Everyone wants to make beautiful renovations and furnish their apartment or house in an original way. The French style of design not only makes it possible to distinguish the balcony from other buildings, but also fully fills the apartment with natural light. This design is considered practical and has an attractive appearance. From this article you can find out what is needed to decorate a French balcony: photos of beautiful options are attached.

French balcony: what is it?, history of appearance and modern features

In France, small balconies delimited by wrought iron bars are called “portefenetre”, which translated into Russian means “window-door”. French balconies first appeared in Paris back in the 7th century and were originally solid wooden doors that opened into the room. With time top part they supplemented it with glass, and then began to completely glaze the floor. This option provided free access to the street and allowed the room to be filled with light. Then, for safety from the street side, the window was limited with a wrought-iron fence.

This is interesting ! Initially, such structures were purely practical in nature; it was impossible to access them due to the lack of balcony slab. Their main function was to protect residents from falling out through huge panoramic windows.

After a while, adjustments began to be made to the appearance of such balconies: they were supplemented with exquisite metal fences. Ordinary ones were equipped with a variety of ornaments, monograms, curls and figured elements. Later, the fencing of the French balcony began to be decorated with flower arrangements, which made it possible to distinguish it from other structures.

On modern photos beautiful balconies and loggias, you can see that only huge floor-to-ceiling windows and original external railings have been preserved from the original versions. Now, in addition to their aesthetic function, such balconies are filled with functionality. There is now not only an observation deck, but also a comfortable recreation area.

Glazing is not carried out in window opening, and along the edge of the concrete balcony slab. This design option not only opens panoramic view, but also interestingly complements the interior of an apartment or house, especially if the balcony is combined with any of the rooms. Moreover, you can design such a French balcony in a Khrushchev-era building, as well as in a new building.

French balcony: photooptions, differences between these designs and standard ones

The main difference between these structures and options with a traditional configuration is the absence of a vertical guide to which closed window sashes are adjacent. On French balconies, the windows (photos clearly demonstrate this) do not block the panoramic view and do not prevent the penetration of sunlight. If the window opening is wide enough, then preference is given to sliding systems.

Also, one of the differences of this design is the absence of a parapet. The entire opening from floor to ceiling is filled with frames with double-glazed windows, while on traditional balconies the windows occupy only the upper part. Characteristic feature French balconies in our country are considered to be the installation of segmented rather than solid double-glazed windows. This method not only helps to organize simple ventilation of the room, but also makes it possible to make the lower part of the balcony not transparent, but, for example, from tinted glass or plastic.

French balconies are popular because they allow you to free up maximum amount places in small space due to the absence of a parapet and do not need to install an additional door from the room to. Therefore, if the design option is selected French design, balcony block needs to be dismantled, and the shape of the resulting opening needs to be adjusted. Below you can see photos of French balconies outside and inside.

Important! If you need to remove the balcony block for registration, you will need to obtain permission for this type of work. To do this, you will have to request certificates from the BTI, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the SES, and also have the project approved by the city’s architectural bureau.

To install a French balcony, it is mandatory to obtain all documents and certificates, especially if the balcony is located on external facade building. If installation is carried out without obtaining permission, this may result in the payment of a large fine. Usually, when issuing a permit, services are guided by the age of the building, the type of material used in construction, and the complexity of the work performed. In the absence of permitting documents, in addition to a fine, difficulties will arise in the event of the sale of real estate.

French glazing of the balcony: Key Features

Before starting repair work, you should familiarize yourself with the basic technical aspects such installation. When planning the design of a narrow balcony in an apartment or a large one in a country house, the owner expects to end up with not only a beautiful, but also a comfortable room. The basis of the French design is windows and doors. The main materials for creating the frame are the following:

• aluminum;
• metal-plastic;
• tree.

In the photo of French glazing of balconies you can see that the rooms in this case are maximally saturated with natural light and look attractive. Also, bright lighting allows you to visually expand the area, which is especially important when designing a 3 square meter balcony. m (or less). The main advantage should be considered the opportunity to observe a beautiful panorama of the city, which is important for arranging balconies on the upper floors of high-rise buildings.

