What is a French balcony?
A French balcony is an unusual balcony design that consists only of a large window (from floor to ceiling) and its railing, which protrudes 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 on its appearance, such a balcony is a large window that 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 appearance of the building.
Due to their smaller size, the price of a French balcony is usually much lower than a regular one.
Safety of French balcony glazing
When starting construction, you should take into account all possible risks, choose the right structure and calculate its load-bearing capacity. In “Khrushchev” and old panel houses, balcony areas are not designed for the additional load that occurs when installing metal-plastic double-glazed windows, so lighter aluminum profiles should be used. In addition, it would not be a bad idea to take measures to strengthen the existing balcony slab.
Another important condition for the safe operation of a French balcony is the presence and reliable fastening of the fence. If the fence is not provided for by the design, separate double-glazed windows are used for glazing, the lower part of which cannot be opened and is equipped with special impact-resistant glass.
Compliance with these simple rules and high-quality installation work will ensure complete safety of the balcony throughout its entire service life.
French balcony design ideas with flowers - exterior decoration
If your French balcony has a small exit, you can add potted plants or even a small herb garden there. 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. Herbs, tomatoes or beans do well in a small space with good lighting.
A 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 owner.
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: place seat cushions in front of the exit or right on the threshold - it will be very pleasant to sit on them and sit with the door open 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 its minimal size, the French balcony gives the owner of a unique architectural composition enormous scope for imagination. Minimalism and classics come together here - a combination that has been especially popular lately.
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. Anyone who knows how to hold a simple construction tool in their hands can handle installing an ordinary door.
Legal aspects of glazing in an apartment
Many property owners don't even ask questions about documenting a balcony remodel. Obtaining permission to install French windows requires making changes to the registration certificate of the property.
According to the Housing Code of the Russian Federation, which is worth studying in more detail, balconies and loggias are not considered part of the living space. In case of glazing and insulation, they become a living space. In most situations, before starting work in an apartment building, glazing must be approved by the relevant organizations:
- when the load on supporting structures increases, especially in old buildings;
- when expanding the balcony space by more than 30 cm;
- with a serious change in room illumination;
- if access to fire communications is blocked;
- if the interests of neighbors are affected;
- when transforming the facade of a building.
To obtain permission from a municipal institution, you will need a package of documents:
- application for redevelopment;
- certificate of ownership;
- a finished project for the reconstruction of the premises;
- technical passport of the premises from the BTI;
- coordination with the Ministry of Emergency Situations and Rospotrebnadzor;
- conclusion of an organization for the protection of architectural monuments;
- contract for technical supervision.
Most of the documents are provided free of charge. The company's specialists will be able to save time. Permission will be refused if the house is of historical value.
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 the doorway - the simplest type of “French”.
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.
Photo - design ideas
For an original design of such a balcony, you can implement your own ideas or turn to ready-made design developments.
A balcony in a private house provides more opportunities for using bold and creative ideas, and when decorating a balcony in a Khrushchev building, you need to follow the general style of the facade.
Several interesting options:
- Panoramic French glazing for a balcony in Khrushchev. To give it a resemblance to its French counterpart, instead of concrete and metal fencing, panoramic double-glazed windows are installed in tandem with an elegant forged grille.
- With the help of flowering plants, even a small and modest balcony can be turned into a stylish facade decoration.
- The main option is the classic one - wrought-iron fencing plus floor-to-ceiling glazing.
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.
- The number of packages and their optimal area are carefully calculated for windage.
Attractive colors, original accents, convenient and compact design are the three main elements of unique and beautiful French balconies.
