The problem of a cluttered balcony is familiar to many. Why are we so hard to part with old things? The fact is that theoretically absolutely any item can ever come in handy. Unfortunately, most often only theoretically. We continue to store and shift things dear to the heart - necessary and not very useful and stupid. The property acquired by honest labor must be stored somewhere. So it accumulates on balconies, where it is sometimes arranged in a chaotic manner. Debris from things eat up a lot of space. But to solve the problem is quite simple - you just need to organize all these items correctly and the closet will cope with this task best.
By installing the closet on the loggia, we unload the space to the maximum, remove everything superfluous from the eyes and the more capacious its design, the better. The cabinet can be made to the full height and width of the balcony, and there will be plenty of space for the optimal organization of things. Furniture is made to individual sizes and fits perfectly into the prepared space.
The storage system located on the loggia allows you to:
free the space of the apartment from bulky furniture;
ergonomically organize things in a small area;
not to splurge on an expensive cabinet - a simple and artless model - ideal for a balcony;
hide the necessary, but rarely used things - skates, stepladder, Christmas tree;
turn a cluttered loggia into a stylish and tidy room.
Types and functionality of cabinets
With all the variety of cabinets that can be placed on the balcony, we distinguish two main types:
freestanding - a structure that is not tied to one place. If necessary, it can be moved, deployed, transported with you to a new apartment. This may be a closet that previously stood in one of the rooms, or was purchased specifically for the balcony;
built-in - such a cabinet is made exactly according to the size of the niche reserved for it. Only doors need to be ordered, since the balcony itself will serve as walls, floor and ceiling for it. Due to this, the weight of the finished structure is significantly reduced. Filling a built-in cabinet can be very different - a variety of shelves, baskets, drawers.
The corner storage system fits perfectly into the space of the balcony. It will allow you to use additional, sometimes so necessary centimeters and at the same time it will not look bulky.Corner cabinet "to the ceiling" will help to rationally use the space and accommodate many things.
Door opening systems - advantages and disadvantages
The door options for balcony cabinets can be very different - from swing to accordions. Their choice depends on the characteristics of the room, the design of furniture and the preferences of the owner.
Sliding
Sliding doors save space because when opened they are shifted relative to each other. This option will be simply indispensable if the cabinet is placed behind the protruding window sill or other obstacle. The space in front of the cabinet with swing doors must be left free, while for a sliding system this is not necessary. The only drawback is that the compartment doors cannot be opened simultaneously. Therefore, only one half of the cabinet will always be available.
With roller shutters
A niche with a falling iron curtain is an excellent option for a balcony pantry. Blinds as doors will be appropriate both in a conventional storage system and in a corner. Space for opening doors is not required, however, there is access immediately to all the contents of the cabinet. Installation does not take much time. Roller shutters save space, are easily washed and do not burn out. An aluminum curtain will block the path of bright sunlight, moisture and dust. A plain bright curtain will visually expand the space, and if it seems too boring, you can put a picture on it - airbrushing. The disadvantage of such doors is that in order to open or close the cabinet, you must bend. Another minus of the blinds is their low functionality. On their surface, neither inside the cabinet nor outside, it is impossible to place hooks, suspensions, shelves, mirrors. But on the balcony you can do without mirrors, and mount additional organizers in the side and rear walls.
Accordion doors
This option preserves the main advantage of swing doors - when fully opened, everything is clearly visible.internal filling - there are no "dead zones". At the same time, folding doors can effectively save space. "Accordions" do not rest on the windowsill, they are compact, easy to open. Unfortunately, such doors are not too reliable and durable. This is due to the large number of compounds. The lamels of such doors are usually made of plastic or glass, and this is not a very reliable option. Insufficient adherence of the canvases to the cabinet structure leads to dust penetration. Therefore, the installation of brush seals is necessary.
Shelving - cabinet without doors
If the contents do not have to be hidden behind the deaf doors, it is quite possible to refuse them. This solution will reduce your expenses and make access to things convenient and efficient. The rack is suitable for flowers, for seedlings - because they simply need sunlight. On the glazed balcony, open shelves can be filled with books, decorative accessories, and needlework kits. Or design a rack so that one of the shelves turns into a desktop or a comfortable mini-sofa.
