It’s easy to turn an open balcony or loggia into a comfortable room - just glazing and thermal insulation. Installation work requires certain knowledge, so it is better to entrust it to professionals. And you can do the interior finishing yourself: this will require minimal skills in using painting tools and a set of high-quality paints and varnishes. Let's figure out how to paint a balcony with your own hands, if you do not use plasterboard, clapboard or plastic panels, but leave the concrete walls open.
Review of materials for interior decoration of balconies
General balcony repairs include interior cladding of walls, ceiling and floor. This is done primarily to improve the appearance of the balcony.
Wood, plastic and other suitable materials are selected depending on the desired result.
Painting
Painting is also an inexpensive solution that does not require expensive materials, special skills or specialized tools. All types of surfaces can be painted, including topcoats.
Which paint to choose?
- Acrylic paints are the leaders in popularity. They are harmless, easy to apply, durable, odorless and dry quickly. They can be mixed together to create unique colors.
- Silicone compounds are vapor permeable and, at the same time, impermeable to moisture. They are durable, rich in color and contain an antibacterial component against mold. They take a long time to dry and smell unpleasant, but they last the longest.
- Silicate paints are based on liquid glass. They are the most persistent and therefore the most difficult.
- Water-based products wash off easily and do not tolerate temperature changes well. They are suitable for ceilings, but not for walls.
Whitewash
Whitewashing is one of the traditional methods of giving shape to the walls on the balcony. Besides the obvious financial benefits, it has many other advantages:
- The simplicity and speed with which this can be done.
- Can be purchased at any building materials store.
- Lime dries quickly and does not emit unpleasant odors.
- For variety, you can add a tint to the composition to make the walls colorful.
- Any person who does not have special repair skills can whiten surfaces.
Among the disadvantages is that the coating looks boring and old-fashioned, tasteless. In addition, the lime layer contributes to the deposition of dust, so whitewashing must be renewed every 6-8 months.
Wallpaper
This is an impractical solution, since the service life of wallpaper on a balcony depends on the quality of the insulation.
In addition to traditional non-woven, paper and vinyl wallpapers, liquid or natural (bamboo) wallpapers are used. Wallpaper can also be used to visually deepen the space on the balcony, as the designer intended.
They are ineffective on balconies with high humidity: they quickly deform and peel off.
Decorative rock
Using natural stone as a finish is not practical as it is too heavy. A good alternative is artificial stone, which is no less elegant. It helps to create a bright image in any style, from classic to country, techno or modern.
Brick is especially popular in the interiors of balconies. It elegantly decorates the external wall of both facades and partitions. This creates a cozy and calm atmosphere.
Choose a building material that suits your decor and climate. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each type of raw material. Ask about its properties and performance in different environments.
It is not enough to simply choose a material. It must be properly and aesthetically designed. Before starting work, it is recommended to carefully study the laying and cladding technology or hire a specialist.
Thus, your balcony will turn into a cozy room where you can relax with a book and a cup of aromatic tea. To make the space seem larger, use special techniques when creating the interior to optically enlarge the space. Remember that the size of the balcony does not matter - any surface can become a cozy place to work or relax.
Plastic panels
It’s worth starting with the fact that plastic panels have one huge drawback. If they catch fire, they release very toxic substances. Although, if you buy more expensive products of this type, such plastic will suppress combustion, but still, for those who are more attracted to natural, biological materials, this option is hardly suitable.
Plastic panels can be installed in two ways. Now we will try to consider each of them:
- Fastening panels with “liquid nails” - this method can only be suitable under certain conditions - low humidity (that is, a “warm” balcony) or even walls on a loggia.
- Installation using a metal profile frame - this method is more suitable for balconies, since after installing the frame, mineral wool or other insulating material can be laid between the wall and the plastic.
