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.

Artistic forging is used for fencing. 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. French balcony decorates 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 wrought iron fence 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.

Almost everyone has no idea what a French balcony means. Nevertheless, any of us, at least once in our lives, have to see such a structure. The French call it portfner, which translates into Russian as a window with a door.

The main difference is the presence of a forged lattice with which they are decorated. See photos of French balconies.

In the old days, French balconies were small remote platforms surrounded by a wrought-iron fence, on which there was enough space for no more than one person. In addition, these structures were intended to ventilate the home.

The main role of the French balcony

Currently, French glazing of balconies is called stained glass, observation frames from floor to ceiling, with a door to a small fenced area. Which resembles a large basket due to its round shape.

This design is decorative and does not perform any significant functions. Because of small space, the balcony cannot be used for storing things or serving as a recreation area. Among other things, ventilation today is performed in completely different ways.

In general, the balcony is a rather unique decoration of the front part of the building. But for the one who loves houseplants, something like this will be very invaluable. Since you can build a whole greenhouse on it, different colors, which will serve as an original decoration.

Buildings equipped with French balconies look very beautiful, interesting and sophisticated. From such a balcony it is much nicer to enjoy the excellent landscape outside the window.

Advantages of a French balcony

• no costs for installing the parapet, its further finishing and strengthening
• no need to stitch external part professional sheet or siding
• no insulation required and interior decoration
• the design visually expands the space and fills the room with additional lighting
• creating a unique viewing window
• exclusion of welding work during installation
• Saving financial resources for the purchase of materials for interior decoration
• more alternatives for decoration purposes

The main properties of a French balcony

Technical data includes dimensions, presence of drainage, mosquito nets and other additional parts of the structure. In addition, it is worth considering technical specifications profile, as well as its quality and color. If it is necessary to lighten the structure, then it is undoubtedly worth using an aluminum profile.

Only this option, although cheaper than metal-plastic, is much worse in terms of heat - and soundproofing properties. The number is of fundamental importance window sashes and their functionality. Everything directly depends on the area of ​​the balcony and the desired external part of it.

Doors window frame They can be tilt-and-turn, hinged, or open outward, depending on the weight of the glass unit and the wishes of the clients. It is important not to lose sight of the strength of the facade to which the structure will be attached and the installation height.

Types of French balconies

There are several types of French balconies. One of the simplest is considered to be an apartment with a French balcony, in the form of an ordinary glass door with a barrier outside or inside. If the structure protrudes slightly from the concrete base, it is more complex.

Since it must be supported by a strong cornice. Similar system considered as classic.

The image of a balcony may differ depending on the technology of its attachment to the facade of the house. The connection can be point-to-point, but this involves minimal use of metal parts. In addition, it is possible to mount the balcony on a channel.

Photo of an exquisite French-style balcony interior

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  Glass doors in the interior - which ones to choose? Review of popular

The French balcony is increasingly found on the facades of houses and hotels, here you will learn about what it is, how it differs from the usual one, 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.

Modern French balcony decorates 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?

French balcony - wrought iron balcony french style

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 a French window-door with a fence, usually in the form artistic forging. Material for the site www.moydomik.net

French-style balcony features big windows(to the height of the entire opening), in front of which a small fence is installed. It is the wrought iron fencing that 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 with panoramic glazing is called such.

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

French glazing of a balcony is a 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

French balcony in a brick houseFrench balconies in the apartmentFrench balcony in the bedroom, view from the insideFrench balcony in country house, photo inside the living roomWrought iron fencing for French balconiesFrench style balcony in the houseFrench balcony styleGlass fencing for French balcony

Types of French balconies

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

Wrought iron French balcony

As defined above, this is a classic French balcony that 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.

Wrought iron French balconyWrought iron fencing for a balcony in a French style in a private house

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.

French glazing of a balcony in a houseFrench glazing of a balcony in an apartment

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;

• no need for interior finishing of the 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 of the balcony glazing;

• 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 windows instead of a balcony block.

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;

• there is no need to strengthen the parapet to install 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: shrouds, heat-reflecting (heat-saving) film, energy-saving double-glazed windows, laminated profiles, metal fencing (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”.