Cabinet shape and size
The shape of the cabinet depends on:
wishes of the owners;
places where it will be located - in the end part, in the corner, along the wall;
its purpose - the functionality of the cabinet can be different - a full wardrobe on the insulated balcony, a work area with a computer desk, a rack with many shelves for storing preservation or working tools, an impromptu refrigerator.
For conservation, shallow cabinets with frequent shelves are suitable. It is very convenient to arrange cans on such racks. If you intend to store blanks for a long period, it is necessary to organize sun protection and equip the storage system with doors.
For large items - sledges, skis, a winter set of rubber, you need a roomy cupboard of sufficient depth, reaching the ceiling.
Dimensions depend on the type of construction - the height of the built-in cabinet matches the height of the balcony itself and is usually 2500-2700 mm. The depth of the wardrobe should be at least 520 mm and its height at least 1800 mm. For lower drawers, leave 400 to 700 mm. The width of the shelves should be at least 400 mm. Narrower cabinets with smaller shelves are impractical. If the cabinet is not intended for clothing, a depth of 350 to 450 mm is sufficient. If the design does not even fit this size, it is more advisable to install the rack without doors.
Materials
When planning to equip a closet on a loggia, you first need to determine the material for it, taking into account the expected load. The appearance, durability and ease of use of the product depend on the correct choice.
Plastic
Plastic products are durable and practical. They attract with their moisture resistance, heat resistance - they are not afraid of rain, heat, or frost. Lightweight construction provides easy lifting of the product on the object and easy installation. The affordable cost makes plastic cabinets affordable for different segments of the population. A rich palette of shades allows you to choose the perfect option for the design of the decoration of the balcony. Of the minuses - a low degree of resistance to mechanical stress, burnout in the sun. Plastic cabinets with a metal profile are a more reliable option. They consist of an aluminum frame and plastic sashes. Shelves made of plastic can withstand loads of up to 40 kg.
The doors of the metal-plastic cabinet isolate the internal space from external influences, since they close hermetically. Therefore, moisture and dust will not penetrate into the structure.
Tree
The main advantage of solid wood cabinets is environmental friendliness. No toxic substances are released from them. This cabinet fits perfectly into the interior with wooden trim.
Strengths of wooden structures
high carrying capacity - you can not be afraid that a wooden shelf will collapse under a heavy object;
longevity - will serve faithfully for many years;
excellent appearance - natural wood looks expensive, gives the interior warmth and coziness.
However, wooden furniture has its drawbacks. Wood is a combustible material that must be treated with flame retardant. From moisture fluctuations it can lead. Excessive heat will cause cracks. The material must be treated with antibacterial agents that protect against the appearance of bark beetle larvae.
Lining
Lining is a practical material that can be used to sheathe existing structures made of wood, drywall, chipboards. It can also be used as the main material for the cabinet. In this case, the frame is first assembled from a wooden beam or a metal profile, which is then sheathed with lining.
In the manufacture of lining used natural wood of pine, spruce, oak, alder, as well as more expensive species - rosewood, mahogany. For a balcony wardrobe, lining from an affordable price category is perfect.
Material varies in classes - its quality depends on it. Distinguish the Extra class in this respect, as well as classes A, B and C.
When choosing a lining for a cabinet, do not give preference to low-quality material of class C.
This kind of lamellas is not suitable for this kind of task. The lining is endowed with all the advantages and disadvantages inherent in natural wood, but it has its own characteristics:
in the production, lamellas are treated with antibacterial agents and coated with special varnishes, which allows them to withstand woodworms, moisture and the effects of the sun;
comb-groove joint system allows for quick surface cladding.
MDF
The MDF cabinet is a durable and aesthetic product with excellent performance. From wood chipboards, you can make all the walls and doors of the cabinet or equip the doors with MDF doors in an integrated structure.
Types of MDF panels:
laminated - coated with PVC film. They can be matte, glossy, have any color and print;
veneered - glued with veneer of natural wood of valuable species;
painted - pre-primed surfaces are coated with paint in several layers.
Also use chipboard, plywood, furniture panels and OSB.
The style and colors of the cabinet
In order not to upset the harmony of an existing interior, furniture must be selected in the same style and in matching colors.
Style options for decorating a balcony:
Scandinavian - an abundance of light shades, simple shapes and natural materials;
loft - brick or concrete walls, natural wood, the presence of industrial accessories;
Provence - the softness and comfort of delicate colors and floral prints in combination with artificially aged accessories.