If we consider which of these options is more convenient to install, then the answer lies on the surface. When insulating any wall, be it 3 walls of a balcony or 1 wall of a loggia, it is more convenient to use the installation method on a frame made of a metal profile. However, it is not necessary to use the same method on all walls. The possibility of a combination cannot be ruled out.
Eurolining and lining
These are the most traditional materials for finishing the interior space of a balcony or loggia. Planed and micro-welded wood is safe for health and easy to process. The design of these wooden elements allows for a virtually seamless surface.
Euro flooring is equipped with additional channels for natural ventilation, which extends the life of the material.
The natural texture of wood creates a pleasant and cozy interior. How to decorate the interior of the balcony is decided by the owner himself. Finishing elements can be easily installed both horizontally and vertically.
It is necessary to prepare a strip of metal profile or wood. Cladding slabs are laid perpendicular to the sheathing.
If desired, you can easily insulate the room in advance.
Wooden panels, like their more complex counterparts, must be treated with products that protect against rot, mold and fire. After drying, the finishing elements are attached to the planks one by one and carefully connected at the joints.
The final finish includes varnish or paint. This is important not only for aesthetic reasons, but also for protection against moisture, dust and fungi.
Cork panels
If you want to create a homely atmosphere on your balcony, you can consider the option of cladding with cork. Cork is a natural material as it is made from the bark of the cork oak tree. The bottom layer of the slab, 3-6 meters thick, consists of crushed and pressed cork, and the top layer is made of natural cork veneer 1 mm thick, coated with a wax coating.
Benefits of cork flooring:
- Does not burn;
- Easy to cut;
- Ecologically pure;
- Does not rot;
- Does not attract dust;
- The top layer of wax makes it waterproof.
Despite the small range of colors, cork flooring looks very noble and aesthetically pleasing. Most panels are available in shades of coffee, brown, sand and beige, which are close to natural colors.
Laminate
It is best to finish the floors on the balcony with laminate. It is resistant to mechanical damage and wear and, unlike plastic, has antistatic properties. The floor on a balcony or loggia can be easily covered with laminate. It can also be used to cover walls.
The laminated coating successfully imitates the texture of wood, leather, and various fabrics. Therefore, it can be finished on the outside of the building to create an eco-style.
Ceramic tile
Durable and easy to clean material that guarantees complete hygiene. They are not affected by aggressive environments. Tiles can be used to create any interior design. In every store you will find a wide selection of this type of product.
Durable and resistant to any impact, tiles can be used when you are looking for the best solution for your outdoor balcony.
It is environmentally friendly, but cold and slippery. It is better not to use it on floors, especially if there are children in the house.
Drywall
People who value practicality and saving time decide to cover their balconies with plasterboard. For the walls of an insulated balcony, you can use plasterboard.
This allows you to level internal walls without high costs. If the walls are smooth, you won't need anything other than glue, but most often the sheets are attached to a profile frame. This design requires additional effort.
Without finishing, plasterboard walls look unfinished, so to give them an attractive look they should be painted or decorated with decorative plaster.
Combined finishing
Using more than one material gives a unique and practical loggia design idea.
You can combine several finishing options and get the desired result. Not all materials can be combined with each other. You can cut costs by combining expensive and inexpensive finishing materials together. Choose moisture-resistant materials for more humid rooms and less demanding materials for warm walls.
Decorative plaster and artificial stone, paint and cladding (MDF and laminate), paint and wallpaper, wood and decorative brick can combine well with each other.
When combining finishes, it’s worth creating a design in advance that allows for several options: you can choose one accent wall against a neutral background, decorate the area under the window sill in a special way, or decorate the side walls and floor in the same way. Your imagination is limited only by your budget and the functionality of your balcony.
Care of painted surfaces
Regular maintenance involves wet cleaning of painted elements. Acrylic solutions tolerate moisture and light detergents well, but do not withstand mechanical stress. It is better to avoid hard brushes; for cleaning, it is enough to use soft microfiber.
