French balcony increasingly found on the facades of houses and hotels, here you will learn about what it is, how it differs from the usual, and see photos of examples beautiful design design. This is a very impressive architectural detail and at the same time cheaper than the usual balcony. There are many different styles French balconies, the most traditional ones are made of wrought iron, and the modern ones are made of energy-saving glass.

What is a French balcony?

French balcony is unusual design balcony, which consists only of large window(from floor to ceiling) and its fence, protruding minimally from the facade. He does not have a platform to go out there or it is very small and narrow, less than a step outside the apartment. You can only open balcony door and admire the view of the street from your living room.

This type was common in French cities (hence the name), where building regulations did not allow ordinary balconies to fit into narrow streets.

A French balcony on the streets of our cities can be unmistakably identified. Its railings are installed directly in the opening. It turns out that I opened the door and immediately there was a fence, which is often made in the Roman style in the form of balusters or made of forged metal.

Based on its appearance, such a balcony is a window large sizes, which does not carry any functional load. The “plus” here is the originality of the fence, or more precisely, its decorativeness. She helps create a unique appearance. The structures protruding behind the wall give the façade an original design.

French glazing of balconies is especially popular in office buildings, where it complements the strict and stylish look building.

Due to their smaller size, the price of a French balcony is usually much lower than a regular one.

French balcony design ideas with flowers - exterior decoration

If your French balcony has a small exit, you can install it there potted plants or even a small herb garden. Nasturtiums are especially suitable for the lower part.

Forged trellises are often decorated with devices for flower pots. Hanging plants such as geraniums, petunias and ivy look good in it. In any case, be sure to secure well flower boxes so that they do not fall even in bad weather and do not pose a threat to others.

You can also use the French balcony as a small vegetable garden. Spices, tomatoes or beans feel great in small space in good lighting.

A modern French balcony adorns the building from the outside, and interior design rooms will emphasize the individual taste of the apartment’s inhabitant.

Stylish interior of a French balcony from the inside - photo

The French balcony is not a full-fledged balcony in the usual sense, but it has its own charm.

The area in front of the French balcony can be designed as if it were a large balcony - with cute chairs, a bench and folding table, and perhaps an atmospheric light fixture.

One of the ideas for decorating a French balcony from the inside: lay out seat cushions in front of the exit or right on the threshold - it will be very pleasant to sit on them and sit with open door and a cup of coffee.

Light curtains, Roman blinds or blinds, candlesticks and lanterns, stylish chairs, armchairs and a table will complete the decor of a French balcony.

French wrought iron balcony – photo ideas

Most French balconies and their railings and installation are custom made. And this is understandable, because openwork metal weaving can only be done by specialists. Therefore, it is ordered from master blacksmiths, with whom all the details of the design are carefully thought out - from the size of the site to the places where flower pots are attached.

Despite their minimum dimensions, a French balcony gives the owner of a unique architectural composition enormous scope for imagination. Here minimalism and classics come together - a combination that Lately especially popular.

The pretentious appearance of the building, decorated with a French balcony, should not at all alarm those who like to do everything with their own hands. “French” is quite within the capabilities of home craftsmen. They easily cope with work on expanding the window opening to field level. Who knows how to hold a simple construction tool, he can handle installing an ordinary door.

French balcony in Khrushchev - photo of ideas

When installing a French balcony in a Khrushchev apartment, there are many nuances. Which option to apply to a particular home depends on your home, so here it is better to immediately seek advice from specialists.

Huge glass door with an external fence, and in some cases, directly into doorway– the simplest type of “Frenchman”.

In old houses, the balcony is made with a small concrete ledge. A supporting decorative cornice is fixed at the bottom: classic in the Roman style. This option is very useful in case of complete wear and tear and the need to replace the old balcony.

It is also necessary to take care of the reliable insulation of the door, especially at the junction with the floor.

French balcony in a private house - photo

Classic and modern version s balconies are different. The first one does not have a platform extending beyond the room, and the railings are located directly in the doorway: it’s like a large window-door with a fence.

Owners of private houses often prefer the modern “French” version. The masters offer something between “classics” and typical option balcony:

• Old fencing is removed.
• The balcony platform is reinforced, on which a structure made of PVC or aluminum is later mounted.
• Glass structures are usually energy-saving, which ensures appropriate temperature inside the room.
• Less commonly used is combined glazing, in which sandwich slabs are installed underneath.
• Number of packages and their optimal area carefully calculated for windage.

Attractive colors, original accents, convenient and compact design are the three main elements of unique and beautiful French balconies.

Among different options installation of a balcony in an apartment and a private house, the French balcony occupies a separate place. This design will fill the room with light, and the façade of the building will look more refined and light.

