How to make a balcony your beauty parlor. How to turn a balcony into a comfortable office: tips for landscaping and design

Wide enough to fit small table, then it can be completely converted into a comfortable and cozy office. When starting to develop interior design, it is important to determine whether it will be only a workplace or also a small library, a place for relaxation and solitude. Based on this, despite the limited space, it is better to break it into functional zones.

An office on the balcony will be a successful and interesting solution that has a lot of advantages.

• Privacy: a balcony or loggia is the most remote place in the back of an apartment or room. Therefore, even in the case of joining a balcony or loggia to a room, with the subsequent organization of a work area on it / her, a certain isolation remains, again, contributing to fruitful work.
• Illumination: a balcony or loggia has a large number of windows,
  therefore, during daylight hours, sunlight will be the main source of illumination. It should be borne in mind that natural light is good for the eyes and, in general, has a very positive effect on the mental and psychological state of a person, which means that work in such an office will be more pleasant and productive.
• Ventilation: In a well-ventilated area, the human brain will work at full capacity. And on the balcony or loggia, this is facilitated by a large number of windows (besides, the view from the window will please the eye).

The disadvantages include the complexity and cost of transformation ordinary balcony or a loggia into a full-fledged study.

Stages of repair work on the balcony

Electric installation work

The future working mini-office cannot be fully used without office equipment, that is, lighting, sockets and switches are necessary.

Heating

Unfortunately, neither capital insulation nor triple-glazed windows will be able to provide a comfortable temperature on the balcony during winter frosts. Therefore, it will not be possible to do without additional heating of the mini-cabinet. Balcony heating is carried out by electric fireplaces or convectors, since heating batteries are not allowed to be taken outside the apartment by law.

The ceiling and walls can be painted in light shades, and the floor furnishings in dark, which will create a contrast in color. light colors and Beautiful design eco-style balconies with practical and comfortable .

When designing a balcony-study, it is important to connect the entire interior with a single design idea so that colors, textures of materials and pieces of furniture combine beautifully and harmoniously.

The material, in fact, can be anything, the main thing is that the color and texture of the finish be in the same style. It is recommended to choose a color that is not bright, monophonic, in order to set it up in a businesslike way.

It is advisable to avoid dark tones, because they visually narrow the already small room. Very large and bright enough elements should also not be chosen, as they will distract from work.

Light, pastel, natural shades visually enlarge the room, soothe and contribute to the working mood. One of best options will use color natural wood or other unobtrusive shades.

Workplace for a student on the balcony

In a small apartment it is quite problematic to install computer desk for a student. And if there are two children in the family, then the problems double. And yet, even having a loggia, you can create a great work area for schoolchildren.

The table can be made along the windowsill, which is quite practical on narrow balcony. Moreover, under the table you can place drawers and shelves for storing school supplies.

And if there are two schoolchildren in the family, then in this way you can create a workplace for two at the same time.

Blinds or curtains on windows, which can keep out the heat and make small rooms more comfortable, and a splash of color will create a contrast with the white and bring life to the interior.

Study design on the balcony connected to the room

Quite often, a balcony is attached to a room and, having insulated it, creates a small work area with different shelves or cabinets.

Rest zone

The opposite side of the balcony can be turned into reading room by setting bookcase made to order or handmade. Shelves with books can also look good on the side wall of a mini-office.

In addition, a small seating area can successfully fit into a cozy office, where you can place a small coffee table and an armchair, so that it is pleasant and comfortable to drink a cup of coffee, take a break from business or read your favorite book. But this option, unfortunately, is possible only if the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe balcony allows.

Garden furniture and decor accessories such as vases, lamps, lanterns, candlesticks, wall decorations and eye-catching plant and flower pots will help add charm and style to your design.

Hello! On this page you can get acquainted with the most relevant and popular information about the arrangement on the balcony and loggia of the office.

You can see photos of the office on the balcony, loggias that have been converted into an office, as well as examples of a student's workplace on an insulated loggia.

Cabinet on the loggia

In most modern apartments, there is a lack of free space, and at the same time, it is increasingly necessary to equip a workplace, or a full-fledged home office.

In such cases, the empty space of balconies and loggias comes to the rescue. Initially, these are open areas that are not very suitable for the role of an additional living room.

