Balcony: 5 Ways to Maximize Its Potential

A balcony is often either unused or gradually turns into a storage area. However, it's actually a hidden resource in our apartments that can and should be used to its full potential. Interior designer Iolanta Fedotova shared tips on how to do this.

Iolanta Fedotova EXPERT
Interior designer, member of the Russian Designers' Union, lives and works in Italy.

Dining Area on the Balcony

This solution saves space in the kitchen, where additional storage modules can be placed. All of this is legal and no problems will arise when registering in BTI.

What you need to do: insulate the balcony and install a heated floor. If there is little space on the balcony, place a narrow rectangular table along the long wall – you can sit around it from three sides. A fold-down table will save even more space. If the balcony is wide, a round table would work well. Choose beautiful and comfortable chairs (as an option – folding ones). The rest is a matter of taste: you can add shelves, place live plants, and choose any decor.

Wardrobe Outside the Apartment

If the balcony is in the bedroom, I often recommend moving the wardrobe there. It's very convenient – it saves precious space in the room or the entire apartment.

What you need to do: insulate the balcony. It's advisable to install a heated floor. Along the short walls of the balcony, place tall wardrobes; along the long walls – near external windows and adjacent to the room’s window – install low, shallow wardrobes with drawers and shelves for laundry.

Cozy Smoking Area

A smoking area can be created on the balcony in any room: in the living room, you can spend pleasant time with guests, and in the bedroom, it becomes a private relaxation zone.

What you need to do: insulate the balcony and install a heated floor. Lay down cushions of various sizes and shapes on the floor. You can add draperies on the windows in bright, "oriental" tones. The interior is complemented by small poufs in Moroccan style.

Office for Quiet Work

A study on the balcony is the perfect place. You can set up a writing desk and bookshelves. Sometimes even a small sofa fits in there, and if the balcony is very narrow, place a small armchair there.

What you need to do: insulate the balcony. A heated floor is essential — otherwise, you'll freeze during long work sessions in winter. Place the desk at the end of the balcony (along the narrow side), and in the other end — a sofa or armchair, near the window — low bookshelves.

Wine Cellar with City View

More precisely, a wine balcony. Imagine: a fireplace, two armchairs, a night panorama outside the window, and you with a glass of good wine. Sounds appealing? Then this is your option.

What you need to do: as usual, insulate the balcony and install a heated floor. Place a bio-fireplace, two soft armchairs, and a side table. Along the short wall of the balcony, you can put a wine cabinet or a special wine cooler.

On the cover: design project by ToTaste Studio

Also read:

• Types of Balconies: 7 Examples from Different Countries
• How to Quickly Insulate a Balcony: Step-by-Step Guide
• 10 Successful Ideas for Balcony Decoration