Add Some Character with Your Juliet Balcony

Juliet balconies are becoming increasingly common on contemporary properties. They are often installed on duplex apartments and town houses to help bring more light and fresh air into the upper levels. If your property has one, or you're considering having one fitted, how can you make the most of it and the surrounding space?

These types of installations are in fact false balconies, as you can't actually sit outside on them, and they are also referred to as a balconette. It gives the appearance of a balcony, both to those inside and outside the property, but simply consists of a railing or barrier outside the door.

Open Up the Living Space

Contemporary homes can often be fairly compact, even if they're spread over a number of floors, and the living space on the upper levels can feel enclosed. With a Juliet balcony you have the ability to open up the doors and have the feeling of more space. It can also reduce the reliance on artificial light, as the full-length door brings in more sunshine. The balcony can help you to get the most from your living facilities and gives you the chance to admire the scenery from the comfort of your sofa.

Fit a Sliding Door

Often the space around Juliet balconies can be taken up when the doors are opened. Then, when they are closed, the frame can obscure the view. One method of resolving this issue is to have sliding doors fitted that open sideways. This helps you to see more from the inside and enables you to use the space around the doors without having to move items when they need opening. You can also have the balcony manufactured from glass so that the use of railings doesn't take away from your view.

Effective Ventilation

The ability to ventilate rooms in apartments and town houses can also be an issue, with the space quickly getting stuffy in the warmer months. By having a door installed that can also tilt inwards when closed, it helps you to bring more air in without having to have the doors fully opened. It also enables you to keep the property secure but still let some air in.

Bringing the Outside Inside

Within new developments, especially if you live in an apartment, there is generally a limited amount of outdoor space. This might be a shared facility or a compact space, so having the opportunity to experience some of the outdoors from your own living room is beneficial. By opening up the doors on to the Juliet balcony, you can create a feeling of being outside. This can be highlighted by positioning appropriate furniture close to the doors, so you can experience what it's like to be sitting outside even though you haven't got a full balcony.

Juliet balconies are not simply redundant space. Even though they are not designed for standing or sitting on, they can still add character to a property and be a beneficial addition.