  Modern French glazed balcony panoramic windows, That's why 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 a French window is installed between the balcony and the room, as well as 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-storey building, load-bearing walls) requires approval from 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. view 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.moydomik.net

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;

• choosing the “zero loan” program. Purchasing a French balcony on credit can hardly be considered as a way to save money; rather, it is an opportunity to divide the cost into several payments. And if the manufacturer is willing to provide credit to the buyer, the overall purchasing burden can be reduced.

Thus, we figured out what a French balcony is, what advantages and disadvantages this type of glazing has, and also how much such an extraordinary renovation of the interior and exterior design of a private house or apartment in a Khrushchev-era building (or in a new building) will cost.

Tags: Balcony Glazing French windows French glazing

A balcony is an integral part of any home, be it a high-rise building or a private one.

And if for a long time this corner in many houses was used as a closet, in which all sorts of rubbish could be collected for decades “just in case,” then today balconies are increasingly acting as bright and original way building decor.

One of the most popular types modern balconies- French. This is an elegant design that serves not so much for practical as for aesthetic purposes, so it is ideal for a private home.

The French balcony differs from the one we are used to in that it does not have a wide balcony area, and it is, in fact, a large, beautiful window.

WITH outside Fencing and optional railings are installed.

The appearance of the fence can be anything you want, and this is its undoubted advantage, since with its help you can easily emphasize the advantages of the facade of the house and make it more interesting and brighter.

The French balcony serves more of a decorative function, decorating.

There are two types of traditional French balcony:

• without a platform;
• with a small platform.

In the first version, the balcony is, as already mentioned, a large window-door.

It does not allow you to go out onto the balcony in the usual sense due to the lack of a balcony platform, but you can simply open the door and stand at the railing.

A balcony without a platform is big beautiful window from floor to ceiling.

The second type of balcony is equipped with a narrow platform, the width of which is only slightly greater than the length of the foot.

Again, this is not a traditional balcony, but you can stand on this platform while enjoying a hot coffee in the morning or a cool drink on a hot day.

Openwork grilles serve as both decoration and protection for the home.

Sometimes such a platform below is decorated with decorative cornices - this is a type of French balcony in the Roman style.

There is another type of French balcony, which is a kind of modification.

It is built on the basis classic balcony when a concrete slab-platform is left, which is glassed from top to bottom.

WITH outside this box can be installed decorative fencing, however, most often they do without it.

A French balcony with a narrow platform only symbolically allows you to go out into the air.

This design can be classified as a modern French balcony, although it is far from the original and therefore may not appeal to lovers of the classics.

On the other hand, such a balcony is more practical, since it is a small room that can be turned into winter Garden or a cozy reading room.

But still, the main feature of a classic French balcony is that it is not glazed.

The fence is usually made of metal and is a unique work of art.

Depending on your preferences, as well as the characteristics of the facade of the house, it can be laconic and strict or elaborate, decorated with vignettes and patterns.

The shape and size of the fence is selected individually, which allows you to create a harmonious and beautiful picture.

The shape and size of the balcony can be any, which allows you to create a unique design.

The original fencing option for a French balcony is glass.

Unlike forged grilles, glass plates look more modern, giving the building an unusual look, which can be emphasized with the help of fasteners.

You can choose minimalistic bolts or go for massive ones metal structures, contrasting with the apparent fragility of glass.

But metal fencing still preferable.

It gives the balcony and the whole house a touching, cozy look, and in addition, it is easy to decorate.

Glass fencing looks original and modern.

A wrought iron French balcony is a wonderful decoration, but it will look completely different if you attach several beautiful pots with fresh flowers to the rods.

Metal fasteners contrast with the apparent fragility of glass, creating an unusual effect.

Some fences on French balconies are specially equipped with small baskets for flower pots.

The most popular are climbing flowers, entwining wrought iron rods, enlivening them and creating a cozy gazebo.

Fresh flowers entwining the fencing bars turn the balcony into a huge flower basket.

If you want to give your home a unique charm and personality not only inside but also outside, a French balcony will help with this.

And most importantly, it will never turn into a closet and will always delight you with its cozy appearance.