Modern housing should be multifunctional and well-planned. One way to rationalize space is to create a French balcony. Similar view glazing implies the presence of windows and doors and the absence of an impost.

In this case, the glass is installed from the ceiling to the floor. A French loggia can become a decoration for an apartment and a place where you can enjoy relaxation.

What is French glazing

This type of glazing is being chosen by an increasing number of people. French windows to the balcony are ceiling-to-floor structures and contribute to maximum illumination of the space. Thanks to such windows you can achieve visual expansion apartment space.

Especially often, doors to the loggia are installed by apartment owners in top floors, as this allows you to observe the surroundings. Wanting to install French windows doesn't have to be destroyed load-bearing wall, it is enough to install a similar structure on the balcony.

Benefits of glazing

As a result of this type of glazing, not only does the appearance of the balcony improve, but it also creates more comfortable conditions. The described products are created in plastic or wooden frame. Most often, such products are installed in private houses or on the loggias of apartments located on the top floors. It is worth remembering that French glazing of a balcony can be either cold or warm.

Moreover, such windows look harmonious almost everywhere. After installing the windows, the loggia turns into a more comfortable place to relax, which resembles a small terrace. This type of glazing refers to modern methods premises equipment.

To install the structures described, old windows and fences are first dismantled. Many apartment owners install the upper part of the loggia clear glass, and the lower one is equipped in one of several ways. An example is the matte French glazing of a balcony. Transparent double-glazed windows are also often installed.

By installing glass, you can make a French balcony more attractive on both sides. In addition, the described type of glazing has a number of advantages:

1. Installing the described type of windows allows you to make the room more illuminated. Thanks to this, you can save on electricity. But what's more important is daylight more comfortable for human eyes, so the likelihood of vision impairment is reduced.
2. Visual expansion of space. Thanks to this, the room becomes more comfortable.
3. Increase usable area premises. This is due to the fact that during the installation of glass there is no upholstery and fastening of the thermal insulation material.
4. Saving on finishing materials.

Disadvantages of glazing

By installing products from trusted manufacturers, you can make your French balcony not only more beautiful, but also comfortable, since, if desired, you can install insulated double-glazed windows. But, despite these advantages, this type of glazing has several disadvantages:

1. The cost of installing windows is high. This is explained by the fact that the installation of such structures involves the implementation of complex installation work. It is also worth noting that the price of windows of the described design is quite high.
2. Overheating in summer time and hypothermia in winter. Because of large quantity Windows in the summer season on the loggia are quite hot. At the same time, in winter the temperature in the room drops. To protect yourself from the cold, you should only purchase quality products. If desired, you can purchase glass that does not allow some radiation to pass through, which helps maintain room temperature.
3. Frequent cleaning. To keep your French balcony cozy, you need to wash it weekly. outside. If this is not done, a lot of dust will accumulate on the glass.
4. Restricting the installation of windows. The described type of product cannot be installed on some loggias, as they have heavy weight. Before purchasing windows, you should find out how much weight your balcony can support.

Installing french doors on the balcony you can be sure of their safety if you have children and pets at home. Reviews of the described products confirm that they look great on any loggia.

Warm and cold glazing

To choose specific option, it is worth deciding in advance exactly how the French balcony will be used. Cold option involves the use of an aluminum profile. Such products reliably protect against precipitation and provide some sound insulation. But it is worth remembering that when using such windows in the winter, the French balcony will be cold.

This option is chosen by people who want to spend less money on installing glass. Also, similar windows are installed by owners of apartments and houses in the southern regions.

Warm French glazing of a balcony involves the use of PVC double-glazed windows. Before purchasing such structures, it is worth accurately calculating the load on the loggia and determining whether it can withstand such an amount of glass. If necessary, the structure can be strengthened.

In some cases, it is necessary to move the glass a short distance so as not to reduce the area of ​​the room. A wrought iron French balcony can be a place where you can enjoy panoramic views.

Legal aspects of window installation

Before you begin French glazing of a loggia with the products described, you should contact the authorities that can approve the implementation of such work. An example is a situation in which the balcony is located on the front side. In this case, you must obtain permission.

If permission is not obtained, work is prohibited. Installation of the described products in some buildings may not be possible, since the dismantling of some concrete fences will not be possible.

Design reliability

When glazing a loggia, you don’t have to worry about the safety of the entire structure, since polyvinyl chloride, which is the main material when creating double-glazed windows, is strong enough to withstand heavy loads. In addition, such products are made from environmentally friendly materials.

French balcony– a beautiful name that caresses the ear and gives the imagination a lot of elegant and sophisticated images. In the European tradition, there is an even more romantic definition of this element: “Juliet balconies” - Juliet’s balcony.

