Blinds on the balcony: how to choose beautiful and practical designs for windows and doors

Owners of apartments and houses with a balcony or loggia should think about the decent design of these zones, which are practically not used for storing unnecessary things. This article will help you understand the features of such decorative products as blinds on the balcony, introduce them to their classification, advantages and disadvantages. The publication contains a brief overview of existing types of structures, as well as recommendations for their use on windows and doors of loggias and balconies with different types of glazing.

Blinds for the balcony - a useful decorative element of the interior

Blinds on the balcony: characteristics and main types of blinds

Balcony windows without blinds look empty and uncomfortable. In addition, nothing prevents the penetration of sunlight into the house, which negatively affects the microclimate of residential premises. Of course, you can protect the space from negative influences from the outside with the help of curtains, but they are less convenient and practical than blinds.

Blinds help to create a cozy atmosphere in the interior of the balcony

The range of such designs is quite diverse. On sale you can find narrow and wide blinds with a smooth or textured surface. Some of them can be decorated with drawings. Manufacturers offer customers hundreds of options for products made from various materials. Therefore, before buying blinds, you should understand the features of these structures, their advantages and disadvantages.

The main types of blinds: classification by type of construction

The designs of modern blinds consist of canvases or slats, as well as a cornice. Various raw materials are used for the production of products.

Lamellas can be made from the following materials:

• wood;
• metal (aluminum);
• fabrics;
• plastic.

Note! The designs of modern blinds are not universal.When choosing the right option for installation on a balcony, it is necessary to take into account not only its decorative design, but also the configuration, as well as the type of glazing and other features.

When choosing a suitable design of blinds, it is necessary to take into account the features of the balcony

Product classification by design type:

1. Horizontal blinds are the most popular type of product for installation on balcony windows. They are distinguished by practicality, convenience and simple operation system.
2. Vertical - canvases or slats are placed vertically, which allows you to adjust the direction of the light flux entering the balcony from the street.
3. Roll - more versatile than other product options, presented on the market in a large assortment.
4. Facade or street blinds - installed from the outside of the building. They perform not only a decorative, but also a protective function.
5. Roman - have excellent decorative characteristics, are made from natural fabrics.
6. Pleated fabric - made of pleated fabric. The structure is formed from folds 20 mm wide.

Each type of product has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages that must be considered when choosing products.

Different types of products have their own advantages and disadvantages, which must be considered when choosing

Why is it profitable to buy blinds on the balcony: general advantages and disadvantages

The high popularity of blinds is due to the large number of advantages that are inherent in these products:

• high-quality materials with a high safety margin are used in the production;
• the possibility of creating a cozy atmosphere;
• protection of space from prying eyes;
• simple cleaning system;
• unlike ordinary curtains, the blinds on the balcony do not wrinkle or tear, they do not need ironing;
• dust-repellent surface (roll and vertical structures);
• the ability to control the level of natural light on the balcony;
• a large selection of colors and decoration;
• affordable cost.

Even when closed, the lamellas do not impede natural air circulation. Opening the window for ventilation, you can not be afraid that the room will be visible from the outside. Regardless of what material the blinds are made of, these products can be easily installed with your own hands.

Blinds are highly durable and can serve for a very long time

There are not so many drawbacks to blinds. Some types of products are of high cost, for example, pleated. But this disadvantage is compensated by the ease of maintenance. Unlike other types of blinds, pleated blinds can be washed.

Useful advice! If the balcony is on the sunny side of the building, it is advisable to use roll types of products (mini-rolls).

Characteristics of the main types of blinds on the balcony: photo and overview of structures

For balconies, roll, horizontal, vertical types of structures, as well as pleated, are considered optimal. Each type of product has certain properties and characteristics that must be taken into account when choosing blinds.

When choosing a product in a store, you should pay attention to the quality of the swivel mechanism. Its moving components must move freely, without squeaking and extraneous sounds. It is necessary that the parts of a high-quality rotary mechanism work smoothly, only in this case daily operation will be comfortable.

Manufacturers offer a wide variety of designs for balcony blinds

Features of horizontal blinds on doors and windows of balconies

Horizontal structures are the most affordable option for balconies. In most cases, these blinds are compact. Their installation is carried out on balcony frames, and the products are fixed separately on each glass unit.

The horizontal louver design consists of the following components:

• lamellae;
• cornice equipped with a built-in type regulating mechanism;
• mesh made of threads;
• control cord.

