Anyone who has an open balcony at their disposal has probably thought about how to turn it into a beautiful and functional space.
An expert of the online publication BelNovosti, designer Yulia Tychino, warns: many nuances concerning the design will have to be taken into account.
What to consider when decorating an open balcony
Since this room is constantly exposed to external factors such as sun, snow, rain and wind, when decorating it, you should choose the most practical and wear-resistant materials.
It is best to use facade finishing, and for the floor it is recommended to use tiles, porcelain stoneware, decking boards or make a self-leveling floor. The walls can be painted, finished with plaster or siding.
The balcony can be fenced in two ways: solidly or transparently. In the first case, the lower part of the balcony is closed, and you get a more private atmosphere. If you choose the transparent option, the balcony will have railings or gratings, allowing you to enjoy the views even while lying or sitting.
If the balcony does not have a roof, it is necessary to provide a canopy to protect furniture and decoration from rain, hail and the scorching sun.
The best furniture for a balcony is folding lounge chairs and armchairs that are easy to store in the off-season, or frameless models – when winter comes, you can even use them in your apartment. If you plan to “use” the balcony as a place for tea drinking, metal, wooden or wicker tables and chairs will do.
But you shouldn't lay a carpet here - unless, of course, it is made of standard materials. To create a cozy atmosphere, artificial lawns resembling grass, bamboo or wooden mats, as well as homespun rugs that dry quickly and are easy to wash in a washing machine are suitable.
Previously, we told you how to quickly, inexpensively and effectively update your kitchen interior .
Expert: Julia Tychino
