How to equip an office on a balcony or loggia in an apartment?

Pros and cons

There are many advantages to such a solution, but it is worth mentioning the disadvantages:

How to equip an office on a loggia?

High-quality alteration of the space takes place in several stages.

Balcony glazing

The process is not considered a redevelopment, but it is equated to it, therefore, before glazing a room, it is recommended to obtain an appropriate permit from the Housing Inspectorate in order to avoid difficulties in the future.

Warm glazing is selected for the office. It, unlike the cold one, includes at least two glasses. Before starting work, the balcony is freed of unnecessary items, all coverings are removed. The contractor strengthens the structure of the loggia and takes the necessary measurements. Delivery and installation of frames takes time: it is enough to prepare and level the walls.

The photo shows the glazing of the balcony window with high-quality double-glazed windows.

Organization of lighting

It is worth taking care of the lighting of the office in advance. Whether it will be built-in ceiling lights or wall sconces depends on the preferences of the owner and is thought out at the design stage.

You will also need additional sockets for connecting electrical equipment: this will turn the office into a separate room, independent of other rooms. To do this, you should invite specialists:

• They will mark with a pencil the place of future wiring and switches and punch holes for the cable placed in a special insulator pipe.
• Then they will bring the wires to the place of power supply, fix them in the junction box, isolate them and connect them.
• Sockets and switches are installed after the balcony is insulated and finished.

The photo shows a complex electrical wiring system that runs through the floor and walls.

Warming the room

To prevent the heat from escaping through the balcony, the gaps are first sealed: for this, polyurethane sealants and mastics are used. Waterproofing should be laid on the floor.

After the sealant has dried, a vapor barrier film is mounted, a wooden or metal crate is attached to it.Then thermal insulation is installed: it can be polystyrene, mineral wool or expanded polystyrene, after which the crate is sheathed with moisture-resistant plasterboard or plywood.

To make it comfortable on the loggia even in winter, you need to install heating: a radiator, heater, convector or infrared heated floor.

In the photo - the insulation of the loggia with sheet polystyrene foam and moisture-resistant plasterboard.

Interior decoration

After warming, you can start finishing the loggia. The joints between the sheets of gypsum plaster are putty, and the floor is closed with a screed (for warm floors and tiles) or wood (for linoleum, laminate).

Wall cladding depends on the taste and financial capabilities of the owner of the apartment. The cheapest option for a cabinet is plastic panels - they are easy to install and are resistant to moisture. Lining belongs to the material of the middle price range: it is environmentally friendly, visually attractive and just as easy to install.

Decorative plaster is an alternative: it is resistant to temperature extremes and sun exposure and can be combined with artificial stone. Many people choose traditional painting for finishing the loggia.

Less popular, but still noteworthy options for cabinet design are cork wallpaper, porcelain stoneware and clinker tiles.

In the photo there is a balcony with a workplace, combined with a room, stylish brown cork wallpaper on the walls.

Organization of the working area

Any workplace requires comfortable furniture and decor:

• Table. The main element in the cabinet. This can be a computer desk with a pull-out keyboard shelf and space for a system unit, or a minimalistic desk that can fit a laptop and mouse. A specially equipped window sill can also serve as a surface.
• Chair or armchair. A computer chair on wheels is considered the most convenient for work: the modern market offers both oversized seats and small, but comfortable office chairs with a comfortable back.
• Storage systems. Hanging cabinets or shelves are installed for personal belongings and books.
• Lighting. The most convenient way is to use spotlights. Bulky chandeliers and floor lamps are unlikely to be appropriate in a small space, but you can put a lamp on the table or hang it directly above the work surface.
• Curtains. Thick curtains will be needed on sunny days: usually, due to the bright light, the display is difficult to see. Roller blinds are considered the best option: they do not take up space and are easy to care for.

Additional decor in the form of houseplants, a coffee table, pillows and rugs will add coziness to the office.

The photo shows a white office with bright accents and panoramic windows.

Not all owners strive to convert the loggia into a full-fledged office, therefore they equip it with furniture that can serve for work, and for rest, and for eating.

The photo shows a multifunctional balcony with a folding table where you can place a laptop if necessary, and a bench with a storage box.

Ideas for balconies of various shapes

Rectangular narrow balconies and irregularly shaped corner rooms require a different design approach. For non-standard balconies (for example, round ones), furniture is usually made to order. In a small room, only a tabletop and a seat often fit. A cramped loggia is not a reason to abandon your corner: you can enter a triangular table to save space, or install transforming furniture.

In the photo there is a semicircular balcony with a soft sofa, where the windowsill serves as a work surface.

Often, the loggia is combined with residential areas. To combine the rooms, you need to dismantle the common window. The balcony, combined with the bedroom, is very comfortable and is additionally heated by batteries in the room. It is desirable that the elements of both interiors have something in common.

The study looks great on the balcony with panoramic windows: an open space gives a feeling of spaciousness in a narrow room.

In the photo there is a balcony combined with a kitchen. Convenient in that a person who has sat up late at the computer does not interfere with the rest of the household.

Workplace design for a child

The balcony is a great place to equip a study corner on it: the abundance of light and the possibility of ventilation increase the usefulness of such a solution. On a long loggia, you can equip an office for two children by placing tables on different sides or, conversely, turn the window sill into one wide work surface. The room can be separate or combined with a children's room.

The photo shows a cozy corner on the loggia for a girl-artist.

Any teenager will be grateful to parents for a workplace on the loggia: at this age, privacy and their own territory are required more than ever.

In the photo there is a balcony with blinds on the windows, equipped for a student.

Photos of interiors of offices for adults

Young apartment owners and people of mature age can organize a loggia in accordance with their hobbies.

Men equip an office for computer games, video editing or streaming: the balcony can be finished with additional soundproofing so that the noise does not bother the family. And men's "golden hands" will appreciate their carpentry workshop on the loggia.

In the photo there is a wide balcony with an open shelving unit and a comfortable desk.

Women-needlewomen will also be happy to work in their creative workshop: you can put a sewing machine or an easel on the loggia, allocate boxes for needlework.

Good daylight allows you to set up a nail salon or makeup table.

Examples of balconies in various styles

Finishing, lighting and decor for the office are selected taking into account the chosen direction. In the industrial style, brick, dark shades, rough textures are often used. In order not to overload the interior and visually enlarge it, loft connoisseurs combine textures with mirrors and glossy facades.

In the Scandinavian style, along with natural textures, light neutral colors are mainly used, visually expanding the space, which is especially important for small balconies.

Modern style is a harmony of aesthetics and functionality. The design office on the loggia should be distinguished by bright colors, strict lines and thoughtful furnishings.

The photo shows an unusual darkened loft-style balcony, decorated with a mirror.

The classic style is an emphasized sophistication, even if we are talking about a small office on the balcony, so the placement of curved furniture, Roman curtains and expensive decor will come in handy here.

The simplest style for a loggia in terms of implementation is minimalism. It is characterized by light finishes, uncomplicated furnishings and lack of ornamentation.

Photo gallery

Converting a loggia into an office requires a lot of effort, but the result is worth it: the owner gets a bright, warm room with good ventilation, where he can retire and do work or his favorite hobby.