If the wall is prepared correctly and the appropriate type of paint and varnish is selected, you will not need repairs for a long time, but many people from time to time have the desire to refresh the interior. When using a decorative composition of the same type (acrylic), no special preparation is required - just apply another 1-2 layers to the desired area.
Design of balconies and loggias: interiors and arrangement options
There are various options for decorating the interior of a balcony. The following photographs show the most original ideas.
Large area (from 7 sq.m.)
On the large loggia you can place not only comfortable armchairs with a table, but also a chest of drawers and wall shelves.
There is enough space for plants and for additional decorations in the form of lamps and vases of flowers.
You can also include a mini-gym in the design of a large loggia by adding several exercise equipment.
If the space is insulated, the loggia can be turned into an independent room in the form of an office, a children's playroom or even a kitchen.
Loggia design 6 meters
Such balconies and loggias give room for creativity - because they can be decorated in one specific style, or divide the space into two or more zones. This is especially important if there are multiple outputs.
For example, the exit to the children's room can be presented in a fairy-tale style, while the door to the office can be presented in a more formal style. Alternatively, you can also remove the balcony door and window. In this case, the balcony or loggia becomes a continuation of the room, increasing its size.
However, most often balconies are arranged as a separate room. Photos of the interiors of 6-meter loggias will give you a general idea of how they might look when finished.
Balcony glazing is especially important. This determines how warm it will be and whether it can be turned into a separate or combined room.
Design features of a 4 meter loggia
Small balconies can be used to enlarge an adjacent room. Combined rooms require additional insulation. Balcony glazing is also required. Underfloor heating systems are used for insulation and are installed under the screed.
A desk with a computer can be placed in a small space. For this room you can select custom-made furniture.
It is recommended to design in light colors, but contrasting colors can also be used. Vibrant flowers can be handled well with the right lighting. To visually increase the space, you can use light horizontal surfaces, as well as dark glossy vertical directions.
The color palette often depends on the style:
- Pastel, light colors, as well as wood colors are suitable for Provence;
- Oriental motifs are characterized by colorful and vibrant fabrics, mosaics and rich colors;
- Contemporary style is characterized by floral patterns and purple and silver colors;
- Eco-inspired room decorated in natural colours: stone, plaster, bamboo and thatch;
Eco-style designed using natural materials
- Japanese interiors combine beige tones and dark beams;
- The loft interiors are designed in light gray tones and brick shades.
3 meter loggias: interior design in limited space
There is even less space here, which means the interior design can be thought through to the smallest detail. For example, more expensive and high-quality floor tiles, or even mosaics, will give the room an aesthetic and beautiful look. Wells and walls are possible in any version.
The only drawback of such balconies and loggias is the difficulty of insulating the interior. After all, its implementation reduces the already small area, and therefore such structures often become “cold”. However, if you decide to insulate such a small balcony, then the most suitable material will be polystyrene foam or, as it is also called, penoplex.
This material is denser than polystyrene, so it has less thickness with the same heat capacity. In addition, it is more durable. Here are some design ideas for small balconies.
Loggia design with panoramic glazing
Panoramic glazing looks beautiful and makes the room filled with light. Loggias can be designed in any shape, size and style. The forms of loggias are mainly divided into types:
- rectangular;
- square;
- semicircular;
- trapezoidal.
Attractive potted plants, light curtains and paintings are modern ideas for decorating open living spaces with panoramic glazing, turning them into an elegant retreat.
Panoramic glazing lets in a lot of natural light, so choose finishing materials that are resistant to fading, especially if you have a sunny side.
Buy comfortable and compact seating furniture. Corner furniture will help you make the most of your space and create a beautiful atmosphere. Decorative accessories, plants in floor and hanging pots, curtains or blinds, pillows will help you fully experience the romance of your new vacation spot.
Design Tips
Most balconies are used as a place to sit and relax or have a snack on a summer afternoon. In this case, finishing in Provence or country style is the ideal way to create a cozy atmosphere. Eco-inspired trends are also coming to the fore.
