For many apartment owners, this issue is relevant. Often, because of the small size of the balcony, people simply do not know how to equip it. Therefore, most often it is turned into an additional pantry, where they store the necessary and not very things. But if you put a little imagination and effort, the balcony can be turned into a great place to relax.
Zoning of the balcony
If you decide to organize additional space in your apartment, you need to decide how to equip the balcony so that it becomes a harmonious continuation of the room. For example, if it is in the bedroom, then you can create a small cozy study or relaxation area there. If it is adjacent to the kitchen, you can take out a dining group or cabinets for storage of various utensils on the balcony.
When you have defined the idea of space, you can start zoning. For example, if you decide to organize an office on the balcony, then think about where you will put the table so that it is convenient to approach it. Then measure the remaining space and consider whether to put in a small work chair or just a small folding chair. Shelves for documents can be placed on the wall. This option is only possible for a glazed and insulated balcony. If you intend to use this additional area all year long, then you cannot do without it.
How to insulate a balcony?
To know how to equip a balcony with your own hands for a beginner craftsman, you need to learn some rules and the order of the work.
First you need to put quality plastic windows. They can be single or double chamber. This work, if you are new to the construction business, it is better to entrust to professionals. The final result of the work largely depends on the quality of the installation of windows. Further, you can warm and decorate the balcony yourself.
The walls are insulated with various heat-saving materials and drywall sheets. The insulation can be foam sheets, which are now on sale in different thicknesses. Fiberglass can also be used.
Exterior walls may require laying several layers of insulation (this depends on the climate in your area).
Lighting
How to equip a balcony so that it is convenient to work or relax at any time of the day? Of course, lighting needs to be thought out. It can be made on the ceiling or on the walls. If electricity has already been installed on your balcony, the task is simplified; if not, consult with electricians on how best to do this.
It is better to use two light sources - general and local. General light should well illuminate the entire balcony, as the unlit corners emphasize its crampedness. The light source can be spotlights built into the ceiling.
How to equip a balcony, or rather lighting on it, if you make a workplace there? In this case, you need local lighting. A table lamp with a rotary mechanism or a lamp will do.
Ceiling
The most affordable way to decorate the ceiling on the balcony is to paint it with a good aqueous emulsion or facade paint. You can paste it with ceiling polystyrene plates or PVC panels.
Walls
You can also use paint on the walls, but textured plaster will look much more modern. In addition, such coverage will last you at least 15 years.
Plastic panels can also be used, but only if the balcony does not face south. Otherwise, with prolonged heating, the plastic may release toxic substances.
Floor
Often people think about how to equip a balcony with modern materials. After all, they are much better than their predecessors, and more durable.
For registration of a floor on a balcony it is better to use a tile with the corresponding technical characteristics. Someone will object that this material is well known for a long time, it can hardly be called new. However, in recent years, tile manufacturers have significantly improved its properties and technical indicators. Therefore, it can be safely called modern high-quality finishing material.
For the floor on the balcony, you can use linoleum, parquet board or laminate.
Furniture and Design
So, your balcony has noticeably changed, and it's time to think about how to equip a small balcony so that it is cozy and comfortable.
Rooms of this size look better and more modern if they are not cluttered. The less furniture and more light on such a balcony, the more attractive it is.
Try to place here only what you need in accordance with your design idea. To maximize the room, use narrow hanging cabinets or open shelves. Folding furniture is quite appropriate on a small balcony.
It is better to hang role curtains or blinds on the windows, while do not be afraid to experiment with color. If you create a recreation area, put fresh flowers - they will make the interior more comfortable. But in everything you need to know the measure - do not set up a greenhouse on a small balcony, where a person will not have a place.
How to equip a narrow balcony?
This question often arises among homeowners in houses of old construction. The balconies in them are not just small, they are also very narrow. In this case, it is necessary to completely abandon bulky furniture and protruding window sills. It is better to put on the sides two tall and narrow cabinets in which you can place everything you need. In the center of the wall, make a reclining table near which you can put folding chairs. If you are thinking about how to equip a balcony in Khrushchev, this is advice for you, because in these houses the balconies also do not differ in large area.
Balcony
Today, many companies have mastered the new technology. This is a glazed balcony with a take-out. This method will not give extra meters to your balcony, but will make it a little more spacious. This is ideal for owners of small balconies, as it has undeniable advantages:
- a large window sill appears, bearing a functional load;
- spectacular appearance;
- the strength of the parapet is increased.
Gym on the balcony
If you play sports, and your apartment does not have enough space for a simulator and sports equipment, then the question "how to equip a balcony" should not be in front of you. Of course, organize a mini-gym on this small territory. This will save you time, money and improve the quality of your workouts. Nobody will bother you, and a pleasant view from the window will inspire you with new sports achievements.
Playroom
If your family has small children, then the idea of how to equip a balcony goes into your hands. Organize a summer playroom for your child here. To do this, you need to cover the floor with carpet, put a children's table and chair, and also equip a small rack for storing toys. And that’s all! You will forget about cars scattered throughout the apartment, and it will be interesting for the child to be in his own playroom. Many parents will probably object that the child may not be interested in being in such a room. How to equip a balcony so that it looks like a small fairyland? To do this, you can use the original version - put on the walls a painting with the image of your kid’s favorite cartoon characters.
Even the smallest balcony can be turned into a convenient and cozy additional room in your apartment. You need only a little imagination, and then realize your dream.