A bright, cozy office with a comfortable chair affects work productivity much more than it seems. But what if there is no way to allocate a separate room for this in an apartment or house? Of course, it is possible to zoning existing premises, but this is not always convenient. A much better idea would be to equip an office on the balcony.
Many pros and a small minus
At first glance, the idea of installing a device on a loggia or balcony of a study seems absurd. Much more often, flower beds are planted there, storage rooms are set up for pickles and jams, or the balcony is simply decorated as a rest room. However, after carefully weighing all the advantages, it turns out that a mini-office behind the wall of a living space is an unusual but successful solution.
From the beautiful classic interior, the skillfully created homely atmosphere, you won’t immediately understand that the photo shows an office on the balcony
Let's consider the advantages of an extraordinary idea:
- expansion of usable space;
- use of natural light;
- excellent ventilation - fresh air from the street;
- suitable working conditions.
Each item requires additional decoding.
There is never too much living space, so a couple more comfortable meters is a great gift to the family. As a rule, in an apartment, first of all, space is allocated for the bedroom, children's room, and living room, but there is no space left for an office. The chance of getting a balcony for an office is quite high; it is unlikely that any family member will resist. Moreover, after this, the additional space will not cease to be a place to relax - just put a comfortable sofa in the corner.
Personal work area - the opportunity to decorate the room in your favorite style
If you install panoramic glazing in your office on the balcony, natural light will be maximized. From sunrise until late evening, you don’t have to turn on the lamp - there will be enough light to work at the computer or do paperwork. To make it comfortable to work at night, install electricity. A beautiful chandelier, a pair of elegant sconces, a floor lamp migrated from the bedroom - any lighting fixture will do. However, the best option is an adjustable table lamp.
Sometimes you have to hide behind thick curtains or blinds from excess sunlight
The problem with old “Khrushchev” and “Stalin” buildings is the ventilation of residential premises. Exits to ventilation shafts are located only in the kitchen and bathroom, and to create an effective supply and exhaust system you need to open the vents or windows at least temporarily. In a small room with open access to double-glazed windows, it is much easier to arrange ventilation, the main thing is to avoid drafts.
Before installing double-glazed windows, determine the workplace in advance, consider the location and method of opening the sashes
If the loggia is not combined with an adjacent living space - a living room or bedroom, then the entrance must be closed with a door. This is a guarantee of good sound insulation and that you will not be disturbed or distracted at the most stressful moment. To isolate yourself from street noise, install double-glazed windows with high noise insulation and take care of insulating the walls.
With the right approach to arranging the premises, the office on the balcony is no different from the usual one
Let's move on to a small minus , or rather, to a minus, the size of which depends on the degree of neglect of the additional room.
If you have to landscape an unglazed area that has never seen renovation, then a lot of money will be spent. However, if it is already insulated, glazed and partially furnished, all that remains is to think about the design of the office on the balcony.
Advantages and disadvantages
The decision to use a balcony to create a work area has many undeniable advantages. These include:
- provides expansion of usable space;
- the balcony is a well-lit place, so during the daytime you can enjoy beautiful natural light;
- if necessary, several windows can be opened, which ensures ideal ventilation;
- Optimal conditions are created for work, so you can close the balcony at any time, preventing household members from interfering with the work process.
But the disadvantages of this solution include:
- the balcony is rarely large, so too little space is allocated for the office, which does not allow installing many necessary storage systems or other interior items here;
- if there is an open balcony, you will have to spend a lot of time, effort and money on repairs, glazing and insulation, as well as on cosmetic finishing.
Therefore, before starting work, it is important to evaluate the pros and cons of such a solution.
How to turn an unequipped balcony into an office
Let's assume you got the most complex, expensive option - a room completely unprepared for living, that is, a structure with a concrete floor and metal fencing. We will try to analyze the steps that are necessary to transform a non-residential space into a comfortable work area.
Step 1: glazing
If, when you open the balcony door, you immediately find yourself on the street, the first mandatory step is glazing. It is also necessary if the only sign of comfort is old wooden frames with cracked glass. Modern double-glazed windows mean warmth and comfort.