The emphasis in interior design is on muted, bright colors. For example, it can be white, shades of beige, olive, lemon, green, blue, orange or lavender. They will fill the space with romantic, homely warmth.
Depending on its size, you can choose wrought iron, wicker or folding tables and chairs for it. You should also find a place for a cozy chair or small sofa. Garden lanterns, candles in pretty holders, a blanket and decorative pillows make it even cozier.
A great way to decorate your balcony interior is to use plants. Baskets with ground cover plants or tubs with vines will be a wonderful decoration for the interior walls of your balcony. Ampelina, petunia or dichondra plants look good in baskets or boxes along the railing.
By planting climbing plants in boxes and installing vertical trellises or supports, you can create a flower screen. This design technique helps to hide from prying eyes, creating a feeling of complete privacy. For the screen, you can use morning glories, climbing nasturtiums or kobeya.
What nuances need to be sorted out before starting work?
Before painting your balcony, you need to familiarize yourself with the main features:
- Construction type. For open spaces, only permanent dyes should be used. When insulating a structure, the work is no different from that carried out in an apartment.
- Purpose of repair. To give the surface a fresh appearance, it can be prepared and painted. If you want to achieve more attractive results, additional work may be required. These include sealing uneven surfaces, applying textured plaster and other procedures.
- Type of base. There are different types of materials on the balcony - concrete, wood, brick, plastic, metal, drywall. Each option is colored differently.
- Types of jobs. They can be external and internal. These manipulations have many differences. When painting exterior surfaces, it is important to remember safety precautions. It should also be taken into account that the color of the facade must match the other balconies. Inside you can use any shades to your liking.
- Surface condition. This factor directly affects the preparation process. Full plastering or finishing with cladding material may be required to achieve an ideal result. These operations must be performed in advance so that the substances are completely dry.
It is recommended to carry out work in the warm season without precipitation. On an insulated balcony this can be done all year round.
The spray gun will help you get the job done quickly; you can rent it
Loggia as a continuation of the apartment
If the size of the balcony allows, you can make it a separate room or remove the partition and combine the space with the adjacent territory.
Kitchens with a combined loggia
Ideas for combining a kitchen and loggia for small apartments - here you will find ideas for creating a bright, functional, comfortable and modern interior design in small spaces.
You can choose dark and light, rich and muted colors. It all depends on your preferences and design style. The main condition is a harmonious combination of colors.
Cozy bedrooms with a combined loggia
The combination of a bedroom with a loggia requires calm, peaceful, light and neutral colors. Soft whites and light grays, pale greens and blues are ideal. Warm yellow, orange, peach, pink and red colors can be used as bright accents.
Wardrobe
To save space in your apartment, you can turn your balcony into a dressing room instead of installing a large closet.
Remember that if you constantly expose your clothes to the sun, they will fade over time. Therefore, the shelves and lintels on which your clothes will be placed must be covered with a door or screen.
Cabinet
For those who work on a computer at home, the loggia can be turned into an office. You don't need a lot of space to place a table and other equipment. In addition, thanks to the large number of windows, it is always bright here.
You can order a ready-made table or install a custom-made tabletop with the required dimensions.
If the balcony is connected to a room, you can set up a work area in a recess on the side.
Living rooms with a combined loggia
Living rooms in light colors combined with a balcony look more spacious and elegant. Natural decor and finishing, portable bio-fireplaces, small fountains, cozy lamps and pots with flowering and green plants create a wonderful space for entertaining guests.
Compact furniture, ergonomic layout and creative division of rooms combined with bright lighting are great ideas for modern room design with a built-in loggia and for decorating small apartments and houses.
The influence of color on the human psyche
According to observations, the color scheme in a room can influence a person’s mental state. So the red color encourages action and activates. Shades of blue calm and enhance concentration. Yellow tones the nervous system and gives strength.
