Living room with a balcony - rules for ideal zoning (55 design photos)

There are several approaches to interior design of a living room with a balcony. Alternatively, the effect of expressive zoning can be used, for example, creating an open-to-view coffee area or ladies' nook integrated into the general space. On the other hand, there is a bright visual effect due to giving an openwork shape to the preserved window and doorway.

Living room combined with balcony

Is it generally possible to attach a balcony to a room?

In fact, there is a clear answer to this question. And, alas, it is disappointing. If you want to combine these two rooms, you will need to install glass or hinged doors after demolishing the wall.

Such standards are explained by the fact that the balcony is considered a cold room, and the demolition of partitions can disrupt the operation of the heating system. It is clear that if this is done in only one apartment, there will be no serious changes, but what if all the neighbors are inspired?

There are several more important points that you should pay attention to during such a redevelopment.

Removing the wall between the living room and the balcony

Today, there is a clear trend of connecting living rooms with a balcony, because the resulting area can then be played out in an interesting way.

Noticeably more free space.
The room can be zoned.
The interior is given exclusivity.
There is more light in the living room.

When choosing such a solution, it is important to understand that demolishing a wall is fraught with a number of difficulties, because a wall is a load-bearing structure.

Actually, because it is possible to dismantle only the upper part of the wall, or only the lower one. So, an arch is created that seems to frame the exit. The lower part is played out as a stand.

If the balcony is large, then it is often decorated in the form of a dining room, with a table placed on the balcony. The design is played with both surface finishing and lighting.

Work zone

Perhaps the work area is the most popular option of all when choosing what can be arranged in the resulting space. It’s not for nothing that psychologists say that you need to rest and work in different rooms. Such zoning will help deceive the inquisitive brain.

This is an excellent solution for those apartments in which the window sill block cannot be demolished. After all, with the help of its surface you can organize a large corner table.

In addition, the former window sill can be used as a table or even a bedside table. In any case, the ban on its demolition is not a reason for frustration. Perhaps in the future you will be glad that you saved such an unusual piece of furniture.

By the way, who said that a balcony can only have one purpose? A work area can coexist quite peacefully with a dining area or one intended for relaxation. Moreover, the chair is usually turned towards the wall, so the sight of inviting soft chairs will not distract from work.

Combining a living room with a small balcony

Attaching a small balcony will allow you to create a small niche for a coffee group, enlarge the wall intended for a plasma panel, or let sunlight into the house due to floor-to-ceiling glazing, but there will not be a significant increase in space. Such a connection carries more of an interior rather than a functional load.

Interior design of a living room with a balcony

You should not highlight the former balcony area with color - those who like zoning the room using contrasting tones should begin the visual division closer to the center of the room.
If it is impossible to dismantle the threshold between the room and the balcony, it is necessary to build a podium, it is better to shift its beginning towards the center of the living room by a meter and a half. In this case, it is logical to place several banquettes and an openwork ottoman on the podium.
The idea of decorating a small balcony in an ethnic style by removing the dividing wall should be supported by decorating the living room in chocolate, ocher, brown tones, diluted with light-colored furniture. Another option that complements such a balcony is a composition of green and blue draperies and mahogany furniture.
The exit to the balcony opened by dismantling the wall cannot be blocked with voluminous accessories and furniture - only narrow columns are permissible.
If you have saved the frame of the wall in which the battery is located, it is logical to turn it into a table on which bulky objects should not be placed, this will create a feeling of compressed space.
Green plants on a small balcony attached to the living room are inappropriate.

Organization of a study and mini-living room in the balcony area

Bedroom

The idea is exactly the opposite of the previous one. It all depends on the initial footage of the balcony and the size of the bed you want to put on it. Suitable for those who like to sleep in fairly cool rooms and get up early - the sunlight will not let you lie down for too long.

In addition, this is ideal for one-room apartments or studios, where this is, in fact, the only opportunity to separate the bedroom from the living room. Especially if you are not ready to sleep on a pull-out sofa.

There are several ways to visually separate your sleeping area from the rest of the room. These could be curtains, but then the living room may be very dark and it will not be very convenient to use the restroom at night. This could be an open shelving unit that allows light to pass through and quite clearly divides the room. You can simply leave the window sill block - at least it will support the illusion of zoning.

Chill out

Of course, the balcony can also be used for its intended purpose, for which it was designed. This is a pleasant time spent in the fresh air (the balconies did not immediately begin to be glazed).