Therefore, a major overhaul is carried out with the following types of work:

• - warm glazing plastic windows(with double-glazed windows and energy-saving windows),
• - insulation of the parapet with foam blocks,
• - insulation of walls, ceiling, floor and parapet with 5 cm foam sheets,
• - vapor barrier of the room with a layer of foil foam,
• - installation of additional heating (convectors, underfloor heating).

You will also need a practical finish made of environmentally friendly clean materials. As a rule, offices are arranged on small balconies and loggias, and therefore you should choose finishing materials in light colors. They visually increase the available space.

Office on the balcony

V modern world You don't have to leave your own apartment to get the job done. The only condition for successful employment is a stable and high-speed Internet. It is quite logical that for comfortable work at home, a comfortable and functional office is required.

Unfortunately, the layout of most apartments does not provide for a separate place for an office, and therefore the empty space of balconies and loggias comes to the rescue.

The main advantages of the cabinet on the loggia:

• - there is a possibility of arranging a specialized room,
• - not affected living space apartments,
• - no one interferes on the balcony or loggia,
• - work at home is more efficient and cheaper than similar activities in a distant office.

By itself, the balcony is not very suitable for arranging an office: moreover, in its original form it does not look like a room at all. Therefore, before proceeding with the choice of a computer desk, it is necessary to make major repairs and warming of the room.

The list of jobs looks like this:

• - warm glazing PVC windows,
• - full insulation of the parapet with foam block masonry,
• - insulation of walls, ceiling, floor and parapet foam,
• - vapor barrier with a layer of foil foam foam 10 mm thick,
• - finishing with practical materials,
• - installation of built-in office furniture.

Furniture on the balcony

If everything is clear with decoration and insulation, then there are certain problems with office furniture on the balcony. Finished Models from furniture store differ in standardized sizes. Such furniture can be placed in rectangular room, but not on a loggia in the shape of a triangle. In addition, only 1 cm of extra width will not allow you to install a beautiful table or a functional cabinet. That is why for the arrangement of an office on the balcony, furniture according to individual measurements, made to order, is required.

The advantages of such furniture are obvious:

• - Perfect measurements
• - the choice of filling,
• - Possibility to choose materials for furniture manufacturing,
• - full control over design stage,
• - high quality workmanship due to small batches of furniture.

Workplace of a teenager on the loggia

A child who is in school needs separate place for study. As a rule, in small bedroom it is simply not enough, and therefore it is quite logical to use the empty space of a balcony or loggia.

The arrangement of the office begins with insulation and glazing warm windows. Then it is necessary to make a major overhaul, select high-quality finishing materials and install electrical wiring.

The workplace should be arranged as close as possible to the window in order to provide the child with the maximum level of natural light. Also, the workplace requires functional and comfortable furniture, which has a sufficient number of drawers and shelves.

But most importantly, the height of the desktop should correspond to the height of the child.

Many modern apartments complements the small balcony. So that free space does not go to waste or is not used for simple storage of all kinds of rubbish, it can be turned into a small room. If you work at home or just spend a lot of time at the computer, then you can use the balcony space to organize an office there.

Features and Benefits

This solution has both advantages and disadvantages. So, if your balcony is already used for storing conservation or other things that do not fit anywhere else, then doing this is irrational. Another important point- the design of the balcony itself. If you have it open and not heated, then you need to be prepared for the fact that you will have to spend a lot of time and money on arranging it.

Also, the balcony may be too small. Therefore, neither a chair nor even a small desktop can fit on it properly. But, without a doubt, such a design decision has its advantages. Firstly, you will finally have your own full-fledged room, where you will work alone and in silence, without being distracted by anything.

Balconies, as a rule, are complemented on three sides by high and wide windows. If you choose french version glazing, then the windows will be floor-to-ceiling high. And this means that the natural lighting in the room will always be very good. Therefore, you can safely work or read all day long without fear for your eyesight.

The balcony in good weather is very easily ventilated. And it can be protected from midges and mosquitoes with a simple mosquito net. So, if you properly design your workspace, then you will be comfortable doing your own business in it.

Space preparation

Before you engage in the design of the balcony space, it is necessary to carry out the main work on its alteration.

