French balcony - photo, what it is, views, pros and cons. French balcony, its pros and cons French-style loggia

Many people do not have the slightest idea what a French balcony is. However, almost everyone has seen such a structure at least once in their life. The French type balcony is called portfnetr, which in the original language means door and window. This is exactly what this design looks like. Only from regular door or windows is it different forged design gratings - fencing.

Previously, French balconies were narrow protruding platforms with wrought iron fencing, on which only one person could stand. Also, such structures served as a kind of ventilation for the room.

What is a French balcony and what is it for?

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

This design does not perform any significant functions. Due to the small size of the area, the balcony cannot be fully used for storing things or relaxing. In addition, room ventilation today is carried out in a completely different way. However, the balcony is quite original decorative decoration building. And for lovers of indoor plants, this is just a godsend. After all, on such a balcony you can place a considerable number of flowerpots with flowers and other plants that can be an excellent decoration for the facade.

Buildings equipped with French balconies look very elegant, elegant and attractive. From such a balcony it is much more pleasant to admire the beautiful landscape outside the window.

Advantages and disadvantages of a French balcony

Like any design, a French balcony has its advantages and a number of disadvantages. Main advantages are:

  • Absence additional expenses for the installation of the parapet, its subsequent finishing and strengthening.
  • There is no need to cover the outer part of the balcony with siding or corrugated sheeting.
  • French balcony does not require internal insulation and sheathing.
  • The design visually expands the space and fills the room with an additional stream of light.
  • Creation exclusive panoramic window.
  • Absence welding work during installation.
  • Saving money on purchasing materials for interior decoration.
  • Lots of options for decoration.

TO shortcomings designs include:

  • No window sill. Although this disadvantage is compensated by the absence of excess dust.
  • The frame of a French balcony must be equipped intensifying elements.
  • A room with a French balcony is required additionally ventilate in the hot summer, since the direct sunlight entering the huge panoramic windows is quite strong. And, conversely, in the cold season the room must be additionally heated.
  • The cost of installing such a design is relatively high.
  • Needs to be washed large area glass surface.

Technical characteristics of the French balcony

Technical characteristics include the parameters of the depth and width of the balcony, the presence mosquito nets, drainage and others additional elements designs. The material of manufacture, its color and quality are also taken into account. If there is a need for lightening the design, then you should definitely use an aluminum profile.

However, this option is more expensive and much worse in terms of heat and soundproofing properties than the metal-plastic option. The main characteristic counted quantity window sashes, which depends on the area of ​​the balcony and its intended appearance.

The doors can be swing and open outwards, blind or partially open. It all depends on the wishes of the customer and the chosen design of the double-glazed window. It is equally important to take into account the material of the facade to which the balcony is attached and the installation height.

Types of French balcony

There are several types of French balconies. The most uncomplicated is the balcony in the form of an ordinary glass door, which can have a fence both outside and inside the opening. More complex design is a balcony having a small concrete ledge. As a rule, such a balcony is supported from below by a decorative cornice. This option is considered classic.

The type of balcony may differ depending on the method of its attachment to the facade of the building. Fastening can be point-based, which requires minimal use metal elements. The balcony can also be secured with a profile - a pipe. You can find glass enclosed in metallic profile, which is attached directly to the building.

The type of French balcony depends entirely on the wishes of the customer. It may have additional handrails and a forged fencing, or it may simply be in the form of huge panoramic windows on the entire wall. Big influence color affects the appearance of the structure window profile and double glazed windows. The profile can be plastic or wood. And the glass is transparent, tinted or made to match the color of the building's facade.

French balcony installation technology

Installing a French balcony is not an easy task. Therefore, it is better to entrust this work to professionals. The installation of the structure is carried out in several stages. If the balcony is being installed for the first time, then first you need to take the necessary measurements and inspect the finishing elements. This design installs much faster than traditional balcony, since no welding or work on internal and exterior decoration. When installing a French balcony, the metal-plastic structure is reinforced with a profile and reinforcing elements. The balcony is reliably strengthened on all sides due to a certain installation technology.