In this regard, a logical question arises: why then combine the balcony with the bedroom? Firstly, this makes the room much brighter. Secondly, it’s more spacious. Thirdly, it is unlikely that you will be able to enjoy a cup of coffee on an uninsulated balcony in winter.

Fresh flowers and plants, separate dim lighting, as well as everything that is associated with comfort - soft chairs, hanging swings and hammocks, an abundance of pillows and textiles - will help maintain the atmosphere.

Library

Do not be afraid that the conditions on the balcony are not the most suitable for books. If you insulate it according to all the rules, then the temperature in this zone will not differ in any way from the rest of the apartment. How great is this place for reading? Natural light during the day and the romantic outlines of city streets outside the window in the evenings.

Living room with access to a large balcony or terrace

Simplicity and minimalism on a balcony or terrace means consistent use of the same materials, geometric shapes and colors, which can provide a very original effect. Architectural concrete, tempered glass or moisture-resistant wood are materials that will fit perfectly into the arrangement of a modern balcony or terrace. A modern balcony should avoid decorative elements that create chaos, such as ornate pots or excessive play of colors. Choosing the right plants will also be important. An excellent solution would be conifers, as well as creeping ivy, which will give a little life to a minimalist arrangement.

"Nest"

An idea for those who don't like standard solutions. A former balcony can be turned into a cozy... nest. Yes, you heard right. This is a space where it’s convenient to climb into to read, look out the window, or just be alone with yourself. Well, who didn’t dream of this as a child? Why not make your dream come true as an adult?

To do this, all you need to do is build a podium (by the way, it can become an additional place for storing things), lay a soft mattress on it, throw some pillows and install lighting there. On the sides you can add shelves filled with nice little things. This space will definitely not leave any family member indifferent.

For lovers of hot trends or simply experiments, designers suggest highlighting this area additionally. For example, completely “dressing” it in a wooden frame. It can consist of either solid slabs or slats. The effect of such a technique will definitely cover all the costs and effort spent on repairs.

If the option of creating a “nest” does not fit into the interior concept, but you still want a very cozy area, you can put a large low sofa or sofa across the entire width of the balcony. You will get no less pleasure from relaxing on them.

Design combining a balcony with a room

Housing in high-rise buildings, especially those built by Khrushchev, does not indulge in spacious areas. Everything here is compact and without frills. A mini-kitchen, a modest living room, and the tiniest room for the bedroom, where a wardrobe and a bed can hardly be squeezed in. Is it possible to solve the problem of space functionality and at least slightly expand the living area? It’s quite possible if you take a risk and take such a step as combining a balcony with a bedroom. This task, of course, is not an easy one, but there are so many opportunities that open up at once, so it makes sense to consider the option in detail.

There are a lot of advantages to organizing a single space, but there are also some negative aspects, so before deciding to take a radical step, it’s a good idea to think carefully about the current situation.

The undoubted advantages include:

Real increase in room area. On average, after adding a balcony, the bedroom will become at least 3 square meters larger.

Possibility to arrange an additional functional area. Depending on your needs, this can be a full-fledged dressing room, a work area, an additional sleeping place or a relaxation area.

Originality of the interior. The non-standard design of the window and the presence of additional zones will make the atmosphere in the room at least individual, and with a successful design - with a claim to exclusivity.

Excellent natural light. When combining a bedroom and a balcony, the glass area of the wall will noticeably increase. This will allow the rays of daylight to penetrate into all corners of the room.

Increase in housing costs. By increasing the comfort of the space and the possibility of its non-trivial design, in the event of selling a home, you can safely ask for an amount significantly higher than the market price.

The balcony area is not residential, so any manipulations with it will require special permission. You need to be prepared for the fact that the process of legitimizing the upcoming redevelopment will last for several months, because you will have to go through more than one authority.

First of all, you will need to consult with architects and find out whether it is even possible to carry out such manipulations in your particular case. If the answer is positive, you should immediately order a working draft, because only if it is available will you be given the go-ahead by the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the sanitation station, the BTI and the housing inspection, the gas service and others. Of course, you will have to run, but for those who are determined to improve the quality of their own life, this will not be a particular obstacle.

“Even when the bedroom is already combined with a balcony, it will still not be possible to move heating radiators to the attached part.”

Act according to the existing project, and you will not have problems. Pay special attention to the permissible weight loads on the attached squares. You can’t overdo it here, otherwise there is a high risk that part of the room will simply separate and collapse.