Traditional three-sided installation of double-glazed windows - maximum sunlight
A couple of tips to help when choosing a glass structure:
- pay attention to the quality of the profile and fittings - often problems arise not because of the glass, but due to the rapid abrasion of the seals or the loosening of corner units;
- single-glazed windows are used only for the improvement of cold rooms; you need two-chamber structures (in the northern regions - three-chamber ones);
- think about the size of the structure - floor-length glazing is hardly appropriate; it is better to go with the traditional half-wall option with blank ends;
- think about how the frame design will combine with the wall decoration;
- There are options for color design, lamination, wood and stone styling - but don’t overdo it with creativity.
Please note that the doors can be hinged, tilting, sliding, or with a combined opening method. Choose those that are more convenient to use and plan to install the movable frames not opposite the workplace, but a little further away.
Two full-time jobs – the opportunity to work in the company
The result of glazing is the creation of a full-fledged living space, separated from the street by a reliable wall made of glass and plastic/aluminum.
Step 2: Lighting
A replacement for natural lighting will be needed in any case - for work at late hours, for evening relaxation. Therefore, the second thing that needs to be taken care of is the creation of an electrical network that would fully meet the requirements of the work area. This is, first of all, a bright but soft light, which allows you not to strain your eyesight and does not distract from work.
A lamp with a lampshade is an excellent solution for an office or creative workshop
In addition to choosing lighting fixtures and the type of lamps, it is necessary to design a wiring diagram, supply electricity to the balcony, install sockets, and designate the placement of lamps. The wires are usually pulled from the adjacent room. There are two installation methods - closed (in wall grooves) and conditionally open (under facing material or box). When choosing the second method, take care of reliable insulation, for example, lay the cable in a protective corrugation.
It is better to place lamps and sockets on a wall shared with the room - this makes it easier to work with wires; you do not need to run them under the floor or in the ceiling. However, if the workplace is far from this wall, it is better to move the outlet to the table - it will be easier to use the equipment, and there will be no need to buy extension cords.
Option for overhead spot lighting; additional light in the workplace area is provided by a table lamp
Working with electricity requires certain knowledge, so if you are not confident in your own abilities, invite an electrician. A short circuit caused by improperly laid cables or careless connection of devices is a risk of fire.
Step 3: insulation
To ensure that the idea of turning a balcony into an office does not fail, insulate all surfaces - floor, ceiling, walls. Let's consider one of the methods.
One of the interior finishing options
Working in an office requires many hours of hard work, so a temperature of +15ºС, which is typical for glazed loggias and balconies, is not enough. It is necessary to insulate the room so that during the time spent at work, a person never feels the desire to wrap himself in a blanket or put on woolen socks.
Insulation stage - installation of rolled Penofol using wooden slats
Action plan:
- Thermal insulation of non-glazed parts of external walls. The best option is extruded polystyrene foam; the thickness is chosen based on the weather conditions of the region (on average, from 50 to 80 mm). If it is important to preserve useful space, pay attention to Penofol - a thin 5 mm insulation with a metallized layer.
- Insulation of a wall shared with the apartment. Everything is simpler here: for finishing a relatively “warm” surface, the same Penofol is suitable, the main difference of which is its minimum thickness without losing the main qualities of the insulation.
- Floor arrangement. Expanded polystyrene or basalt wool slabs are laid in the lathing on the prepared base.
- Insulating ceiling finish. In fact, the ceiling on the balcony is also a concrete slab, therefore, the same methods are applied to it as are used for thermal insulation of walls and floors.
Having chosen a method of insulation, it is important to follow the technology and use high-quality materials, because after finishing it is difficult to get close to the layers of insulation.
Step 4: Heating
It is impossible to start decorating the balcony for an office until the heating system has been thought out. Like any living space, the office requires regular heating. In summer there is no need for heating, but with the onset of cold weather this becomes an important condition for using the residential area.
Electric convector heater for seasonal use
It would seem that nothing could be simpler: we extended the central heating pipes and installed 1-2 radiators. But this simple, inexpensive plan will not work, since taking the batteries outside the apartment is prohibited. Loggias and balconies do not fall under the definition of living space. There are examples when residents sought permission to install radiators, but the approval process will take a lot of time, effort, and possibly money.
Let's consider heating options that can be implemented legally:
- infrared heater;
- electric convector;
- warm floor.
Devices and systems operate when connected to electricity, and this does not require permits or approvals from government agencies.
