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French balcony: types, features, arrangement

The French balcony is one of the most popular balcony designs globally. It usually comprises unobtrusive insightful panels with railings on the two side, providing a safe and beautiful view of the outside. It's a classy yet minimalist style, a combination of beautiful sophistication and elegant practicality. Features include the highly weather-resistant frames, alcove-like designs, and sturdy railings that protect from strong winds. Its main advantages are natural ventilation, increased air circulation, and thermal insulation. French balconies are ideal for any decorative style, from traditional to modern, and they can be easily arranged in different forms and lengths.

Letโ€™s talk about what a French balcony is, how it differs from the structures we are used to, what advantages and disadvantages it has. Letโ€™s talk about the types of French balconies, give examples of their use and arrangement.

French balcony: types, features, arrangement

French balconies have a long history. Even in Shakespeareโ€™s tragedy โ€œRomeo and Julietโ€, โ€œjuliet balconiesโ€ is mentioned, that is, a balcony โ€œwhich cannot be reached.โ€ The classic French balcony is, rather, just a French window, about which we wrote in detail. For safety, such floor windows are fenced with wrought iron railings. It turns out a fake balcony without a balcony area at all.

But French balconies are also called small areas behind panoramic windows. And this is also a classic. There is little space on such a balcony, usually you canโ€™t even put a chair. But you can still go out with a cup of coffee, although the area traditionally does not exceed 30-50 cm.

French balcony: types, features, arrangement

The easiest way to recognize a classic French balcony is to use a wrought iron fence. Such railings are the hallmark of French balconies, a striking distinctive feature.

We recognize that nowadays, any balconies with glazing to the floor are often called French. Such a modern version also has the right to bear this name, although you cannot call it a classic. This is a standard-sized balcony, which differs from the usual only with panoramic glazing, French windows.

French balcony: types, features, arrangement

French balcony: types, features, arrangement

French balcony: types, features, arrangement

If the balcony is so small or without a platform at all, does it make sense? Certainly. This is an excellent decoration for the facade of any home, in addition, large windows in the floor let in a lot of light, the rooms will be well lit.

French balcony: types, features, arrangement

French balcony: types, features, arrangement

The advantages of a French balcony include:

  1. Beautiful appearance;
  2. Saving on electricity due to increased light transmission capacity;
  3. The room visually looks larger, the border between the living space and the surrounding landscape is erased;
  4. There is no need to spend energy and money on capital arrangement โ€“ the balcony is either fully open or fully glazed. In the case of a classic balcony, a small concrete or metal platform does not need flooring and insulation.

Cons of a French balcony:

  1. Panoramic windows are not cheap;
  2. Turning an ordinary balcony into a French one means changing the size of the opening, enlarging it, dismantling part of the wall and the old parapet;
  3. A large glazing area implies regular window care, it takes a lot of time;
  4. In summer, it can be hot outside the panoramic windows, and colder in winter than behind an insulated wall;
  5. If one of the residents of the house has agoraphobia (fear of open space) or acrophobia (fear of height), the French balcony will become a source of stress;
  6. The safety issue is particularly acute despite the presence of a fence.

French balcony: types, features, arrangement

French balcony: types, features, arrangement

Arrangement of a classic French balcony usually ends with landscaping. The balcony is very small, so there isnโ€™t much to do with it. And flowers will be a great decoration.

If we are talking about a standard balcony with panoramic French windows, then they are often tinted or curtained so that there is no feeling of an aquarium. This is especially important if the balcony is on the first or second floor or the neighboring houses are too close. Without tinting or curtains, blinds, it will be impossible to ensure privacy.

French balcony: types, features, arrangement

Despite its shortcomings, French balconies are still popular. This is not surprising, because even a classic wrought-iron fence in a window or doorway becomes a wonderful decoration for the exterior of the house, allowing you to expand the boundaries of the room and enjoy all the benefits of a beautiful view.

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Comments: 3
  1. Andrew Watson

    Can someone please explain the different types of French balconies, their unique features, and how they are arranged?

    Reply
    1. Lily Edwards

      French balconies come in various types, including Juliet balconies, false balconies, and suspended balconies. Juliet balconies are characterized by a railing or balustrade that is attached to the external facade of a building, usually on an upper floor, and do not protrude from the building. False balconies are primarily decorative and are typically made of iron or wrought iron, and are installed outside of windows giving the appearance of a balcony. Suspended balconies are standalone structures that are hung from the facade of the building, providing more space for seating or plants. The arrangement of these balconies depends on the design of the building and the desired aesthetic, with Juliet balconies being the most common due to their simplicity and ease of installation.

      Reply
      1. Zoey Chapman

        French balconies come in various types to suit different architectural styles and preferences. Juliet balconies are a popular choice with their simple yet elegant design that adds a touch of sophistication to a building. False balconies provide a decorative element without the need for extra space, perfect for those who want the look of a balcony without the maintenance. Suspended balconies offer a more functional option for those looking to create additional outdoor space for seating or plants. Ultimately, the choice of balcony type depends on the design of the building and the desired aesthetic, with Juliet balconies being a common and practical choice for many homeowners.

        Reply
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