The second, rather difficult moment, will be the organization of heating in the additional part. Even when the bedroom is already combined with a balcony, it will still not be possible to move heating radiators to the attached part. Willy-nilly you will have to think about a heated floor system. The best option in this case would be to install an infrared heating system. Installation of this type of system is easy to do yourself. Infrared floors have the ability to replace elements in blocks, which means that in the event of a malfunction, you do not have to replace the whole thing. High-quality models provide heating intensity adjustment and step-by-step activation. The latter is very important in our case, since it will allow us to heat only that area of the room that really needs it. Add in optimized energy costs and the choice becomes clear.

It will be easier to coordinate with heating networks a redevelopment project in which the space between the balcony and the bedroom is divided by sliding partitions.

Go ahead. When dismantling the partition, do not touch the supporting elements. In almost all cases this applies to the balcony threshold, since it is part of the balcony slab structure.

Work on the future design of the room should begin at the stage of creating a redevelopment project. Even then, you need to have an idea of what style you want the updated bedroom to be in and know exactly what the final goal of such a renovation is. Having decided what exactly will be located on the attached meters, you can think about how to present it. So, if the space of the former balcony is planned to be allocated to a work area, then it is rational not to touch the window sill block. It can be used very successfully by converting it into a work surface, or making it the basis of a pass-through shelving unit. The last option is especially good, since it will delimit the space and increase its functionality.

If you want to place a relaxation corner there, remove the window sill block, and place the remaining partitions in the form of an interestingly decorated arch.

A transition designed in this way will help make the bedroom seem even more spacious. In addition, arches fit perfectly into all kinds of stylistic solutions. You can see what such a combination of a balcony and a room might look like in the photo.

The decorative features of the balcony part of the room will also correlate with the functional purpose of the space.

A separate program will be the organization of lighting in this corner of the bedroom. It is important to make it uniform and at the same time attracting attention. Turned lamps mounted in an arched vault, a multi-level ceiling or a podium, if provided for in the interior plan, will add spectacularity to the setting.

You can hang sconces on the walls, and attach tablet lamps with cute lampshades to the ceiling.

It is important to take care of the window design. It should be universal, that is, during the day it should allow an unlimited amount of light to pass through, and at night it should be hidden from the harsh eyes of street lights and the gaze of curious people. Combined sets consisting of translucent curtains and blinds will do the job perfectly. Roller blinds made of thick fabrics will also be good for this purpose.

The ceiling, unless another option is provided, is better to make it suspended and in gloss. This will also contribute to a visual increase in spatial volume.

Floors. In the zone of the annexed territory, they will have to be insulated, and then finished with any material you like.

The functional purpose of the bedroom is specific. Its area is used for relaxation and relieving psychological stress, therefore it should be decorated in appropriate shades. Any pastel colors, powder colors, and their non-contrasting combinations would be appropriate here. When choosing the main background for a bedroom combined with a balcony, focus on the location of the window relative to the cardinal directions. “Northern” will always lack warmth, which means they will have to add it with a warm palette. In “southern” bedrooms, on the contrary, there will be an excess of it, and to regulate the temperature component you will need to use cold paints.

Today it is fashionable to use photo wallpapers with three-dimensional images in bedroom design. They are used to decorate the wall behind the head of the bed. In the case of adding a balcony, such finishing can also be used to decorate the added areas. Carpeting and properly selected textiles will help to further highlight this area.

It is possible to decorate the balcony area in brighter colors, the main thing is not to go beyond the requirements of the style.

“When thinking about the furniture, do not forget that the leading role in the interior of a bedroom combined with a balcony, as in standard cases, also belongs to the bed.”

No matter how the bedroom and balcony are combined, its design should represent a single whole. The task of decorative elements and furnishings in a redesigned bedroom is to create an appropriate atmosphere in the room and combine the two parts of the room into a single space.

A sliding glass partition will add lightness and sophistication to the bedroom interior, and a small carpet placed in the center of the room will help create the illusion of a common space.

For a bedroom in a classic style, textile elements will be the leading finishing details. The incredible charm of the interior will be provided by a canopy over the bed, a luxurious bedspread on it and an abundance of beautiful pillows. In this case, an armchair placed in the balcony area with upholstery that matches the color of the room textiles will help to achieve a holistic perception of space.

When thinking about the furniture, do not forget that the leading role in the interior of a bedroom combined with a balcony, as in standard cases, also belongs to the bed. It is around its shape and stylistic decision that the rest of the decor will revolve. The design of a dressing table, chest of drawers, or the same closet should have a similar appearance to the sleeping place.