Let's look at the French balcony from all sides, what it is, what types and design types there are, how it differs from ordinary balconies, what are the pros and cons, do you need a building permit (glazing), and what does the price consist of?

The history of the French balcony

There are two interesting facts origin of the name.

The first version is beautiful and romantic

Associated with Romeo and Juliet, the phrase “juliet balconies” uttered in Shakespeare’s tragedy implies a balcony “that you cannot go out onto.” In modern interpretation, this stable word form in English stands for "French balcony".

The second version is dirty and obscene

In the XII-XIII centuries. there were no toilets in the Louvre, so the nobles relieved themselves wherever they had to, and in particular, on the balconies or right in open window, to whom they sat with their backs. Because climbing onto the window sill was not very convenient, someone came up with the idea of ​​increasing the height of the window, making it to the floor, for a more comfortable “landing”. To prevent a person from falling into such a “portal”, a fence was added. By the way, the fence curved towards the bottom is made for comfortable squatting, with your back to the world. This is the story of the appearance of a forged basket under the window, which was called a French balcony.

What is a French balcony?

Classic French balcony- this is a balcony without a balcony platform, having a fence installed directly in the opening outside the window or door. Some designs provide a small platform, 30-40 cm wide.

In simple words, this is with a fence, usually in the form of artistic forging. Material for the site www.site

Balcony in french style distinguish big windows(to the height of the entire opening), in front of which a small fence is installed. Exactly wrought iron fence is the defining feature of a French balcony - business card. In addition to its decorative function, the fence serves as a safe barrier aimed at minimizing any risks associated with the design of the balcony or double-glazed windows.

Currently, the designation of a modern French balcony has been transformed and any balcony that has panoramic glazing.

French loggia- this is a loggia that does not have a parapet, and the entire opening has floor glazing (French or panoramic glazing).

Translucent structure, glazed around the perimeter with double-glazed windows from floor to ceiling. You could say that this is modern interpretation French balcony, may have a forged fence or be without it.

French balcony - photos inside and outside

Types of French balconies

There are two types of French-style balconies according to the type of construction:

As defined above, this is classic balcony in French, which does not have its own platform. In fact, this is only a fence in the window/door balcony opening.

Sometimes the balcony has a small platform on which, perhaps, an adult’s foot can fit. Decorative wrought iron fencing performs protective function, and the large area of ​​glass allows you to let a lot of light into the room. daylight.

Modern French balcony with platform

This is a familiar balcony or loggia, which is glazed from floor to ceiling. Those. This is a balcony with French glazing.

What is the difference between a French balcony and a regular one?

The difference with the traditional one lies in the design and parameters:

• a specific configuration of a window block, which consists in the absence of an impost (a vertical lintel to which the sashes are adjacent when closed), which allows for a panoramic view and a spacious exit to the balcony. At wide opening sliding window systems are used;

• absence of necessity interior decoration balcony Of course, any type of cold glazing does not require finishing. But from an aesthetic point of view, the balcony will look unfinished, so minimal work is still being done. In the case of a French balcony, the owner will simply have no walls left that need finishing; they will be covered with double-glazed windows;

• A feature of French balconies in our region is the replacement of solid double-glazed windows with segmental ones, which allows for ventilation on the balcony, as well as the use of tinted glass or sandwich panels in the lower part;

• size (dimensions). The dimensions of the French balcony are slightly larger than the usual ones, due to the fact that there is no massive parapet on which it is installed metal carcass. In addition, parapets are mainly insulated, and this also takes 10-15 cm from the width of the balcony;

• doorway from the room to the balcony. There is no point in installing a French balcony and not being able to enjoy its benefits. Therefore, owners of apartments and houses often dismantle balcony block with a partial change in the geometry of the opening (for which permission is required) and install.

French balcony - pros and cons

Installing a French balcony is largely a tribute to fashion, but it is distinguished by a number of advantages and disadvantages unique to this type of glazing. Let's look at the pros and cons.

Advantages of a French balcony

• design, appearance. Since such glazing is still new in the domestic construction market- then the balcony looks unusual, attracting the glances of passers-by and making the owner proud;

• high level of light transmission. Due to the large glass area, more daylight penetrates into the room. It is also healthier and helps you save on electricity;

• illusion of open space. Due to the absence of a parapet at the balcony with French glazing, it seems that the floor slab is hanging in the air. This blurs the boundaries between the room and the surrounding landscape. This is especially evident in low-rise private houses or Khrushchev-era buildings, which are surrounded by plantings;

• a balcony with French glazing warms up well in the off-season, which allows it to be used as a living space, with a slight increase in heating costs;

• the usable space of the balcony or loggia increases;

• good sound insulation. Achieved by using warm systems glazing made of PVC profile or insulated aluminum profile with a thermal bridge (thermal break);

• no need for interior finishing of a balcony or loggia;

• no need to strengthen the parapet for installation French glazing.

