The balcony has long ceased to be a storage for pickles or unnecessary things. Now many people want it to turn into an area for rest and relaxation. It is quite possible to make a room out of a balcony, so if you are still thinking about it, then use the tips below and get started.
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It all starts with windows
If you are determined to combine a room with a balcony, then the first thing you need to do is change the windows. As a rule, even in new houses, the windows are not of very high quality, they quickly deteriorate, the paint crumbles from them, and they do not protect from the cold at all. In addition, the frames themselves do not start to open very well, and this is important for your idea.
The most ideal way is to install plastic windows. They protect well from the cold and almost block out noise from the street. It is recommended not to install them yourself, but to invite a master who is specially trained in this. You need to install double-glazed windows on bricks or blocks, about one hundred to one hundred and five centimeters high.
Warming
Further, in order to connect the living room with the balcony, you will have to do insulation. And here is the good news - you can do everything yourself without resorting to the help of a master. So, after installing the windows, you need to very carefully inspect the balcony for cracks and close them with polyurethane foam. Important note: do not skimp on foam and buy only high-quality foam, otherwise it will not cope with temperature changes and you will have to redo everything.
It is also necessary to remove the layers of the old insulation, and then apply a sealant to the seams.
The most reliable, proven insulation materials are polystyrene and mineral wool. There are other tools, but these two are considered the best for this type of work.
How to fix the insulation correctly?
- first, you glue one layer of insulation to the fence;
- make a crate consisting of wooden bars;
- fasten it to the floor and ceiling on metal corners;
- attach another layer of insulation between the crate;
- at the final stage, finish the balcony the way you like it - with plastic or clapboard.
The floor is insulated in the same way as the walls. If you want even more comfort and warmth, it makes sense to think about installing a warm floor, but it all depends on the purpose for which you decide to combine the room with the balcony. Whether it will be a nursery, an office, a living room - now everything depends only on you and your desire.
What's next?
After the balcony is insulated and has already turned into an extension of the room, it can and should be decorated. Unfortunately, completely demolishing the partition that separates the balcony and the room will not work, since it is prohibited by law and very dangerous, because there is a huge load on the walls. But even without this, you can quite easily transform the balcony into a room, you just have to show your imagination.
The balcony space can be expanded with internal windows. If you remove them, only a piece of the wall and a battery will remain. The wall, if it is not too high, is suitable for creating an original table or bar counter.
Children's room
Also, the balcony can be turned into a children's room. But here it is necessary to take care not only of additional insulation, but also of safety. First, you will need to make an additional crate. Secondly, call the masters to install the warm floor. It is not worth doing this yourself, because if the installation is incorrect, problems may arise that can only be solved by dismantling the floor covering - partially or completely.
When the preparation is complete, you need to choose the colors in which the room will be. The light one expands the space well, so it is recommended to use it. In addition, the nature of the child should be taken into account. For children with a calm disposition, it is advised to choose brighter colors in the interior, as this increases activity. And for little fidgets, on the contrary, calm pastel colors. It will not be superfluous to ask the child himself what he wants.
Children really love it when the room turns into something themed - their favorite book or movie. So that you can decorate the room yourself and arrange a surprise for your child. For teenagers, it is better not to make surprises, but to be attentive to what he wants from this room.
Bedroom or study
If you decide to turn the balcony into a bedroom or office, then here you also need to take into account some of the nuances. For example, a wardrobe with clothes should not let in light, otherwise your clothes will quickly fade in the sun. The same applies to the computer. Try to position the monitor out of the sun, otherwise it will be inconvenient to work, not to mention harm to the eyes.
If the side is sunny, you will most likely need to hang heavy dark curtains so as not to be in the sun all the time.
A double bed will fit on a small balcony, and if there is no room for a closet, you can always come up with and install boxes under the bed. If the wardrobe still fits, then it is better to make its doors mirrored - this will greatly expand the space, as well as bright or light colors in the interior.
Continuation of the room
If you want to use the balcony as an extension of the room, then you have several options. Either the balcony becomes a separate room, with a slightly different interior and purpose, or a room with a balcony is joined together.
The first case is suitable for large apartments. Here you can divide the balcony with the room with something like a panel or curtain, and also come up with a different, but complementary interior for them.
If the room is small, then it is recommended to make the balcony a continuation of it. This will expand the area of the room and create more convenience.
In case of joining, it is best to make a common floor covering. And add a step if you decide to keep all the unevenness between the room and the balcony. It is also best to choose the same wallpaper and furniture. In the event that you do not like the opening between the balcony and the room, you can close it by making something of drywall.
In the event that the room next to the balcony is a bedroom, it is recommended to decorate it in light pastel colors. A large bed with a TV in front of it also looks great. Bedside tables on both sides of the bed also look good, you can store personal things in them, for example. It is better to make shelves suspended - so they do not take up space and look beautiful and stylish.
Although, of course, the rules are made to be broken, and you can decorate everything in a completely different way.