It is noteworthy that this type of design is considered a good idea for a loggia and for a small balcony in the conditions of old Khrushchev-era buildings. At correct execution work does not spoil the appearance of the building and does not compromise the integrity of the structure, which ultimately guarantees the high reliability of such a device. In the photo of designs of small balconies you can see how small gray rooms turn into attractive terraces with panoramic windows.

Various options for glazing balconies: photos of successful examples

French glazing is classified as a variety of modern finishing options. Before carrying out repair work and re-equipping the space, the old structures are first completely dismantled, after which French doors and windows are installed on the balcony.

There are two main glazing options. In the first case, a solid frame is installed, which occupies the entire space from ceiling to floor, and double-glazed windows are inserted. In the second case, transparent glass is installed only in the upper part of the balcony, while the lower part is covered. For this use:

• sandwich panels;

• frosted glass;
• tinted double glazed windows.

To decide on the design of the structure, you need to decide in advance why you plan to create a French balcony. Cold option glazing involves the installation of an aluminum profile that provides reliable protection from precipitation and humidity. The disadvantages of such glazing are poor sound insulation and rather low heat-insulating properties. It should be taken into account that on such a balcony it will be quite cool in the cold season. Typically, this option is chosen by residents of the southern regions and people who want to save on installation.

For warm French glazing, PVC bags are used as the main material. Before installing such a structure, you need to take into account the strength of the base in order to understand whether it will withstand the load that will arise under the influence large quantity glass

This is interesting! The approximate price of turnkey French glazing for a balcony starts from 55 thousand rubles. However, it depends on the area of ​​the balcony or loggia and the type of materials chosen.

It is also recommended to consider the design of an open balcony, when the door is a large panoramic window, and outer part the balcony remains unglazed. In this case, a beautiful forged fence must be made along the edge of the concrete slab, which is decorated with flowerpots. The advantage of this design is that you do not need to finish the balcony itself. The main disadvantage can be considered the unhindered penetration of cold into the apartment. This option is more suitable for arranging structures located near the sea or in warm latitudes. Below you can see a selection of photos of beautiful balconies, decorated in different ways and using different profiles.

Related article:

Design options with different principles devices, materials for manufacturing. Door opening mechanisms. Glazing with roof.

What types of design are there: ideas for a small balcony

If you look at the pictures of balconies, you can see that there are several main ways to arrange mini-balconies. Most simple option design is considered a French balcony, which is an ordinary glass door equipped with a fence made inside or outside the structure.

Such a structure can hardly be called a balcony due to the lack of at least a small platform, but you can simply open a large window and enjoy the surrounding landscape, leaning on the railing. In fact, a French balcony without a platform is a large panoramic window on the floor.

A classic design option is the arrangement of a balcony, which is distinguished by a small concrete overhang. Moreover, depending on the size of the structure, it may have an additional decorative cornice below. Most often, this protrusion is characterized by a small area and the presence of a solid concrete base.

There are also balconies various ways fixation to the facade. Point fastening implies the presence of a minimum number of metal elements. More reliable fixation is carried out using a profile or pipe. Studying pictures of balconies, you can see options when metallic profile, in which the windows are installed, is attached directly to the facade of the building.

The main principle by which a French balcony is designed is considered to be the wishes of the owner of the apartment or house. Therefore, the design, depending on preferences, may differ in additional handrails, forged fences, or simply have large panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows. For a small balcony, it is advisable to choose doors that close using the folding principle. Popular options include an accordion door or a “book”, consisting of several autonomous sections that allow you to partially or completely free up the balcony opening.

Country house with a French-style balcony: photos of attractive options

Own Vacation home is the place of incarnation creative ideas, especially when it comes to creating a French balcony. When arranging balconies in a private house, it is not expected to take into account such issues as preservation architectural appearance façade of the building and receiving various kinds permitting documentation, which is so important for apartment owners in the city. Here you can give free rein to your imagination and realize any wishes.