Having decided to place an office on a loggia or balcony, first create suitable working conditions there. If the balcony is initially open, then it needs to be glazed and additionally insulated. This usually takes about a week of free time. Remember also that before carrying out any work, you must obtain special permission for this, and the territory of your future office must be inspected by an engineer.

It is also necessary to insulate the balcony. First of all, seal all cracks with sealant or special foam. If you are not sure that you will cope with this task, then it is better to immediately turn to specialists. After all, if you seal the room incorrectly, it will remain cold.

A miniature balcony should not be supplemented with wide panels. It is better to give preference to penofol. This material is good because it does not reduce space. With penofol it is worth laying a wall that connects the balcony to the main room. This at the same time not only warms the room, but also contributes to good sound insulation.

Another way to insulate an office is to install an insulated floor there. For this, a special system is used, which is laid under ceramic plates or tiles. To install this type of insulation, you also need a special permit. You can also install a heater in a small room. Choose a compact converter that won't create dangerous situations or take up a lot of space. The only drawback of this type of heating is that on a small balcony your compact heater will dry out the air a lot.

Balcony space is also worth protecting from insect intrusion. Hang mosquito nets on the windows so that flies and mosquitoes do not annoy you in the evenings in the summer. Or install windows immediately with special mosquito inserts, which, if necessary, can be easily removed and inserted back.

The next step is the installation of lighting. Initially, there was no electricity on the narrow balcony and even on the loggia. But it is quite possible to carry it there. This procedure also should not be done independently. Wires must be laid by specialists. The wiring is laid either in baseboards or under the floor.

In order to working room was the most comfortable for you, it is desirable to install in your new room at least two or three sockets. As for lighting, you can limit yourself to one lamp or install overhead lighting or sconces. Since we almost always need the Internet for work and study, make sure that your router's signal reaches the balcony. If not, install an internet cable.

The final stage of the redevelopment of the premises - redecorating. Walls and ceilings are best done in light and fresh colors. Lightness in the design of the office will be given by wallpaper in white, light green or coffee color. The same effect is given by a variety of floral or abstract patterns, made in the same light shades. The light base goes especially well with furniture in contrasting dark colors.

Arrangement

After the redevelopment of the space and the creation of all comfortable conditions, you can proceed to the design. The office should have at least minimum set furniture. This list includes a desk, a chair and shelves or racks. Such a complete set will already provide you with normal working conditions. If you put a table in a corner, and place shelves with books and all kinds of decorative elements above it, then you will have a lot of free space left.

If the dimensions of the balcony allow, then the equipment may be more. In the office, you can install a bookcase, an armchair, a tiny sofa and a small coffee table.

And if there is not enough space at all, then you can opt for a tiny corner table or hanging tabletops, which also practically do not take up free space.

In order to save space, you can use window sills on the balcony instead of tables. Treat and paint them and they'll be the perfect work surface for you. But you can go the other way, removing all the window sills. This frees up a lot of free space.

One more interesting idea, which will help you save space - connect the balcony to the room. So you get a bedroom, divided into two zones: working and, in fact, sleeping. If you want to translate this idea into reality, then you can make both rooms in the same style, or divide the room into zones using different variants design.

We have already talked about how to conduct electricity to the balcony. Now let's look at this issue from the point of view of aesthetics. Lighting are also part of the interior. On a narrow balcony, it makes sense to use either high narrow floor lamps, or several table lamps. You can also opt for traditional overhead lighting.

Lamps should be selected according to the features of the interior. So, in an Art Nouveau office, a plain glass lamp would look appropriate, and in a room made in English style- original lamp in vintage style.

In order for you to feel comfortable at work in the evenings and not be distracted by the views of strangers walking along the street, it is advisable to complement your room with properly selected curtains or blinds.

A glazed and insulated balcony has long received the status of a living space. It is often used as a utility room for drying clothes or growing plants. However, on the additional area you can easily arrange a more functional room. Advanced tenants equip a workplace on a balcony or loggia: a small workshop, a cozy study, a children's corner or carpentry.

Following the desire to transform the balcony space, ideas of its reincarnation appear. Registration and construction activities are completely dependent on the plans of the one who will become the conditional owner of the premises. A workshop for an adult family member requires a more practical, business-like approach, while a place of study for a child is completely different.

