Soft corner on the balcony: how to arrange a loggia

Placement methods

You can place the sofa in any free place in the loggia. With panoramic glazing or on an open balcony, the item is “pressed” closer to the wall. Corner options are suitable.

For too tight spaces, transformable sofas are suitable. These are built-in or folding frames with removable pillows. In this case, a seat is organized according to need.

A small sofa can be placed around the perimeter of the wall under a glazed “showcase” or window. Frameless models can be placed in any convenient place, changing the location as necessary.

Choosing a sofa for the loggia is easy. Taking into account some nuances, you can create a surprisingly cozy, homely atmosphere. The balcony can become a favorite place for relaxation and friendly gatherings.

General tips and tricks for making a sofa with your own hands

If you're new to carpentry, the following tips and tricks will help you avoid many common carpentry mistakes:

• To more accurately determine the dimensions, measure the balcony several times. Better yet, do this with an assistant, and then compare the results. As a rule, this helps to find shortcomings in calculations and avoid a situation in which the finished product does not fit into the available space, or unsightly gaps form along the edges of it;
• When choosing a product size, consider your definition of comfort. If the seat is too narrow or the back is too low, it will simply be uncomfortable for you to relax on such a sofa;
• Don't try to make the sofa too bulky and overcrowded with details. You should choose styles that are close to minimalism. Several armrests, a voluminous backrest, a lot of pillows - all this looks great on large soft sofas, but the simplest options are suitable for a balcony;
• Buy materials with a reserve, in case something goes wrong during work and several bars are cut to the wrong size or the fabric is stitched in the wrong place. In addition, from leftover materials you can make additional details for your sofa, which will give it a special twist. For example, the fabric can be used to make small pillows or appliqués on the back;
• If during the process of making a sofa something doesn’t work out for you or you have additional questions, do not be afraid to turn to the Internet for help. There are many highly specialized forums where they will once again tell you the correct algorithm of actions.

To create a cozy and comfortable relaxation area on the balcony you don’t need much. The main thing is to have patience and imagination, then the repairs made on the balcony will delight you and your guests for a long time. In addition, hand-made furniture will be a real source of pride for the owner!

Preparation of parts and installation

A DIY balcony sofa begins with preparing the frame . To do this, it is necessary to cut the timber to the dimensions indicated in the drawing. The slightest deviation will lead to damaged material or unevenness of the structure after the completion of the assembly process.

Related article: Covering a balcony with plastic panels

After completing the cutting, each part must be processed using fine-grained sandpaper until a smooth surface appears. After all the elements have been sanded, they should be covered with stain or varnish, and then left to dry. Preferably in a dust-free room at room temperature.

After drying, you can assemble the frame. The timber is connected to each other with self-tapping screws. To make the structure more durable, all seams are additionally glued with good furniture glue. Next comes the fastening of the rigid surface to the frame: sheets of plywood, fiberboard, chipboard or OSB boards. The base is also fixed with self-tapping screws.

The final stage is upholstery of the sofa. To do this, layers of foam rubber are laid on the base and covered with upholstery fabric on top, which is secured in inconspicuous places with construction staples. Instead of a soft back, you can make simple pillows. This option would be relevant for an ottoman.

It is very convenient to make a sofa for the balcony, which has additional niches or drawers for storing things. Before starting work, you should decide on the type of these products:

1. The space under the sofa can be one large drawer; it is enough to equip it correctly. Having made a strong structure and a rising base, you can additionally cover it with foil material, for example, for storing soft drinks.
2. The base of the sofa on the front side can be made open and divided into several compartments. Each will be a separate box.
3. There is another option for arranging one large box, but only a double-leaf one, similar to a shelf. It looks quite aesthetically pleasing.

When starting to make a sofa with drawers, you need to pay special attention to the frame, since the space under the product will be hollow. Accordingly, the structure should be strengthened, for example, with metal corners or using larger timber. As a surface for the frame, it is best to purchase OSB boards with a thickness of 12 mm.

Cushioned furniture

The main assembly work at home should begin with the construction of the base (supporting frame) of the structure, for the assembly of which we use timber.