There is an option to transform an ordinary balcony into a French one. To do this, you first need dismantle all fences are made of concrete and cut down metal railings, if any. Then you need to strengthen concrete slab, on which they will subsequently be installed double glazed windows made of metal-plastic or aluminum. Aluminum profile has some advantages due to sliding system opening.

However, the cost of such a design significantly exceeds metal-plastic option. It is best to use double-glazed windows. For better thermal insulation In the room in which a French balcony is installed, it is better to use energy-saving glass. Since the structure consists almost entirely of glass, additional insulation is extremely necessary, otherwise in winter it will be cold in such a room.

Partial glazing can be done. To do this on top part balcony, a double-glazed window is installed, and the lower part is mounted sandwich panels. This design does not require additional insulation and sheathing. To glaze a French balcony, you must choose double-glazed windows of maximum strength. Of course, it is more practical and reliable to combine glass with sandwich plates. The design will eliminate the fear of open space. This option is quite practical if there are children in the house.

It is very popular today to use glass with one-way transparency. They will help eliminate concerns about people from the street being able to see anything indoors. Therefore, you can safely walk around even in your underwear, without fear of being noticed.

French balconies are only gaining momentum in popularity. This perfect solution for those who want to enjoy the beauty of nature without leaving home, or who do not have enough space in a small, cramped apartment. The French balcony undoubtedly indicates impeccable taste the owner, his desire for grace and aesthetics. Owners of private houses can fully appreciate this design. Best decoration the facade of the building is hard to come up with, especially if the balcony is equipped with elegant metal bars and filled with all kinds of flowers and plants. Such decoration is available to almost everyone and does not incur particularly high costs!

Photos of French balconies

The style of France can always be recognized by its sophistication and sophistication. This country has invested a lot in world heritage, one of the most striking examples is its architecture. Starting from ancient and modern castles to residential premises and private houses - today we will learn about each of them in unique style, thoughtful details, decor and sensual shades.

What it is?

One of the common points in architectural style France are big windows and, as a result, the bright rooms hidden behind them. Since the seventeenth century, with outside large window forged fences were installed, which were carried out in a certain style, for example, plants, and were subsequently decorated with flowers or other decorative items.

Such structures are called “French balconies”. They were performed for aesthetics, decorating the outside of the building and the view from the inside. It was a detail in the overall architectural plan. Today, any owner of an apartment or private house can organize a balcony for himself in french style.

Classic version

The classic French balcony comes in several variations:

  • The first is decorating a large window with a wrought iron fence. This decoration is suitable for private houses with high windows, or for non-standard residential premises.
  • The second one is wrought iron fence, having a base capacity of no more than half a meter. In this case, the doors open inward, and concrete base replaced by metal. This option looks light and elegant. It is ideal for a person who likes to go out into the fresh air with a cup of coffee or tea.
  • And the third option is a forged fence based on standard sizes.

photos

Modern version

The modern version involves a glass structure with or without fencing. The fence may be standard height or be at the base of the balcony. The glass structure expands the space and makes the room brighter.

This is a great option for a person who likes to relax on the balcony.

Artistic forging

Forged products in architecture add grace to buildings. Artistic forging differs from ordinary forging in that it has artistic value and is itself a work of art. Most often, forged fences have a floral or geometric style, and in addition are decorated with flowers and plants. Fences can be U-shaped, radial (semicircle), or have an unusual shape.

U-shaped fences look strict and stylish. Radial shapes make the balcony airy and visually enlarge the room.

Inside view

A glass French balcony and classic wrought iron fencing offer wonderful views from inside the room. This effect is especially enhanced if a beautiful view nature or city. Special attention you need to pay attention to the doors. An excellent option for a modern French balcony would be wide double doors, which consist entirely or mostly of glass. If you open such doors, a full-size view will open.