On the balcony, it is better to abandon the ornate forms of Art Nouveau and the elaborate Baroque decoration. However, the choice of style depends entirely on the preferences of the owner.
Where to install the cabinet
The location depends on the design of the cabinet and its purpose. Since the balcony is a narrow rectangular room, it would be logical to place furniture on one of the short walls. Thus, you can slightly adjust the elongated shape of the balcony and use unused space. If you can’t place one large cabinet on the front side, you can hang two - one above the other.
Another option is to build an angular structure. A slanted door will allow you to leave unused space next to the glazing, and the light will freely penetrate the room.
A narrow cabinet can be placed under the windowsill along the entire side. In winter, it is used instead of the refrigerator.
Similar systems are located under the window. They will be especially relevant in the summer. You can use the top cover instead of the windowsill to grow flowers and vegetables. If the dimensions of the loggia allow, the cabinet can also be placed along a long wall. The main thing is that it does not interfere with movement and opens easily. A system with sliding doors is ideal.
Complete set and equipment of a case
In order to maximize the rational use of the space inside the product, it is necessary to correctly select its content. What designs will help to conveniently place things, make the use of a small pantry comfortable?
Shelves - horizontal surfaces of various sizes, located at different heights. Their size is selected depending on what will be stored in this cabinet. If it is intended for conservation, shelves of different heights will be needed.
Metal baskets - allow you to organize small items that would take up too much space while standing on a shelf. In addition, the through walls are well ventilated, which prevents the formation of dampness and fungus.
Drawers - designs of different sizes. They can be located inside the cabinet behind the common door or have their own facade. Very useful for storing small items, tools, various household devices, vegetables - if there is not enough space in the kitchen.
Rods - if the cabinet is used as a dressing room, they will accommodate clothes hanger.
Mezzanines - are equipped in the upper part of the cabinet for storing rarely used things.
If you plan to store a clothes dryer, vacuum cleaner, mop, fishing rod, ski in a cabinet, you are better off refilling and making at least one part of the cabinet without shelves.
Items such as an ironing board and dryer can be integrated directly into the closet, thereby equipping yourself with a convenient area for drying and ironing.
If desired, you can equip a workplace on the balcony using one of the shelves of the cabinet as a table.This is an excellent way out of the situation with a deficit of free space in the apartment. On the upper shelves books and folders with documents will conveniently be placed. The lower ones are suitable for office equipment.
How to do it yourself
A self-made cabinet will cost less than a finished one and will allow you to take into account all the wishes of the owner.
Necessary materials and tools
To create a cabinet you will need:
wooden beam 40 by 40 mm. It is needed for the manufacture of the frame;
instead of a bar, you can use a metal profile;
metal mounting angles;
hardware for fasteners - self-tapping screws, dowels, nails;
hand circular saw, jigsaw;
electric drill with a perforator, screwdriver, miscellaneous screwdrivers;
level, building angle, ruler.
Manufacturing steps
Determine the purpose of the cabinet - what will it be? Storage for blanks, household appliances, rarely used things or a wardrobe? Based on this, we choose the dimensions of the future design.
We choose a place for installation - in the end part, in the corner, along the wall.
We measure length, width, height.
We make a drawing of the desired cabinet. In the diagram, we take into account all elements and content.
We carry out the markup to install the future frame. We constantly check its correctness with the help of a level. If the cabinet is planned to be built into the entire height of the balcony, then first make marks on the ceiling, and then transfer them to the floor.
We make a frame. We prepare the bars of the desired length with a jigsaw. First we fix the ceiling and floor beam, then we fix the vertical ones. Next, install the horizontal bars as the basis for future shelves.
We fix the shelves to the frame. For this we use boards or MDF.
We make doors. We build a door frame and sheathe it with plates, wooden or plastic lining.
We install the door. For swing sashes we use regular or furniture hinges.
If you plan to make a cabinet with sliding panels, you will need to purchase guides for installation on the floor and ceiling and castors that are attached to the door leafs.
The wardrobe on the balcony is not a luxury, but a convenient and practical place for storage, which is quite possible to equip with your own hands.
