In most apartments, loggias have a very limited territory, so many do not even think about how to convert this area to their needs for which there is not enough space in the apartment. In general, the design of the loggia is subject to the same rules and laws as any other residential premises.
Despite the persistent tendency to re-equip the loggias for offices, recreation areas or combine with living space, many continue to use them as a pantry, dryer, warehouse of needed and unnecessary trash.This is everyone’s personal choice, but before starting the repair, it’s worth deciding finally what kind of loggia should be: warm, cold or capital?
Cold - in this case, the functionality of the loggia will be very limited, the room remains a place to store things that are not afraid of seasonal temperature changes. Repair involves minimal insulation. For glazing, any windows with a single double-glazed window, metal or aluminum profile are suitable. The main condition for a cold loggia is complete sealing, the choice of frost-resistant materials with good resistance to high humidity.
Warm - the result of high-quality insulation, hydro, vapor barrier, as well as the installation of windows with suitable energy-saving properties. Heating is provided by a underfloor heating system, a radiator, or the installation of a portable heater. The choice of materials for decoration does not impose very high requirements.
Capital loggia may be called subject to combination with the living quarters. In this case, heat, steam, and waterproofing should be very high quality. Materials for the arrangement can be used any, intended for residential premises.
Size matters
Small loggia (2-3 sq. M.)
Even in such a miniature square, you can create a cozy corner in which there is a place for relaxation and storage. You can install a small corner chair, under the seats of which bedside tables are equipped, to fix a wall folding table. Ceiling shelves or mezzanines are suitable for storing small things.
Finishing should take a minimum of free space. For example, on a small loggia, it is better to refuse frame installation of the lining, the walls can be plastered, and then painted.
Medium loggia (4-6 sq. M.)
Such an area is spacious enough to embody most ideas.Here, as in the previous version, the basic rule says - do not load the space with details, strive for minimalism. On narrow loggias, glazing with a take-out will allow a slight increase in space.
Design of a large loggia (more than 7 sq. Meters)
Such a loggia can already be called an almost complete room in which it is possible to equip not one, but two or three zones. It will fit a small sofa, a desk, a mini fountain between them, surrounded by fresh flowers.
Glazing: Overview of Options
To choose the best option, you first need to understand what should happen in the end. There is no point in overpaying for triple double-glazed windows if the loggia is not insulated, but on the other hand, it is possible that in the future there will be a warm floor and a personal office. There are several types of glazing, differing in material, thermal conductivity, sound insulation and appearance.
Plastic is the most popular option, quite practical and affordable in comparison with other types.
Wooden frames, so “fashionable” in the old days, are found less and less today, mainly due to their high cost. Given that the tree can be combined with modern double-glazed windows and accessories in qualitative characteristics, the option is not inferior to others.
Aluminum surpasses previous materials in reliability and durability. In addition, the glazing can have a sliding type of opening, which will significantly save space, looks very aesthetically pleasing.
Glazing plays a huge role in the design of loggias. Glass can be transparent, colored. Toning - can be used without restrictions, but it is simply necessary for windows that face south or east, in addition, color shading will create a certain mood or emphasize the style of the interior.
Frameless glazing provides an original modern appearance and increases the degree of light transmission. Unfortunately, it is suitable only for cold loggias.There will be no opportunity to install mosquito nets, and sound insulation and tightness leaves much to be desired.
Panoramic French glazing is an alternative to the frameless version. From floor to ceiling, the wall becomes transparent. Any profile is suitable for implementing ideas. Exterior decoration of the balcony is not required, internal will be minimized, visually increasing the area and lighting.
Balconies with removal - allow you to slightly increase the area due to the external removal of glass and the installation of a window sill with a width of 25-30 cm.
Options for arranging a loggia
When redeveloping, the design of the loggia can be fraught with some restrictions, but most often they relate to the meter, heating issues, the choice of finishes and are almost always solved.
Study. A small computer table and chair will not take up much space, but will allow you to retire and work at any time in a comfortable, calm environment, especially if there are small children in the house.
A creative workshop is simply necessary for people with a favorite hobby, and even more so for those with whom this hobby becomes a job or a side job. A small cupboard, bedside table and table. Perhaps a sewing machine or an easel will be placed on any loggia, turning it into a creative studio.
