How to arrange a small balcony in Khrushchev: ideas + photos

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Everyone wants to make beautiful renovations and furnish their apartment or house in an original way. The French style of design not only makes it possible to distinguish the balcony from other buildings, but also fully fills the apartment with natural light. This design is considered practical and has an attractive appearance. From this article you can find out what is needed to decorate a French balcony: photos of beautiful options are attached.

The design of the French balcony visually expands the space and fills the room with an additional stream of light

French balcony: what is it, history of appearance and modern features

In France, small balconies delimited by wrought iron bars are called “portefenetre”, which translated into Russian means “window-door”. French balconies first appeared in Paris back in the 7th century and were originally solid wooden doors that opened into the room. Over time, the upper part was supplemented with glass, and then they began to completely glaze the floor. This design option for the balcony provided free access to the street and allowed the room to be filled with light. Then, for safety from the street side, the window was limited with a wrought-iron fence.

Previously, French balconies were narrow protruding platforms with wrought iron fencing, on which only one person could stand

This is interesting ! Initially, such structures were purely practical; it was impossible to access them due to the lack of a balcony slab. Their main function was to protect residents from falling out through huge panoramic windows.

Over time, adjustments began to be made to the appearance of such balconies: they were supplemented with exquisite metal railings. Ordinary forged railings were equipped with a variety of ornaments, monograms, curls and figured elements. Later, the fencing of the French balcony began to be decorated with floral arrangements, which made it possible to distinguish it from the background of other structures.

In modern photos of beautiful balconies and loggias, you can see that only huge floor-to-ceiling windows and original external railings have been preserved from the original options. Now, in addition to their aesthetic function, such balconies are filled with functionality. There is now not only an observation deck, but also a comfortable recreation area.

Today, a French balcony is usually called panoramic windows from ceiling to floor

Glazing is performed not in the window opening, but along the edge of the concrete balcony slab. This design option not only opens up a panoramic view, but also interestingly complements the interior of an apartment or house, especially if the balcony is combined with any of the rooms. Moreover, you can design such a French balcony in a Khrushchev-era building, as well as in a new building.

Types of structures

French balconies with wrought iron elements

The classic option is a window or doorway with a decorative metal parapet. Often the load-bearing slab does not exceed the length of a foot, but sometimes it reaches a maximum of half a meter. This design does not imply prolonged recreation in the fresh air.

Artistic forging is used for fencing. The design, as a rule, is elegant; floral patterns can often be seen.

Sometimes finished metal products are coated with gold leaf or their surface is patinated (aging effect). The use of these methods turns the fence into an original detail that primarily attracts attention.

The small base area does not allow organizing storage space. A French balcony adorns the facade of the house and the room that is hidden behind it. A lot of light enters a window or doorway.

Forged fencing in a private house. The chocolate shade of the forged metal and metal-plastic profile goes well with the color of the brick wall.

The classic version is not functional, it only serves a decorative role.

The doors can open partially or completely, outward or inward, or be blind. These details directly depend on your desires.

Artistic forging complements the exterior in an original way. In the workshop, designers can develop a unique pattern to order.

Radial forged fencing in a private house.

To create a unified ensemble, you can install forged grilles on the windows. They must be made in the same style as the fence.

French balcony in Khrushchev

View from inside an apartment in Khrushchev.

Metal-plastic profiles have significant weight. On the eve of installation in the Khrushchev building, you should check the condition of the concrete slab. If defects are found during inspection, the base must be carefully repaired.

Flower pots are mounted on a metal fence.

French doors to the balcony photo

Fencing with plant pattern.

French balconies without railings

In new buildings you can find French glazing without fences.

Other options

Interior decoration of a room with an area of 6 sq. m. For interior decoration we chose natural colors and natural materials.

French balcony: photos of options, differences between these designs and standard ones

The main difference between these structures and options with a traditional configuration is the absence of a vertical guide to which closed window sashes are adjacent. On French balconies, the windows (photos clearly demonstrate this) do not block the panoramic view and do not prevent the penetration of sunlight. If the window opening is wide enough, then preference is given to sliding systems.

