Initially, when apartment buildings were designed, little space was allocated for balconies. But over time, the understanding came that this is not only a place where you can store unnecessary things and hang wet clothes to dry. This is a place where you can relax physically and mentally, breathe air and enjoy the silence.
The balcony is a full-fledged room that requires appropriate decoration - and a sofa on the balcony plays a very important role.
In modern buildings, loggias are made into a separate place, standing on a par with the rooms of the apartment. Therefore, the approach to decoration and design should be based on the plans for this place. One of the most popular solutions is to install a sofa on the balcony.
If we are talking about a small room in which you need to save space, then the best option is built-in structures, and this also applies to sofas.
Criteria for choosing a sofa for a balcony or loggia
When it is finally determined that a resting place will be created, it is necessary to choose the right sofa. To do this, you need to evaluate the following factors:
- Capacity parameters. It is worth considering that the furniture should not occupy the entire area;
Built-in sofas are minimalist and can fit into any interior.
- The functionality of the selected furniture, the presence of drawers for storing things or the ability to move apart and form another bed;
Furniture for a balcony or loggia should be compact, and folding sofas or beds are ideal.
- Sheathing material. If the loggia is used not only for relaxation, then it is worth choosing a more durable and less easily soiled material;
They save space as much as possible, as they are installed in a special niche and allow you to use all the free space.
- Color. Must correspond to the selected design design.
You will not have any difficulties transporting the finished product to the balcony - you can simply assemble it there.
Design and colors
Furniture made from unusual materials will help diversify the interior of the balcony. For example, an elegant mini-sofa will be made from rattan. This product looks light and will perfectly complement the kitchen design. If you add to it a table woven from the same material, you will get an elegant set.
An original solution would be a sofa made by hand from ready-made pallets or lining. To do this, you need to pre-treat the material with special antifungal and moisture-protective agents, then paint and varnish. Next, you can assemble the structure; it will serve as a sofa frame. After this, all that remains is to cover the product with foam rubber and cover it with fabric.
The advantage of sofas made from pallets is their mobility. The design can always be changed, new elements added, increased or decreased in size.
A balcony in the kitchen or any other room with a sofa decorated with decorative soft pillows, complemented by fresh flowers in pots, will always look cozy and unusual.
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.
Practical materials
When choosing a sofa for the balcony, great attention should be paid to its upholstery. Its service life will depend on the quality of the material used. Therefore, the fabric must be durable, not afraid of frequent loads and mechanical stress, and be easy to care for. There are three types of materials that combine beautiful appearance with practicality. These include:
- Chenille.
- Natural and artificial leather.
- Flock.
A fabric that looks like velvet, with the addition of tapestry, jacquard or satin threads, which gives it additional strength, is called chenille. It is used not only for upholstering sofas, it is also used to make decorative pillows. Furniture upholstered with this fabric looks expensive. The advantages of chenille include:
- The fabric does not stretch.
- Does not shrink when washed.
- Draps beautifully into folds.
- It comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
- Does not fade when exposed to direct sunlight.
Advantages of using a bedspread on a sofa, criteria for choosing a product
The next popular fabric is natural or artificial leather. The material has high wear resistance, is not afraid of mechanical damage, as well as high humidity. Suitable for almost all interior styles. Easy to clean, just wipe it with a damp cloth occasionally. But this fabric has a significant drawback: under the influence of high temperatures it can become deformed. Although if you provide it with proper care, the furniture will last for many years and will become a stylish decoration for the balcony.
Families with small children should pay attention to flock upholstery. Main advantages of the material:
- Easy to care for.
- Eco-friendly and hypoallergenic.
- Does not stretch or deform.
- Not afraid of moisture.
All sofas on the balcony must have frames made of materials with high moisture resistance. This is due to the high humidity of the place in which they will be located. Therefore, when choosing, you should avoid products made from chipboard and MDF, and give preference to a frame made of solid natural wood. This design will cost more, but will last for many years. Especially if it is additionally coated with varnish or any other water-repellent agent.
Sofas with sleeper
This option is suitable for large balconies. It makes it possible to get complete rest, unlike sliding sofas, since it provides a comfortable sleeping place with a solid mattress. Most often, installation is carried out on glazed balconies - loggias.
A loggia sofa can be an excellent solution for expanding your apartment space.