Helpful advice! When designing the facade, you need to take into account the overall design concept of the house. For example, if the building is made in high-tech style, then a French balcony will look at least ridiculous.

On the facade country house not only forged ones are common, but also wooden fencing. Wood products look harmonious against the background of nature surrounding the country house. If selected wooden version fencing, in order for it to last longer, you need to monitor the processing of parts by special means, preventing the appearance of fungus and mites. Also, the wood should be coated with impregnating compounds that protect it from exposure external factors such as precipitation, humidity, sunlight and frost.

If possible, it is recommended to plan the creation of a French balcony at the construction stage in order to design required size and shape. In the photo of French balconies in private houses you can see that both small balconies and large structures that can occupy the entire wall and have exits from several rooms look good. A balcony located on the ground floor most often does not perform a functional role, but simply serves as a decorative decoration facade.

Artistic forging of a French balcony: photos of original ideas

A wrought-iron French balcony can be a beautiful addition to various types of buildings, be it a country house, a country house or a high-rise building. It especially advantageously emphasizes the exterior of a house built of stone or brick. The combination of a classic exterior made of timber and a small wrought-iron balcony will look very organic. Forged option will do both for a French balcony without a projection, which is flat in shape and does not extend beyond the building, and for narrow design with a ledge. There are two types of metal processing that are used to decorate a balcony:

• cold forging;
• hot forging.

Cold forging is a metal processing method performed without preheating the product. This technology is carried out in an automated way, and the required bends are given to the parts by machine bending and stamping. Each part is made separately and then they are connected by welding. The price of French balconies made by cold forging will be slightly lower than the cost of structures made by hot forging.

Hot forging - method manual processing metal after preliminary heating to a plastic state. Such designs are created according to individual preferences. Situations rarely occur when you can find two identical wrought iron balconies, but the price of such a product will be quite high. The main advantages of forged structures are:

1. Strength and lightness. Metal handrails, which are openwork weaves, not only look weightless and neat, but also reliably perform the function of a fence.
2. Durability. Metal is considered the most sustainable material that maintains its appearance despite adverse environmental influences.
3. Beauty and originality. The combination of metal with various finishing materials allows you to create real works of art artistic forging, decorating the balcony and facade of the building.
4. Solidity. Balcony with forging relatively simple glazing looks chic and respectable, emphasizing the original taste of the owner, and handmade gives the design exclusivity and individuality.
5. Diversity design solutions. Forged metal allows you to implement any design ideas. You can see how original the forging of French balconies looks in the photo.

How to choose decor and arrange a space: ideas for a balcony, photo

Usually, to decorate a balcony, gratings are used - decorative or structural window grilles that divide the window into regular geometric figures. It would be optimal to use multi-colored glass rather than ordinary transparent glass. Stained glass windows, which are a simple ornament or picture, will make the appearance of the balcony original and well-groomed. Also, a decorative option can be considered beautiful unusual fittings, which give the balcony a finished look.

Panoramic French windows It is appropriate to decorate with cotton curtains, for which it is better to choose a plain fabric with an unobtrusive floral print, complemented by applique or embroidery. A practical option the combination is considered to be used horizontal blinds and curtains made of transparent light silk, chiffon or organza. There are other options for curtains that look original on windows:

• Roman curtains. They are considered the most convenient, and it is advisable to decorate each sector independently;

• Austrian curtains. Most often, such curtains cover only the upper third of the window, leaving open the space below eye level. The laconic form of these products will not overload the windows with textiles.