Cozy workplace on the loggia for schoolchildren or students

The first step is to come up with a project - draw up a plan for converting the balcony into a more comfortable room. It is better to draw a sketch or prepare a printout of a virtual interior created in a computer program. Then you need to write a list of everything that will make up the interior of the room.

The following points must be taken into account:

• natural lighting during the day and electric in the evening;
• comfortable furniture for work;
• comfortable air temperature;
• pleasant, but not distracting decor;
• neutral color scheme.

Do not forget that the work area is still different from the place of rest, so couches, sofas, comfortable rocking chairs will be superfluous there.

A simple but elegant economy class project for a typical three-meter balcony

If you plan to equip school corner Be sure to ask your child about their preferences. It depends on what desire he will fulfill homework, read or be creative. Adults, on the other hand, usually focus on the degree of comfort and a calm environment.

Ways to organize the workspace

If you still decide to allocate a balcony or part of it for a workplace, responsibly approach each stage of the arrangement. Insufficient lighting or uncomfortable furniture can cause carefully prepared square meters to turn into a dryer or pantry again. Should start with overhaul(if it didn’t exist yet), and finish with design.

Thermal insulation is the key to comfort and coziness

A priori, your balcony is glazed, otherwise a living space will not work out of it. However, one glazing is not enough, high-quality thermal insulation is also required so that the heat does not leave the room.

The walls are insulated with extruded polystyrene foam "Penoplex"

The choice of insulation material depends entirely on the winter temperature outside. Typically, foam boards, expanded polystyrene or mineral wool are used. They insulate all non-glazed surfaces, including the floor and ceiling - this must be taken into account when calculating the material. In addition to a heater, you will need vapor barrier film and material for the crate (timber or lining). The finishing decorative layer is chosen based on the material possibilities and the chosen style.

Wall and floor wood paneling

One of the options for thermal insulation of the floor on the balcony looks like this (from bottom to top):

• Concrete screed.
• Vapor barrier - membrane or film.
• Mats or rolls of thermal insulation in the crate.
• Leveling board or plywood.
• Floor covering (linoleum, tile, laminate).

If concrete slab ok, you don't need to do a screed. Finishing the walls and ceiling occurs in the same order.

Insulation scheme with decorative trim plastic panels

Clapboard or plastic is usually used for wall cladding, but other options are also possible, for example, clinker tiles or ordinary plaster with subsequent painting. Wallpaper is not recommended to be used, as in conditions high humidity and possible drafts, they can quickly peel off.

Lighting system

If subdued light is perfect for relaxing, then bright but soft lighting is necessary for fruitful work. On the one hand, the table and objects on it should be clearly visible, and on the other hand, the rays should not hurt the eyes.

Chandelier with daylight, installed under the ceiling

The advantage of a workplace on the balcony, where one wall is completely glass, is that during the daytime there is enough natural light. Even in winter, a window seat is considered bright enough and suitable for writing, reading, working at a computer or needlework. For evening work, the installation of lamps will be required.

Table lamp on a long dynamic clamp

Overhead light is good when it is located directly above the workplace. But if the chandelier is suspended in the center of the loggia, and the table is set in the corner, it is required desk lamp or a lamp on a clamp mounted on a wall or shelf. The main thing is that the light does not blind the eyes and illuminates the work area - a desk or computer desk, a workbench.

A lamp with a shade creates a cozy atmosphere

But first you need to take care of the wiring. Usually a hole is drilled in the wall through which wires are thrown from the junction box of the living room.

Option for laying electrical cable to the loggia

Taking into account the fact that the balcony is completely protected from precipitation and temperature changes, the degree of protection of the lamps can be the same as that of their room counterparts - no higher than IP44.

Interior Design

There are an infinite number of design solutions for decorating the interior of a balcony, even if it is work room or an office. While drawing up a design project for organizing a workplace on a balcony, all issues related to finishing walls and floors, selection of furniture and fixtures.

Usually an office or workshop is finished in a neutral style close to modern minimalism. However, to give individuality to the room, elements of other suitable directions are often used.

Project in contrast

On the balcony, where there is a lot of light, welcome Scandinavian style: light, ergonomic, simple furniture, a minimum of curtains, snow-white or pastel walls. For a more status workplace, they choose solid classics: wooden wall upholstery, a leather armchair, a table made of natural wood.

