The loggia is an integral and very useful part of the apartment. It can be used as a place to relax, and as an additional room, and as a place to store things. Of course, high-quality decoration of the loggia is very important. How to make it beautiful, comfortable and functional will be discussed in our article.
Features and Benefits
A neatly renovated and glazed loggia will be protected from the vagaries of the weather, increased noise levels, as well as dust and various foreign objects brought by the wind or dropped from the upper floors,
This room, albeit small, can be turned into an office, set up a winter garden there, used as an additional place to store various things, which is very important, especially in a small apartment,
With its help, you can expand the existing room by redevelopment and demolition of the dividing partition.
Types of finishes
Loggia decoration is traditionally divided into internal and external. The choice of materials for repair depends on the further purpose of this room: whether it will be used as a separate room (in this case, the repair should be done on a glazed loggia with additional insulation) or will it be a warehouse for storing things or just a place for seasonal relaxation (in in this case, it will not be necessary to conduct heat; repair work can be done on a cold loggia, although glazing cannot be avoided).
If you are a happy owner of a large loggia - up to 6 meters - you can install lockers, chests for utensils on it, hang hooks for equipment and clothes. In a small room, you don’t really take it easy, but if everything is correctly calculated, you can build a small locker in the corner, put a small bench or lounge chair, hang a “liana” for drying clothes. For a loggia equipped with a fire escape, it is very important not to clutter the hatch with heavy furniture, which will be difficult to move in an emergency.
Your loggia overlooks the sunny side - well, this is a great reason to set up a winter garden there. For this, of course, additional warming will be required, since in winter it will be cold without it. If you do not want to bother, take out flowers only in the warm season, so that they enjoy the sun's rays, as in a solarium. Panoramic glazing in this case will help you in lighting and heating floor colors.
If you do not plan to spend time on the loggia, but want to use it as a warehouse, make at least an economic repair so that your things do not deteriorate under the influence of atmospheric phenomena and external pollution.
In order to determine the finish, take samples of materials in construction stores, step-by-step plan the repair, taking into account all the nuances and features of your premises and your wishes for the result. So, as mentioned earlier, the loggia is finished:
- Inside. In order to qualitatively and functionally finish the premises from the inside, you must either have a number of building skills yourself or invite an experienced craftsman. The floor, walls and ceiling of the loggia must be repaired, for this it will be necessary to calculate the area of the room and, based on the data received, the number of selected materials,
- Outside. As a rule, the exterior decoration of the loggia is made with the aim of additional insulation of the room. It is quite problematic to independently perform it on all floors, above the first. Therefore, if you still decide on the exterior, be sure to invite experienced professionals.
Materials
In the modern construction market, there are many different materials used for external and internal decoration of balconies and loggias. You can choose exactly what suits you in price, quality, color scheme and meets the required characteristics. Let's get acquainted with some of the most popular finishing materials:
MDF panels. Made from environmentally friendly components (wood waste, paraffin and lingin), these panels have gained great popularity in using them for decoration. MDF has the following advantages:
- moisture resistance. This property is very useful for decorating the loggia, because even with glazing the possibility of moisture getting inside is possible (for example, they forgot to close the window and it started to rain),
- a sufficiently high level of strength,
- attractive price
- wear resistance, thanks to a special surface treatment of MDF panels from pests and mold,
- their installation is very simple and does not require the possession of special construction skills,
- poorly conduct heat, respectively, will help to keep cool in the summer and higher temperatures in the winter
- they are easy to process with a milling machine.
In addition to the advantages, MDF panels have disadvantages:
- heavy
- when processing panels using a machine, it is necessary to put on a protective mask on the face due to the formation of a large amount of dust,
- cheap types of MDF may contain hazardous formaldehyde,
- when preparing the plates for installation, it is necessary to drill holes for fixing them with nails or screws.