Thanks to the design of the French balcony, space is saved, since its installation width takes only 6-7 cm

Also, one of the differences of this design is the absence of a parapet. The entire opening from floor to ceiling is filled with frames with double-glazed windows, while on traditional balconies the windows occupy only the upper part. A characteristic feature of French balconies in our country is the installation of segmented rather than solid double-glazed windows. This method not only helps to organize simple ventilation of the room, but also makes it possible to make the lower part of the balcony not transparent, but, for example, from tinted glass or plastic.

French balconies are popular because they allow you to free up the maximum amount of space in a small space due to the absence of a parapet and do not require the installation of an additional door from the room to the balcony. Therefore, if the French design option is chosen, the balcony block must be dismantled, and the shape of the resulting opening must be adjusted. Below you can see photos of French balconies outside and inside.

A French balcony can have additional handrails and a wrought iron fencing, or it can simply be in the form of huge panoramic windows covering the entire wall.

Important! If you need to remove the balcony block for registration, you will need to obtain permission for this type of work. To do this, you will have to request certificates from the BTI, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the SES, and also have the project approved by the city’s architectural bureau.

To install a French balcony, it is mandatory to obtain all documents and certificates, especially if the balcony is located on the external facade of the building. If installation is carried out without obtaining permission, this may result in the payment of a large fine. Usually, when issuing a permit, services are guided by the age of the building, the type of material used in construction, and the complexity of the work performed. In the absence of permitting documents, in addition to a fine, difficulties will arise in the event of the sale of real estate.

Buildings equipped with French balconies look very elegant and attractive

Pros and cons of French balconies

Stylish apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows

French balconies, in comparison with conventional loggias, demonstrate the following advantages:

The dining room has a superb view

No need for welding during installation;

Such a structure looks organic and does not spoil the facade

Saving precious square meters (from 3 to 5) due to full use of the lower corners of the structure;

The room inside seems more spacious

The effect of expanding space due to intense lighting of the room by sunlight;

To get a good result, it is better to turn to professionals

Self-sufficient appearance, allowing you to save on the purchase of finishing materials;

Panoramic views will decorate any home

Panoramic view of the surrounding area from the window;

Floor-to-ceiling glazing allows you to enjoy the beauty of nature

There is no need to spend money on thermal insulation materials if warm glazing is used;

French window in a modern interior

Many color options and a wide selection of decoration methods.

Glass alternative to standard balconies

Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages:

Cleaning such a structure will require a lot of time and effort.

Difficult to maintain a large glass surface;

Massive glazing needs protection from scorching rays

In summer, additional sun protection may be required;

Panoramic glazing is not a cheap thing

The high price of French windows (5,000 - 12,000 rubles per square).

Obviously, French balconies have more pros than cons. But, taking into account the price, it is worth thinking carefully about installing this design.

When there is something to admire, this type of glazing suggests itself

If your window offers a beautiful view, and not the blank wall of a neighboring building, you definitely need such a balcony.

French balcony glazing: main features

Before starting repair work, you should familiarize yourself with the main technical aspects of such installation. When planning the design of a narrow balcony in an apartment or a large one in a country house, the owner expects to end up with not only a beautiful, but also a comfortable room. The basis of the French design is windows and doors. The main materials for creating the frame are the following:

aluminum;
metal-plastic;
tree.

A French balcony does not require internal insulation or cladding

In the photo of French glazing of balconies you can see that the rooms in this case are maximally saturated with natural light and look attractive. Also, bright lighting allows you to visually expand the area, which is especially important when designing a 3 square meter balcony. m (or less). The main advantage should be considered the opportunity to observe a beautiful panorama of the city, which is important for arranging balconies on the upper floors of high-rise buildings.

It is noteworthy that this type of design is considered a good idea for a loggia and for a small balcony in the conditions of old Khrushchev-era buildings. When the work is carried out correctly, the appearance of the building is not spoiled and the integrity of the structure is not compromised, which ultimately guarantees the high reliability of such a device. In the photo of designs of small balconies you can see how small gray rooms turn into attractive terraces with panoramic windows.

The materials for creating the frame of a French balcony are: aluminum, wood and metal-plastic.

Various options for glazing balconies: photos of successful examples

French glazing is classified as a variety of modern finishing options. Before carrying out repair work and re-equipping the space, the old structures are first completely dismantled, after which French doors and windows are installed on the balcony.

