Birth of an idea
If there is very little free space at home, due to bulky furniture, for example, or the apartment itself is more like an “apartment,” then using a balcony for an additional room is the optimal solution!
The question arises: “how to make a sofa on the balcony?” And vice versa, if the apartment is large and there is a loggia, the same question may arise, but from a different angle: “what is the design of the sofa on the balcony?” After all, the implementation of such an idea is not so difficult, and a well-appointed interior provides many advantages.
Criterias of choice
Few people know, but there are certain criteria for choosing a sofa intended for installation on the balcony. Points to consider:
- Size. Before purchasing the model you like, it is worth making careful measurements of the room. Every centimeter can play a decisive role. Therefore, it is better to make all the necessary calculations in advance in a special computer program.
- Functional. You should decide in advance on the main purpose of the sofa. Its design and shape will depend on this. A chest is more suitable for storage, and for sleeping you should choose a sofa bed with a folding mechanism. If you need more of a decorative piece of furniture, then it is better to choose an ottoman or pouf.
- Appearance. Before purchasing, you should decide on the design of the furniture. Will it match the general color scheme, as well as the style of the interior, or differ from them.
- Form. The model should be selected based on the dimensions of the balcony. For a small room it is better to choose an ottoman, and for a large loggia a corner sofa will fit perfectly.
- Possibility of transformation. If the balcony area is very small, then it is better not to choose a folding sofa for it. This design is suitable for large loggias.
- Storage space. Choosing a sofa for the balcony with storage drawers will help solve the problem of placing many things.
- Price. When purchasing furniture, you should maintain a balance between cost and quality. This is especially important when it comes to its use in unfavorable climatic conditions. You should not save money so as not to purchase a low-quality product.
Colors and decor of sofas in Provence style, important characteristics
It is equally important to consider where the sofa will be located: on an open balcony or glazed loggia, its service life directly depends on this. Furniture that gets rained on in the summer and covered in snow in the winter will not last long. In this case, special attention should be paid to the materials used. They must have increased moisture resistance, strength, and not be afraid of temperature changes.
Having even the smallest loggia at your disposal and cluttering it with things is a crime. It will be much more productive to use this area for relaxation. If you place a sofa on the balcony, add an elegant table to it, decorate the room with indoor flowers in beautiful pots, bright textiles, you will get a cozy area. Large costs can be avoided if you do everything yourself.
Additional criteria
This is the configuration of a balcony or loggia. After all, they can be anything: oblong, semicircular, square.
This also includes the materials from which the house is built and the climatic conditions of the area of residence.
If the house is panel, then in winter it will be colder on the balcony, and the intended sleeping place may not be in demand.
In addition, organizing an additional comfort zone using a balcony will definitely require its glazing. Recently, GOST R 56926-2016 “Window and balcony structures for various functional purposes for residential buildings” was introduced in Russia for the first time.
Note!
- Shelves on the balcony - practical ideas and detailed instructions on how to install and where best to place the shelves (115 photos)
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It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with it in order to avoid problems with the housing department and the “Department of Urban Planning and Architecture” of the city administration.
Sofa options suitable for balconies
The main criterion for choosing furniture for a balcony is its size. Naturally, you need to choose an option that will not be too bulky, but at the same time comfortable for relaxation. For example, in conditions of limited space you can place the following sofa models:
- Folding sofa bed (a similar option is a chair bed).
This option is ideal for lovers of outdoor recreation, or rather for those who do not have the opportunity to often go for walks. In addition, an additional sleeping place will be useful for those who often invite overnight guests. When choosing such a sofa, it is worth considering that it should fold forward, but to such a length that it remains possible to move around the balcony. You won’t be able to make it yourself without certain skills.
- Sofa with storage drawers.
This is the most practical option. In drawers located under the seat or armrests, you can store unnecessary things that get in the way in the apartment itself. Also, the free space inside such a sofa can be equipped for storing various seams and vegetables, if you approach this matter correctly.