Wood finish. The most important advantage of wood panels is their naturalness. The tree "breathes", not allowing the air in the room to stagnate and fill with harmful substances. In addition, his natural pattern is very beautiful and never goes out of style. To extend the service life, the wooden lining of the loggia must be treated with special means to isolate it from moisture and protect it from pests, otherwise all this beauty will not last long, which is rather undesirable, given the high cost of such decoration.
Drywall finish. Another wonderful material that can be sheathed not only walls, but also the ceiling on the loggia. It has heat and sound insulation, is easy to install and quite cheap. However, it is necessary to choose a drywall that is resistant to moisture, because, as mentioned above, the loggia, even a glazed one, is not immune to its ingress. Ready-made drywall walls can be pasted with wallpaper, you can paint them or cover with decorative plaster.
Sheathing is carried out by attaching sheets of gypsum plaster to a pre-attached lattice filled with insulation, which uses special mineral wool. This is necessary to create an additional layer of thermal insulation, especially if you want to make your loggia warm and use it as an office or a winter garden.
Sheathing with plastic wall panels. If you want to make an economical repair on the loggia, but at the same time, the esthetic appearance of the walls and ceiling is important to you, opt for plastic wall panels. Let's look at their advantages:
- light weight panels, facilitating transportation and installation,
- caring for them is quite simple: it is enough to wipe such walls with water with a small amount of detergent,
- moisture and fire resistance,
- do not suffer from parasites,
- very impressive service life (up to 25 years),
- large color palette
- do not need preliminary alignment of walls and ceiling,
- optimal price-quality ratio
- very simple installation, not requiring special knowledge.
They are probably the only drawback is the instability to direct sunlight - over time, the panels tend to fade.
Finishing with artificial (decorative) stone or brick. It's no secret that many people like the pristine beauty and deliberate rudeness of natural stone. But this option for wall cladding is very expensive, in addition, natural stone has quite a lot of weight, which makes it difficult to decorate the walls with it. A great alternative can be wall decoration on the loggia with artificial stone. Its advantages:
- relative cheapness
- ease of installation
- large selection of colors and textures,
- easy care.
Of course, decorative stone is inferior to natural in strength and wear resistance, but it is also quite durable material.
Decorating the loggia with a block house. This phrase came to us from Europe and is translated from English as “a house of blocks”. As for what this, in fact, is, one can give the following definition - this is a board, flat on one side and convex on the other to simulate logs. With the help of a block house, a decor is created in the style of a wooden log-house. This decoration looks expensive, it gives the room a special cosiness and a touch of antiquity. The block house has a lot of positive qualities:
- resistant to mold, mildew,
- does not crack, because the boards undergo special preliminary processing,
- It has a fairly light weight, which greatly simplifies installation.
The disadvantages of a block house include its high cost and the possibility of condensation during temperature changes.
Cladding clapboard. Lining is a thin board, equipped with grooves and ridges for ease of installation. It is often used for wall cladding of the loggia, both inside and outside (however, it must be remembered that for external use a special moisture-proof lining is needed). Its advantages are hard to miss:
- quite a long service life (up to 10 years),
- does not rot
- easy maintenance and installation,
- does not require prior alignment of surfaces,
- soundproof
- retains heat well
- it is possible to replace a damaged element without dismantling the entire skin,
- it is possible to cover the surface with varnish to extend the service life and improve the appearance,
- environmentally friendly material
- low price.
The disadvantages include the ease and speed of ignition, as well as instability to temperature extremes and high humidity.
If we talk about the lining of the loggia from the outside, then most often it is finished with basement siding. What it is? Siding is a panel made of polymeric materials and designed to clad the exterior of the house, balcony or loggia. This is done to create an additional layer of protection of the room from external adverse effects. Siding is very resistant to the vagaries of the weather, it is not flammable, it serves for a long time and looks pretty beautiful. It is easy to install, but if you live on a floor higher than the first, it is better to invite a specialist.
And I want to say a little about the flooring, which is best used on the loggia. You can lay linoleum there or lay the floor with matte ceramic tiles or laminate - it all depends on your preferences and the intended use of this room.
