Outdoor Rooms: 11 Brilliant Balconies That Bring the Outside In
Create a balcony that blurs the boundaries between indoors and out for a space that feels part of your home
Karen Wilson
17 May 2015
UK based Houzz contributor and freelance property and interiors journalist with experience in both the regional press and national magazines. I've picked up loads of tips from homeowners and experts alike, having visited hundreds of gorgeous real homes across the North of England.
UK based Houzz contributor and freelance property and interiors journalist with experience... More
If you’re planning a new balcony or want to make the most of an existing one, there’s nothing worse than a structure that looks like an incongruous add-on. Take inspiration from these beautiful but very different balconies to create a space that’s totally in keeping with your home and its surroundings.
Link the spaces with furniture
Sliding doors that open right up will effectively extend your indoor space to incorporate the balcony, so think about ways to link the two areas so they feel like a unified whole. Picking furniture from the same tonal range works well, and try to choose pieces that don’t look like garden furniture, and could even be switched between either space.
Sliding doors that open right up will effectively extend your indoor space to incorporate the balcony, so think about ways to link the two areas so they feel like a unified whole. Picking furniture from the same tonal range works well, and try to choose pieces that don’t look like garden furniture, and could even be switched between either space.
Don’t waste space when extending
Many homeowners are opting for a simple square extension at the rear of their house, creating an open-plan kitchen-diner with a seating area and bifold doors. But don’t stop there. Before you submit those plans, speak to your architect about the feasibility of using the new space above for a balcony.
Here, corresponding bifold doors link the two areas, while a glass balustrade keeps the balcony feeling as open as possible.
Find out what you need to consider when planning a rear extension
Many homeowners are opting for a simple square extension at the rear of their house, creating an open-plan kitchen-diner with a seating area and bifold doors. But don’t stop there. Before you submit those plans, speak to your architect about the feasibility of using the new space above for a balcony.
Here, corresponding bifold doors link the two areas, while a glass balustrade keeps the balcony feeling as open as possible.
Find out what you need to consider when planning a rear extension
Don’t block out the light
An ill-thought-out first floor balcony will make the room below feel incredibly dark. So let in as much light as possible below by opting for a reinforced glass floor or wrought iron gridwork.
An ill-thought-out first floor balcony will make the room below feel incredibly dark. So let in as much light as possible below by opting for a reinforced glass floor or wrought iron gridwork.
Use the same flooring
Link the inside and outside spaces with the same flooring. Many companies make the same tiles for both indoor and outdoor use, or consider wood flooring inside and decking outside in the same colour. Make sure the grout lines are lined up between the two spaces (or that the wood flooring is laid in the same direction) to lead the eye outside.
Link the inside and outside spaces with the same flooring. Many companies make the same tiles for both indoor and outdoor use, or consider wood flooring inside and decking outside in the same colour. Make sure the grout lines are lined up between the two spaces (or that the wood flooring is laid in the same direction) to lead the eye outside.
Build a patio in the sky
You may be on the first, 10th or 21st floor, but you can still create the illusion of a patio with paving on your balcony. Stone, slate or porcelain floor tiles for outdoor use are a good option, or consider pre-cast concrete that can be painted or stained. And, with a view like this, glass panels are definitely the way to go.
You may be on the first, 10th or 21st floor, but you can still create the illusion of a patio with paving on your balcony. Stone, slate or porcelain floor tiles for outdoor use are a good option, or consider pre-cast concrete that can be painted or stained. And, with a view like this, glass panels are definitely the way to go.
Make a sociable circle
The default shape for a balcony is rectangular, but think outside the box with a curved shape instead. We tend to sit in circles, so start by considering how you want your seating to be arranged when planning a balcony, rather than the other way around.
The default shape for a balcony is rectangular, but think outside the box with a curved shape instead. We tend to sit in circles, so start by considering how you want your seating to be arranged when planning a balcony, rather than the other way around.
Create a covered balcony
Extending a roof at the gable end is a great way to create a covered balcony that will feel like an integral part of the house rather than an afterthought. Maximise the light by glazing the entire gable end to the full height of the apex.
Discover how to design around a pitched ceiling
Extending a roof at the gable end is a great way to create a covered balcony that will feel like an integral part of the house rather than an afterthought. Maximise the light by glazing the entire gable end to the full height of the apex.
Discover how to design around a pitched ceiling
Blend it
While balconies tend to be associated with cutting-edge new builds, they don’t have to be polished chrome and glass constructions with sleek, angular lines. If you’re renovating an older property, using reclaimed wood and curved spindles will give a softer, more weathered feel and enhance the character of your home no end.
While balconies tend to be associated with cutting-edge new builds, they don’t have to be polished chrome and glass constructions with sleek, angular lines. If you’re renovating an older property, using reclaimed wood and curved spindles will give a softer, more weathered feel and enhance the character of your home no end.
Make it private
If you live in a built-up area, use tall plants, such as bamboo, or ornamental grasses, such as pampas grass, for privacy. Alternatively, try screening made from bamboo, willow or reed, which can be bought in rolls by the metre.
Try these alfresco ideas for urban dwellers
If you live in a built-up area, use tall plants, such as bamboo, or ornamental grasses, such as pampas grass, for privacy. Alternatively, try screening made from bamboo, willow or reed, which can be bought in rolls by the metre.
Try these alfresco ideas for urban dwellers
Maximise the space
Tall stools and a built-in ledge will give your balcony the edge for those evening drinks parties – particularly in a chic city apartment. This type of seating takes up far less space than a conventional table and chairs, too. Why not add some finishing touches, such as fairy lights or a string of Chinese lanterns, to make the space come into its own at night?
Explore more ideas for small balconies
Tall stools and a built-in ledge will give your balcony the edge for those evening drinks parties – particularly in a chic city apartment. This type of seating takes up far less space than a conventional table and chairs, too. Why not add some finishing touches, such as fairy lights or a string of Chinese lanterns, to make the space come into its own at night?
Explore more ideas for small balconies
And, finally, have fun!
Artificial grass is a great low-maintenance choice for a balcony and, in a countryside setting, helps blend the structure into its surroundings. But why not make it even more quirky with a mini putting green, where you can practise your swing skills, or how about croquet or boules?
Learn everything you need to know about artificial grass
TELL US…
Do you have a balcony or are you planning one? We’d love to hear your ideas and see photos in the Comments below.
Artificial grass is a great low-maintenance choice for a balcony and, in a countryside setting, helps blend the structure into its surroundings. But why not make it even more quirky with a mini putting green, where you can practise your swing skills, or how about croquet or boules?
Learn everything you need to know about artificial grass
TELL US…
Do you have a balcony or are you planning one? We’d love to hear your ideas and see photos in the Comments below.
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Thank you, currently redecorating the inside.
I would like to know how all these wonderful glass structures available nowadays, get cleaned! For example, an apartment glass balcony?
I so agree with Sharon Meredith 35: who on earth would undertake all the neccessary cleaning? They are stunning but the moment I installed them, I would be spoiling everyone's fun by worrying about dust, sticky fingers and the universal 'gunk' that finds its way onto windows.