Disadvantages of a French balcony

This type of glazing also has disadvantages that may become an obstacle to its installation in a particular apartment (house):

• high price due to the objective factor of greater material consumption due to the larger glazing area;

• additional costs for the purchase of functional options: frames, heat-reflecting (heat-saving) film, energy-saving double-glazed windows, laminated profiles, metal fence(forging), clamps for sashes, etc.;

• significant cost installation work. Installation of a French balcony requires preliminary dismantling of the parapet, which cannot be done independently due to its significant weight and dimensions. In addition, the old parapet needs to be disposed of;

• the difficulty of window maintenance associated with an increase in glazing area. This is the paradox of the French window. Traditionally, French windows were installed on the first or second floor of the house to combine the window and the passage. Therefore, these windows are also called window-door or “portal”.

  A modern French-style balcony is glazed with panoramic windows, so door block naturally absent, and the glass area, on the contrary, increases. And access to them, especially to the lower sections, is difficult. Therefore, to care for a French balcony with a large number of blind sashes it becomes more difficult, sometimes requiring the involvement of industrial climbers;

• heat loss through a double-glazed window is higher than through an insulated wall;

• in summer, a steam room effect is possible due to the strong heating of glass surfaces;

• problems in people prone to acrophobia (fear of heights) or agoraphobia (fear of open space). The effect of the absence of boundaries, for which French balconies are actually loved, can cause a feeling of discomfort in some people;

• openness interior spaces. Big square glazing allows you to see what is happening inside the house if there is a french window, and also if the apartment is located on the lower floors. This effect is more pronounced in the dark (aquarium effect). Therefore, if you are not ready to share your personal life with others, the French balcony should be decorated with curtains, blinds or decorative screens. Or order tinted or mirror glass in double glazed windows for your balcony in advance.

French balcony safety

The space, open from ceiling to floor, is captivating, but it also carries risks. For safety, the French balcony has a fence on the outside, in the form of a small wrought-iron balcony, or a railing on the inside.

Subject to competent design, accurate calculations and correct installation- using the French balcony for its intended purpose is absolutely safe.

Permit for construction/glazing of a French balcony

Due to the design of the French balcony, its installation involves changing the geometry of the opening (if the balcony block also changes), which in some cases (multi-story building, load-bearing walls) in the relevant authorities, i.e. Documentary support is required.

Approval will also be required to change an element of the building's façade if the building is of architectural or historical value, or is located in a historical district of the city. Moreover, the documents should be received before the French balcony is installed, and not after.

Illegal installation is fraught with heavy fines, if not immediately, then later. Those. people have been living with such redevelopment for years, and when the need arises to sell or buy an apartment, they cannot do without legalization, otherwise it will not be possible to re-register the property.

Cost of a French balcony

The price of a French balcony consists of several components:

1. type of window profile: aluminum, wood, plastic, metal-plastic or fiberglass;
2. thermal insulation characteristics of the profile (number of chambers, presence of thermal break, etc.). For wooden frame- type of wood;
3. type of glass: tempered, regular, energy-saving, triplex;
4. number of double-glazed windows;
5. quality of fittings;
6. additional options;
7. dimensions;
8. order volume (partial, wholesale, turnkey).

The price of installation work is influenced by:

• altitude;
• the cost of dismantling and disposal of construction waste;
• balcony configuration.

The estimated cost of a French balcony, loggia (Rehau profile, Germany) is shown in the table:

Material prepared for the website www.site

How to save on French glazing of a balcony

• select profile domestic production. Its functional and quality characteristics are not much inferior to imported analogues, but the price is lower due to the absence of transport costs. In addition, global brands often locate production on the territory of neighboring countries and control the quality of adherence to technology;

• buy out of season. Glazing can be considered a seasonal service, and demand for it increases with the onset of cold weather (autumn). If you place an order in the summer or late spring you can get a big discount on your purchase;

• change several windows at once. In this case, you can count on discounts for bulk orders. For example, in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other large cities there is a lot of competition, so companies offer profitable promotions;

• selection of energy-saving double-glazed windows. Their cost is only 3-5% higher than the cost of a standard double-glazed window, but the efficiency is much higher, which will allow you to save on heating the balcony in the future. This factor is especially important for those who plan to use the balcony as a living space;

Currently, French balconies are decorated apartment buildings and cottages not only in Europe, but also in our country. The photo of the article shows a selection various options that can be found in any city. Such designs give the façade of the building an original look.