First you need to choose a design for the future sofa that is suitable for the balcony. Or make a sofa and then adjust the design of the entire balcony to match it. So, let's look at the simplest design. To make cozy upholstered furniture with your own hands, you don’t need to have professional knowledge; it’s enough to get information from various sources and be patient.

Of great importance is the correct determination of the dimensions of the future sofa, made by yourself, for the balcony. The rule here is: “Measure twice, cut once.”

There is no need to be lazy to double-check your data or the resulting dimensions - it will be a shame if the finished product cannot be placed on the balcony or it does not function as intended.

Most often, sofas have a standard and familiar rectangular shape. This design is good because it allows you to arrange special drawers under the sofa for linen or storing things. Depending on the way the sofa is folded out, access to such niches can be made either in the form of drawers, or from above or from the side.

Having made the necessary drawings based on previously completed calculations, you can proceed to the third part - choosing a building material for making a sofa for a loggia with your own hands and purchasing it and other elements necessary for installation.

Materials for work

An improvised sofa of this type can fit well not only into the interior of your balcony, but can also decorate any other corner.

To make upholstered furniture with your own hands, you will definitely need:

1. Several hardwood beams. They are needed to make a supporting frame on which the rest of the structure will rest. The bars must be free of any defects, smooth and of high quality.
2. Materials for wood processing. It's no secret that bare wood looks a little budget-friendly. But the use of stain, paint or wood varnish will not only protect the frame from rapid destruction, but will also give it an attractive and modern look.
3. Fastening elements for the frame. Since you already have a drawing of the future sofa in your hands, you can calculate exactly where the fastenings will be made. And if you can’t decide what exactly can be used to secure the structure, a seller or a construction forum will help you.
4. Material for filling the seat, back and side bolsters, if provided for in the drawing. As a rule, this is foam rubber or padding polyester.
5. Suitable fabric for upholstering the sofa and a zipper if you plan to wash the upholstery regularly.
6. Special Velcro tape for attaching a soft seat with a backrest.
7. Glue "Moment" for fixing padding polyester and foam rubber.
8. Plywood for organizing the back of the sofa.

In addition, you will need the following tools:

• stapler for upholstered furniture;
• hammer;
• pliers;
• saw or hacksaw;
• glue.

In addition to the necessary building materials and tools, you will need time and patience.

Manufacturing work

When turning a balcony into a living space, it is not at all necessary to give up storing things in this corner. Instead of cardboard boxes, you can use a sofa.

Following the drawing made, you need to cut the timber and assemble (fasten) the sofa frame. In order for the product to last as long as possible, it is necessary to carefully strengthen all the joints of the beams. In addition to using the fasteners themselves, it is recommended to glue them with glue.

Now we move on to making the soft back of the sofa and seat. The main value here is the angle of inclination. You need to think very carefully about what kind of tilt you need - both the shape of the backrest and its design will depend on this. As a rule, soft material - foam rubber, padding polyester - is attached to the plywood with glue or a special stapler, after which the back is tightly covered with fabric.

The soft seat can also be installed with your own hands - using glue and a furniture stapler. When connecting a backrest to an upholstered seat, special Velcro is often used to hold these two elements of upholstered furniture next to each other. Leftover fabric can be used to make sofa cushions that will add coziness and warmth to your new living space. If you are initially making a sofa, then the curtains can be made from the same fabric as the upholstery.

Making a sofa with your own hands for a balcony or loggia is not such a difficult task, but it pays off entirely - at least in the fact that the sofa will not be an alien object on the balcony, but will fit harmoniously into the decor.

Making a sofa yourself

To decorate your balcony with a beautiful homemade sofa, you don’t need carpentry skills at all. First you need to think carefully about how you would like your balcony to look. It is advisable to make some design sketches in order to more clearly imagine how the future sofa will fit into the interior of the balcony.

Blueprints:

Assembling the sofa according to the drawing: points 1-4

Assembling the sofa according to the drawing: point 5-8

Next, you need to develop a step-by-step plan for the implementation of your idea, starting with the tool you will use to do the work and ending with the purchase of all the materials from which your sofa will be made.