The “warm floor” system is designed for installation in any residential area, the only negative is the high price
If the room is small in size and the insulation is high-quality, then a conventional electric heater is sometimes enough for complete heating. High-power appliances are efficient, but your electricity bills will increase.
Step 5: finishing
This is the most enjoyable - creative stage in the arrangement process, as it is the beginning of creating the interior of the study on the balcony. To ensure that the result looks stylish and harmonious, a project that reflects the main design direction and detailing is necessary.
To create a project, use a computer program or simply draw a sketch
An office is a work room, so the interior should be more businesslike, practical, and not distracting. Accordingly, when choosing a palette, we give preference to neutral shades - gray, brown, white. But the choice of materials can be anything. Some people like environmentally friendly cladding made of wooden panels, others like smooth painted walls, and others like easy-to-clean plastic.
If you are not bothered by flashy accents, then when drawing up a project, use brighter colors
What flooring should I use? There is also complete freedom of action here:
- laminate;
- carpet covering;
- boards;
- linoleum;
- tile.
But keep in mind that carpeting is a “warm” type of flooring, while tiles or linoleum are “cold” types. If you don't use slippers, it's better to go with a warm option. Wood will also work, since wood usually “stays” at room temperature.
Study on the balcony with wooden floor. For comfort, you can lay a rug near the table
The ceiling is often lined with clapboard or plastic panels, but for an insulated loggia, a tension structure is appropriate. When installing any type of ceiling, do not forget to pre-mark the mounting locations for ceiling lights, if they are planned.
When landscaping an office on a small balcony, do not forget about the lack of free space - choose only those building and finishing materials that allow you to save useful centimeters.
How to make it yourself
Before starting finishing work on the balcony and equipping a work office on it, it is necessary to conduct a thorough examination of the balcony slab (is there any tilting of the slab, its destruction, the presence of exposed reinforcement). If the balcony slab is destroyed, it must be strengthened with metal reinforcement and concrete screed.
When carrying out work to strengthen the balcony slab, you can at the same time increase the area of the balcony by moving the balcony structure a few centimeters beyond either the railing (you will get an additional working surface) or the balcony slab:
- A “warm” metal-plastic glazing system is installed;
- The balcony surfaces are waterproofed and all joints and cracks are sealed;
- Penoplex can be used as a thermal insulation material by placing it in the inter-slat space of a pre-installed sheathing;
- Be sure to install a vapor barrier over the insulation to prevent the insulation from getting wet;
- A water or electric heated floor system can be installed on the floor;
- The ceiling is also not ignored and is insulated.
How to organize a work area on the balcony
First, consider two options for using the new space:
- exclusively as an office;
- as an office and resting place.
If you choose the second option, and your recreation is not limited to playing computer “shooters” and “strategies”, divide the territory into two parts - a work area and a recreation area. In the first we install a desk with all the necessary accessories, a computer, an office chair, shelves or a cabinet; in the second there is a sofa, a coffee table, flowers. If desired, even on a 3-meter balcony you can create two compact but cozy corners.
Light interior in half-Scandinavian-half-rustic style
Let's consider what to consider when organizing a workplace:
- The style is businesslike, restrained, minimalist.
- Lighting is thoughtful. During the day, protection from bright sunlight is important, in the evening - artificial lighting, sufficient for work, but not in the eyes.
- Free windows. A narrow window sill and double-glazed windows are an area that is best not cluttered with decor. The only exception is curtains, curtains or blinds. The discreet design of a balcony for an office does not tolerate anything superfluous.
- Furniture dimensions. If you are lucky with the balcony area, you can ignore this point, but we recommend that owners of typical city high-rise buildings choose furniture of reduced sizes, or even better, order a working set according to their size.
- Wheelchair. This traditional office accessory is more than appropriate on the balcony - if necessary, it can be easily moved to the relaxation area.
- Maximum use of walls. Since their area is small (most often these are two narrow end walls), it is important to use shelves, racks, and full-height cabinets.
Preparing the balcony
Before you start renovating your apartment, you need to have an accurate idea of what the end result will be.
In the case of equipping a full-fledged office, it is important to understand that convenience will depend on the organization of the workspace, as well as functionality.