There are two main glazing options. In the first case, a solid frame is installed, which occupies the entire space from ceiling to floor, and double-glazed windows are inserted. In the second case, transparent glass is installed only in the upper part of the balcony, while the lower part is covered. For this use:

sandwich panels;

For glazing a French balcony, PVC packages are most often used

frosted glass;
tinted double glazed windows.

To decide on the design of the structure, you need to decide in advance why you plan to create a French balcony. The cold glazing option involves installing an aluminum profile that provides reliable protection from precipitation and humidity. The disadvantages of such glazing are poor sound insulation and rather low heat-insulating properties. It should be taken into account that on such a balcony it will be quite cool in the cold season. Typically, this option is chosen by residents of the southern regions and people who want to save on installation.

For warm French glazing, PVC bags are used as the main material. Before installing such a structure, you need to take into account the strength of the base in order to understand whether it will withstand the load that will arise under the influence of a large amount of glass.

In order to decide on the design of a French balcony, you need to understand why it is planned to be created

What types of design are there: ideas for a small balcony

If you look at the pictures of balconies, you can see that there are several main ways to arrange mini-balconies. The simplest design option is considered to be a French balcony, which is an ordinary glass door equipped with a fence made inside or outside the structure.

Such a structure can hardly be called a balcony due to the lack of at least a small platform, but you can simply open a large window and enjoy the surrounding landscape, leaning on the railing. In fact, a French balcony without a platform is a large panoramic window on the floor.

There are many different ways to design a French balcony.

A classic design option is the arrangement of a balcony, which is distinguished by a small concrete overhang. Moreover, depending on the size of the structure, it may have an additional decorative cornice below. Most often, this protrusion is characterized by a small area and the presence of a solid concrete base.

Also, balconies have various ways of fixing to the facade. Point fastening implies the presence of a minimum number of metal elements. More reliable fixation is carried out using a profile or pipe. Studying pictures of balconies, you can also see options when the metal profile in which the windows are installed is attached directly to the facade of the building.

The main principle by which a French balcony is designed is considered to be the wishes of the owner of the apartment or house. Therefore, the design, depending on preferences, may differ in additional handrails, forged fences, or simply have large panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows. For a small balcony, it is advisable to choose doors that close using the folding principle. Popular options include an accordion door or a “book”, consisting of several autonomous sections that allow you to partially or completely free up the balcony opening.

Country house with a French-style balcony: photos of attractive options

Your own country house is a place for the embodiment of creative ideas, especially when it comes to creating a French balcony. When arranging balconies in a private house, it is not expected to take into account such issues as maintaining the architectural appearance of the building’s facade and obtaining various types of permits, which is so important for apartment owners in the city. Here you can give free rein to your imagination and realize any wishes.

Helpful advice! When designing the facade, you need to take into account the overall design concept of the house. For example, if the building is made in high-tech style, then a French balcony will look at least ridiculous.

The French balcony is a rather original decorative decoration of the building

On the facade of a country house, not only forged, but also wooden fences are common. Wood products look harmonious against the background of nature surrounding the country house. If you have chosen a wooden version of the fence, in order for it to last longer, you need to ensure that the parts are treated with special means that prevent the appearance of fungus and mites. The tree should also be coated with impregnating compounds that protect it from external factors such as precipitation, humidity, sunlight and frost.

If possible, it is recommended to plan the creation of a French balcony at the construction stage in order to design the required size and shape. In the photo of French balconies in private houses you can see that both small balconies and large structures that can occupy the entire wall and have exits from several rooms look good. A balcony located on the lower floor most often does not perform a functional role, but is simply a decorative decoration of the facade.

When designing a French balcony, it is necessary to fit it into the overall concept of the facade of a country house

Artistic forging of a French balcony: photos of original ideas

A wrought-iron French balcony can be a beautiful addition to various types of buildings, be it a country house, a country house or a high-rise building. It especially advantageously emphasizes the exterior of a house built of stone or brick. The combination of a classic exterior made of timber and a small wrought-iron balcony will look very organic. The forged version is suitable for both a French balcony without a ledge, which has a flat shape and does not extend beyond the building, and for a narrow structure with a ledge. There are two types of metal processing that are used to decorate a balcony:

cold forging;
hot forging.