Installing French windows on a balcony: the main advantages

Decoration on the balcony French doors or windows can be considered a kind of fashion trend. To accurately determine whether this option is suitable or not, you need to know the pros and cons of French balconies. If you look at photos of French windows, the first thing that catches your eye is their attractive appearance. Other more significant advantages of this design include:

• sufficient penetration of natural light into the room. A significant glazing area and a minimal number of partitions ensure the flow of natural light, which, in turn, allows you to save on electricity;

• openness of space. The absence of a balcony parapet does not prevent you from freely admiring the surrounding landscape, which is especially important not only in a private house, but also for an apartment in a green area of ​​the city;
• good warm-up in the off-season. This makes it possible to use the room for a long time as convenient place for outdoor recreation;
• increasing the area of ​​the balcony. The absence of blind parts actually frees up 10-20 cm around the perimeter of the balcony;
• sufficient sound insulation. This effect can be achieved if you do not skimp on materials and install quality PVC or insulated aluminum profiles with thermal bridge;
• no need to strengthen the parapet. French glazing, due to its low weight, does not place a large load on the concrete structure.

The main disadvantages characteristic of French glazing

The main disadvantage of installing a French balcony is the price, which is due to the high consumption of materials due to the large glazing area. You will also need to additionally spend money on the purchase of functional add-ons, such as shrouds, heat-reflecting film, high-quality three-chamber double-glazed windows, forged fencing, sliding systems. In addition, installing a balcony will also be expensive.

This is interesting! It should be noted that in the cost of installing a French balcony, many companies also include the costs required to dismantle the old structure.

Other disadvantages of French glazing also include:

1. Difficult care. To wash the glass that occupies large area, it takes a lot of time, and considering that the structures are usually voluminous, you may need the help of high-altitude workers who will wash the windows from the outside.
2. Heat loss. Whatever quality windows neither were installed, but due to the lack of a balcony door, the cold will be able to penetrate inside the apartment.
3. Greenhouse effect in summer. When exposed to the sun, glass surfaces become very hot, so it can be stuffy near the balcony.
4. Excessive openness. If the balcony is located on the ground floor and is made of clear glass, then passers-by will be able to easily view what is happening inside, especially at night.

With the growing popularity of French balconies classic features are starting to acquire modern tendencies. A neatly designed one will not only open up a beautiful panoramic view of the city streets, but will also become an element that will organically decorate and complement the façade of a building, be it a private house or high-rise building.

Today there are many design trends for exclusive interior and exterior decoration of apartments and country houses. French glazing of the balconies allows you to open a unique panoramic view of the city. Such glazing is acceptable for both apartments and charging houses. In addition to the practicality of this technology, the aesthetic appearance is also a plus. Externally, the balcony will become more attractive and elegant. Glazing technology requires special skills and has several important nuances, which we will examine in detail later.

Features of French glazing of balconies

Before starting to consider the installation technology, we will analyze the main aspects of such glazing. When planning balcony glazing french style, the end result will be a beautiful and comfortable balcony, be it a country house or an apartment.

The balcony structure itself consists of windows and doors. The material used to prepare the frame can be of two types: aluminum or metal-plastic. Such a balcony will allow maximum illumination of the premises, thereby visually adding square meters area and improving its appearance. And the peculiarity of such a balcony is the opening panorama of the city behind it.

It is noteworthy that this type of balconies is more popular for residential buildings or country cottages, but glazing technology is often used in apartments on the upper floors. The point is that by equipping a balcony in this way, it will not in any way compromise the integrity of the structure, which affects the reliability and cost of the work.

After the reconstruction is completed, the French-style balcony will turn the former gray building into beautiful terrace, which opens at least beautiful view to everything that is outside the windows.

French glazing of a loggia or balcony is considered a modern finishing option. During the refurbishment, the previous enclosing structure is dismantled, and then new windows are installed - they occupy absolutely the entire window space from ceiling to floor. There are two options for this glazing. In the first one, a solid frame is installed and double-glazed windows are installed. The second option is to install glass in the upper part of the balcony, while the lower part is glazed in several options:

• glass (transparent);
• sandwich panels;
• frosted glass;
• double-glazed windows with tinting;

By installing a French balcony, it becomes much more attractive both with outside, and from the inside. So that visitors and ordinary passers-by will not pass by without noticing all this beauty.

Advantages of French glazing

Not taking into account the aesthetic improvements of the balcony, there are also many other advantages:

Based on the above, it is possible to save money, since the surfaces do not require additional finishing.