1. Make a thorough plan of what you will do.
2. Take all measurements and draw the future product.
3. Write down the amount of materials for the construction of the sofa and for upholstery or pillows.
4. Think about what tools you will need for the job.

It is advisable to obtain advice from someone experienced in performing such work. Training video:

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Which sofa is suitable for a balcony

If you try to place a standard sofa bought in a store on the balcony, it will take up almost the entire space and block the passage. The design and dimensions of a homemade sofa can be adapted taking into account the layout of the balcony, and it will cost much less than a ready-made one. Not every model is suitable for this room; you should focus on solutions that, when folded, take up minimal space, and when unfolded can be used for sleeping. These are sofas of this design:

a book or a Eurobook - you can sit on such a sofa, leaning back, it can easily be transformed into a bed;

• a chair-bed is the optimal solution for a narrow balcony; it can be placed with its back close to a short wall, and when the seat is folded forward, 1 berth is formed;
• corner mini-sofa type couch, comfortable for children and teenagers;
• ottoman - a sofa in which the role of the back is played by large removable pillows, so it should stand close to the wall or other vertical surface. This is the simplest model to make yourself. At the bottom of such a sofa you can place drawers or divide it into cells, making the top folding (bed-chest).

So focus on your financial capabilities and furniture making skills. Having decided on the design, you need to make a sketch and drawings. It’s easier to take ready-made ones as a basis, substituting your own dimensions and making the necessary changes.

Model selection

Before you learn how to make a sofa for a balcony with your own hands, you need to decide on the configuration and design of the future product, find or draw up drawings, and take preliminary measurements. It should be remembered that the main feature of such furniture is its small, compact size, which is what you need to build on. A soft product on the balcony is convenience, comfort, coziness, as well as the opportunity to create additional storage space.

You should not choose an oversized sofa. In a small room this will create additional inconvenience due to the lack of free space.

It is recommended to follow a simple sequence, the first step of which is choosing a model. There are several types of furniture for a balcony or loggia:

1. A folding sofa or a book. A popular option due to its versatility. Only the first model transforms into a small bed with a few simple manipulations, while the second one just needs to be turned over and you get a compact sleeping place.
2. Corner sofa. Designed to save free space and create a sense of harmony in a small room. A compact model that looks very aesthetically pleasing on any balcony or loggia. However, it should be placed correctly, preferably with the back facing the window.
3. Soft non-collapsible sofa. A simple and practical solution that can be done very quickly with your own hands. The design is as follows: back, base, legs. Each part is covered with soft, if possible natural, material. Good rest and long service life of the product are guaranteed.
4. Backless sofa or ottoman. This category includes products without unnecessary parts and armrests. They are replaced by soft pillows. It is most convenient to place this model close to the wall, then you can lean on it, placing one of the pillows under your back.

When choosing a folding sofa for your balcony, you should remember that you will need additional space so that it can be expanded to its full length.

If the budget is quite modest, and there is no particular desire to create works of furniture art, then it is best to choose a soft, non-collapsible option. This will significantly save time.

Related article: Frost-resistant tiles for balconies

Step-by-step instructions for making a sofa for a balcony with your own hands

This sofa can be made from scrap materials.

To make a beautiful and functional sofa for a loggia, along with desire, you need to have minimal skills at the main stages of work:

• processing of plywood, wood;
• covering and upholstering the frame with fabric;
• sewing upholstery and pillows.

To make any balcony sofa you will need the following materials and tools:

• pieces of wood;
• Chipboard or plywood;
• fastening elements;
• thick padding polyester or foam rubber;
• material for fitting;
• preparations for processing wooden elements;
• hacksaw;
• roulette;
• skin;
• screwdriver;
• hammer;
• stapler

The fabric is selected from stain-resistant and wear-resistant materials:

• durable and easy to care for leather;
• thick chenille;
• flock made on a cotton basis;
• wear-resistant jacquard.