It is convenient for a schoolboy or student to study at an inexpensive desk, but you will need a lot of shelves and drawers for school supplies, a place for a PC or laptop. The student's corner is difficult to attribute to any particular style.

Cozy place for a young schoolgirl

In addition to furniture, which should not be on a typical balcony, attention should be paid to window drapery. Thick blinds or curtains in the summer create a comfortable partial shade, while transparent curtains will not protect from the sun's rays, it will be impossible to practice.

Wooden blinds - strictly and nobly

Often tiles are used for flooring. If a "warm floor" system is mounted under it, then additional insulation not necessary, otherwise it is recommended to additionally lay a warm rug under your feet.

Nuances of workplace equipment

A place to work is a relative concept. For one, this is a comfortable computer desk with a chair on casters, for another - a small table with a comfortable soft chair, for the third - a workbench, near which you need to work while standing, not sitting. Each of them has its own characteristics and distinctive features. The rest of the situation in the room also depends on the purpose of the workplace.

Cabinet for office work

The office is also called the place of work of an adult who decides important issues and earns money at home, and a schoolboy's corner, where you have to write, read and print a lot.

In order for nothing to interfere with work or the creative process, it is necessary to create an appropriate atmosphere, which is characterized by such features as:

• neutral, calm colors in the decoration of walls and furniture;
• local full-fledged lighting in the table area;
• comfortable chair or armchair;
• ergonomics - everything should be at hand;
• silence.

The last point is provided by double / triple glazing and closed door to the room.

Homely cozy study area

If you are equipping a place where you have to write a lot or use a computer, you need a comfortable desk. A modern workplace for a schoolchild on the balcony implies the presence, in addition to a PC or laptop, of additional equipment: a copier, printer, scanner or MFP, which combines the listed devices.

Compact mini-office on the balcony with a set of office equipment and an aquarium

At the same time, materials that are not quite usual for an office may participate in the decoration of the walls. For example, to create an industrial-style setting, you can decorate the walls to look like concrete or brick.

Unexpected balcony loft

Girls are not characterized by overly strict canons in creating an interior, so a more lively gamut in design, the use of indoor flowers to decorate a work area, and a lot of decor on walls, shelves and a wall are quite appropriate.

Office project for a flower lover

Adults, as a rule, do not like to clutter up the room with unnecessary items in order to get a truly businesslike atmosphere as a result. Nothing should interfere with accounting calculations or the creation of a new engineering project.

If your goal is a home mini-office, read more about how to furnish and decorate in a separate publication.

needlewoman workshop

Having a separate corner for home needlework is the dream of many women who love to knit, sew, embroider or engage in other types of applied art in their free time from their main work. small area standard city apartments do not always make it possible to allocate for needlewomen not only a room, but even a small cozy area. Many "move" to the kitchen or bedroom, but there is also usually a lack of space.

Air conditioning in the workshop will avoid drafts

The balcony is a great way out. Using the extra space, you can make a real workshop, with a work table and cabinets, which will include hundreds of spools of thread, skeins of yarn, needle beds, blanks for decoupage and scrapbooking, paints and pencils, sets of beads and sequins.

Original and functional table design with glass lid: the contents of the boxes in plain sight

Applied home art can hardly be called work, it is more of a hobby, so there should not be strictness in the design of the needlewoman's workplace on the balcony. The main thing is for the craftswoman to feel comfortable, and this is a comfortable chair, a table in size, and a well-thought-out storage system. Drawers with numerous consumables can be installed under the table or on shelves, fixed on the walls. Useful shelves, lockers and mezzanines.

Beginning Artist's Workshop

If creativity does not involve the use a large number materials and tools, then the wall can be taken away for storing the results of labor.

home utility room

If a home craftsman lives in the apartment, then the balcony can be safely presented to him - as a workshop. There is enough space for working with wood or metal, soldering or assembling electronic gadgets. Thanks to a separate workshop, the younger generation from childhood will learn how to compose electrical circuits, cut boats out of wood and sharpen knives.

A real man's place to work

As a basis for a workbench or just a desktop, you can use old furniture- the same kitchen or desk. It can be upgraded by adding a cabinet with drawers, shelves or tool racks.

