Balcony | Outdoor Spaces, Design & Decor (2024)

balcony, external extension of an upper floor of a building, enclosed up to a height of about three feet (one metre) by a solid or pierced screen, by balusters (see also balustrade), or by railings. In the medieval and Renaissance periods, balconies were supported by corbels made out of successive courses of stonework, or by large wooden or stone brackets. Since the 19th century, supports of cast iron, reinforced concrete, and other materials have become common.

The balcony serves to enlarge the living space and range of activities possible in a dwelling without a garden or lawn. In many apartment houses the balcony is partly recessed to provide for both sunshine and shelter or shade. (In Classical architecture a balcony that is fully recessed or covered by its own roof is described as a loggia; [q.v.].) In hot countries a balcony allows a greater movement of air inside the building, as the doors opening onto it are usually louvered.

From classical Rome to the Victorian period, balconies on public buildings were places from which speeches could be made or crowds exhorted. In Italy, where there are innumerable balconies and loggias, the best known is that at St. Peter’s in Rome from which the pope gives his blessing.

In Islāmic countries the faithful are called to prayer from the top balcony of a minaret. In Japanese architecture, based on wooden structures, a balcony is provided around each, or part of each, story.

Internal balconies, also called galleries, were constructed in Gothic churches to accommodate singers. In larger halls during the Middle Ages they were provided for minstrels. With the Renaissance development of the theatre, balconies with sloped floors, allowing more and more spectators to have a clear view of the stage, were built in the auditorium.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.

Balcony | Outdoor Spaces, Design & Decor (2024)

FAQs

Balcony | Outdoor Spaces, Design & Decor? ›

You can decorate your apartment balcony with plants, a small outdoor runner-style rug, string lights, or a DIY privacy screen.

How do I make my balcony look nice? ›

You can decorate your apartment balcony with plants, a small outdoor runner-style rug, string lights, or a DIY privacy screen.

How to make a balcony interior design? ›

Make sure the types of furniture you buy and install are appropriate for your balcony. Slimmer furniture works best if you do not have ample square footage. Greenery: A balcony is incomplete without the introduction of greens. Pack the balcony with indoor plants to create a feel of the backyard you always wanted.

How to make a small balcony cozy? ›

Consider an outdoor rug for a cohesive, pulled together look. Add some greenery with planters, a trellis or two, small wall garden, flowering plants, or even a mini herb garden. And for the final touch, set the mood with globe lights, lanterns or candles.

What should be in a balcony? ›

Furnish It Like a Living Room

The sitting area you have outside should be just as inviting as the one inside—even if it's smaller. Decorate your balcony with creature comforts like pillows, throws, and candles.

What is the best position of balcony? ›

Balconies and terraces should be constructed in the north, east or north-east directions. One must avoid a house with a balcony in the south-west or south direction. Having a water fountain in the north-east side of the terrace can increase positivity in the house.

How much value does a balcony add? ›

As well as allowing you to soak up some extra rays, balconies can add a significant amount of value to your property. It's not really surprising that, due to the extra sun catching opportunity, and up to 12% added property value, balconies are becoming more popular than ever.

What is a good balcony size? ›

Standard Balcony

Standard balconies, common in many apartments, usually have dimensions of 5 to 10 feet in depth and 4 to 6 feet in width. This size allows for a small seating area and some space for potted plants.

How to cool a balcony? ›

Harness the power of air circulation with strategically placed fans on your balcony. Ceiling fans, oscillating fans, or portable pedestal fans can help disperse hot air and create a gentle breeze, enhancing comfort and airflow in your outdoor sanctuary.

What are the standards for balcony design? ›

Balconies should be a Min 5 sq m for 2 people + 1 sq m per additional occupant. Min 1500x1500mm space. Level, watertight threshold at max 15mm height. Consider privacy, shelter and “Secured By Design”.

How to enclose a balcony cheaply? ›

Options such as screened-in patios, outdoor curtains, polycarbonate or corrugated roof panels, bamboo or reed fencing, and tarps or shade sails can help you create an affordable, comfortable, and functional outdoor living space.

How to decorate a large balcony? ›

Make a Seating Area

The spacious balcony is visible from the inside through a wall of glass windows, and it is decorated to look as pulled together as the rest of the space, with comfortable white outdoor furniture, tall potted planters that add greenery and define the space, and an outdoor rug.

How to make your balcony look nice? ›

Plants are great for spicing up the space. Flowers like geraniums and begonias, sturdy plants like bamboo, and fresh herbs all thrive on a balcony garden. The list of outdoor plants is long—just be mindful of the hardiness zone you live in and how much light your balcony gets before making any decisions.

What are Juliet balconies? ›

What is a Juliette/Juliet balcony? A Juliet balcony is essentially a balcony consisting of a balustrade connection to the building facade without a deck to walk on; not, as many assume, a glass balcony.

How to make your balcony an oasis? ›

Turn your balcony into a “front porch.” Layer a glider or outdoor couch with soft throws and comfy cushions, and add a side table and rug in coordinating colors. Arrange your favorite potted plants in a corner. Gauzy drapes that float in a breeze create a relaxing balcony mood.

What can I put down on my balcony? ›

Herbs mostly remain small is size, so won't use up too much room. Favourites for balconies, patios and small gardens include mint, chives, lemon, parsley, thyme, lemon thyme, sage and rosemary. Be ready to bring your herbs indoors for winter. Basil, coriander, mint, dill and parsley will not survive a hard frost.

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