What to zone?

Curtains or portable screens will help divide the space created after the restructuring into zones, in addition to sliding panels. The second popular technique, often used by professional designers, is decorating walls with multi-textured materials. Pieces of furniture may appear at the transition point, for example, a dressing table or a mirror. How else can you combine a room with a balcony, see the photo.

Work zone

The most popular option among workaholics. A computer desk and an office chair are placed behind a shelf improvised from the window sill. You can throw a carpet on the floor.

Sleeping place

Although experts do not recommend it, brave individuals can move the sleeping area to the panoramic glazed balcony part of the bedroom. In fact, it’s better to just place an extra bed there, and put it on the podium. The role of a bed in this case can be played by a folding sofa, futon, or air mattress.

Mini gym

Sports lovers will be able to organize a small gym in the balcony area, with appropriate flooring and equipment.

Wardrobe

The presence of two blank walls will allow you to place a pair of wardrobes with mirrored doors along them. The latter will not only help you get yourself in order, but will also play a space-correcting role.

Library

Have you always dreamed of having a personal library? Combining a bedroom and a balcony will give you a chance to get it. Use hanging shelves or racks to store books. For comfortable reading, you can place a cozy deep chair or rocking chair, next to which you can place a round table and a floor lamp standing on one figured leg.

Boudoir

You can create a great corner for gatherings with friends if you place a soft corner and a low table in the balcony area. In this case, the window and walls can be draped with rich fabric. Lay a shag carpet on the floor. Add a TV or home theater here and you will get an excellent relaxation area. Instead of equipment, you can install a fountain on the former balcony or install a panoramic aquarium and populate it with bright fish.

The need to attach a balcony indicates that the area of the room is quite small, so its interior design must be in an adequate style. How will combining a balcony with a room affect interior design?

Minimalist trends come first. This can be either pure minimalism or Japanese or Scandinavian styles. They all imply a modest, no-frills environment, but this does not mean that the room will be devoid of attractiveness. As in any bedroom, the leading piece of furniture will remain the bed, but storage systems will have to be disguised as niches and hidden in podiums. As a last resort, you can use built-in cabinets that do not attract attention. Curtains become decorative elements in such interiors. Combining a balcony with a room is a reason to use beautifully designed sliding stationary or folding mobile partitions in the design. Textiles can be used to drape not only the window area, but also decorate the walls. This will add a cozy atmosphere.

The Mediterranean style, the openwork ornateness of the East, the brutality of the Middle Ages, and Moroccan motifs would be nice in the bedroom.

Another interesting option for decorating a space is eclecticism. The directions are the product of a mix of different styles. Strong people, ready for experiments, dream of such a bedroom. In the furnishings of the room, objects typical of art deco, high-tech, gothic, and baroque interiors may appear. It is not without reason that the main criterion for decorating a bedroom in this style is the convenience of its owners.

Classics are also omnipresent and relevant. The style is not difficult to reproduce, and certainly has a certain zest. In the case of a bedroom, this is most often: a canopy or canopy over the bed, carved inlay on furniture, smooth lines. The interior will be appreciated by admirers of traditions and stability. Furniture for a classic bedroom should be made of good quality wood. The style, in principle, is characterized by a commitment to naturalness, so it should be visible in everything: in colors, and in materials, and in decorative ornaments.

As you can see, the interior of a bedroom combined with a balcony can be completely different. You are given complete freedom in its design, so generate ideas and boldly bring them to life. After all, this is a purely personal space that is never exposed to guests. It should be comfortable for you and only you, so go for it!

Glass

Glass can be called a universal option: it meets the standards and looks quite good in the interior. If sliding doors are your thing, our only advice is to not go for completely clear glass, as this could pose a risk of injury to those not in the know. Drawing is also not an option. This is already an outdated trend. It is better to pay attention to colored and tinted glass.

Swing doors that span the entire height of the opening will look luxurious if they have square or rectangular glass divisions. This decor is suitable for classic style and Provence.

Partial glazing can also be used, combining this material with stable cement structures. But when choosing such a technique you need to be very careful - it’s easy to slip into bad taste.

Photo of a bedroom with a balcony

Whatever style and idea for a balcony niche you choose, remember that the main thing in arranging a bedroom is its convenience. It should still be a room that you want to return to, that recharges you, and that doesn't stress you out in any detail. Be inspired by examples and bring to life your favorite ideas for decorating such spaces.