Economical workplace arrangement

Small tools and consumables can be placed in boxes or boxes, large ones can be placed on the countertop. If there is not enough space for small table in the corner, you can fix a long narrow tabletop along the glazed wall and use it for cutting parts or installing machines.

There was also a place for a grinder

In order not to rummage through the drawers for a long time in search of wire cutters or a screwdriver, part of the free wall is set aside for storing the tool that is needed most often. A panel with hooks or pockets will fit perfectly as a compact, but very convenient storage system.

Wall tool organizer

Men, like women, love order and comfort. If you take furniture arrangement seriously, find suitable options tool storage, properly sum up electrical cables and install sockets, you get a comfortable workshop.

Cozy place for woodcarving

As you can see, finding a corner for creativity, work or study in a city apartment is not so difficult. Numerous photos with the design of workplaces on the balcony will help you decide on the choice of style and design nuances.

Overview of the corner for the needlewoman:

Office from scratch:

interesting and original ideas there will always be a place in life. Evaluate the conditions of your balcony - perhaps you can also install a table on it and equip a cozy corner for work. A lot of light, fresh air, a beautiful landscape before your eyes - a great environment in order to work productively and be creative.

September 14, 2016
Specialization: master in the construction of plasterboard structures, finishing work and laying flooring. Installation of door and window blocks, facade finishing, installation of electrics, plumbing and heating - I can give detailed advice on all types of work.

V modern conditions all more people work remotely, but those who travel to the office every day occasionally have the opportunity to work at home. Allocate for such purposes separate room not everyone can, but equipping an office on a balcony or loggia is much easier. Yes, you will have to spend time and money, but you will have another full-fledged room instead of a place to store trash and seasonal items, you see, this is a very big plus.

Pros and cons of this solution

If you are still thinking about whether to remodel your balcony, then this small section will help you familiarize yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of such cabinets and make an informed decision.

Let's start with the advantages:

Additional usable space	I mentioned this aspect above, you will have a few more square meters of living space that can be used not only for work, but also for recreation. Just put an armchair or a small sofa - and you will have a seating area in your office where you can relax with interesting book or a cup of coffee
good ventilation	For high productivity, the supply of fresh air into the room is important, and there are no problems with airing on the balcony, you just need to reach out and open the window. Naturally, when installing windows, you need to provide opening sashes in the places you need so that you are minimally distracted during work.
Good natural light	It is impossible to provide ideal working conditions without quality lighting. There are no problems with this on the balcony, moreover, if the room is located on the east or south side, then curtains or blinds must be provided to limit the flow of light in sunny weather. Organize competent artificial lighting it will also not be difficult, because the area is small, and you need to allocate one or two places in the room
Good working conditions	The balcony is most often located at a distance from the kitchen, corridor and other noisy rooms, this is very important for those who need silence to work. Here you can implement two options: either make the loggia combined with the room, if the noise does not bother you, or put a good balcony block, then you will get a space that is maximally protected from outside noise

As for the shortcomings, in my opinion, there are only two of them:

1. If your balcony was in a state of disrepair, then you will have to spend a lot of effort and money in order to make a full-fledged office out of it. For some, such costs seem too high, but if you are still fired up with such an idea, then you can do the work gradually, then you will not have to immediately invest a lot of money, and in the end you will still receive from Personal Area;
2. Sometimes the balcony area is not enough to equip the workplace. Personally, it seems to me that if you think through everything and use the space wisely, then you can fit everything you need.

The process of converting a balcony into an office

As you guessed from the name, the whole work consists of six stages, each of which is mandatory for implementation if you want a great end result. I will consider the process from scratch, that is, the most difficult option when you have an open balcony or loggia without any glazing and insulation.

You need to familiarize yourself with all the information below and simply skip the work that you may already have done.

Stage 1 - glazing

If you have regular wooden frames, then it is better to replace them as well. Installation work is complex and responsible, so I strongly recommend that you entrust it to professionals, but you need to choose the best option.