The upholstery material should be as comfortable as possible

Simple balcony sofa with storage box

The manufacture of a simple balcony sofa begins by drawing up a drawing on which all the dimensions of the furniture are applied. This can be a color project done using computer programs or a simple hand sketch. The main thing is that the master, looking at the drawing, understands exactly what he will get in the end and does not make a mistake with the cutting of the elements.

Having determined the width of the balcony, apply this parameter to the drawing as the width of the sofa. The length and height of the sofa are determined according to desire and the expected capacity of the storage box. After this, you can begin preparing the material according to the measurements. The frame itself is made of thick timber, the sides and back are made of chipboard or thick plywood.

All components are cut strictly according to measurements, periodically fitting them to the dimensions of the balcony.

After preparing the elements, all roughness is sanded and cleaned to avoid splinters. Then the wooden surfaces are treated with special means to protect the material from moisture and insects. If desired, the components are coated with paint or varnished. After drying the elements, they begin joining the frame.

Fastening of beams and sheets is done using self-tapping screws and corners, if necessary, passing the seams with glue for greater adhesion. After assembling the frame, a lid is installed that covers the interior space, creating a large box for storing things. Now you can start upholstery.

The soft part of such a simple sofa can be ready-made pillows or a homemade covering. Seat-sized foam rubber is covered with fabric and attached to the box lid using adhesive tapes. You can attach the foam rubber directly to the tree, and then tighten the lid together with the foam rubber with a thick cloth. The material is fixed with glue or a construction stapler.

Balcony folding sofa with drawers

If the width of the loggia allows, then they make a full-fledged folding sofa on which 2 people can sleep

It is necessary to create a design drawing, paying special attention to the dimensions of the furniture when unfolded. To do this, carefully measure the seat, taking into account that in the sleeping position its dimensions will double, plus the width of the sidewall adjacent to the wall

After drawing up a sketch of the model and applying all the dimensions, we begin cutting the elements. The frame itself is made of thick timber, fastening the components with corners and screws. Drawers, which will serve not only as boxes for storing things, but also as a basis for soft pillows, are made of chipboard. Considering the fact that such boxes will bear the load of the human body, they are made into a full-fledged box, supplemented with a thick lid.

When preparing elements for internal drawers, it is necessary to take into account that their dimensions are smaller than the main surface of the seat.

After the base of the sofa and drawers have been formed, they begin to arrange the soft part. To do this, all the required elements are sheathed with upholstery material before attaching them to the frame (including the sides and back). To make the seat soft, cut out a piece of dense foam rubber of the required size, put a layer of synthetic padding on it and glue it to the hard part of the seat. After fixing the foam rubber to chipboard or plywood, it is sheathed with the material using a construction stapler.

After covering all the components of the sofa, they are combined into a complete structure.

Making the soft part

2 layers of thick foam rubber are glued together and glued to a sheet of plywood. For sitting in the back, the foam rubber is glued flush with the frame, and in front and on the sides it should protrude 1-2 cm. On the back it is flush from below, protruding from above and on the sides. The part of the back, sewn up with fiberboard, must first be upholstered with batting or pasted over with thin (1 cm) foam rubber; during the upholstery process, this part is also covered with upholstery fabric, only a small strip at the bottom remains uncovered. This part must be double-sided, since it turns over: the harder side serves as a backrest, and the softer side serves as a sleeping place. The drawer and sides are covered with foam rubber 2 cm thick.

Related article: How to close a fire hatch on a balcony

After the glue has completely dried, it is advisable to cover the workpieces first with non-woven material for the layer, and then with upholstery. The material is stretched tightly, laid on the sides and secured with a staple gun (stapler). An option is to sew a cover from upholstery fabric with a lining of non-woven material and put it on a blank covered with foam rubber. The cover can be made removable, with a zipper or Velcro. By covering the side and front walls of the drawer with the same fabric, you can give the sofa a finished look.

Choosing the right sofa for the balcony: analysis of the main criteria

Choosing a sofa for a balcony involves not only taking into account factors such as the length and width of the room

It is very important to take into account both the interior design of the balcony and its purpose.

The first criterion is the purpose of the area

The design of no room can be thought out and worked out to the smallest detail, without taking into account the purpose of the area being designed.

