Balcony as Office: Transforming 3 m² into a Fully Functional Workspace

Remote work has turned the balcony from a laundry drying area into one of the most sought-after corners in the apartment. Three square meters can become a fully functional office with a city view if you know how to organize the space properly. The key is to address heating, lighting, and ergonomics.

A balcony office has undeniable advantages: natural light, isolation from household noise, and the feeling of working 'away from home.' With a thoughtful approach, even the narrowest balcony becomes a comfortable workspace where you want to spend time.

Main points from the article:

• Insulation and glazing are mandatory conditions for year-round use;
• The desk should be placed perpendicular to the window for proper lighting;
• Electrical installation on the balcony requires professional installation and protection from humidity;
• Document storage should be protected from temperature fluctuations;
• Zone separation helps distinguish the workspace from the relaxation area.

Insulation and Glazing: The Foundation of Comfort

Without proper insulation, a balcony office will become a test of endurance. The minimum set of works: glazing, wall, floor, and ceiling insulation, joint sealing.

• Glazing is best done with warm double-glazed units or energy-saving glass. Cold glazing is only suitable for seasonal use in spring and summer.
• Insulating the floor is critical—feet get cold first. You can install a heated floor (electric or water-based) or lay insulation under the finishing material.
• Walls are insulated with polystyrene or mineral wool 5-10 cm thick. Vapor barrier is mandatory—without it, the insulation will absorb moisture and lose its properties.

Electrical Installation: Safety First

A balcony office is impossible without electricity. You'll need outlets for the computer, lighting, and heater. Electrical work should be done by a professional—do-it-yourself is dangerous.

• Wiring runs from the distribution panel via a separate line with a Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB). Outlets on the balcony should have moisture protection (IP44 or higher). All connections must be sealed.
• Plan for at least 4-5 outlets: computer, monitor, printer, desk lamp, heater. It's better to have more—extension cords on the balcony are undesirable.
• Switches should be placed at the entrance and near the workspace. A dimmer allows adjusting lighting according to the time of day.

Workspace Organization

The desk is the central element of a balcony office. Its size depends on the balcony width, but at least 100×60 cm is required for comfortable work.

• The ideal desk placement is perpendicular to the window. Light comes from the side, not blinding or casting shadows on the keyboard. Sitting with your back to the window is not advisable—this causes glare on the monitor.
• The desk height should be 72-75 cm for an average-height person. There should be enough space under the desk for legs and knees to bend at a right angle.
• You can buy a ready-made desk or custom-order one to fit the balcony dimensions exactly. A particle board top with a laminated surface is the optimal choice in terms of price and quality.

Design: Serafima Gavrilchenko

Storage on the Balcony

• Documents and equipment on the balcony need protection from temperature and humidity fluctuations. Use closed cabinets or containers with seals.
• Wall-mounted shelves save space and don't clutter the floor. Place them at a convenient height—frequently used items should be within reach.
• Drawer units under the desk can hold office supplies, cables, and chargers. Dividers in the drawers help maintain order.
• Document folders are better stored in plastic containers—they provide better moisture protection than cardboard boxes.

Lighting for Work

Natural light from the balcony may not be sufficient in the morning, evening, or on cloudy days. Several artificial light sources are needed.

• Main lighting—ceiling fixture or spotlights. 15-20 watts per square meter ensures sufficient illumination.
• Task lighting—desk lamp with adjustable shade. Light should fall on the work surface without blinding the eyes.
• Decorative backlighting—LED strip under shelves or behind the monitor reduces contrast and eye strain.

Climate Control

• Even an insulated balcony can be cool in winter. A heater is a mandatory element of a balcony office in central Russia.
• Convector heaters are safer than oil radiators—there's no risk of burns. Power is calculated by formula: 100 watts per square meter with good insulation.
• In summer, an air conditioner or fan may be needed. Ventilation should be well-planned—drafts are harmful to health and can blow documents away.
• A humidifier in winter compensates for dryness from heaters. Optimal humidity for work is 40-60%.