- Corner sofa.
It is better to choose this type of sofa if the size of the balcony allows or it is partially combined with the room. Next to such a sofa you can place a small coffee table or footrest. This will be a very stylish interior solution that will add comfort to the environment.
- An ordinary soft sofa.
The simplest and cheapest option is to put an ordinary small sofa on the balcony. Despite its simplicity, it can be very comfortable and soft, so a corner set up on the balcony will immediately become your favorite place in the apartment.
In addition, you can make such a sofa yourself, which will be much cheaper. You don’t have to settle on just one option – different sofa models often combine several functions at once. For example, a corner sofa can easily turn into a small bed and still have free storage space.
Furniture stores offer a huge selection of different models of sofas, armchairs and sofas, but often they are not suitable for loggias and balconies due to their size, and specially ordering such furniture is an expensive pleasure. Therefore, the best option would be to make a small sofa for the balcony with your own hands.
How to make a sofa for a balcony with your own hands
If you have enough time and opportunity, and the limiting parameters are met, it’s time to start! The following bonuses await you at the exit:
- it is possible not to follow standard sizes from manufacturers;
- unlimited choice of materials for frame and upholstery;
- the use of old materials lying around the house that are a pity to throw away;
- gaining experience in the carpentry and design professions.
Tips for choosing a sofa for a loggia
A few recommendations to consider when choosing:
- First of all, it is necessary to correctly calculate the dimensions of the sofa structure and its optimal placement.
- You also need to decide on the functional purpose of the sofa. If the product is intended only for recreation, you can use compact wicker, plastic or wooden models. To organize a sleeping area on the loggia, more durable roll-out or pull-out structures with drawers for storing things are suitable.
- It is desirable that the sofa be in harmony with the overall design of the balcony, and also be combined with other furniture items and decor.
- Equally important is the choice of material for the frame and upholstery. For example, in the case of an open, unglazed loggia, very durable, strong, waterproof and weather-resistant products should be used.
- The balcony combined with the kitchen can be decorated using cabinet furniture.
What materials to use
If you plan to load the product, you can use a metal corner or tubes for the frame. Dense types of wood, such as larch or birch, are suitable. 50 mm boards will withstand the load. For frameless options, pallets are suitable. Chipboard can be used for the side and back walls.
For soft parts, foam rubber, soft filler and various colored fabrics are suitable. The fabric can be glued to the foam rubber using an adhesive gun. The presence of decorative elements such as buttons, zippers, tassels and braid is welcome.
You may need a ready-made folding mechanism and rollers.
Note!
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Implementation stage
This stage is divided into two sub-stages:
- preparation;
- assembly directly.
During preparation, it is necessary to prepare tools and materials. The choice of material is limited by your imagination, tools and finances. You will definitely need:
- wood hacksaw;
- various metal fasteners, possibly retractable mechanisms;
- hammer;
- pliers;
- screwdrivers;
- nails, bolts, screws, washers;
- scissors and glue.
Well, the actual assembly. With proper preparation, implementing the idea of a sofa for a balcony with your own hands will not take much time.
Sofa with storage box
The most popular option. When there is an opportunity to store things, a place to relax acquires household functionality.
The boxes are:
- retractable;
They are also multifunctional - they can be used to store things, as they have built-in drawers.
- internal.
"Box". This is a sofa with plenty of free space inside. It is hidden under the seat and, due to the opening mechanism, it really looks like a chest.
For drawers, it is necessary to provide space, while with internal ones it is more compact. Simply lift the seat up to access storage space. A sofa for a balcony with a storage box is suitable for economical people who wisely use all the possibilities of the apartment’s space.
Sometimes there are several niches separated by a thin partition. This option is convenient if you are going to store linen, any rags, or clothes on the balcony.