So, for example, if the balcony is designed as an additional bed, then it is better to give preference to a folding sofa. These models are installed at the end wall so that the folding is carried out along the room.

But, before choosing one or another model, you need to take into account that the length of the bed for each of them is different, so you should first measure the length of the balcony from wall to door. Such actions are carried out in order to prevent possible blocking of the entrance by the sofa in the unfolded state.

When organizing a sleeping place for small children, you can choose a children's sofa that folds out to the side. When assembled, this model is very similar to a chair with one armrest.

Owners of individual residential buildings can diversify the design of loggias or terraces as much as possible. The terraces and loggias of cottages have large areas, so oversized models equipped with a Eurobook mechanism, corner sofas, sofas additionally equipped with drawers, and many others can be installed here.

It is much easier to choose a sofa for a loggia designed for rest and relaxation. In this case, preference is given to models designed for sitting. In order to save space, it is better to give preference to models that do not have armrests, and choose sofas that fully correspond to the width of the room.

Options in which the backrest is separately attached to the wall in the form of a soft headboard or small pillows look elegant and stylish.

In cases where you plan to store preserves and small items on the balcony, you can consider options for sofas for the balcony with drawers under the seats. Preference may be given to:

• independent, free-standing structures that fill free space;
• drawers, which in appearance may resemble a small chest of drawers or bedside table;
• boxes with a top lid that can act as a soft seat.

Criterion two - general interior design style

Interior style is a criterion that cannot be ignored when decorating a room. Not a single sofa, even the highest quality, beautiful and comfortable one, will look harmonious if it does not match the overall design of the room. Before purchasing a sofa, you need to think through the interior design, color scheme and style to the smallest detail.

If you choose a sofa for a loggia decorated in Provencal style, then it is better to give preference to soft models equipped with a wooden or forged frame. The general requirements for the design of such furniture are: simplicity of form, smooth lines, a minimum of decorating elements.

Upholstered furniture designed in the Scandinavian style is also distinguished by its simplicity and restraint. These models are upholstered in cotton, velor, satin, and linen.

The predominant colors are shades of white, beige or coffee. Unlike the Provencal style, in which textiles can be checkered or striped, and also decorated with floral patterns, the fabric for decorating furniture in the Scandinavian style is monochromatic. Such furniture is additionally decorated with wooden pillows and blankets with bright prints.

A sofa for a balcony, made in a classic style, is distinguished by the presence of carved decorative elements, graceful shapes, ornate backs, decorated with decorative gilded overlays. To make such furniture, valuable wood is used, and the main material for upholstery can be velor, velvet or brocade of solid colors.

Furniture in the loft style is distinguished by its significant size, complete absence of decorative elements, and strict geometric shapes. Pieces of such furniture are upholstered in plain leather in soft colors.

Baroque furniture impresses with its design and bright colors. Sofas in this style are abundantly decorated with gilded and carved elements, luxurious textiles in rich blue, burgundy or emerald color.

If you have enough free time, love to make things with your hands, and creative ideas overwhelm you, you can make a sofa for the balcony with your own hands. In this case, it will be possible to take into account all the design features of the room and its parameters.

Interior design and sofa on the balcony

A balcony can be called a creative studio or a place of relaxation; in any case, it is important not only to think through the design of the room, but also the style of the interior items. A designer sofa will become a highlight; it should also be complemented with soft pillows and other furniture.

If you choose a balcony as a personal workspace, then you should think about using strict wooden lines and leather sofas or armchairs. A table is also required, without which no work can be done.

And when doing creative work, you will need a large workspace, which needs to be expanded as much as possible. To solve this problem, you can use shelves on the walls that will store all the required materials and tools. The sofa in this case should have the most comfortable characteristics for sitting.

Ottoman

Soft, shapeless type of sofas that are intended exclusively for relaxation. This piece of furniture with its entire appearance proves that you just want to sit down and relax in it. In the cold season, unfortunately, you won’t be able to sit on such a sofa, as it is too cold.

If your balcony does not shine in size, then installing a folding sofa there or in the form of a book is not recommended due to its bulkiness in such a small space.