Ergonomics and Comfort

• A chair is the second most important element after the desk. On a balcony, compact models with wheels and adjustable height are better. The chair back should support the lower back. Armrests help reduce shoulder and neck strain while working with a mouse.
• A footrest is necessary if the desk is too high or the chair isn't adjustable. Feet should rest on a support, not hang.
• The monitor should be placed at arm's length. The top third of the screen should be at eye level or slightly below.

Protection from Sunlight

Bright sunlight interferes with computer work and heats the balcony. A shading system is needed—blinds, roller curtains, or glass tinting.

• Blinds offer maximum control over lighting—adjustable light intensity and direction. Horizontal aluminum blinds are more practical than fabric ones.
• Roller curtains are more compact than regular ones, taking up no space when raised. Choose fabrics with a light-reflective coating.
• Glass tinting is a permanent solution but less flexible. It doesn't require space and won't break.

Design: Alena Romashkova

Space Zoning

Even on a small balcony, you can define a workspace and a relaxation area. Visual separation helps switch between work and rest.

• The workspace takes up 2/3 of the balcony—desk, chair, and storage systems. The relaxation area is a chair or bench against the opposite wall.
• Different lighting highlights zoning. Bright light in the workspace, soft in the relaxation area.
• Plants help zone and create a cozy atmosphere. Choose low-maintenance varieties—conditions on the balcony are variable.

Design: Anastasia Potapova

Design: Anastasia Potapova

Sound Insulation

Noise from the street can interfere with concentration.

• Quality double-glazed units reduce noise levels but don't eliminate them completely.
• Floating materials absorb sound—carpet on the floor, textile panels on the walls, dense curtains.
• White noise from an air conditioner or a special device masks street sounds. Headphones are a radical solution for very noisy areas.

Decoration and Atmosphere

A balcony office should inspire productivity. A beautiful view from the window is the main decoration, but you can add decorative elements.

• Paintings or posters on the walls create a cozy atmosphere. Choose images that motivate you—landscapes, abstracts, motivational quotes.
• Plants enliven the space and improve air quality. Low-maintenance varieties like ZZ plant, Spathiphyllum, and Chlorophytum work well.
• Personal items—photos, souvenirs, books—make the office cozier. But don't overdo it—clutter reduces productivity.

Design: MKinterior

Technical Solutions

• Internet on the balcony may be weaker than in the apartment. A Wi-Fi repeater or additional access point can solve this issue.
• Extension cords and surge protectors should be of good quality with overvoltage protection. Electronics on the balcony face greater risks.
• A power backup unit will protect your computer from voltage fluctuations and unexpected outages.

Seasonal Considerations

• In winter, a balcony office requires more heating and lighting. Check your heater's operation before the cold arrives.
• In summer, the main issue is overheating. Ventilation, shading, and air conditioning help maintain a comfortable temperature.
• In spring and autumn, monitor humidity—condensation can damage equipment and documents.

Budget-Friendly Solutions

• You can make a desk from an IKEA countertop and legs or brackets. It's cheaper than a ready-made desk and fits the space perfectly.
• LED strips for lighting cost less than chandeliers or fixtures but require more time for installation.
• Insulation with foam plastic is cheaper than mineral wool, though less effective. It may be suitable for seasonal use.
• Furniture made from construction materials like plywood or particle board is much cheaper than ready-made. Basic tool skills are required.

Legal Considerations

• Insulating a balcony may require approval if it affects the building's facade. Clarify requirements with the property management company.
• Combining a balcony with a room is a renovation requiring a project and approval. Simple insulation usually doesn't require permits.
• Electrical work on the balcony must comply with PUE standards. Use certified materials and hire licensed electricians.

A balcony office is an excellent solution for working from home, especially in small apartments. The key is to properly prepare the space and plan all details. Then, three square meters can transform into a fully functional workspace with an inspiring view from the window.

Cover: Diana Valeeva's Design Project