Choosing a sofa size
An important rule when purchasing is to remember that the volumetric dimensions of the store visually reduce the furniture. Therefore, it is always necessary to look at the technical dimensions of the selected item.
If you have a recess or indentation from the wall on your balcony, you can install the sofa there.
Before purchasing, clearly measure all the parameters of the loggia and do not forget about the parameters of the front door, so that you can then bring and install the purchase where you planned.
Due to its design, this furniture can take up very little space.
Examples of mini sofas
A sofa for a balcony is an excellent solution not only for small balconies and loggias. By installing miniature furniture, there is room for additional placement, for example, a small armchair or coffee table. This will make it possible to create a relaxation area where you can spend time not only alone, but also with friends.
They are just right for get-togethers. Another table nearby, an armchair - and everything will look very nice.
Narrow sofas
This format is suitable for installation in a corner. When decorated, it is embedded between the inner and outer walls. Visually blends with the interior. They can be either sliding or with drawers for storing things.
This is an ideal option if you want to not only create a cozy place, but also use the space to its maximum advantage.
Insulated space
It is possible to install various types of furniture here:
- Chair-bed;
- Bookcase;
- Built-in wardrobe;
- Compact sofa;
- Wide table top.
To arrange the space in the best possible way, you can adhere to some rules:
- Limit yourself to the most necessary furniture.
- It is advisable to use the free space for decorative items.
- Don't litter.
- It is better to install furniture against one wall, this will visually expand the space.
- Use items in the same style.
When choosing furniture for a balcony, it is better to give preference to the most functional models.
Sliding and built-in structures would be appropriate, as they can significantly save space.
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.
Creating a green corner
A large loggia and balcony are ideal for growing certain types of plants: geranium, surfinia or petunia, beloved by many. Low pots with decorative grass will look good along a narrow balustrade, and a ball of rose bushes will look good in the corner. Fuchsia, lobelia, and verbena will add a pleasant aroma. By the way, they are also good for shaded areas. For zoning the space, vines are suitable, growing in pots - wild grapes and green ivy.
Choosing a sofa for the interior style
This is also an important stage for creating an atmospheric environment. The discrepancy between the design styles of the room and the selected furniture is always striking.
Modern style
Neutral color tones and smooth shapes are suitable here. The sofa will look good. In modern style there is no place for functionality, but there should be maximum comfort:
- delicate upholstery fabric;
A stylized sofa is very suitable for a balcony.
- soft orthopedic mattress.
You can turn your balcony into a cute and cozy place to relax by using wicker and soft materials and filling the space with pillows.
Also, by installing a small sofa on the loggia, you can additionally equip a place for children to relax, which is ideal in the summer. Fresh air and natural light have a beneficial effect on a child's health.
Next to the sofa you can install a bookcase or an easel with a chair.
Classic style
A combination of beauty, comfort and functionality. In addition to convenience, the sofa should be equipped with the functions necessary for everyday life: a drawer for things and the possibility of additional space.
Corner structures can also have a roll-out or sliding mechanism, thereby providing a comfortable place to sleep.
Scandinavian style
The primacy of nature. Geometrically correct shapes, wooden legs, armrests and the plane of the sofa. Soft pillows for comfort. Executed on the verge of minimalism, it creates an atmosphere of the north. It is better to relax on it under a blanket and with a hot mug of tea.
Drawers are ideal for storing bedding, clothing or any knick-knacks.
High tech
This is the style of the future. A combination of plastic, metal and glass. Flexible shapes and sparkling colors allow you to blend seamlessly with the surroundings and become an inconspicuous addition. Here we need extraordinary solutions, made according to the latest fashion.
There is no place for functionality, the main thing is style.
Industrial style
Minimal interior finishing. Space and simplicity dominate this style. The ideal option is a couch on the balcony. It will not take up much space and will serve as a wonderful place to relax.
If you prefer a balcony as a workplace, pay attention to strict wooden designs.
Work zone
There is light, a fenced-off space and few foreign objects. Deep countertops are used to store the maximum amount of things. As a rule, a chair or stool or work chair is pushed under them. For books, documents, albums, folders there is a cabinet above the table or a hanging shelf. In too sunny weather, roller curtains will come in handy, and in cloudy weather, a table lamp or sconce.