An example of a classic version.

IN classic version there is never too much space. Only indoor flowers can be placed here.

What is a French balcony?

A modern version of this design is continuous glazing of the room, which is installed on concrete base with or without lattice fencing. The frame consists of aluminum and metal-plastic profiles; special fittings connect the elements together. From the front side, such a structure resembles a voluminous basket.

Modern model of a French balcony. Aluminum profile and miniature fencing grille.

To create the bottom part, select following materials: frosted glass, plastic, glass with mirror film or do a combined version.

Design advantages:

• No external and interior lining parapet, unlike standard options(saving money on the purchase of finishing materials);
• Gets into the room a large number of Sveta;
• No need to carry out welding work during installation;
• Large selection of decor options.

Modern design: strict lines, a combination of metal and decorative plaster on the facade.

Terrace on a modern French balcony. The interior decoration uses natural shades and natural textures: wooden lining, wicker furniture, profiles with wood texture.

Minuses:

• No window sill. However this disadvantage eliminates dust accumulation;
• The design must be as reliable as possible; for this purpose, the frame is supplemented with special elements;
• Massive glazing requires protection from the sun in summer period and additional heating in winter;
• High price;
• A lot of work when cleaning glass.

Types of structures

French balconies with wrought iron elements

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

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

Sometimes ready hardware covered with gold leaf or patinated their surface (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 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.

Insulation

To use the balcony all year round it is necessary to insulate this room. Besides quality profile and heat-saving double-glazed windows, it is necessary to additionally protect the surface of the ceiling and floor. They help create a comfortable microclimate additional sources heating systems, such as an oil heater, underfloor heating or an independent radiator. There is also a special film that protects against heat loss in winter and keeps the room cool in summer.

Like any “experienced” summer resident, I have a stash with remnants of lumber left over after the construction of a summer house: the remains of clapboards, floorboards, beams, etc. I can’t even bring myself to write rubbish - building material!
The contents stored there allow you to build essentially “out of nothing” a lot of useful things, from stools/tables to a shed for storing NEW leftover lumber :)

Everyone's storage location is different: sheds, attics, sheds... I keep it all under the house (special opening doors are made). I regularly look there and pick up what I need for various crafts. Among all kinds of bars and boards, the remains of installed stairs in the attic - a dozen homemade balusters (made from shovel handles), I couldn’t find a worthy use for them. And finally the insight came - shouldn’t we build a French balcony on the attic window?!
Use, naturally, for beauty, and not for - "historical" purpose :)

French balcony

(English balconet or balconette, also often referred to as Juliet balconies) - a type of balcony that does not have its own balcony platform - the fence is installed directly in the opening with outside, right in front of the door. An option with a platform is also possible, but it is very narrow, only sufficient for you to put your foot (“go out onto the balcony”).
Most often, this type of balconies can be found in France, Spain and Italy.

We begin to rake out the “necessities” from under the house and see what might be useful...
In the process, we additionally had to get a couple of boards (imitation timber), 50 blocks and cash for the doors.


When I figured out the size and frequency of installation of balusters, I decided that ten was not enough and bought a couple of the cheapest ones - I was lazy to sharpen the shovel handles :) This purchased pair of balusters is the only purchase required during production - self-tapping screws and impregnating paint were also found on the farm.

Well, let's get to work!?

To begin, we cut the balusters to desired length and make them the same (I previously tried to use some of them for various needs, so the length is different).




Scraps can be used for playing "town" ;)

I install the purchased pair of balusters along the edges - they have a different shape and are convenient for connecting at the corners. I connect with a regular 50 block using self-tapping screws.

In the middle, we also fasten all the other balusters with self-tapping screws.


We cut off the other ends of the balusters and screw on the first board (imitation timber) - this will be the floor of the French balcony.


then the second... (or rather half)


I made one and a half boards the width of the balcony floor.
If you make it wider, it will be necessary to install additional balusters on the sides. Make it Already - may not fit flower pots on the floor of the balcony.
Practically finished design(upside down). The side was lined with door trim - it makes it look prettier and at the same time provides additional reinforcement to the structure.

There was an idea to use another cash board (possibly loose) on the top of the railing, but my wife was against it. It seemed to her that it would be better without anything, and besides, it would be easier to attach “balconies” with flowers to the balcony :)

I lightly treat it and cover it with fire-bioprotective impregnation, in my case it is “Olympus”.
It dries quickly, there is no smell - it has stood the test of time. My house was painted 6 years ago and the coating is still in reasonable condition.