When choosing, you should be guided by several recommendations:

• It is necessary to purchase windows with good thermal insulation performance; plastic structures with double-glazed windows are well suited for the middle lane. Single windows used on cold balconies will not work for you;

• Modern manufacturers offer options for different colors, if desired, frames can be laminated to look like wood to make them more attractive. appearance. Here you need to be guided only by your preferences, think about what you like the most, because you will have to spend a lot of time in this room;
• The size of the structures can also be different, some prefer to install floor-to-ceiling options, and some, on the contrary, close some of the openings with deaf elements. It is necessary to take into account all the features of your balcony and, based on this, select the optimal solution.

When ordering windows, pay the most attention to the manufacturer of the profile and the quality of the fittings, it is better to use products from Western brands, they are reliable and time-tested.

Stage 2 - wiring

Cabinet - a room in which various office equipment can be installed, quality is also needed. Therefore, it is necessary to solve the issue of power supply in advance, here it is necessary to take into account several important nuances:

• It is best to bring the wiring out of the adjacent room to hide the cable, you can put it in a strobe, or you can close it finishing material. It all depends on how you will make the finish, in the first case you will need a puncher with a special peak, and in the second you need to use a corrugated sleeve into which the wire is placed and which is laid behind exterior finish or in a layer of insulation;

• It is necessary to think over the location of switches, lighting elements and sockets in advance in order to make high-quality wiring. It is better to make an extra outlet that will not be used later than tripping over an extension cord or laying a wire over a trim;

If you will be using an electric underfloor heating system, then do not forget to bring the power wire to it as well.

• In order not to confuse anything and not cause problems for those who do not understand electrics, I advise you to invite specialists to connect the wiring and plan it. This will eventually come out cheaper than reworking the entire system or eliminating the consequences of a short circuit.

Stage 3 - warming

Unfortunately, standard designs most often they do not provide proper thermal insulation of balconies, so you will have to carry out insulation work yourself. The process is described in detail by me in one of the articles, so here I will only touch on its main stages:

• Exterior walls are best insulated with 5 cm thick extruded polystyrene foam.. This is a very reliable material with high thermal insulation performance, which is easy to use and allows you to achieve excellent result. To ensure the highest reliability, all cracks and joints must be filled with mounting foam, the excess of which is subsequently simply cut off;

• On top of Penoplex, I advise you to attach Penofol - a new generation heat insulator with a reflective layer. It has a small thickness (only 5 mm) and has high performance. And the presence of a reflective layer allows you to save heat much more efficiently, so your balcony will become even warmer and more comfortable;
• Walls that do not go outside, but are adjacent to a neighboring loggia or house, can be insulated with a layer of Penofol, this is quite enough. Fastening is done using wooden slats, I advise you to additionally close the joints with metallized tape to ensure maximum reliability;

• As for the floor on the balcony, it can be insulated different materials, again I have covered some options in other reviews. You can use foam, polystyrene foam, mineral wool, or you can lay a dry Knauf screed. The latter option is especially good if you need to raise the floor level by 10-15 cm and at the same time insulate it;

• It is easiest to glue polystyrene or extruded plates on the ceiling. As an adhesive, you can use a special composition, or you can use ordinary mounting foam. For additional reliability, special dowels for thermal insulation are used, which have a pressure washer.

Stage 4 - heating

Even the highest quality insulation will not help to completely protect yourself from the winter cold, and if you do the work yourself, you should also take care of heating the space, there may be several solutions, you need to choose the best one:

• If you want to install a conventional heating radiator, then you will first have to coordinate this action with the supervisory authorities. Specialists must carry out appropriate calculations, and if the design heating system allows you to remove the radiator, then you will be given permission, you will also have to redo the project, and only after that you can start work. If everything works out, then you will have stationary heating at minimal cost;

• You can use an electric underfloor heating, this option is good because it does not need to be coordinated anywhere, and it is easy to implement. To work, you will need to purchase several ready-made modules that are spread over the surface and connected as the instructions prescribe. But this option is more expensive due to the high cost of electricity, to minimize costs, it is necessary to install thermostats so that they turn off the system when the required temperature is reached;

• You can install an electric radiator on the loggia, which can be turned on as needed or equipped with a thermostat to maintain desired temperature. This solution is even easier, because you just need to attach or even put the structure in the right place and plug it into a power outlet. The main disadvantage is the same as in the paragraph above - the considerable cost of electricity;

• The modern solution is to use infrared heaters, they are mounted on the ceiling and differ in that they do not heat the air, but all the surfaces to which they are directed. Such designs consume little energy, but perfectly heat small spaces, so they are the best suited for balconies and loggias. They are easy to install, which is also important.

