Sliding wardrobes on the balcony: what are there and how to choose?

In most cases, little attention is paid to the arrangement of the balcony. Usually, more and more things gradually accumulate on it, which are a pity to throw away or have nowhere else to store. In order for the balcony to have a pleasant appearance even in these conditions, you will need a wardrobe. It should be compact, yet roomy, and yet have an attractive design.

The decoration of balconies is not always beautiful enough, therefore, with the help of a cabinet, such an interior becomes more interesting. There are many models in furniture showrooms - you can choose material, processing, color, design. Among such a variety, there is sure to be an option for every taste. In addition to the aesthetic function, balcony furniture is also practical.

• Serves as an additional storage for those things that cannot be placed in other parts of the apartment. If you need to unload furniture in one of the rooms, you can remove all unnecessary items on the balcony.
• Allows you to spend an already small area more economically.
• Well-designed inner compartments can accommodate many more items. The doors reliably hide the contents from prying eyes.

However, choosing a cabinet is not always easy. Usually difficulties arise due to the architecture of the balcony. While most conventional cabinet models can be adapted to fit a given space, not everything is possible.

For a balcony, two types of wardrobes are suitable.

• Freestanding - are the usual version with their own bottom, sidewalls, back wall and facades (doors). The existing frame gives them the ability to move from place to place. If the size matches, you can buy a ready-made product, without waiting and overpayments.

• Embedded - the frame in it is replaced by wooden bars or a metal profile, to which shelves and facades are attached. In fact, this is a space fenced off by compartment doors (part of the balcony). Component parts are made to order, according to dimensions.

The cabinet can be of two types.

• Linear (straight). In this case, it is installed along one of the free walls or, if necessary, it can partition the balcony into two parts, as well as fence it off from the room.

• Corner. It can consist of two straight parts joined at right angles. Or it is a separate corner with greater depth, the shape of which may resemble a trapezoid or triangle.

The purpose of balcony cabinets can be completely different. In most cases, they store everything in them - old, unnecessary things, sports equipment, bedding and much more. Content may remain constant or change depending on the season.

However, if there is a work area on the balcony, tools or materials may be stored in the cabinet. If the layout combines a balcony area with a room, there will be room in it for any items - from books and dishes to toys.

The material from which the balcony furniture will be made must be durable, durable and pleasant to look at. In addition, it is desirable that the price be affordable. For a loggia, different options are permissible - from simple to luxury, depending on the capabilities and preferences of the owners.

• Wood can only be used on a well-equipped balcony with a constant microclimate. Changes in temperature and moisture can cause irreparable damage to durable and beautiful material.

• MDF and chipboard with a film coating are much less affected by external influences. The choice of colors and textures is quite wide here, there is a gloss.

• Different kinds plastic, which are used as inserts are most suitable for this area.

• Glass (tinted and regular) and mirrors are found on balconies and loggias much less often. They significantly increase the cost of the finished product, and it is impractical to use them there as decoration.

All sliding wardrobes have metal parts. In embedded models, they are used to create the base and fixtures. In all the rest, at least there are metal frames on the facades, as well as a profile and roller mechanisms for movement.

In addition to the material, at the selection stage it is important to decide on several basic positions at once.

• Calculate the size. First of all, it will depend on the location of the balcony. A straight cabinet can be positioned from the end, while the window sill, heating devices, pipes, etc. should not interfere with it. It is better not to block the window or do it with minimal loss of natural light. Usually they use all the space up to the ceiling. The depth depends on the purpose. For fishing tackle or tools, 35 cm is enough. For blanks or storage of household appliances - 50-60 cm, if possible. The corner cabinet is considered a more compact option, the bevel can be set up so as not to touch the window or to make the passage more convenient.
• Choose the right design... Of course, it is better to use the built-in option on the balcony.Due to the lack of a frame, it is slightly more roomy, in addition, this design will save money. You can deviate from the correct form towards convenience and make an order according to an individual design project. However, cabinet furniture is considered more reliable, and it looks neater inside.
• Choose the optimal interior arrangement. To use it more efficiently, you need shelves of different widths and heights, drawers, hooks and holders. The wardrobe can be divided into several compartments in width or height. To accommodate items of different heights and volumes, it is better to make the shelves removable. Such a transforming cabinet will be simply irreplaceable.

When choosing a design, it is necessary to take into account the tastes of the owners and their preferences. At the same time, do not forget that the balcony should not stand out from the overall picture. If the whole apartment is decorated in a classic concept, the wardrobe must match it. It is also worth considering that in a small space, a pronounced classic will look a little pretentious, so a restrained, conservative option without decor is enough.

In natural light, all facade colors look good, especially bright ones. However, glossy surfaces can reflect reflections. In addition, do not forget that the colored doors attract too much attention, especially if they are visible from the adjoining room. That's why it is better to give preference to all shades of green - this is how the wardrobe will look appropriate, especially against the background of a summer landscape.

Despite the glare, mirrors are sometimes placed on the balcony cabinet. Usually this has only one goal - to visually expand the boundaries of the room. In matters of expanding space, a mirror wall is the most effective means.

Light doors are used to achieve the same effect. But with dark facades, the cabinet looks more neat. Here, the surrounding background plays an important role - furniture can merge with it or stand out in contrast.

In order for the interior of the balcony to look harmonious, all the details of its design must be combined with each other. This can include furniture and wall or ceiling finishes. In addition to natural lighting, you need to take care of suitable lighting fixtures. On the beautiful balcony you can enjoy your evenings, play or be creative.

For how to make a wardrobe on the balcony with your own hands, see the next video.