Disadvantages of French-style balconies

By installing high-quality French windows, sound insulation and thermal insulation significantly increases. Therefore, the annoying noise outside the balcony is forgotten. But still, there are bad sides to this configuration of the balcony, namely:

Algorithm for glazing a French balcony

French balcony glazing is used in various designs houses. Multi-storey, private and cottages. The peculiarity of this reconstruction of the balcony is the fact that the integrity of the structure does not change, and the end result is a very beautiful and unique panoramic view.

Before installation, you must dismantle old frame to clear the space. After this, they begin to install window frames for glass. Installation can occur in two ways: you can install a complete structure. or you can install a sectional system separated by bindings.

Install at the bottom of the window frame Various types glasses that were given above.

The frame can be of two types - aluminum or metal-plastic. The final price of French-style windows depends on the choice of material. Metal-plastic double-glazed windows are installed in cases where protection from the cold is necessary; in other cases, an aluminum frame is excellent.

Characteristics such as sound insulation and thermal insulation depend on the materials that were used during installation.

Unlike other types of balconies French look differs in that the windows are installed along the entire perimeter, from the base to the ceiling. Due to this installation there is no need for parapets various types, and installation is carried out directly into the floor.

Types of French glazing of balconies

On this moment There are two types of French style glazing:

• Group;
• Full frame.

When determining the type of glazing, various characteristics must be taken into account.

First, with the help of French glazing you get much more light, even indoors. Secondly, there are huge savings associated with materials; there are no costs for upholstery, external finishing, energy costs are also reduced. Third, the square footage of the balcony itself increases noticeably.

In addition to the above advantages, there are also disadvantages. Such as the complexity of caring for glass, the price for installing a French balcony is an order of magnitude higher than installing other types, the need for ventilation, for ventilation in summer seasons, as well as the need for heating systems in order not to freeze in winter.

But still, putting aside all the shortcomings, we can safely say that the French balcony is one of the most beautiful and elegant balconies. You can also order an individual design that is different from all the others.

Legal aspects of French glazing of a balcony in an apartment

To install a French balcony, it is imperative to coordinate everything with the authorities that will confirm or deny the installation of such a structure.

If the balcony is located on the front side, you must obtain permission for installation, since there is a ban on changing the front side of the house.

If permission was not obtained, but the installation was carried out, then there may be a trial in this case. To prevent this from happening, you need to collect everything Required documents. The resolution is also affected by the material of the balcony itself. Quite old buildings have concrete barriers and should not be altered at all. It is also worth considering the maximum load; this value cannot be exceeded. And in the event of a possible collapse, installation will be impossible.

Fittings and double glazed windows

There are various design options when installing French glazing. There are 3 options panoramic glazing, namely:

• Plastic fittings;
• No frames;
• Application of aluminum profile.

If the balcony is connected to the room, it is necessary to install double-glazed windows made of plastic, due to which the sound insulation and thermal insulation in the room will significantly increase. When the balcony is not connected to the rest of the building, it is possible to use a frameless connection. It is impossible not to take into account the fact that the glass takes up all the space and is absolutely transparent. So city residents passing by can easily see what is happening on the balcony. This factor can be neutralized by gluing a reflective film, and then no one will be able to invade your personal space.

To maintain privacy, you can also use blinds. Protective structures can reduce the penetration of light, which will protect the room from overheating. When arranging a French balcony, only shockproof glass is used. This is necessary to ensure the safety of people inside the premises.

If you use multi-chamber packages during your work, you can significantly save on heating, namely, approximately three times. You can also use polyvinyl chloride profile, it will help to insulate the loggia much better. The thickness of this material is only 7 cm.

When it comes to balcony insulation, you can use foil penofol or penoplex. These building materials will help make a French-style glazed balcony even warmer and more comfortable.

To summarize, we can say that a balcony made in the French style has more advantages than disadvantages, so if it is possible to install such glazing, then it is better to decide without a doubt.