Sofa on the balcony with a drawer
A very interesting option that allows you to make maximum use of the space of a balcony or loggia. If you correctly assemble a dense frame, then the storage room will at the same time be a resting place.
If you have a small balcony area, this option is recommended to be done in light colors in order to increase the volume.
Suitable Models
When choosing a sofa, you should consider its size. It should be compact so that it fits perfectly into the interior and does not interfere with free movement around the balcony. The following types of structures are distinguished by shape:
- Straight sofa. Located near a narrow wall. It often has a folding mechanism; when unfolded, it is comfortable to sleep on.
- Corner sofa. This design takes up a lot of space, so it is suitable for loggias with an area of at least 10 square meters. Provides comfortable rest, in addition, it is equipped with convenient drawers for storing various things.
- Hanging option. This is an unusual piece of furniture, made in the form of a swing, reminiscent of a small sofa. The structure is attached to the ceiling of the balcony. Helps you relax and take your mind off everyday activities.
What kind of sofa furniture is this, how to choose it correctly - useful tips
Hanging Straight
Corner
Also, balcony sofas are usually divided into groups:
- Sofa pouf. Soft, lightweight design with no frame. Such models are usually small, suitable for small balconies.
- Sofa chest. Designed for storing things. The cover is upholstered in soft fabric and decorated with pillows.
- Sofa wardrobe. A transformer with a sleeping place, which when folded looks like an ordinary wardrobe.
- Ottoman. A rigid structure resembling a couch is installed against the narrow wall of the balcony.
- Sofa bed. With folding mechanism. When assembled, it looks like a regular straight or corner sofa. If you unfold it, you get a comfortable sleeping place.
Each owner of a balcony who has decided to arrange a lounge area on it will be able to choose a suitable sofa option for themselves. The choice of colors and design solutions is huge. The main thing is to take into account the size and shape of the structure so that it fits harmoniously into the interior.
Poof
Folding
Box
Ottoman
Closet
Small sofa on the balcony
Suitable for narrow long or corner loggia. In this case, some of the things are stored separately, forming a storage area. Separate place to rest.
In this case, it would be appropriate to use the load-bearing walls of the house to organize shelves in order to maximize the free space underfoot.
Narrow sofa
A cozy balcony will allow you to spend your evenings in comfort and recuperate. For small balconies, a narrow model is considered the ideal option. It won't take up much space in the room. The downside is that the model is not suitable for a full night's rest. The advantage of the product is that it is always convenient to drink a cup of coffee in the morning and relax on such a couch.
Rice. 3 A narrow sofa on the balcony with a drawer will save free space
Making your own locker is not difficult. The structure will serve as a place for rest and storage of provisions. The sofa with a large lid lifts up comfortably. It has a spacious niche for storing various things.
Corner sofa on the balcony
This sofa requires a lot of free space. Suitable for panoramic balconies with almost 100% glazing.
This type involves creating a dining or lunch area. In this case, you should think about a good interior, for example, flowers in hanging pots.
Folding sofa for the balcony
Suitable for both large panoramic and medium-sized balconies and loggias. The main thing is competent design and a good color scheme. This will allow you to relax and enjoy the peace.
If the house does not have balconies or loggias, but has panoramic bay windows, all of the above ideas can also be implemented. The main thing is to look, and not be afraid to make mistakes!
Options for placing a sofa on the balcony
Here again it all depends on the desire of the owner, design and size. It would be best to place it in a corner. This way it will be more compactly located and will leave some free space.
This option is suitable for those who like to sleep in the fresh air, and a nightstand can easily fit next to it.
Designer design allows you to successfully fit into the style, making it invisible and at the same time an excellent addition to give comfort. For example, by installing a sofa on a loggia with a sleeping place, placing a small chest of drawers and hanging shelves or a small TV, you can create an additional room that will accommodate guests or an adult child.
On a small balcony, it is advisable to install compact mini-sofas, folding or folding upholstered furniture, placing it in a corner or against the side walls.