Architecture: 10 Ways to Use a Juliet Balcony
When is a balcony not a balcony? When it doesn’t lead anywhere – but still gives you a bigger window onto the world
Jo Leevers
27 July 2015
Houzz contributor. I also write about interiors and houses for leading UK magazines and newspaper supplements. Recent work at www.joleevers.com
Houzz contributor. I also write about interiors and houses for leading UK magazines... More
It’s not just Romeo who had a thing for the Juliet balcony. Architects and designers are wised up to how the simple addition of railings or reinforced glass can open up a whole lot more possibilities for an upstairs space. Whether it’s a loft bedroom that could benefit from a more open feel, or a period home that suits a stately touch, the Juliet balcony is an old idea with new appeal.
Install a sympathetic style
A mews house in a central city location was probably designed for stabling horses rather than being a des-res, but architectural features can bring out its beauty. This flat-fronted mews house gets an extra dimension with an iron balcony that fits right in with the original period style.
A mews house in a central city location was probably designed for stabling horses rather than being a des-res, but architectural features can bring out its beauty. This flat-fronted mews house gets an extra dimension with an iron balcony that fits right in with the original period style.
Green it up
This unusual house has a bit of a New York vibe, with neighbouring windows facing each other. A living wall brings a verdant feel to the skinny balcony spaces on both levels. If you’re adding a Juliet balcony, think about ways such as this to improve the immediate view, or create nearby pockets of greenery.
How to work a living wall
This unusual house has a bit of a New York vibe, with neighbouring windows facing each other. A living wall brings a verdant feel to the skinny balcony spaces on both levels. If you’re adding a Juliet balcony, think about ways such as this to improve the immediate view, or create nearby pockets of greenery.
How to work a living wall
Be safety aware
Always get professional advice on the right height for a Juliet balcony and ensure that the glass is the correct standard for the job. If you’re going for railings instead of glass, the gaps must not be big enough for small people – or a pet – to be able to squeeze through.
Always get professional advice on the right height for a Juliet balcony and ensure that the glass is the correct standard for the job. If you’re going for railings instead of glass, the gaps must not be big enough for small people – or a pet – to be able to squeeze through.
Double your aspect
This house has been rather spectacularly extended every which way. The ground-floor level’s double doors lead out onto a raised section of garden, but the upstairs bedroom cleverly benefits from the aspect. This ambitious project has made the most of every opportunity to maximise space, views and floor area.
This house has been rather spectacularly extended every which way. The ground-floor level’s double doors lead out onto a raised section of garden, but the upstairs bedroom cleverly benefits from the aspect. This ambitious project has made the most of every opportunity to maximise space, views and floor area.
Set up a seating nook
Even if your balcony is a Juliet style without a space to step out onto, you can still make the most of its ‘balcony’ characteristics by placing one or two chairs in front of it. Defining it in this way makes it a place to stop and relax, rather than just another window.
Even if your balcony is a Juliet style without a space to step out onto, you can still make the most of its ‘balcony’ characteristics by placing one or two chairs in front of it. Defining it in this way makes it a place to stop and relax, rather than just another window.
Think tall
If you’ve got a tall, skinny bedroom window, adding a Juliet balcony can be a way to scoop maximum light and air into the room, as it allows a floor-height window to be safely opened. This one has a teeny space to step out onto, but a flat balustrade would have a similar benefit.
If you’ve got a tall, skinny bedroom window, adding a Juliet balcony can be a way to scoop maximum light and air into the room, as it allows a floor-height window to be safely opened. This one has a teeny space to step out onto, but a flat balustrade would have a similar benefit.
Extend your loft extension
A loft bedroom can get pretty warm in summer, so double or bifold doors will help to keep it feeling breezy. Make the most of the rooftop view and the open feel with a glass balcony. You don’t need to step out anywhere – just sit back and enjoy looking out.
Get an architect’s advice on lofts
A loft bedroom can get pretty warm in summer, so double or bifold doors will help to keep it feeling breezy. Make the most of the rooftop view and the open feel with a glass balcony. You don’t need to step out anywhere – just sit back and enjoy looking out.
Get an architect’s advice on lofts
Create a central attraction
Plenty of converted bungalows or 1970s homes have a pitched roof that’s ideal for a bedroom. Stick with the centred layout and add doors with a glazed Juliet balcony for a design that’s pleasing from the front as well as inside.
Plenty of converted bungalows or 1970s homes have a pitched roof that’s ideal for a bedroom. Stick with the centred layout and add doors with a glazed Juliet balcony for a design that’s pleasing from the front as well as inside.
Know your home’s strengths
Whether it’s a fantastic garden view or direct sunshine in the early morning, think about how to play to your home’s best points. The master bedroom may seem the obvious choice for a glazed balcony, but if the view is better from another bedroom – or even the bathroom – that could be a better option.
Whether it’s a fantastic garden view or direct sunshine in the early morning, think about how to play to your home’s best points. The master bedroom may seem the obvious choice for a glazed balcony, but if the view is better from another bedroom – or even the bathroom – that could be a better option.
Be inspired in a study
A Juliet balcony with sliding or double doors is the perfect place for a work desk. Set the desk back a little so you can still open the doors, but definitely make the most of the view. (Just don’t blame us if you spend too much time gazing out beyond your balcony, not getting any work done…).
TELL US…
Do you swoon at a Juliet balcony? Share your loves and loathes in the Comments below.
A Juliet balcony with sliding or double doors is the perfect place for a work desk. Set the desk back a little so you can still open the doors, but definitely make the most of the view. (Just don’t blame us if you spend too much time gazing out beyond your balcony, not getting any work done…).
TELL US…
Do you swoon at a Juliet balcony? Share your loves and loathes in the Comments below.
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@Tracy Brabin: are you *sure* curtains are too suburban? I don't think they necessarily are (think country house, or mid-century smart). Could you maybe reconsider them, as long as you use a very beautiful material?
Love the vertical planting on one of the images