A room with orange walls is a good place to relax, recover after a hard day, and also to engage in creativity. However, its excess in the interior leads to absent-mindedness.
Green and light green stimulate mental activity and improve vision. White color is associated with space. But its excess in the absence of other colors makes the room uncomfortable. Purple helps reduce anxiety and encourages creativity.
Choosing a balcony style
Like any other room, a loggia or balcony can be decorated in one of the popular interior styles.
Modern
A balcony in a modern style is usually decorated in soothing colors and simple shapes.
Loft
The loft style is characterized by minimalism and pristine materials. The photo above shows a balcony with brick and plaster walls. Glass, metal and plastic were also used in the interior. The loft style does not tolerate unnecessary decorations, everything is raw and textured.
Eco
To recreate eco-style on your balcony, use only natural, environmentally friendly materials. Install wooden furniture as shown in the photo above. Decorative pillows and blankets should be made of cotton or linen.
Country
For a country-style balcony, use wooden or wicker furniture. Small metal basins can be used as plant pots. Hang imitation street lights on the walls. Keep it simple but elegant.
High tech
The interior of a high-tech balcony is characterized by a certain minimalism. Furniture and decorative elements are made of materials such as metal and leather. Shades of white, beige and gray are used.
Photo gallery of unusual solutions
Use folding furniture and modernize the space as desired. After gatherings of a large group, you can remove unnecessary items by hanging them directly on the wall. The selection of modern patio furniture offers many options that vary in design and price.
During winter, folding chairs can be stored in the house without taking up much space.
Experiment with furniture color.
Find interesting solutions for standard things. For example, in vertical flowerpots you can grow edible plants - dill, parsley, lettuce, etc.
Special pots made in the form of overlays for railings. You can also save space by using hanging shelves.
A small stand table will allow you to functionally equip even a miniature French balcony.
Bright textiles can bring a new mood to a familiar interior. To do this, you don’t need to start renovations and spend a lot of money – just a few touches are enough to update the design of the room.
Half the table takes up minimal space. The color accent in the interior is green armchairs. Contrasted with neutral finishes, they create a summer mood at any time of the year.
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Different purposes of the balcony - which option is better
It's no secret that balconies are often used for domestic purposes. In other words, you can store old and unnecessary things. Therefore, it is worth considering whether to build a storage room where you can increase the living space.
The right balcony design will help you get even a small but cozy room. What can you cook on the balcony? There are several options to consider.
Study. If you find it difficult to find a place to work in a small apartment, a balcony is the perfect solution for you. There will be nothing to distract you here, and you will be able to fully devote yourself to what you are doing. This idea is very easy to implement. For decoration, use simple wallpaper or decorative plaster.
Of course, you will need furniture: a small table, a comfortable chair or armchair, and shelves for documents that can be hung above the table. Be sure to provide good lighting for your work by choosing a desk or wall lamp.
Game room. Suffice it to say that this version is not suitable for very small balconies. If space allows, start designing your balcony now. Apply wallpaper with a bright, clear pattern to a previously plastered wall. You can draw it together with your child. If the room is not insulated, you need to lay a warm, soft carpet on the floor.
Greenhouse. Many women will like the mini-greenhouse. A beautiful greenhouse at home with different flowers, wonderful aromas, making the room a favorite place for the whole family. It is important to choose the right plants with the right flowering time so that you can enjoy beautiful flowers on your balcony all year round.
Flowers of bright colors are more suitable for greenhouse design, as they will harmonize with green plants. You will also need furniture. This could be wicker chairs and a small table.
A place to relax. The balcony is the ideal place to relax. It is enough to carry out a simple renovation by equipping the place with a comfortable chair and table so that you can comfortably drink tea and watch the street during your private hours.
Decoration of balcony windows
If your balcony or loggia is glazed, it is worth hanging curtains or blinds to make them more comfortable.
