Sofas for balconies and loggias: types and selection
In modern houses and apartments, the balcony is often used as a recreation area. To make it as comfortable and cozy as possible, the choice of all interior details should be treated with special care. One of the most important elements of a balcony interior is a sofa. Consider all the nuances of choosing a sofa for a balcony in this article.
Peculiarities
Considering the balcony as a special relaxation area, it is impossible to imagine it without a sofa. Upholstered furniture is ideal for arranging a covered loggia, but its use in open spaces requires careful maintenance.
A balcony sofa is usually an oversized and comfortable design. It can be made in any style, from any materials.
Which model to give preference to more depends on taste and personal preference.
Types of structures
The modern market offers a variety of configurations. The choice of the type of sofa depends both on the preference of the buyer and on the shape and size of the balcony. Let's consider the main options.
- Straight. This is the most common type of sofas that can always be placed on the balcony. There are mini-models that can be installed on the balcony in width. Typically, a maximum of two people can sit on such small models. However, for a small space, they will be the perfect solution. In any weather, you will have a cozy and comfortable place with a view of the city. In addition to them, long narrow sofas are often found.
- Angular. It is believed that such models are suitable exclusively for spacious rooms. However, this design can also be installed on a narrow balcony.The main thing is not to be mistaken with the size of the furniture. Corner mini-sofas will become comfortable and original additions to the loggia.
- Sofa bed. These are transformer constructions. Sliding models usually turn into beds. They can be placed both on spacious balconies and on small ones. The main thing is to correctly calculate the length and width of the sofa so that it fits unfolded. The folding models can be converted into a double or single bed. Single-bed models unfold in length, and double ones, as a rule, unfold in width.
- With storage boxes. This option will create additional storage space. Moreover, you will be able to hide unnecessary things and not litter the loggia.
- Sofa bedside table. These types may rarely be found on balconies, but they are often used in hallways. This is due to the fact that such models do not have a back, which means they are considered less convenient and comfortable. However, such models can be placed even on the smallest balconies.
- Sofa chest. These models are similar to the previous model. They have an identical look, only they are still equipped with built-in storage space. This is created using a removable seat. Sometimes these options look like a real chest with a soft top, which is comfortable to sit on. They will complement well an old or classic interior.
- Modular... This is not very popular, but very convenient. Such models consist of several modules that are simply attached to each other. As a rule, they are made from lightweight materials.
Modular options are considered one of the most suitable types for arranging a balcony, since they are easy to fold, and you can also take one of the modules to another room if there is not enough space.
Manufacturing materials
The frame of the sofa can be made of the following materials:
- natural wood;
- Chipboard;
- wicker models;
- plastic;
- metal.
In addition, pallet models and non-framed variants made from a large number of pillows are often found today.
An important nuance when choosing a sofa is the material used for its upholstery. There are a wide variety of fabrics that can be used.
- Cotton. This natural material is breathable and hygroscopic, so it can be used at any temperature without any discomfort. Moreover, it is hypoallergenic and has a long lifespan.
- Jacquard. This is a dense material with an unusual texture. He is not afraid of exposure to sunlight and is not overwritten. As a rule, jacquard is decorated with floral prints. The most durable and expensive is jacquard with interweaving of gold or silver threads. This material is often impregnated with a special compound that protects the fabric from various contaminants.
- Tapestry. This fabric has a lot in common with jacquard. It features high density, rich appearance, and high price. The latter is due to the use of natural threads for its production. However, in the modern market, there are more affordable options using synthetic fibers. Tapestry is used for both classic and modern interiors.
- Silk. This material is rarely used for the production of modern sofas due to its high price. The fabric is non-allergenic and non-magnetized. Moreover, it is distinguished by its exquisite and noble appearance. Its main disadvantage is that it is a rather cold material.
- Leather. This is a rich and beautiful surface that clearly demonstrates the financial condition of the owners of the house. The leather can be either glossy or matte. In addition, its texture can be smooth or rough. These sofas can be embossed or printed. What's more, this material is durable, durable and easy to care for.