Interesting ideas for the design of balconies and loggias
Decoration with flowers. In order to bring this idea to life, it is necessary to warm the balcony room. In addition to ornamental plants in pots and flowerpots, you can install several small boxes on the windowsill and grow fragrant herbs for seasoning, for example, mint, basil, dill.
You can decorate the balcony with well-chosen furniture. It is important that it does not clutter up the space, but looks organically and is functional. Due to the increased humidity on the balcony and loggia, pick up furniture that is resistant to moisture or put waterproof covers on it. For a narrow room, transformer furniture is perfect. Also, wicker rattan furniture, a small sofa, a coffee table will help to equip a cozy corner on the balcony. You can even place a small TV on the wall or bedside table, combining outdoor recreation with watching your favorite TV show.
On a fairly large area of the balcony or loggia, a mattress with pillows in the style of oriental palaces will fit perfectly. The image will be complemented by outdoor flowers and decorative lamps.
An important element of the decor of the balcony, are curtains or blinds. They will create privacy, help control the level of illumination and give the balcony the look of a real separate room. If your windows face the sunny side, you can use blackout curtains or blinds, and if there is no need to hide from sunlight, hang a light transparent tulle or chintz curtains. No need to overload the interior with heavy curtains, lambrequins, brushes - on the balcony they will look bulky and inappropriate.
It is very good to use various kinds of lamps as additional functional decorative elements. You can install spotlights, hang a garland or sconce. Modern technology allows you to use the energy of the sun and hang on the balcony lamps running on solar panels.
On the insulated glazed loggia, you can equip a full-fledged study: install a desk, put a computer or laptop on it, hang shelves for documents and literature on the wall. If your balcony borders on the kitchen and its area is large enough - arrange a dining room there, equipping it with a cozy dining area. It is also very cool to use a warm balcony room as a playroom for children - just be sure to equip the windows with tight-fitting and hard-to-reach latches.
Well, if you wish, you can combine your loggia with the apartment, by redevelopment, removing the partition between them. Then design the room in accordance with the overall design of the apartment, not forgetting to carefully insulate it.
Use your balcony space wisely and according to your preference. It certainly can become a very functional part of the apartment. Take its repair seriously and don’t disdain design tricks. Use their examples. We hope that our article will help you choose the unique style of the loggia to your taste and purse.
Introduction
When the balcony is a continuation of the living room, its interior should be fully combined with its design. If redevelopment is not planned, you can make the author's decor, add a touch of originality, unusual touches. For example, stick a tile imitating natural stone, cover the walls with wood, decorate them with ornate carvings, hang flashy blinds.
Decor and coloring of the skin play a big role in the interior.
Finishing is one of the most important stages of repairing a loggia, on which its final appearance depends.
The appearance of the skin also matters. To make the walls look well-groomed, you need to choose high-quality materials that are allowed for balcony decoration.
Before finishing
Any "dirty" work must be done before the finish upholstery.
Before you finish, think about whether you want to redevelop the room, insulate it, replace obsolete double-glazed windows or window-doorway frames. All of the listed works must be done before cladding, so as not to damage its integrity. Remember, an insulated area with reliable steam and waterproofing will retain the original appearance of any type of finish for much longer.
Think in advance of the interior. If a mini-workstation will be located on the balcony, the platform should be spacious and bright, without distracting details. The relaxation area requires warm colors in decoration, trifles, such as delicate curtains, wicker chairs, flower pots.
When the preliminary work is completed, begin redecorating. Consider all the options for finishing the loggia, their advantages and disadvantages.
1. The most economical option is whitewashing
Light whitewash in pastel colors
Whitewashing is one of the traditional methods of decorating walls on a balcony. In addition to the obvious financial benefits, it has many other advantages:
- Simplicity and speed of execution
- Availability of coverage in any building materials store
- Lime dries quickly, does not spread unpleasant odors
- For a change, you can add to the composition of the colors so that the walls become colored
- Any person can be whitewashed without special skills in the repair business
Among the shortcomings - the coating looks dull and old-fashioned, without a twist. And the lime layer accepts dust well, so the whitewash will have to be updated every 6-8 months.