The problem of a cluttered balcony is familiar to many. Why are we so hard to part with old things? The fact is that theoretically absolutely any item can ever come in handy. Unfortunately, most often only theoretically. We continue to store and shift things dear to the heart - necessary and not very useful and stupid. The property acquired by honest labor must be stored somewhere. So it accumulates on balconies, where it is sometimes arranged in a chaotic manner. Debris from things eat up a lot of space. But to solve the problem is quite simple - you just need to organize all these items correctly and the closet will cope with this task best.
Content
Features and Benefits
By installing the closet on the loggia, we unload the space to the maximum, remove everything superfluous from the eyes and the more capacious its design, the better. The cabinet can be made to the full height and width of the balcony, and there will be plenty of space for the optimal organization of things. Furniture is made to individual sizes and fits perfectly into the prepared space.
The storage system located on the loggia allows you to:
Types and functionality of cabinets
With all the variety of cabinets that can be placed on the balcony, we distinguish two main types:
The corner storage system fits perfectly into the space of the balcony. It will allow you to use additional, sometimes so necessary centimeters and at the same time it will not look bulky.Corner cabinet "to the ceiling" will help to rationally use the space and accommodate many things.
Door opening systems - advantages and disadvantages
The door options for balcony cabinets can be very different - from swing to accordions. Their choice depends on the characteristics of the room, the design of furniture and the preferences of the owner.
Sliding
Sliding doors save space because when opened they are shifted relative to each other. This option will be simply indispensable if the cabinet is placed behind the protruding window sill or other obstacle. The space in front of the cabinet with swing doors must be left free, while for a sliding system this is not necessary. The only drawback is that the compartment doors cannot be opened simultaneously. Therefore, only one half of the cabinet will always be available.
With roller shutters
A niche with a falling iron curtain is an excellent option for a balcony pantry. Blinds as doors will be appropriate both in a conventional storage system and in a corner. Space for opening doors is not required, however, there is access immediately to all the contents of the cabinet. Installation does not take much time. Roller shutters save space, are easily washed and do not burn out. An aluminum curtain will block the path of bright sunlight, moisture and dust. A plain bright curtain will visually expand the space, and if it seems too boring, you can put a picture on it - airbrushing. The disadvantage of such doors is that in order to open or close the cabinet, you must bend. Another minus of the blinds is their low functionality. On their surface, neither inside the cabinet nor outside, it is impossible to place hooks, suspensions, shelves, mirrors. But on the balcony you can do without mirrors, and mount additional organizers in the side and rear walls.
Accordion doors
This option preserves the main advantage of swing doors - when fully opened, everything is clearly visible.internal filling - there are no "dead zones". At the same time, folding doors can effectively save space. "Accordions" do not rest on the windowsill, they are compact, easy to open. Unfortunately, such doors are not too reliable and durable. This is due to the large number of compounds. The lamels of such doors are usually made of plastic or glass, and this is not a very reliable option. Insufficient adherence of the canvases to the cabinet structure leads to dust penetration. Therefore, the installation of brush seals is necessary.
Shelving - cabinet without doors
If the contents do not have to be hidden behind the deaf doors, it is quite possible to refuse them. This solution will reduce your expenses and make access to things convenient and efficient. The rack is suitable for flowers, for seedlings - because they simply need sunlight. On the glazed balcony, open shelves can be filled with books, decorative accessories, and needlework kits. Or design a rack so that one of the shelves turns into a desktop or a comfortable mini-sofa.
Cabinet shape and size
The shape of the cabinet depends on:
For conservation, shallow cabinets with frequent shelves are suitable. It is very convenient to arrange cans on such racks. If you intend to store blanks for a long period, it is necessary to organize sun protection and equip the storage system with doors.
For large items - sledges, skis, a winter set of rubber, you need a roomy cupboard of sufficient depth, reaching the ceiling.
Dimensions depend on the type of construction - the height of the built-in cabinet matches the height of the balcony itself and is usually 2500-2700 mm. The depth of the wardrobe should be at least 520 mm and its height at least 1800 mm. For lower drawers, leave 400 to 700 mm. The width of the shelves should be at least 400 mm. Narrower cabinets with smaller shelves are impractical. If the cabinet is not intended for clothing, a depth of 350 to 450 mm is sufficient. If the design does not even fit this size, it is more advisable to install the rack without doors.
Materials
When planning to equip a closet on a loggia, you first need to determine the material for it, taking into account the expected load. The appearance, durability and ease of use of the product depend on the correct choice.