French is a balcony that performs a purely decorative function. Because of the very small area It is impossible to arrange a storage room on it. There is no point in glazing it, much less adding it to the room. Essentially, a French balcony is a door in the wall with decorative fencing, protruding 20-30 cm from the wall.

It is sometimes difficult to even place a chair on such a balcony. You can only go out onto a narrow platform with a cup of tea. Sometimes the depth of the balcony is increased using a curved lattice. In the photo, French balconies are almost always decorated with fresh flowers in pots. The facade of the building only benefits from this design and looks stylish and noble.

Features of a French balcony

Owners of French balconies have mixed feelings about this design. Some see a lot of advantages in it, others see only disadvantages. The main advantage is that there is no need to spend money on its glazing and cladding. In addition, he:

• visually expands the space;
• does not interfere with the penetration of sunlight into the apartment;
• makes it possible to implement a lot of decorating ideas. In other words, a French balcony is needed solely as an aesthetic and even romantic element.

People who are far from romantic think that they are unlucky with a balcony. Among its shortcomings they note:

• lack of space to store household belongings;
• inability to use it for drying clothes;
• a panoramic window in summer is more of a disadvantage than an advantage, since the sun’s rays provide even more heat, requiring the installation of an air conditioner or fan;
• the lattice sometimes requires additional strengthening so that you can fearlessly go out onto the balcony and lean on it.

French balconies differ from each other in the height of the grille, depth, width, presence or absence mosquito net, the material from which the grille is made, and other characteristics. The fencing of a French balcony can be cast iron, aluminum, plastic, etc.

The choice of material depends on whether or not it is necessary to lighten the structure. Aluminum and metal-plastic are used for this purpose. The latter is cheaper, but superior to aluminum in soundproofing properties.

The width of the balcony depends on the width panoramic window. The doors to the balcony may have different designs, from ordinary hinged to rising or sliding.

What are French balconies?

The classic design of a French balcony is enclosing it with a convex lattice of elegant forging. There is also a decorative cornice along the bottom to strengthen the structure. the modern version is much simpler in design and is a box made of double-glazed windows with a small protrusion outward.

Decoration of the balcony located on brick facade, is a relief arch made of the same brick, framing the upper part of the window, and sometimes turning into a frame around the entire window.

Modern design is close to high-tech style: a metal rectangular grille made of straight elements without any smooth bends and in the complete absence decorative elements. The window in a strict frame of a metallic shade also corresponds to it. Exactly modern design allows full glazing, unlike a wrought-iron balcony, on which the glazing looks ridiculous.

Although today French balcony glazing is increasingly used, when the structure has a minimum of frames and looks quite light due to the large amount of glass.

It is used not only for narrow, but also for ordinary balconies and loggias. However, you need to understand that you can no longer arrange a warehouse of things on it, since it will be on public display. French glazing should be accompanied by a stylish design.

Today, glass with one-sided transparency is at the peak of popularity. From inside the apartment through it is provided good review streets. But when you look from the outside, you don’t even suspect that the owner of the apartment might be looking at you, since the glass seems opaque.

If space allows, you can install a small bench and table on the balcony to drink tea and survey the surroundings. The main thing is not to allow any clutter.

Even though French balconies are not at the peak of popularity today, the number of their fans is increasing every year. And if there are enough other places in the house where you can store things, why not make a piece of space that unites the inner and outer worlds a relaxation corner?

Photos of French balconies

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 of French balconies, the most traditional ones are made of wrought iron, while the modern ones are made of energy-efficient glass.

What is a French balcony?

French balcony is unusual design balcony, which consists only of a 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 just open the 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 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. It helps create a unique look. 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 the flower boxes well so that they do not fall even in bad weather and pose a threat to others.

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

Modern French balcony decorates the building from the outside, and the interior design of the room 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.

A huge glass door with an external fence, and in some cases, right in 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 versions of the balcony 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 the “classics” and the typical version of the 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.

Quite often these days you can see buildings whose facades are decorated with one of the most beautiful design solutions - a French balcony. Basically, boast like this original design Only the facades of private houses could. But, after some time, the advantages of this design were appreciated and used in new buildings. Today, you can find a neatly decorated French balcony in both Khrushchev and multi-storey buildings. Let's consider what such a design is and what characteristics it has, having managed to gain great popularity.