Cold forging is a metal processing method performed without preheating the product. This technology is carried out in an automated way, and the required bends are given to the parts by machine bending and stamping. Each part is made separately and then they are connected by welding. The price of French balconies made by cold forging will be slightly lower than the cost of structures made by hot forging.

Hot forging is a method of manually processing metal after preliminary heating to a plastic state. Such designs are created according to individual preferences. Situations rarely occur when you can find two identical wrought iron balconies, but the price of such a product will be quite high. The main advantages of forged structures are:

Strength and lightness. Metal handrails, which are openwork weaves, not only look weightless and neat, but also reliably perform the function of a fence.
Durability. Metal is considered the most stable material, maintaining its appearance despite adverse environmental influences.
Beauty and originality. The combination of metal with various finishing materials allows you to create real works of forging art that decorate the balcony and facade of the building.
Solidity. A balcony with forged, relatively simple glazing looks chic and respectable, emphasizing the original taste of the owner, and handmade work gives the structure exclusivity and individuality.
Variety of design solutions. Forged metal allows you to realize any design ideas. You can see how original the forging of French balconies looks in the photo.

For balcony railings, artistic forging with floral patterns and curls is often used.

What is a French balcony and what is it for?

Today, a French balcony is usually called panoramic windows from ceiling to floor, which have access to a small area with lattice fencing. From the side, a French balcony looks like a voluminous basket due to its curved shape.

This design does not perform any significant functions.
Due to the small size of the area, the balcony cannot be fully used for storing things or relaxing. In addition, room ventilation today is carried out in a completely different way. However, the balcony is a rather original decorative decoration of the building. And for lovers of indoor plants, this is just a godsend. After all, on such a balcony you can place a considerable number of flowerpots with flowers and other plants, which can become an excellent decoration for the facade.
Buildings equipped with French balconies look very elegant, elegant and attractive. From such a balcony it is much more pleasant to admire the beautiful landscape outside the window.

How to choose decor and arrange a space: ideas for a balcony, photo

Usually, to decorate a balcony, gratings are used - decorative or structural window grilles that divide the window into regular geometric shapes. It would be optimal to use multi-colored glass rather than ordinary transparent glass. Stained glass windows, which are a simple ornament or picture, will make the appearance of the balcony original and well-groomed. Also, a decorative option can be considered beautiful unusual fittings, which give the balcony a finished look.

It is appropriate to decorate panoramic French windows with cotton curtains, for which it is better to choose a plain fabric with an unobtrusive floral print, complemented by applique or embroidery. A practical option is to use a combination of horizontal blinds and curtains made of transparent light silk, chiffon or organza. There are other options for curtains that look original on windows:

Roman curtains. They are considered the most convenient, and it is advisable to decorate each sector independently;

It is better to decorate the panoramic windows of a French balcony with curtains of a certain stylistic direction

Austrian curtains. Most often, such curtains cover only the upper third of the window, leaving open the space below eye level. The laconic form of these products will not overload the windows with textiles.

Installing French windows on a balcony: the main advantages

The design of French doors or windows on the balcony can be considered a kind of fashion trend. To accurately determine whether this option is suitable or not, you need to know the pros and cons of French balconies. If you look at photos of French windows, the first thing that catches your eye is their attractive appearance. Other more significant advantages of this design include:

sufficient penetration of natural light into the room. A significant glazing area and a minimal number of partitions provide natural light, which, in turn, allows you to save on electricity;

The use of French windows for glazing a balcony opens up the possibility of creating a varied room design

openness of space. The absence of a balcony parapet does not prevent you from freely admiring the surrounding landscape, which is especially important not only in a private house, but also for an apartment in a green area of the city;
good warm-up in the off-season. This makes it possible to use the room for a long time as a convenient place for relaxing in the fresh air;
increasing the area of the balcony. The absence of blind parts actually frees up 10-20 cm around the perimeter of the balcony;
sufficient sound insulation. This effect can be achieved if you do not skimp on materials and install high-quality PVC or insulated aluminum profiles with a thermal bridge;
no need to strengthen the parapet. French glazing, due to its low weight, does not place a large load on the concrete structure.