Some products have additional elements. They ensure the fixation of the lower plank so that the blinds do not sway in strong gusts of wind when the windows are open. The advantage of horizontal structures is their compactness. Narrow and thin plates require a minimum of space, which leaves enough space on the windowsill for growing flowers. At the same time, the blinds protect the plants from the hot sun during the day.

Blinds retain dust well and allow you to regulate the amount of sunlight entering the room

Lamellas perfectly trap street dust, which is also one of the significant advantages of horizontal structures. To clean the product from dirt, it is enough to immerse it in a soapy solution, and then rinse thoroughly with clean water. This procedure does not take much time, and the lamellas dry out quickly.

Important! It is strictly forbidden to wet the curtain rod of window blinds during the washing process. In this area there is a swivel mechanism that breaks down when water gets in. If this happens, you will have to buy new blinds, as they will be unusable.

Disadvantages of horizontal products:

• under the influence of ultraviolet light, the lamellas turn yellow;
• over time, cheap structures dry up;
• with regular use, the swivel mechanism quickly fails;
• in case of careless handling, the lamellas can be bent, after which they must be replaced.

Horizontal blinds, although they look neat, are not able to create a cozy atmosphere on the balcony. They are exclusively suitable for minimalist spaces.

Horizontal plastic blinds are the most popular and inexpensive option.

How to choose blinds for sliding windows on the balcony: pleated designs

Horizontal, cassette and roll types of products are not suitable for sliding windows. Although pleated blinds are horizontal, their design has a different structure. It consists of a pair of aluminum profiles with pleated textiles fixed between them.

These designs can be adjusted in various ways:

• using a chain;
• remotely;
• by means of a special handle.

Day / night systems are equipped with an additional profile. In addition, the fabric on such products is much denser, therefore, when closed, the canvases practically do not allow sunlight to pass through. If the structure is folded, the thickness of the fabric will not exceed 5 cm.

Pleated blinds can be installed in different areas:

• on the window frame;
• along the contour of the glass;
• into the window opening.

Pleated blinds are great for sliding glass units

Blinds for sliding windows can be used on non-standard glass units, for example, triangular, round or trapezoidal. Linens can be washed. The only exceptions are structures with a metal coating. In this case, the cleaning process consists of wiping off the dust with a damp cloth. Pleated designs are made in a wide variety of colors, which allows consumers to choose the ideal option for any interior style.

What are the features of vertical blinds on the balcony and loggia

Vertical blinds can be closed from left to right, from right to left, and also diverge in both directions from the center. Most often, the installation of structures is carried out on the ceiling or walls. Brackets are used for fixing.

The design of vertical blinds consists of the following elements:

• cornice made of aluminum or plastic;
• lamellas placed in a vertical position;
• a connecting chain equipped with runners and weights;
• control cord.

Vertical blinds for balcony decoration are used less often, as they are less convenient to use

When closing, the lamellas turn around their axis, and when opened, they gather in an accordion. These elements are available in aluminum, fabric or plastic. For balconies, loggias and residential premises, manufacturers offer products decorated with various patterns, which gives the blinds maximum similarity to curtains. Thanks to a special impregnation, fabric blinds are less susceptible to fading in the sun. In addition, the material acquires dust-repellent properties.

Note! Vertical type fabric blinds are ideal for mounting on plastic frames. The size of such products allows you to overlap windows of any size. It is also possible to install vertical blinds on the door.

Vertical structures can be closed with one movement of the hand, while shading the entire balcony. To achieve the same result with horizontal products, you will have to close each window separately.

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Installation of blinds on the balcony with vertical lamellas also has disadvantages:

• products take up a lot of space;
• access to the window sill is limited;
• to open the window, you will need to move the lamellas away or stick your hand between them, which creates certain inconveniences;
• no flowers can be grown on the windowsill.

Pleated fabric blinds look elegant and create a sense of space

If the blinds cover the ceiling to floor space, it is easy to snag and damage them. This problem is especially true for those with small children or pets.

Specificity of roller blinds for a loggia or balcony

Roller blinds look like curtains. They consist of a single piece of fabric, not separate strips.

The design of such products is simplified as much as possible and includes only a few elements:

• thin shaft;
• canvas wound on a shaft;
• chain to control the mechanism.

