more impressive against the background of walls entwined with vines. And for this, in addition to floor boxes, you will also need shelves and hooks fixed to the load-bearing wall of the building. And light. Lots of light.
Plants love moisture, but its excess does not have the best effect on the load-bearing structures of the balcony. Therefore, before organizing such a recreation area, you should take care of high-quality waterproofing.
Bar
It is impossible to imagine it without a stand, the role of which can be perfectly fulfilled by a slightly expanded window sill. Or a folding table. A small sofa and a TV located on the other side will only complement the atmosphere.
Expansion of space
Depending on which room the loggia or balcony is adjacent to, you can use them to expand or complement it. Or to create a completely autonomous zone. Eg:
- The room adjacent to the kitchen can easily be converted into a neat storage area, a dining area or a small dining room for several people.
- Adjacent to the bedroom - can be turned into a dressing room. Only in this case is it better to install blinds or Roman blinds on the windows (classic curtains require space). And if you also put a dressing table there, you will get a true paradise for the fair sex.
- The living room is self-sufficient, but this does not mean that next to it there cannot be a balcony, turned into a gym or a children's playroom.
And this is far from a complete list of ideas. Inspired by your own needs and by looking at the balcony as a place to realize your desires, you can find the most incredible ways to use it. And it is recommended to build a mezzanine in the hallway for skis and sleds - there it will not disturb anyone. Especially if it is placed above the front door.
