Small-sized Khrushchev houses, in which many of us are forced to live, cannot please their inhabitants with spacious balconies. But with the right approach, even this small space can be interestingly arranged.
Design features
Small balconies are not a sentence. Correctly selected furniture allows you to decorate the space well, using it to the maximum benefit. The balcony should be well insulated both outside and inside.
Glazing
If you have an open balcony, then, of course, you need to glaze it. There are two main methods of glazing: cold and warm.
Warm glazing is more expensive, but will allow you to use the balcony even in winter. In addition, it provides the maximum level of sound insulation.
A cheaper and simpler type of glazing is the cold method. To do this, you need an aluminum or plastic frame with a single glazing unit. Such glazing allows you to protect the balcony space from dirt and dust that gets there from the outside. In addition, installing such double-glazed windows is quite simple and not financially expensive.
Additionally, it is worth insulating the balcony. It is quite possible to sheathe it with your own hands. The sealing of the seams also plays an important role. All cracks must be foamed so that the cold does not penetrate into the room.
Frame material
The types of frames are also different. The most popular is plastic. They provide good thermal insulation and their only drawback is that they are not environmentally friendly.
A more environmentally friendly option is wooden frames. Most often, they are made from natural wood. This makes them quite expensive and difficult to maintain.
If you are looking for frames made of the most durable material, then you should pay attention to aluminum structures. They last the longest without being exposed to corrosion or other visual damage.
Quality finishes
An important point is the interior decoration of the balcony. Different materials are used for interior decoration. The main thing is that they are easy to care for, durable and do not deteriorate due to excessive moisture. An additional bonus will be sound insulation and protection from direct sunlight and sudden changes in temperature.
If you are looking for an environmentally friendly and attractive material, then you can opt for a wooden trolley. This material is quite simple to maintain and install. A cheaper analogue is PVC panels.
You can also decorate the inner space of the balcony using artificial stone. Especially well such material will fit into the design of a room with high humidity. A pleasant addition is the variety of textures and colors - you can choose the finish for every taste.
Wall decoration
When the practical side of the issue is over, you can proceed to the design of the balcony space. Walls can be pasted over with plain wallpaper, painted or finished with plaster. In general, the options are the same as for the room design. But there are also certain nuances. So, if you have a balcony insulated by cold glazing, then you should choose only those materials that can withstand sudden temperature changes, but it is better to refuse wallpaper.
Floor covering
To insulate the floor on the balcony, you can use materials such as carpet, linoleum, laminate, etc. The floor must be durable and extremely easy to maintain. If you have chosen such an option as ceramic tiles or tiles, then it will be useful to install an additional heating system.
Interesting style solutions and finishing ideas
Like any other room in the apartment, your balcony can be made in a certain style.
If you like simplicity and austere forms, then the classic style is exactly what you need. To decorate a balcony in this style, use light paints or wallpaper, cover the floor with durable laminate and do not use too many little things to decorate the room.
The balconies made in the French style also look interesting. This option is suitable for a balcony with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows. In this style, it is worth using light colors and interesting abstract or floral patterns. Maximum lighting and a large number of plants will help to recreate the atmosphere of the French province in a small space.
Finally, it is worth noting another popular style that is suitable for decorating a balcony space - English. It is easily recognizable by its elegant furniture and natural wood fittings.
However, whatever style you choose, the main thing is that it suits you and complements the creative idea that you want to implement in the freed up space.
How can you use
Traditionally, on the balconies, residents of the post-Soviet space keep all kinds of blanks and things that are not used in everyday life. But this is far from the best solution.
Study
If you work from home, then the balcony can be made your new office. Office furniture is usually quite compact, so you can install everything you need on your balcony, from a desk with a chair to shelves with books.
Workshop
For creative people with a huge number of hobbies, the balcony space will be the ideal workshop. To do this, it is enough to install bedside tables or dressers, a comfortable chair, and create a suitable creative atmosphere by decorating the walls with paintings or your own handicrafts.
Winter Garden
A winter garden will also look organically on the balcony of a small Khrushchev. You don't need to bother too much about its design. It is enough to install shelves or shelves with flower pots, and the mini greenhouse is ready.
Playroom
For families with small children, it is important that the little ones also have their own play space. A small balcony, of course, will not fit your dream playground. But it is quite possible to arrange the space so that children can play and develop there. Install a chair there, several shelves with toys and educational books - and the child will be happy to spend time there.
Despite the fact that the balconies in "Khrushchevs" are very small, they can be used not only for storing things, but also as an additional room.