On the loggia you can equip a mini greenhouse. We will have to seriously approach the issue of lighting and heating, but in the end it will be possible to delight ourselves with the harvest all year round.
The loggia can become a mini-gym, but not always and not every. Especially if it is not about installing one simulator, but about the space necessary for gymnastics or yoga.
On the balcony you can make a separate playroom for the child.
It is not a new idea to convert the loggia into a winter garden. It should be borne in mind that a large number of colors will create a shadow and reduce the illumination of the combined living room.
If the loggia is combined with the kitchen, you can convert the former pantry into a dining room.A table, a pair of chairs or a long table top along the window will allow you to eat, admiring the picturesque views, and in the summer in the fresh air, without leaving the apartment.
If the balcony is next to the bedroom, it can become a cozy bright boudoir or relaxation area.
And finally, a very extraordinary option - to equip a sauna on the loggias. Of course, we are not talking about a full-fledged Russian bath, but only about installing a mini-sauna, a booth with dry heat.
How to combine business with pleasure
The idea of refitting the loggia does not mean that you need to completely abandon the ability to store a certain number of things here. But you will need to competently approach the issue of planning and choosing furniture. It’s possible to attach a wardrobe with mirrored walls or a pattern to one of the walls, and transformer furniture with niches inside will be a great addition.
Connection of the loggia with the living room
This variant of re-arrangement, perhaps, can be called the most difficult and longest, but at the same time, it allows you to give originality to the apartment, increase lighting, expand the living space.
It is important to understand that joining is a redevelopment and requires homeowners to comply with state legal standards, as well as time and regular trips to various authorities. Removing the radiator to the loggia is a separate story in terms of paperwork, so many here are limited to convectors.
The style of the loggia
Consider the most popular loggia design options in a particular style, which are easiest to implement.
Provence
The corner of the French province looks on the balcony spectacular and colorful. The style is simple and light shades. Furniture is not bulky, wicker or antique wood. The emphasis is on the details: small flower pots, an old iron watering can, a small wrought iron chandelier and a few small handmade pillows will complement the interior.
Modern style
It is very diverse in its manifestation.Furniture can be used frameless, but wicker chairs are also good. As accessories use colored blinds, bright small curtains, paintings. The color scheme involves brown, mint, blue shades.
Japanese style
A great option for lovers of oriental culture. The style itself is minimalism in all respects, and therefore perfect for decorating even a small loggia. The palette is mostly brown with red and black details. Bamboo blinds, fans, themed panels or murals are appropriate.
High tech
The design project of the hi-tech loggia suggests that everything will be at a minimum. The colors are mainly black, gray, silver. Materials: plastic, metal, glass. The furniture and furnishings are simple, without frills. A couple of plants and a bright picture will help to make the interior more alive.
Loft
This style looks very interesting on the loggia, but not everyone will like it. Industrial features of the interior, brickwork are an integral feature of the loft, as, however, a combination of old and new. Bright details and non-standard accessories stand out against the background of simple decoration.
Loggia Lighting
Lighting of the loggia or balconies, as a rule, is not provided for in the construction of apartment buildings, therefore, at the beginning of the repair, you should conduct electrical wiring and determine the installation points of lighting devices, sockets, switches.
Direct light fixtures are suitable for a loggia with a low ceiling. They help to emphasize the beam on a specific subject or to highlight a local area, making it more comfortable.
Scattered light fixtures are usually located on the ceiling, so it is better to choose models with flat shades. The power and range of the lamp can be any, depending on the volume of the room, wishes, the shade of the color palette used in the design
Reflective light fixtures do not blind your eyes and have a spectrum that is comfortable for humans.Very interesting and original modern solution.
As an additional highlight, to create a special mood, just use a LED strip for beauty. Most often they are laid under the windowsill or around the perimeter of the ceiling
Do not use bulky lighting fixtures, chandeliers, floor lamps, etc. on a small area. If you want to abandon spotlights, then it is better to replace them with flat ceiling or compact sconces.
A little imagination, labor, financial investments and a loggia from a pantry will turn into a cozy and functional room. A place where you will have a good time, work or relax. Of course, a lot depends on the size, but the competent design of balconies and loggias allows you to convert the room to your needs and desires almost always.
In most apartments, loggias have a very limited territory, so many do not even think about how to convert this area to their needs for which there is not enough space in the apartment. In general, the design of the loggia is subject to the same rules and laws as any other residential premises.