Curly partition

A stylish way to zone a room and emphasize the chosen style. For example, carved doors are suitable for a modern or minimalist design. And for the oriental style - a colored arch, in addition to which there can be decor made of glass and stones.

Design and style issues

Making your bedroom the perfect place for relaxation and comfort is not an easy decision. Each selected detail completes the overall picture, however, an extra element harms the overall effect.

As already mentioned, a well-chosen color affects the overall mood, helps you relax in the bedroom or, conversely, collect your thoughts while sitting at the table on the loggia. A room deprived of sunlight should be decorated with warm colors. Otherwise, cool tones will combine perfectly.

Original lamps can serve as additions to the interior. The design of a bedroom combined with a loggia will embellish any division of rooms into zones. Plasterboard structures or a mounted suspended ceiling will emphasize the uniqueness of the room. All of the above creates the effect of integrity, and a luxurious carpet will only enhance the result. Placing plants with large leaves will help turn your bedroom into an oasis. Your own corner of paradise will help you relax and unwind your thoughts.

Window sill block

The window sill block can also act as a separate zoning unit, especially if it remains from the loggia and is large enough in size. During parties, it can be converted into a bar counter, snack stand or game table.

And yet the window sill block alone looks quite empty. It will look much better if in addition to it there are at least light curtains or tulle.

In order not to disturb the harmony, you should choose curtains to match the walls. Then, if you hang them, they will look like an extension of the wall. In any case, in the balcony area you need to hang additional protection on the windows. Roller blinds or Roman blinds are best suited for this.

Combination of a living room with a voluminous loggia

Adding a large loggia does not always require a special design approach - more often, apartment owners need additional meters in order to place lush classical furniture, increasing the space.

Living room with balcony - a lot of light, air, space

If we are talking about arranging a living room intended for frequent receptions of guests, you can preserve the purpose of the loggia as an autonomous area by separating it from the main room with sliding glass doors and equipping a bar or smoking room in the colonial style in the loggia area.
In a “family” living room, it is more logical to limit yourself to adding additional meters with the installation of a common suspended ceiling and a classic window with the transfer of the radiator.
Dismantling the internal glazing can be the only moment of redevelopment - with the help of plasterboard the opening can be turned from rectangular to oval or asymmetrical streamlined shape. Having given it the features of some “deafness”, the external glazing of the loggia can be done from floor to ceiling, creating an autonomous space with a stylistically determined minimum of furniture for relaxation.

Stylish living room with panoramic glazing

Adding a balcony or loggia to the living room will look more advantageous if you place a large accent in the center of one of the longitudinal walls - a plasma panel or a large painting.

Design of a combined loggia

Curtains

Curtains can easily cope with the task of visual zoning on their own. But in this case they will serve rather a decorative function. The solution in this case could be thread curtains, which transmit light well, but at the same time hide well what is behind them.

Those who love sophisticated ideas will like the option with curtains that are hidden in a niche. It will be especially convenient to build such a structure if the partitions are partially preserved after dismantling.

Balcony opening

If the balcony opening is not subject to changes, that is, both the window and the door are preserved, then curtains will be an obligatory element of the decor. You can use a wide variety of options, depending on the requirements of the living room interior: Roman, roller or classic blinds. When designing an opening, it is recommended to comply with one requirement: the panel of fabric installed on the door must reach the floor, and on the window - the window sill. The exception is classic curtains. In the photo there is a balcony opening with tulle curtains.

When combining a balcony and a hall, the balcony doors and windows are removed, but part of the wall remains. This is the most common connection option, as it requires minimal wall resolution. In this case, the balcony space can be used as an extension of the living room, or it can be a separate area, for example, a study.
Both the balcony door and the wall are removed - partially or completely. Such redevelopment requires permission from the BTI and is less common. In this case, the entire resulting space is a single whole and is subject to the general design requirements.

Open door

If the bedroom is very small, then the best option would be simply an open doorway. After all, you combined the balcony with the room to add space, and you don’t need to lose a single centimeter. And in general, the presence of “air” is one of the main criteria for a successful design.

Selecting curtains

It’s not difficult to choose curtains; thanks to the wide range of various materials for making curtains, colors, textures, curtains can be chosen to suit every taste. Keep in mind that if there are no curtains or blinds directly on the balcony itself, choose additional thick curtains for the room to protect your morning sleep from bright sunlight.

Curtain design option