2. Painting
Painted walls look elegant and stylish.
This is also a budget way of decoration that does not require expensive materials, special skills, special tools. All types of surfaces can be painted, including finishing layers.
When buying paint, make sure that it meets these criteria:
- Environmentally friendly composition. The paint will be indoors, so it should not harm the health of the owners,
- Resistance to adverse environmental factors: humidity, temperature changes, exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The coating should not crack, fade in the sun or wash off with water,
- Vapor permeability. The composition should not prevent air from circulating and retain moisture in the walls so that mold does not appear.
What paint to choose?
- Acrylic is the leader in popularity. They are harmless, easy to apply, long lasting, odorless, dry quickly. They can be mixed together to get a unique color.
- Silicone compounds are vapor permeable, however, water repellent. Resistant, saturated, contain an antibacterial component against fungus. They dry for a long time and smell unpleasant, but they last the longest
- Silicate paints are based on liquid glass. They are the most tenacious, which means durable
- Aqueous emulsion preparations are easily washed off and are poorly resistant to temperature extremes. Suitable for painting the ceiling, but not the walls
3. Wallpaper and photo wallpaper
Wallpaper on the loggia looks cute and neat
This is an option for a heated balcony, inside which the room temperature is constantly maintained. Wallpaper should be in harmony with the walls in the room itself. You can stick the same copies to make the loggia look like an organic extension of the room.
Decorative murals will help to create a small space in an original way. They can paste a part of a wall or ceiling. In order for the wallpaper to adhere well, the surface must be flat and dry.
Of the minuses of the finish - low tolerance to humidity drops and fading of the picture in the sun. The latter becomes especially noticeable when the same wallpaper is pasted inside the room.
4. Liquid wallpaper
The liquid wallpaper is pleasant and silky to the touch, slightly lumpy and rough
They are also called "silk plaster." This is a fashionable, modern coating, which, in addition to its decorative effect, contributes to additional sound, thermal and sound insulation. The composition of the mixture includes natural cotton, silk or cellulose components that pass air well, which is important for rooms with a humid microclimate.
Liquid wallpapers can be prepared on their own, for this you will need simple ingredients and affordable equipment. The structure fits well on the walls without special glue, since an adhesive component has been added to its structure. By the way, the walls before applying the substance can not be leveled, since their surface after drying will therefore be rough.
Various decorative components, glitters, woolen threads can be added to the mixture. Over time, the coating does not lose the saturation of the shades, does not fade, does not collapse. It is easy to remove if you gently pick up the edge with a thin spatula.
5. Universal covering material - lining
This cladding creates comfort and a homely atmosphere.
This is one of the most convenient options for facing internal and external surfaces. Lining is called a thin sheathing board, which is equipped with a thorn-groove connection. This facilitates its installation, eliminates the appearance of seams, cracks and irregularities.
There are different types of lining, depending on the material from which it is made, class, size, and connection mechanisms. It is sutured and seamless. For the decoration of the balcony, wooden and plastic boards are often used because of the versatility of their physical qualities.
Lining is wooden, plastic or made of fiberboard (MDF).
Wooden lining
A healthy microclimate is maintained in a room lined with natural wood.
Such a board is very warm. The room, sheathed in wood, looks cozy and homely. Such a foundation is considered practical because of its durability and resistance to environmental influences.
To extend the life of the product, we advise you to buy a high-quality board made using a special technology that increases its strength.
The tree should be perfectly dry, as wet will additionally absorb moisture. In summer, such a board dries and cracks, and in spring and autumn it swells. It is advisable to treat the boards with antiseptic and fire-retardant treatment.