There are several options. It can be:
- Fabric curtains;
- Roman blinds (adjustable in height);
- Roller blinds made of fabric, wood, plastic, etc.
Blinds can be either vertical or horizontal.
Curtains that are too thick are not needed on the balcony. Choose a light-colored fabric to match the color of the walls.
In addition to their decorative function, curtains or blinds are needed to protect from direct sunlight and glare.
Plastic, siding, MDF, which is better?
Another material for wall decoration is plastic panels. Their range is very large, which allows you to choose the most suitable panels that will please you.
When installing them, you must first install the sheathing. The advantage of the panels is their resistance to moisture. And the main disadvantage is the lack of resistance to damage and low temperatures. And also to mechanical damage.
Siding is used for cladding balconies, loggias, and facades. And the one and only requirement is that a sheathing must be made for it.
This is a good replacement for lining, it has a fairly wide range of colors, you can choose the color of the walls on the balcony that suits you best, and besides, the siding will last longer than lining.
Another plus is that in case of fire it will melt and not burn. It is also easy to use, allowing you to install it yourself.
MDF panels. To install these slabs, you need to know that they are made of pressed wood fibers covered with a film that resembles the pattern of wood. These panels are easy to install and resistant to heat.
They are also not resistant to low temperatures and moisture, and it is better to use them in insulated rooms.
Ceramic tiles, cork wallpaper or cork, stone for cladding.
Very often, apartment owners decorate the walls on the balcony with ceramic tiles. A wide variety of slabs allows you to make all sorts of combinations, combining multi-colored slabs, with or without a pattern. This material is durable and easy to maintain.
Cork is the most common material today. It comes in the form of wallpaper and sheets. Has high heat and sound insulation.
It will also last for many years without causing harm. Moisture resistance is another plus of this material. And also ease of use. For its installation you only need special glue.
The cladding stone is the most durable. It can stand for more than fifty years. The stone is resistant to temperature changes, moisture, and fire. And suitable for any climate. But the downside is the high price.
The choice of materials to make and design the walls on the balcony today is very large. You can safely experiment by combining several materials in one room. But first you need to think through everything down to the smallest detail, no matter what needs to be redone.
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Furniture for balconies and loggias
Furniture is necessary to create comfort on the balcony. Here are a few things that might come in handy:
- Table and chairs for tea breaks and refreshments. You can use rattan furniture;
- A bench is an ideal option for a winter garden;
- for such a small space you can make a structure with your own hands, for example, from pallets;
- a hammock is a good option;
- Balcony cabinets are also available, design photos show compact solutions;
- Instead of furniture, you can use all kinds of pillows and poufs;
- Pots with flowers and souvenirs can be placed on the shelf.
For connoisseurs of country style, a wicker chair is suitable. They can be used even if the room is not glazed. Wicker furniture goes well with natural wood, fabrics and even plastic. You can purchase special cabinets for storing food or tools.
A small sofa with pull-out shelves takes up little space
Particular attention should be paid to the upholstery fabric of furniture. It must be durable and not stain. Functional options include a corner cabinet or chest of drawers. Such items can be placed in unused areas.
Required Tools
It is more efficient to paint walls and ceilings with a roller, which gives an even coating. And paint all corners and narrow elements (the same window frames) separately with a brush. But here it can be difficult with the intensity of the color - the brush gives a thicker coating. This can be avoided by stirring the paint in the can not only before starting the repair, but also during the process itself. This way the shade will apply evenly.
It is better to buy a mohair roller, and brushes should work well on a rough surface (this will be specified when purchasing). These tools are affordable and easy to replace if necessary. Also, if the coating is porous and you want to make the surface as smooth as possible, you can buy special sealants.
When using varnishes, it is better to get a paint sprayer, because it is easier to create a smooth coating without borders or smudges. Professionals can do this with ordinary tools, but it is difficult to achieve this with your own hands.