The best advice would be to choose shops. This option is actually even better than installing a small sofa on the balcony, which will still eat up a lot of space.

Arrangement of open and closed balconies

A balcony can be of two types: open or closed, and this feature significantly and significantly affects its arrangement.

Decoration of an open balcony

This type of balcony is one of the most common forms of space

An open balcony can be arranged quite easily, but you must pay attention to the details:

• During the hot season, this will be a good place to drink coffee in the morning or relax after a busy day at work.
• With the arrival of autumn, especially winter, you may have problems keeping your balcony clean and also in terms of protecting existing furniture or other decorations.

For this reason, if the balcony of your home is open, you should avoid wooden furniture or, if you still want such components, you should choose durable materials and not expose them to adverse weather conditions.

It is advisable to choose furniture, decorative items and other items that you deem necessary that fit the space, from durable and long-lasting materials such as metal or plastic.

Arrangement of a closed balcony

Setting up an enclosed balcony doesn't have to involve too much financial investment, especially if you know exactly how you want to use it. All you need is high-quality glazing and insulation of additional space to create a cozy and warm additional room.

As a place to relax and unwind, you will need a sofa or small daybed with pillows and mattresses to provide the desired comfort. Don't forget to decorate your balcony with plants and a variety of colorful decorations to make it more cozy. Also use different types of blinds or shutters to provide much-needed shade on hot summer days.

On such a balcony you can place a standard size sofa, and if the space is not very large, you can make a custom-made soft corner, supplementing it with systems for storing various things.

This way you will get not only a place to relax, but also a place to store preserved food.

Materials and tools

To make a sofa for a balcony, you should be prepared for two main expenses: purchasing materials and purchasing the necessary tools.

The list of tools will be as follows:

1. Tape measure, building level, pencil. Three irreplaceable things both during construction and when marking furniture. And if a pencil and tape measure are needed at the beginning of work, then the level is the most accurate instrument for checking the evenness of surfaces at the final stage.
2. Jigsaw. It will save time and effort, but if you have a small budget, a simple hacksaw for wood will do just fine. For thin cuts, a hacksaw is also used.
3. Screwdriver. Like a jigsaw, this is an expensive tool, but it can be replaced with a curved screwdriver.
4. Pliers.
5. Hammer.
6. Construction stapler.

You should not buy tools from expensive manufacturers (Topex or Intertool). Simple domestic companies will also be suitable, unless, of course, furniture manufacturing turns into a hobby or the main form of income.

After purchasing the tools, you can proceed to purchasing materials. Regardless of the complexity of the loggia sofa model, the list of necessary parts and consumables is standard:

1. Wooden beam measuring 50 x 50 mm. The most common material in furniture making. You need to select smooth and straight bars without traces of mold.
2. Plywood sheets (fibreboard, chipboard or OSB boards). If you are not very strapped for money, then it is better to turn your attention to OSB boards. This material is not afraid of dampness, exposure to harmful microorganisms, and is resistant to mechanical damage. The sheet thickness must be at least 12 mm.
3. Fastening elements (self-tapping screws, screws, bolts, rubber seal, etc.). The quantity and variety are determined depending on the complexity of the design.
4. Foam rubber. The best material used as an affordable and durable filler. Has good value for money.
5. Upholstery fabric. You should choose something inexpensive and rough, otherwise removing stains and dirt from the sofa upholstery will turn into a ritual for the next weekend.

After assembling the frame, the structure should be covered with several layers of a protective agent. For example, stain or yacht varnish.

Ideas for inspiration

Not much is required to create a cozy and practical lounge area

The most important thing is to be creative, and then your furniture will serve you for many years. In addition, sofas created with your own hands will certainly become a source of pride for their owner.

In conclusion, we offer a photo selection of the most original ideas for arranging balconies.

A practical choice for balconies can be a pull-out sofa. This is quite comfortable furniture, and if necessary, it can easily be transformed into a cozy sleeping place. The only requirement for such a design is that after unfolding it should not block the passage. If the room is heated, then this sofa can be used not only in summer, but also in the winter months.

How to cover a sofa with soft fabric, see the video below.