Plastic
Plastic products are durable and practical. They attract with their moisture resistance, heat resistance - they are not afraid of rain, heat, or frost. Lightweight construction provides easy lifting of the product on the object and easy installation. The affordable cost makes plastic cabinets affordable for different segments of the population. A rich palette of shades allows you to choose the perfect option for the design of the decoration of the balcony.
Of the minuses - a low degree of resistance to mechanical stress, burnout in the sun. Plastic cabinets with a metal profile are a more reliable option. They consist of an aluminum frame and plastic sashes. Shelves made of plastic can withstand loads of up to 40 kg.
Tree
The main advantage of solid wood cabinets is environmental friendliness. No toxic substances are released from them. This cabinet fits perfectly into the interior with wooden trim.
Strengths of wooden structures
However, wooden furniture has its drawbacks. Wood is a combustible material that must be treated with flame retardant. From moisture fluctuations it can lead. Excessive heat will cause cracks. The material must be treated with antibacterial agents that protect against the appearance of bark beetle larvae.
Lining
Lining is a practical material that can be used to sheathe existing structures made of wood, drywall, chipboards. It can also be used as the main material for the cabinet. In this case, the frame is first assembled from a wooden beam or a metal profile, which is then sheathed with lining.
In the manufacture of lining used natural wood of pine, spruce, oak, alder, as well as more expensive species - rosewood, mahogany. For a balcony wardrobe, lining from an affordable price category is perfect.
Material varies in classes - its quality depends on it. Distinguish the Extra class in this respect, as well as classes A, B and C.
This kind of lamellas is not suitable for this kind of task.
The lining is endowed with all the advantages and disadvantages inherent in natural wood, but it has its own characteristics:
MDF
The MDF cabinet is a durable and aesthetic product with excellent performance. From wood chipboards, you can make all the walls and doors of the cabinet or equip the doors with MDF doors in an integrated structure.
Types of MDF panels:
Also use chipboard, plywood, furniture panels and OSB.
The style and colors of the cabinet
In order not to upset the harmony of an existing interior, furniture must be selected in the same style and in matching colors.
Style options for decorating a balcony:
On the balcony, it is better to abandon the ornate forms of Art Nouveau and the elaborate Baroque decoration. However, the choice of style depends entirely on the preferences of the owner.
Where to install the cabinet
The location depends on the design of the cabinet and its purpose. Since the balcony is a narrow rectangular room, it would be logical to place furniture on one of the short walls. Thus, you can slightly adjust the elongated shape of the balcony and use unused space. If you can’t place one large cabinet on the front side, you can hang two - one above the other.
Another option is to build an angular structure. A slanted door will allow you to leave unused space next to the glazing, and the light will freely penetrate the room.
A narrow cabinet can be placed under the windowsill along the entire side. In winter, it is used instead of the refrigerator.
Similar systems are located under the window. They will be especially relevant in the summer. You can use the top cover instead of the windowsill to grow flowers and vegetables.
If the dimensions of the loggia allow, the cabinet can also be placed along a long wall. The main thing is that it does not interfere with movement and opens easily. A system with sliding doors is ideal.
Complete set and equipment of a case
In order to maximize the rational use of the space inside the product, it is necessary to correctly select its content. What designs will help to conveniently place things, make the use of a small pantry comfortable?
If you plan to store a clothes dryer, vacuum cleaner, mop, fishing rod, ski in a cabinet, you are better off refilling and making at least one part of the cabinet without shelves.
Items such as an ironing board and dryer can be integrated directly into the closet, thereby equipping yourself with a convenient area for drying and ironing.
If desired, you can equip a workplace on the balcony using one of the shelves of the cabinet as a table.This is an excellent way out of the situation with a deficit of free space in the apartment. On the upper shelves books and folders with documents will conveniently be placed. The lower ones are suitable for office equipment.
How to do it yourself
A self-made cabinet will cost less than a finished one and will allow you to take into account all the wishes of the owner.
Necessary materials and tools
To create a cabinet you will need:
Manufacturing steps
If you plan to make a cabinet with sliding panels, you will need to purchase guides for installation on the floor and ceiling and castors that are attached to the door leafs.
The wardrobe on the balcony is not a luxury, but a convenient and practical place for storage, which is quite possible to equip with your own hands.