The wooden base is an environmentally friendly and clean material. It perfectly retains heat and absorbs sounds. True, the price tag of natural raw materials is rather big, and laying will require strength and patience.
Plastic lining
Samples of plastic cladding
It is much cheaper than wooden and it is more convenient to mount it. The product is not afraid of moisture and temperature changes. It does not need to be painted or varnished.
There are dozens of options for colors and prints. You can find specimens that imitate wood, natural stone, textiles. Of the minuses, the product passes air worse, turns yellow over time, poorly retains heat.
MDF lining
MDF lining imitates wood naturally
This is an average solution, between the previous two materials. Represents wood sawdust and fibers pressed at high temperatures. And the surface of the sheet is covered with a polyvinyl chloride film (PVC) with a pattern of wood or stone.
The product has all the advantages of wood and plastic lining, while it is not very expensive. Its main disadvantage is instability to moisture, so for an uninsulated, and even more so unglazed balcony, it will not work.
6. Facing panels
Panels can be upholstered and walls, and floor, and ceiling
Finishing plates are easy to install, due to the large size. They are mounted on a frame system, so there is no need to align the walls, to cover cracks and cracks. They finish both vertical and horizontal surfaces.
Facing lamellas are one of the most economical finishing methods. The strata are large, so you need a small amount. Plates can be cut and customized to fit the loggia.
Plastic sandwich panels
Sandwich panels look strict and elegant.
These are two layers of PVC, the space between which is filled with a layer of heat-insulating foam. Plastic panels are not afraid of moisture, resistant to temperature jumps. The front side is laminated, so it does not allow fluid to pass through, and the inside is porous, allowing air to circulate freely.
Products can be mounted on glue, liquid nails, ordinary screws, on the frame.
Plastic is of different quality. Ask before buying how much the product is heat-resistant, shockproof. Does it emit unpleasant odors, especially when heated, are its burning products toxic.
MDF sheets
Unlike lining, the area of the panels is larger, so the process of laying them is much simpler
Such plates effectively replace wooden lining, provide reliable sound and thermal insulation. Particle boards are not afraid of moisture, have high decorative qualities.
The material is flammable, so if you plan to pull the wiring under it, wrap the cable in the corrugation.
This finish looks aesthetically pleasing and modern. It is easy to clean with ordinary soapy water. It has a significant minus: the outer film layer is very delicate, scratches easily remain on it, which spoil the perfection of the appearance.
Aluminum lamellas
Drywall acts as a preparatory stage before finishing
Aluminum panels are considered the most prestigious and expensive. They do not burn, are resistant to mechanical damage, look stylish and elegant. The lamellas are elastic and resilient, bend perfectly, but do not break.
They consist of two aluminum plates, between which there is a filler made of plastic. The durability of the coating is confirmed by a guarantee from the manufacturer for 50 years of use. Products are not afraid of corrosion, do not rust, and are not subject to abrasive wear.
On sale you can find different shades and items with decorative patterns. Of the shortcomings, only the price is noted, which is several times higher than similar plastic panels or chipboards.
7. Drywall
Drywall acts as a preparatory stage before finishing
The layer consists of layers of thick cardboard, between which dry gypsum mixture is distributed. It is attached to the walls in a dry way - on a metal frame. This is the solution for uneven, curved, cracked surfaces.
If the walls of the loggia are even and uniform, drywall can be glued to the building glue.
The advantages of raw materials are:
- Service life over 15 years
- Environmentally friendly composition
- Gypsum does not interfere with air circulation, allowing the walls to breathe
- Simple editing algorithm
- The ability to design curly details
- Traps heat, absorbs noise
Among the shortcomings - the fragility of the layers, sensitivity to temperature extremes and humidity. Therefore, it is advisable to finish with drywall on insulated balconies. To do this, it is better to choose special panels with moisture resistant properties.
Drywall is a universal base material for decorative finishes. Stucco, liquid wallpaper, ordinary roll wallpaper, tiles, artificial stone, decorative film are well placed on it.