Today there is some confusion with the definition of the concept of a French balcony. The same term refers to essentially different structures. Namely: a classic French balcony is a fully glazed balcony door, fenced off from the street with a forged lattice or other fencing - without balcony slab; And French loggia balcony– a fully glazed ordinary balcony. What they all have in common is ceiling-to-floor glazing. Both options have obvious differences and, accordingly, each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Emphatically sophisticated, indicating the good taste of the owner and his sense of style. Such a balcony does not protrude forward of the façade, and with modesty and dignity preserves the comfort of the room he has decorated. At the same time, high glazing balcony door as if flirting with the street onto which the balcony faces, teasing passers-by or observers from neighboring houses with the opportunity to look deep into the room.

One of the options for a classic French balcony is a wide panoramic window with opening sashes, fenced off from the street. This solution looks both stylish and luxurious. A large glazed opening in the wall visually enlarges the room and, as it were, unites it with the street, and the ability to open the doors gives a fabulous feeling of the limitlessness of space. In combination with good view from the window the interior becomes richer and richer. And such a balcony can give the facade a special metric, or an exquisite accent to the room being decorated.

The fencing of the classic French balcony has several variations. It can be placed either inside the opening, or outside - with a slight indentation from the facade. In the second case, there may be a small projection of the cornice, on which you can go out and lean on the railing. The fence itself can be forged with a complex openwork pattern or have the appearance of a simple metal lattice, and in modern interpretation it can be replaced by wide, durable glass.

Forged fencing is often made according to designer sketches and can give the balcony and facade in general an unlimited number of compositional options.

Glass fencing is a laconic, modern, stylish way to decorate a French balcony.

A protruding cornice along a balcony can become an interesting decorative element to match the fence. It can be decorated with plastic stucco or given an interesting shape in plan.

The French balcony in the form of a fully glazed loggia is also very interesting and popular today architectural element. The structure is made from aluminum profile or metal-plastic. IN apartment buildings such balconies are often the compositional basis of facades. Combined into large blocks, they make the facade visually light, and the ability to reflect the surrounding view harmoniously fits the building into the urban space. Such houses look most impressive against the background of the sky, partially merging with it with their reflection.

Such a balcony can give a private house unique space free view with the ability to glaze the ceiling and even the floor.

Design implementations French loggia varied. Forged grilles can be added to the glazing, bringing the loggia closer to the look of a classic French balcony. Or make some of the glass reflective, creating so-called comfort zones on the balcony, inaccessible to view from the street. Can be issued inner space curtains and drapes. The technique of stained glass is very interesting - the graphics of the bindings and the play of light in colored glass can create a fabulous atmosphere inside the loggia and enliven the facade of the building.

Pros and cons of the classic French balcony

1. High aesthetic appeal due to the possibility individual design fencing.
2. Visual expansion of the room due to the inclusion of street space in the interior.
3. Increased insolation of the room from larger area penetration of sunlight.
4. Simplicity and cost-effectiveness of installation due to the absence of a balcony slab.

1. Lack of additional balcony space.
2. No window sill.
3. A significant increase in room temperature in summer in sunny weather due to the large glazing area.
4. Additional room heating in winter period due to the large opening in the outer wall.

Pros and cons of a French loggia

• Panoramic view.
• Modern look.
• Simplicity and economy of finishing: no additional insulation and cladding, unlike a regular loggia.
• A large number of design interpretations in the design.

• A more powerful and, accordingly, more expensive structural frame.
• A large amount of work when washing glass.
• Discomfort for people afraid of heights.

The French balcony, in the full breadth of understanding of this term, is a very interesting and relevant architectural element. The main feature is the blurring of the boundary between the room and the street space due to the increased glazing of its structures. Features of the implementation can make the French balcony a very economical element, as well as an example of wealth and luxury. In both cases, a French balcony will easily emphasize the refined taste of the owner and help solve functional problems.

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 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.

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 bars.

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);
• A large amount of light enters the room;
• No need to carry out welding work during installation;
• Large selection of decor options.

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

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

Minuses:

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

Types of structures

French balconies with wrought iron elements

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

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

Sometimes ready hardware covered with gold leaf or patinated their surface (aging effect). The use of these methods turns the fence into an original detail that primarily attracts attention.

The small base area does not allow organizing storage space. A French balcony adorns the facade of the house and the room that is hidden behind it. A lot of light enters a window or doorway.

Forged fencing in a private house. The chocolate shade of the forged metal and metal-plastic profile goes well with the color of the brick wall.

The classic version is not functional, it only serves a decorative role.

The doors can open partially or completely, outward or inward, or be blind. These details directly depend on your desires.

Artistic forging complements the exterior in an original way. In the workshop, designers can develop a unique pattern to order.

Radial 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.

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 a decorative fence 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. modern version It 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, serves as a relief arch made of the same brick, framing top part window, and sometimes extending 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 must 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