Result (impregnation is still wet, darkens a little when drying)


there are some “roughnesses” in appearance (not all trims were equally good:), but I didn’t worry too much about it, it shouldn’t be noticeable through the window, and even more so from below (from a distance)

This is what the house looked like BEFORE the balcony was installed

This is what it looked like AFTER installation
(below in the photo “koteyko” lies watching the changes in the facade :))) - there will be a place for him to sit/watch from above...

It will look something like this with flowers, only you need a larger balcony for the flowers. Well, you can put additional flower pots on the floor.

Manufacturing does not require special skills or specific tools.

French balcony (from English balconet or balconette, sometimes found as Juliet balconies) is a type of balcony that does not have a balcony platform, and the fence is placed with outside directly opposite the door.

This balcony, when reviewing glazing options, is chosen not only by owners country houses, but also apartments. Such designs can be seen everywhere. Glazing has its own characteristics, among the main ones are the following:

1. Glass is installed over the entire height. Window blocks mounted on a concrete base.
2. The frame can be solid or divided into several blocks.
3. You can install tinted glass at the bottom of the structure; architectural films are used for this purpose. It is possible to independently choose the level of light transmission and the color of the films.
4. The bottom can be covered with a sandwich panel. The color of the plastic is chosen based on the design of the house.

Like any design, a French balcony has its own characteristics. By making glazing, you will visually expand the space of the room. The design does not have insulating panels.

Finishing is in progress modern materials, a balcony with panoramic glazing will not have to be painted.

Several options for a French balcony.

You can significantly reduce your energy bills, because a lot of light enters the room through panoramic glazing. In addition, by choosing French glazing, you will also save on heating. It has been noticed that heat loss is significantly reduced if the room has double-glazed windows from floor to ceiling. The room will be quiet, because the sound insulation with such glazing is made using high level.

Other positive aspects include the following:

• Original appearance. The design is beautiful and looks stylish. Forged elements can decorate any balcony;
• The design is very reliable and completely safe. The use of special glass ensures that strangers will not enter the house;
• The material from which the balcony is made is environmentally friendly. Negative influence it will not be good for your health;
• Ideal for narrow balconies. There are a lot of old buildings, with ordinary glazing effective area premises remain unused. But this problem will be quickly solved, because the installation of a French balcony is carried out on the edge of a reinforced concrete slab.

After studying the advantages of this glazing, you may decide to make a French balcony with your own hands.

This is what a balcony might look like from the inside.

In a private house, if you are going to install double-glazed windows on the 1st floor, the work will not require much labor. But in multi-storey building Installation of double-glazed windows should be entrusted to specialists.

When choosing a company, read reviews. The organization’s specialists will take measurements of the room, make a profile and install it.

Features of installation of the structure

Select the type of glazing, it can be cold or warm. It all depends on how often you plan to use the room. winter period. Cold glazing will reliably protect from wind and precipitation. The design has an excellent appearance, but keep in mind that it will be cold.

The appearance of balconies may vary. It can be panoramic windows from floor to ceiling or small openwork fences that either complement the double-glazed window or are installed without it. The installation of these elements can be ordered from an organization offering panoramic glazing.

Installation of warm glazing involves installing a PVC profile and suitable double-glazed windows. The design is a complex structure, it requires a more responsible approach to calculation bearing capacity balcony slab. It may be necessary to strengthen it and insulate the walls of the building.

A glazed French balcony has some disadvantages.

Let's list:

1. High price. Window profile It’s not cheap, and the same can be said about architectural films.
2. The costs of the ventilation system should be taken into account separately. It is necessary in the summer.
3. There may be restrictions when installing a balcony. Before starting work, you need to make sure the strength of the floors.
4. The number of windows that need to be cleaned increases.

The advantages of this type of glazing are much greater than the disadvantages. If you see that the slabs are weakened, it is recommended to install windows with aluminum profiles. It should be borne in mind that such double-glazed windows are more expensive than metal-plastic ones; they are significantly inferior in terms of noise and thermal insulation.

You can see how French glazing with expansion is installed in the video below.

There are 2 types of windows, the following can be noted:

• swing;
• sliding

The lower part of the balcony has a transom. This design is more convenient to use than a blind window. If you decide to wash your windows, then this element guarantees safety. At the bottom of the balcony you can make blinds; they are built into the double-glazed window.

Conclusion

If you want to make a French balcony in a private house, then you can do the work yourself. Installation in apartment building will require contacting a specialized company. A PVC structure is more expensive than one made from an aluminum profile.

Some tips. What is important to know before ordering a French balcony. Video below.