You can turn to a professional designer for help, but you can think through the interior yourself. It is worth deciding on the type of balcony at the preparation stage.
There are several options for creating a balcony office:
- separate;
- attached;
- stationary;
- mobile.
Separate offices include a space that is isolated from the interior room by a standard window unit with a door. In this case, you can choose a design that is different from the general interior, which can be quite minimalistic, but at the same time functional.
An attached office involves organizing space when the loggia is connected to the balcony. In this case, the design of the office must be in harmony with the overall space. When preparing to decorate a loggia, this option is the most expensive.
Stationary and mobile offices are named according to the type of furniture placement. The stationary room has everything from shelves and chairs to furniture for computers and office equipment. As for the mobile options, here the furniture is arranged in such a way that at the end of the work everything folds up very compactly and quickly. A balcony or loggia becomes a place to relax.
Furniture for an office on a loggia
The office, equipped on the balcony, should be as functional as possible. Therefore, buy compact, ergonomic furniture. If your budget allows, it is better to make it to order. Due to the small size of the balcony room, it will be difficult to choose ready-made tables and chairs that will fit into the interior. In small spaces, every inch needs to work, so it's best to fit the furniture close to the wall and railings.
Instead of a massive table - a tabletop
For a study on the loggia, a minimum set of furniture is appropriate:
- desk or computer desk;
- a hard chair or a chair on wheels;
- racks;
- shelves on the wall;
- bedside table
To save space, limit yourself to a tabletop, a comfortable chair and a couple of shelves. These items will provide good working conditions without “eating up” the free space.
Desk (computer)
It is best to place a desk or computer desk at the end of the balcony, positioning it across its entire width. Sometimes it is installed at an angle, using the window sill as an additional surface. The side from which artificial or natural light should fall on the table surface depends on which hand the person writes with: right or left.
For left-handers, the light should fall from the right, for right-handers - from the left.
As for the material, it can be anything. Desks are made from:
- Chipboard, fibreboard or MDF are the cheapest materials;
- metal (not always convenient, but it looks stylish and original);
- wood (wooden products are of high quality);
- Tamburata is a new lightweight material from which original designs are created.
Office chair
An office chair installed on a balcony cannot be too large. Give preference to ergonomic rather than massive furniture. Large “director’s” chairs look impressive on spacious loggias; on ordinary balconies they only get in the way. Everyone chooses the shape and type of construction independently, based on personal preferences.
A chair with a soft, semi-soft or hard seat is equally appropriate for an office. In any case, it is equipped with a gas lift - a mechanism that adjusts the seat height. It is better to choose a product with an anatomical adjustable backrest. Suitable for upholstery:
- natural or artificial leather;
- eco leather;
- net;
- textile.
Shelves/racks for books
Racks and shelves should complement the interior of the room. This will make your workplace more stylish. The shelves are made strong and rigid so that books and folders with documents can be placed on them. It is better to make shelves and racks from the same material from which other furniture on the loggia is made, but variations are possible depending on the design features.
Most often, shelves on a balcony or loggia are made of wood, plastic, metal or glass. It is better to hang them above the desk at the ends of the loggia to save space. Shelves can be placed on the side opposite the computer desk or attached to a load-bearing wall so that they do not interfere with free movement.
Drawers for papers and stationery
Drawers ensure the safety of documents, protecting them from moisture, dust, and other adverse factors. Paper storage bins vary in width and height. These designs come in two types: with full or incomplete extension. They are usually placed under a desk, but variations are possible: wall-mounted or installed next to shelving.
Drawers can be made independently, purchased ready-made models, or made to order according to individual measurements. Color and design are selected to match the style of the interior. To make these designs look appropriate in a study on a loggia or balcony, make them from the same material from which other furniture in the room is made.
Shelves for office equipment
An office on the balcony does not need a large amount of office equipment, but its absence can negatively affect the functionality of the workplace. When working at home, you may need a printer, projector, scanner or any other equipment. Some devices can be placed on a computer desk, but it is better to build separate shelves for them on brackets.
It is better to attach shelves for office equipment to a load-bearing wall. Shelves can be made to order according to the size of the equipment that will be placed on them. You can also make them yourself from chipboard, MDF or wood. There is little space on the balcony, so partially unoccupied long shelves are inappropriate here and only get in the way.