- Artificial leather. This is a modern material that in appearance is not inferior to natural material, but at the same time it has a more affordable price.
It is difficult to tear or scratch, it is easy to remove various kinds of dirt, so the artificial leather will last a long time.
- Flock... This material is very similar in appearance to velvet. It is soft and silky and therefore warm. It is made from cotton and synthetic fibers. It is water resistant, durable and easy to care for.
Color and design
A beautiful sofa is able to transform the image of any loggia. It is important to decide which design option is closer to you. The color palette can affect the mood and overall ambience of a room.
Light-colored models visually expand the space and make the design more calm and cozy. But bright models are better suited for zoning a room. They grab attention by making designs stand out.
Experts advise you to choose a blue or gray option, since with the help of these colors it will be possible to create an excellent relaxation area. Brown models have the same properties. The sand color option looks warm and cozy. A novelty is the use of amber, gold, emerald and lemon colors.
It is important to take into account the color palette of the entire interior so that the sofa looks harmonious.... Snow-white walls can be supplemented with both the brightest model and the lightest and calm one. Options with non-standard geometric or oriental patterns will look beautiful.
Light sofas are perfect for light rooms. So, white walls are beautifully combined with a pink, orange or green sofa. Looks unusual pendant models... You can hang the structure from the ceiling, thereby creating a swing. This will make the interior more interesting.
How to choose?
Choosing a sofa for a balcony is not an easy decision that requires attention and time. It is important to consider some parameters.
- The size... It is important not to be mistaken with the dimensions of the models, otherwise it will take up too much space or will not fit at all on the balcony.
- The form. The shape of the future model depends on the shape of the balcony. For square rooms, both straight and corner models are suitable, for very narrow and long loggias it is better to choose a straight model, and for semicircular rooms - a straight or round sofa.
- Design... The model should complement the interior of the balcony, so it is important to take into account the color scheme and style of the room.
- Upholstery... The lifespan of the sofa, as well as its appearance, will depend on the selected upholstery.
- Filler... How comfortable you will feel depends on this factor. And it also affects the service life, since some fillers quickly sag and lose their original properties.
- Mechanism... If you want to buy a transforming sofa, then it is important to buy a model with a high-quality folding mechanism.
Knowing all this, you will be able to choose the best option for your balcony, which means, create a cozy and comfortable seating area.
Accommodation options
As a rule, on any, even the smallest balcony, you can find a place for a sofa. The direct option can be installed in a room of any shape and size, but with corner and non-standard options, everything is a little more complicated. Before buying, it is important to decide on the dimensions of the model, and depending on them, choose the appropriate model.
A straight or corner sofa can be installed on a rectangular balcony. As a rule, it is located against one of the walls, which makes the room more spacious. You can install the mini-version according to the width of the room.
It will be interesting to look at a model made of pillows, which occupies the entire space from wall to wall. Any configuration is also suitable for a square balcony. However, the corner option is better suited for a large company.
If you are the lucky owner of a spacious balcony, then you can place a straight sofa and several armchairs.Another original solution would be to install a semicircular sofa with a small table.
Successful examples
- A small sofa with built-in drawers will perfectly complement the loggia and will not take up much space. Bright pillows will decorate and complement the interior.
- For a rustic style, you can opt for a long, narrow sofa that can be used as a sleeping place.
- The spacious balcony can accommodate a small rectangular sofa and a hanging chair.
- The small loggia can accommodate two small sofas in a modern style. This will create a cozy place for evening gatherings.
- A bright blue custom-sized sofa looks original.
- For a loft style, a corner white and green sofa, complemented by a small pouf and a table, is perfect.
- For an oriental style, a low sofa with bright upholstery and a lot of pillows is well suited.
- The interior of the spacious balcony will be well complemented by a corner sofa and two hanging swings.
- A small straight model made of natural wood will fit on a narrow snow-white balcony of a non-standard shape. Blue upholstery will make the interior more vibrant and delicate.
- The open balcony can be fitted with a small sofa couch.
This will create not only seating, but also outdoor sleeping space.
For information on how to make a sofa on the balcony, see the next video.