French balcony: what is it?

A modern French balcony, a photo of which can be seen in the article, involves continuous glazing of a panoramic window from ceiling to floor, installed on concrete base. For its construction, a frame made of aluminum and metal-plastic profiles is used, and the lower part, as a rule, is formed using frosted glass or with mirror film, less often - plastic. The design of a French balcony does not imply the arrangement of places for storing any unnecessary things on its territory; its main function is aesthetic, therefore, basically, the space is decorated with various flower pots.

Like any architectural form, the French balcony has its advantages and disadvantages.

French balcony and its advantages

This design has a lot of positive characteristics, including the following:

• no need for cladding and insulation, which significantly reduces design costs;
• the balcony is an additional and quite extensive source of light, which can, moreover, visually expand the space;
• the opportunity to create an exclusive version of a panoramic window that will look elegant and attractive, truly decorating the facade of any building;
• a wrought-iron French balcony equipped with original elements is, first of all, a good reputation for the owners, as it carries the classic spirit of aristocracy.

French balcony and its disadvantages

As for the shortcomings, the following can be said about them:

• relatively high installation cost, at which it will be necessary to equip the frame with additional reinforcing elements;
• French glazing of a window will not properly support the microclimate in the room where it is located - it will be cold in winter and very hot in summer. Therefore, it is necessary to consider a system of additional heating and ventilation of the room;
• The area and frequency of cleaning increases significantly.

Despite the listed inconveniences of the design, its popularity has been growing in recent years. This is largely due to the fact that it has a rather unique appearance, and originality, as you know, is always in fashion.

French balcony: photos and descriptions of varieties

The only classification of this design is based on the balcony platform - either it is very small or there is none at all. A small protrusion measures, on average, up to half a meter. Here you can place various beautiful flowerpots, surrounded by which you can enjoy a cup of coffee early in the morning.

Without platform - this is a standard design made of glass door. It would look great there, for example, a kitchen with a French balcony, always bright and spacious. And the open doors will help ensure better ventilation of the room while preparing complex dishes.

In the process of its evolution, fencing for French balconies underwent various changes, and each newfangled trend made its own adjustments to them. design features. Nowadays, quite often, forged elements are replaced with more laconic and strict ones.

In addition to the fencing, design changes also affected general design balcony This is due to the conversion of conventional structures to the style of the French novelty. A striking example would be a French balcony in a Khrushchev-era building or a typical high-rise building of the Soviet period. Since it is not possible to shorten the base of the balcony to 30 - 40 cm, in this case it will be converted. For glazing, glass units with the maximum level of strength are always used. There are also options when glass with one-sided transparency is used. In this case, having a French balcony in a Khrushchev-era building, you don’t have to worry about the fact that from the street or the windows opposite you will be able to see everything that’s happening in the room.

French balcony in a private house

The most common installation options for these products are found on loggias top floors and in private homes. A French balcony and loggia can become a wonderful ensemble in the interior of a room, which will turn into a terrace. At the same time, pay attention: firstly, whether the loggia can withstand the weight of the heavy double-glazed window structure, and secondly, you need to take care of good thermal insulation. Used for finishing balconies natural materials— the French balcony inside can be decorated with wooden paneling and elegant wicker furniture, if space allows.

The structures we are considering look most attractive in private homes. Here they can exist in their truest form. classic version, since they serve as decoration, and not as a place to go out into fresh air.

There will always be a French balcony in a private house worthy decoration facade, and forged grilles will add grace to the architecture. You can decorate the structure with flowerpots, candlesticks, and lanterns. In addition to forged fences, there may be other options, for example, a French wooden balcony, which will be in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature. In most cases, wood, when decorating a balcony, is used to continue the structure of wooden houses.

The advantages of balconies in private houses are that they can be designed during the construction process by decorating them high windows. Such structures can have different dimensions, even several rooms wide.