Content
Loggia Design: Where to Start
Despite the persistent tendency to re-equip the loggias for offices, recreation areas or combine with living space, many continue to use them as a pantry, dryer, warehouse of needed and unnecessary trash.This is everyone’s personal choice, but before starting the repair, it’s worth deciding finally what kind of loggia should be: warm, cold or capital?
Size matters
Small loggia (2-3 sq. M.)
Even in such a miniature square, you can create a cozy corner in which there is a place for relaxation and storage. You can install a small corner chair, under the seats of which bedside tables are equipped, to fix a wall folding table. Ceiling shelves or mezzanines are suitable for storing small things.
Medium loggia (4-6 sq. M.)
Such an area is spacious enough to embody most ideas.Here, as in the previous version, the basic rule says - do not load the space with details, strive for minimalism. On narrow loggias, glazing with a take-out will allow a slight increase in space.
Design of a large loggia (more than 7 sq. Meters)
Such a loggia can already be called an almost complete room in which it is possible to equip not one, but two or three zones. It will fit a small sofa, a desk, a mini fountain between them, surrounded by fresh flowers.
Glazing: Overview of Options
To choose the best option, you first need to understand what should happen in the end. There is no point in overpaying for triple double-glazed windows if the loggia is not insulated, but on the other hand, it is possible that in the future there will be a warm floor and a personal office. There are several types of glazing, differing in material, thermal conductivity, sound insulation and appearance.
Options for arranging a loggia
When redeveloping, the design of the loggia can be fraught with some restrictions, but most often they relate to the meter, heating issues, the choice of finishes and are almost always solved.
How to combine business with pleasure
The idea of refitting the loggia does not mean that you need to completely abandon the ability to store a certain number of things here. But you will need to competently approach the issue of planning and choosing furniture. It’s possible to attach a wardrobe with mirrored walls or a pattern to one of the walls, and transformer furniture with niches inside will be a great addition.
Connection of the loggia with the living room
This variant of re-arrangement, perhaps, can be called the most difficult and longest, but at the same time, it allows you to give originality to the apartment, increase lighting, expand the living space.
It is important to understand that joining is a redevelopment and requires homeowners to comply with state legal standards, as well as time and regular trips to various authorities. Removing the radiator to the loggia is a separate story in terms of paperwork, so many here are limited to convectors.
The style of the loggia
Consider the most popular loggia design options in a particular style, which are easiest to implement.
Provence
The corner of the French province looks on the balcony spectacular and colorful. The style is simple and light shades. Furniture is not bulky, wicker or antique wood. The emphasis is on the details: small flower pots, an old iron watering can, a small wrought iron chandelier and a few small handmade pillows will complement the interior.
Modern style
It is very diverse in its manifestation.Furniture can be used frameless, but wicker chairs are also good. As accessories use colored blinds, bright small curtains, paintings. The color scheme involves brown, mint, blue shades.
Japanese style
A great option for lovers of oriental culture. The style itself is minimalism in all respects, and therefore perfect for decorating even a small loggia. The palette is mostly brown with red and black details. Bamboo blinds, fans, themed panels or murals are appropriate.
High tech
The design project of the hi-tech loggia suggests that everything will be at a minimum. The colors are mainly black, gray, silver. Materials: plastic, metal, glass. The furniture and furnishings are simple, without frills. A couple of plants and a bright picture will help to make the interior more alive.
Loft
This style looks very interesting on the loggia, but not everyone will like it. Industrial features of the interior, brickwork are an integral feature of the loft, as, however, a combination of old and new. Bright details and non-standard accessories stand out against the background of simple decoration.
Loggia Lighting
Lighting of the loggia or balconies, as a rule, is not provided for in the construction of apartment buildings, therefore, at the beginning of the repair, you should conduct electrical wiring and determine the installation points of lighting devices, sockets, switches.
Do not use bulky lighting fixtures, chandeliers, floor lamps, etc. on a small area. If you want to abandon spotlights, then it is better to replace them with flat ceiling or compact sconces.
A little imagination, labor, financial investments and a loggia from a pantry will turn into a cozy and functional room. A place where you will have a good time, work or relax. Of course, a lot depends on the size, but the competent design of balconies and loggias allows you to convert the room to your needs and desires almost always.