Stage 5 - finishing work

Sitting in shabby walls the best solution, so you need to carry out at least cosmetic repairs. If all the above points are fulfilled, then we will have a well-insulated and heated space, therefore, any finishing materials can be used.

I will talk about those options that, in my opinion, are the easiest to implement:

• Before you make an office out of a balcony, you should consider its color scheme. The main requirement is that the environment should be such that it is comfortable for you to work in it. That is why you need to decide on the color design in advance so that it does not turn out that you are annoyed by bright or, conversely, too dark walls;
• For the floor, it is best to use a laminate, it can be laid even by those who have never done such work. An additional advantage is the fact that there are great amount textures and colors, so you can choose the best solution for any environment. Price square meter can be from 300 rubles and more, it is better not to use the cheapest options, choose products at least in the middle price segment;

• As for the walls, then you are free to choose what you like. Can be used decorative plasters, you can apply MDF panels or even, it also looks great. A very cozy working atmosphere can be created with the help of cork, but in general the choice is yours - the main thing is that the atmosphere is conducive to work;

• For the ceiling, the most optimal, in my opinion, option is tensile structure . Firstly, it does not cost that much, secondly, it will be delivered to you in just a couple of hours, and thirdly, dust and dirt are almost not generated during operation, and your finish will not suffer. Big choice colors allows you to decorate the balcony as you need, and the elasticity of the material will prevent damage to it during temperature changes or structural movements.

Stage 6 - organizing the workspace

If all the above actions are suitable for any balconies, regardless of what you want to make of them, then in order to turn the room into an office, you need to properly furnish it and consider the location of all elements.

That's what we're going to talk about in this section:

• First of all, you need to think over the design of the office on the balcony, for this you need to decide which elements must be present and what kind of furniture you will need. You don't need to be a designer to deal with this task, the Internet is full of photos, and you can find the perfect idea for yourself or collect the most interesting solutions and create your own unique interior;

• Then you need to draw a sketch of the future office, you don’t need perfect lines and maximum accuracy. The main thing is to measure your space and calculate how much space you can allocate for this or that object. So you can clearly imagine the end result and understand what you need to purchase in order to make your personal account on the loggia;
• It is worth considering what elements of furniture will be needed to organize the work. Someone needs a lot of drawers for storing papers, printer and fax installation is also required, and someone can work on simple table with a laptop. Do not try to fill the space with furniture, you need to use only what you need, it will be much more reasonable, and it will cost less;

If you want to use the balcony not only as an office, but also for other purposes, then you can make the countertop folding. When you need, you can lay it out, and the rest of the time it will not take up space.

• As for places to store papers, it can be like drawers in the table and shelves on the walls. Choose what you like, but remember that shelves are cheaper and much easier to put up than putting together a table with drawers. The size of the shelves depends on what will be stored on them, so think in advance about what you will fold and how much it will weigh;

• Lighting is another important aspect, it is better if you have both general system, and a separate lamp that will shine on the workplace. The most convenient are adjustable options or small structures located directly above the desktop. This is much more efficient and allows you to achieve the best effect;

• It is very important to provide protection against sunlight if it shines in the eyes, then this is unlikely to contribute to the work. The easiest way is to use blinds, but if you do not like this option, then you can choose Roman blinds or another similar option, the main thing is to provide good protection from sunlight;

• You also need to purchase a comfortable chair, it should fit the height of the table, not clutter up the entire space. If you have a working area on two or even three sides, then it is most convenient to use rotating options.

In principle, there is nothing complicated in the design, the main thing is that all the elements are combined with each other and provide convenient work. It is better to order furniture according to individual sizes so that it fits perfectly into the space, try to choose not massive, but light structures, in small room they will look much better. Use decorative elements to make the space feel cozy.

Conclusion

Office on the balcony great idea for an apartment, you get a quiet place to work and your family won't have to tiptoe around to distract you. The main thing is to carry out all the work described above in order to get a full-fledged room with good insulation and heating.

The video in this article will help you understand the individual nuances even better, and if you still have questions, you can write them in the comments below.

September 14, 2016

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