8. Cork
This material is made from balsa wood, the bark of which is crushed and pressed. It is sold in the form of veneers - thin sheets, which are convenient to veneer vertical surfaces.
- It is a hypoallergenic raw material, natural, safe and environmentally friendly.
- Lightweight, making it easy to lay
- This tree does not burn and does not absorb odors.
- Provides reliable sound and heat insulation
9. Facing with ceramic tiles
The tile is easy to wash, it is not difficult to care for it, it is durable and aesthetically attractive. The material is resistant to cold, moisture and fire. There are hundreds of options for decorative ceramic tiles in different styles, colors, shapes and sizes.
Ceramics are laid on insulated balconies and on cold ones. Another building material can be put on the floor so that your feet are not cold.
The difference between the balcony and the loggia is that the first is an open area adjacent to the external wall. The loggia is surrounded on three sides by walls, it is buried inside the building, and its floor is part of the supporting plate. Thus, it is not advisable to weight the balcony, but the loggia can even be fully decorated with tiles.
Tile installation
The masonry technology is simple, even for a person without experience in finishing work.
- To begin, take care of the evenness of the surface. If necessary, stretch the walls with plaster. Check parameter with building level
- Tile adhesive adheres well to the primer. Apply a layer before laying and wait for drying
- Begin laying from the bottom up, while the entire future picture depends on the evenness of the bottom row
- To prevent the tile from sliding down (if it starts not from the floor), temporarily attach an aluminum profile under the lower edge
- Glue is better to buy ready-made in diluted form. It is applied to the inner surface of the tile with a smooth spatula, and the excess is removed with a gear
- Attach the square to the wall and press, gently tap, so that it is completely glued
- To ensure that the gaps between the rows are the same, use special calibrators in the form of crosses
- A day after masonry, when the glue dries, dilute the grout and fill it with seams. Wipe the tiles with a cloth
10. Artificial stone
Imitation rough stone
To use natural stone as a decoration is irrational, since it is too heavy. A good alternative would be artificial, which looks no less elegant. It helps to create an amazing look of a room decorated in any style, from classic to country, techno or modern.
Imitation of brickwork is especially popular in the interior decoration of balconies. It looks elegant on the external wall of the facade and the partition. Creates a cozy and peaceful atmosphere.
Choose a building material that suits your interior and climate. Weigh the disadvantages and advantages of each type of raw material. Take an interest in its properties and qualities in different environmental conditions.
Material is not enough just to choose. They need to properly and aesthetically veneer the room. We recommend that you carefully study the masonry and cladding technology before starting work, or hire a specialist.
So your balcony will become a comfortable room where it will be a pleasure to relax with a book and a cup of fragrant tea. To make the place seem larger, use special techniques to visually increase the space during the creation of the interior. Remember, the size of the loggia does not matter - from any area you can make a cozy corner for work or leisure.
Watch a useful video to choose the right building material for your apartment:
VIDEO: How to sheathe a balcony
10 options for interior decoration of the balcony: advantages, disadvantages and useful recommendations, as well as (80+ Photos & Videos) + Reviews
Feedback from our readers is very important to us. If you do not agree with these ratings, leave your rating in the comments with the reasoning for your choice. Thank you for your participation. Your opinion will be useful to other users.
How to make a stained-glass window on glass with your own hands at home: a step-by-step master class + stencils | (120+ Photos & Videos)
| (120+ Photos & Videos)Today, there are quite a few types of finishing balconies, everything is measured in material possibilities. It seems to me that the most convenient and economical option is painting with a water-based emulsion or ordinary wallpaper. Of course, you need to choose the paint to your taste, because it can very quickly get bored very brightly. Facing panels also have their advantages, look stylish and wash well. I like when the loggia is a continuation of the room, now it is fashionable, then there you can make a working area or office. This is exactly what my friends did, and now the room is larger and brighter. And there is a nook with a computer.