Another great option that complements the graceful and light design of the French style could be sliding doors. Another option for a classic balcony is doors with a metal frame and handles in the color of the fence, or, on the contrary, the opposite, or more neutral color, in which the fence will become the brightest detail. In addition to wrought iron fencing, you can install wrought iron bars on the windows.

photos

Technical features

Before and after installing a French balcony, you need to take into account a number of nuances and features:

  • Weight of glass structure and forged products. Glass and forged products weigh a lot, and they need to be installed on a tested and, if necessary, repaired concrete base. Before installing such a balcony in a Khrushchev building, you need to coordinate the installation with local authorities.
  • Temperature. In summer glass surface may become very hot, especially when sunny side, so you need to think through the ventilation system, or initially install a balcony in buildings with good ventilation. In winter, on the contrary, it can be very cold, since a glass balcony does not require additional thermal insulation. Therefore, you need to select glass with a special coating that does not allow cold to pass through.
  • Care. Glass requires special care and a lot of time.
  • Safety. A glass balcony without a fence, depending on the quality of the material and installation, can be unreliable. This is especially important on high floors. Therefore, along with beauty and comfort, you need to think about safety once again. This could include safety glass or installation of additional removable protection. In the latter case, the long balcony will look like a loggia glazed from the outside.

Scenery

Decorations for classic style there may be flower pots, plants, various kinds of light bulbs, lanterns and candlesticks. Decor modern version can be considered the interior of the balcony itself. This can be translucent tulle, blinds, seats or chairs, tables made in different styles, for example wood, straw, forged products, etc.

Flowers will also look very impressive inside and outside such a balcony. To grow flowers inside a French balcony, you need to take into account compliance with natural conditions plants.

With your own hands

Independent design and installing a balcony is a very responsible matter. Failure to comply with the rules can be dangerous not only for your own life, but also for the lives of those around you. Therefore, each stage must be carefully thought out and carried out efficiently.

Stages:

  • First you need to coordinate the installation with local authorities.
  • After this, very accurately measure the concrete base of the balcony and its future height. If you are planning classic version with small capacity - outline the future width and length of the base. If, when installing the fence, the dimensions do not match, then later, over time, this can lead to distortion of the structure.
  • If the concrete is not replaced metal base, you need to check its quality and integrity, and, if necessary, repair it.
  • After this, a glass structure is installed, if there is one; if not, a fence is installed.

The glass structure consists of glass and metal-plastic, aluminum or wood. It is assembled from common areas covering the entire wall, or in vertical sections, one after another. Also, the balcony can consist entirely of glass, including the floor. The option with maximum glazing is created by modern technologies, it is unlikely that you will be able to do this on your own.

For reliability and comfort, you can use energy-saving and double-chamber glass. You can tinted the lower part of the balcony, or install glass with one-way visibility, if you do not want to reveal the details of your life to passers-by. For balconies with small capacity sliding windows will be the most convenient to use.

The fence on the balcony serves two purposes: protective and decorative. The top edge of the fence should not be lower than the middle of the abdomen. According to the average height of an adult, standard size fencing – 1 – 1.5 m. Empty spaces in the fencing should not exceed 10 cm.

The quality of forging must be high, the material must be smooth, durable, and able to withstand a weight of 100 kg per linear meter. Products should not be subject to corrosion or cracking. Wrought iron fencing is attached to the base and walls of the house.

In a private house

Country cottage and wooden a private house becomes an object of creativity when it comes to creating and installing a French balcony. In addition to forged products, wooden fencing is an excellent option for private homes.

Products from natural wood harmonize with the surrounding nature country cottages, and of course serve as an ideal continuation for wooden houses. Wooden fences, as well as forged ones, are made in different styles. For durability and reliability, wood must be treated special materials, which do not allow atmospheric conditions to influence it.

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 or interior finishing required
  • 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 sound insulation properties. The number of window sashes and their functionality are of fundamental importance. 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

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

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 in 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

A French-style balcony is distinguished by large windows (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 a protective function, and the large area of ​​glass allows a lot of space to enter 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 a French balcony are slightly larger than a regular one, due to the fact that there is no massive parapet on which a metal frame is installed. 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, so the door block is 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. 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.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.

From the outside of 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 minimalist bolts or opt for massive metal structures that contrast 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.