Almost every apartment located above the first floor has a balcony, which is used as a place for relaxing, drying clothes or a warehouse for storing bulky or unnecessary things. Of course, the presence of a balcony makes the life of a modern person more comfortable, but the owners of apartments in which there is a loggia are much more fortunate. What the loggia and what are its differences, you can not think about it until the time comes to buy or sell a home. Apartments with a loggia are usually more expensive. What is the difference?
The main differences between the balcony and the loggia
A balcony is a hinged structure that protrudes relative to the facade of the building itself, having only one wall adjacent to the room. For safety, protective structures made of metal or plastic double-glazed windows are installed on its three sides. Ensuring a comfortable year-round stay on the balcony is quite difficult, so most often it is used as a workshop or closet.
A loggia is a room that is considered part of the building, as it is surrounded by its capital walls on both sides.
Externally, it is very easy to distinguish both structures, since the loggia is an integral part of the apartment and, unlike the balcony, has a ceiling and only one open side. This room is characterized by a significantly larger area, increased bearing capacity, making it ideal for arranging recreation areas, offices or greenhouses.
The main types and types of balconies and loggias
There are various types of balconies and loggias that differ in size, type and functionality.
The most common standard balcony, found in panel and brick high-rise buildings. They have a rectangular shape and 3 open walls.
The bay window is a glazed ledge from the wall of the building, which has a variety of shapes. Bay windows make the room brighter, increase the space of the room and add sophistication to the interior.
The French balcony is a small ledge from a door or window, fenced with a wrought-iron grill. The main goal of such structures is to decorate the facade of the building. The width of the French balcony will not allow you to comfortably accommodate and spend time on its site, but it is quite possible to go out to breathe in fresh air.
A hybrid between the external and built-in structures is a balcony-loggia. What is a balcony loggia? This is the name of the structure, one half of which is built into the building, and the other protrudes beyond the boundaries of its facade. It differs in that it does not darken the room and is more protected from the effects of atmospheric phenomena.
Use of loggias and balconies
Most people prefer to use the loggia as a storage room, cluttering its territory with unnecessary trash, construction materials left over from repairs, bicycles, old furniture and other items. But to solve the problem with the lack of space for installing the coveted treadmill, designing a library or premises for the child’s activities, a loggia can help. What such a small room can be easily transformed, not everyone guesses. If you correctly approach the design of the loggia, it can be made much more functional. Finishing the loggia inside will allow you to use additional square meters to expand the space of one or several rooms at once.
Design Ideas
If the kitchen windows open onto the loggia, its owners have a great opportunity to increase its space and find an open veranda with a beautiful landscape for breakfast in the fresh air, combining these two rooms. On such a platform, you can install additional cabinets for storing dishes and workpieces and thereby relieve the kitchen space. By connecting the loggia to the living room or bedroom, you can equip a cozy study in it, placing a computer table and a comfortable armchair, make a mini-gym or boudoir.
By installing window sills and hanging shelves, plant lovers can turn this room into a real living corner or greenhouse.
Regardless of the area of the room, a well-designed design and high-quality interior decoration will do their job, and any loggia will be transformed beyond recognition. What interior decoration and what materials are required should be disassembled in more detail.
What includes the interior decoration of balconies and loggias
The choice of materials primarily depends on the design in which the loggia will be finished inside. Photos of various options can be found in the article or make your own design project.
Stages of the work:
1. Loggia glazing (wooden, aluminum or plastic double-glazed windows can be used here).
2. Waterproofing and wall insulation (most often mineral wool and polystyrene foam are used).
3. If desired, a concrete floor system can be installed on a concrete base, which will heat the room in the cold season.
4. Sheathing of walls and floors with finishing materials.
5. The arrangement of the premises.
Most often, the walls are sheathed with plastic or lining, but every year more and more decorative materials appear, with the help of which the loggia is finished inside. Photos of modern options are sometimes simply amazing.
Some useful logg design tips
• Small loggias are best designed in bright colors, this will visually increase the space.
• It is better not to clutter the narrow balconies with furniture, in this option it is recommended to limit yourself to installing two cabinets along the edges of the room, a folding table and a chair.
• The use of glossy surfaces and mirrors will visually enlarge a small room.
• To make the ceiling appear taller, it’s best to use wallpaper or vertical strip lining materials.
As you can see, using a loggia will help to solve the problem of lack of space. This room can be equipped for a wide variety of needs. Watching your favorite movie, evening gatherings with friends, relaxing with a cup of green tea or a serious work process - a comfortable loggia is ideal for all this.