Furniture for an office on a loggia or balcony should be ergonomic and multifunctional. It is installed so that nothing interferes with free movement, opening of windows and balcony doors. As a standard, the office is made in the same style, where each item (shelf, chair, decorative elements, etc.) harmoniously complements the interior.
Examples of successful office design on a balcony
Photo selection of design and furniture placement options.
Balcony and loggia design: ideas and photos
First, about the design of the balcony, which is used for its intended purpose: for a pleasant relaxation almost in the fresh air. Even an open balcony is suitable for this purpose. The interior decoration of the balcony shown in the photo is not super complicated or expensive, but the idea is great. The ceiling, floor and low long drawers around the entire perimeter are made of clapboard. Most likely painted with oil and pigment. A few pillows or soft mats will turn this space into a great place to relax.
Open balcony design
With a glazed balcony or loggia, everything is simpler: install what you consider necessary
It is important to choose the right shape and size to make the most of the space. Most often they install a small table and one or two chairs, small armchairs
This set will easily fit even on a loggia or balcony with an area of 3 meters, and so that the table does not interfere, it can be folded.
Small balcony design
The design style can be any, but it is desirable that it be in the same vein as the style of the entire house. The general idea should be traced in the design of all rooms. This is logical and looks more organic.
The relaxation corner can be decorated in any style
If the apartment is small and there is simply nowhere to put things, cabinets or shelves are installed on the balcony or loggia. They can be placed so that there is still room for a chair, or at least for a folding chair.
Storage systems on the balcony
They even make dressing rooms on a large loggia or insulated balcony. But few people can squeeze in anything larger than a wall cabinet that stands at the end. The only advice: if you are going to use shelves for storage and not for decoration, make them closed: few people can maintain ideal order in storage systems.
Kitchen on the loggia: design and finishing ideas
It is the kitchen area that is not being built on the loggia: neither the maintenance services nor the firefighters will allow it. The dining area is brought out onto the warm balcony. It's possible.
It’s not difficult to create a dining area on a balcony or loggia - a wide window sill under the glazing frames, high chairs, appropriate lighting
When combining these two areas, the window sill can be removed, but the wall cannot be touched. Unless you order a project and strengthen the remaining parts: it still won’t be possible to completely demolish it, otherwise the house may collapse. To make the existing opening look like a decoration, you can round it, make a semi-arch, or choose another type of design.
The idea is the same, the decoration of the balcony inside is different
With this approach, the decoration of the balcony inside should echo the design of the kitchen. The brick finish looks good in combination with smooth plasterboard walls.
Study
Solitude is often necessary for productive work, but finding a secluded corner in an apartment is not easy. You can organize your workplace on a warm balcony or loggia. After all, all you need is a small table and a comfortable chair or armchair.
Workplace on the loggia - a small office for work
To create the maximum working atmosphere, the interior decoration of the loggia must have soundproofing properties. This is wood, cork or vinyl wallpaper on a non-woven backing.
A shelf in the place of a former window - let’s not let the place go to waste
Bedroom on the balcony
In small apartments, sometimes there is not only nowhere to organize an office, but even with a separate sleeping place problems can arise. If you have a balcony, even if it’s 3 square meters in area, it can be turned into a small bedroom. And if the area is 6 square meters or more, then on the other side you can also arrange a work corner.
A bedroom on a balcony is not a myth. Everyone has their own approach, but it can be done
Even on a very small balcony you can make a “lying” place.
The main thing is desire, there is always a solution
An example of “green” arrangement - a garden
If none of the above methods for decorating a balcony warms you up, you might like the idea of turning it into a garden. Well, maybe not to the garden, but to the kindergarten. This arrangement option can be implemented on an open balcony, but then it is necessary to plant annuals that quickly produce greenery.
Summer garden on the open loggia
You can bring out flowers in pots for the summer. There are even more options here. If there is little space, you can make special shelves or a niche on one of the walls.
Green wall on a balcony or loggia for flowers
By the way, a good idea in the photo above: lay a wooden board on the tiled floor and build yourself a place to rest on it. Comfortable and easy.
The same ideas can be implemented on a glazed and insulated structure, but the choice of plants is wider - you will still maintain the temperature, so you can even try to grow tropical plants.