There are closed-type blinds on sale. In these designs, a special box is provided where the shaft is hidden. In addition, they are equipped with two additional guide bars that prevent the fabric from sagging and kinking. The compact design allows these blinds to be attached to a balcony door, ceiling, wall, window frames and even sash windows.

The canvases can have varying degrees of density, which affects their throughput. There are translucent modifications and models that almost completely block out sunlight. The advantage of rolled products lies in their decorative variety. Consumers can buy blinds of any texture and color. Products with the simplest design can significantly transform the appearance of the loggia and balcony.

Roll-type blinds are well suited for balconies with a panoramic window

Recently, zebra and day / night systems have appeared on the market. These designs consist of two canvases with alternating stripes of translucent and transparent textiles. During movement, the material is displaced and superimposed, due to which it becomes possible to adjust the level of natural light. These products are of two types: cassette and open.

Useful advice! To create a single space on a balcony or loggia with panoramic glazing, experts recommend using vertical blinds.

Buying blinds on the balcony: which products are better to choose

Manufacturers are constantly working to improve the characteristics and design of their own products, therefore, on the market you can find a huge variety of blinds that differ from each other not only in the type of design, but also in appearance, color, and material of manufacture.

When choosing products, be sure to consider the type of glazing. For example, on a loggia, double-glazed windows are installed exclusively on the front (front) side. In this case, the blinds for the windows can be absolutely any. The only exceptions are sliding-type systems.

There are a large number of product options on sale for every taste and interior

If the balcony has blind ends, then different modifications can be used to decorate the windows. It is not recommended to select vertical blinds for small open areas, since their installation will require a curved cornice, which has a high price. The optimal model is selected taking into account the location of the building. On the south side, it is advisable to fix light-colored fabric canvases, which will protect the room from the scorching sun.

The bay window does not have any special design requirements. In this case, you should rely on the interior of the room, as well as the type of glazing, which can be standard or panoramic. If the opening is open and not cluttered with things, you can use vertical structures in the floor. For standard glazing, wooden models, as well as Roman and roll structures, are suitable.

Should I install plastic blinds on balcony windows?

Plastic products are in high demand among consumers because they have an optimal combination of price and quality.

Plastic blinds are easy to clean and reliable, making them popular

The advantages of constructions made of plastic:

• simple operation system;
• do not require special care (lamellas are easy to clean and wipe off);
• are made of material with a high margin of safety, therefore, they are able to withstand strong gusts of wind and other loads, while maintaining their original appearance and shape;
• are made in a wide range of colors;
• if desired, a decorative pattern can be applied to the surface of the lamellas.

Cheap products made of plastic fade over time, and whites turn yellow. After prolonged use, such blinds begin to bend and break, crumble and get stuck.

What is better to install wooden blinds on windows

For wooden windows, it is advisable to select structures with lamellas made of natural materials, such as wood, bamboo or fabric.

The combination of blinds and curtains looks very elegant

Benefits wooden blinds:

• do not fade under the influence of ultraviolet radiation;
• do not delaminate under the influence of moisture thanks to a protective varnish coating;
• equipped with control handles of optimal length.

Among the disadvantages of such structures are the high cost and significant weight.

Note! It is undesirable to use wooden products on balconies with large windows, since problems with the turning mechanism may arise during operation. If you still want to install such blinds, you should abandon the bulky design in favor of small sections.

Various types of textiles can be used to make fabric balcony blinds, but polyester is the most popular option.

Advantages of fabric products:

• long service life;
• high resistance to the influence of ultraviolet radiation;
• simple operation system.

Fabric blinds look beautiful and are comfortable to use

The disadvantages of fabric blinds include design imperfection. At the edges, the fabric is not protected by anything, which can change its structure.

Bamboo blinds for a balcony have the appearance of a wicker fabric, which is characterized by high strength and moisture resistance.Most often, Roman and roll models are made from this material. Products with a width not exceeding 100 cm are equipped with a metal cornice. It is decorated with a decorative strip that repeats the shade of the canvas. For models over 1 m wide, a cornice with a wooden lath is provided. Manufacturers camouflage it with a bamboo coat.

Metal and multi-texture blinds for balcony windows

Metal structures are less in demand as they are more suitable for office and commercial premises than for living rooms. The fact is that the lamellas made of aluminum make a lot of noise, which is one of the main disadvantages of the design.

The advantages of metal products:

• low cost;
• do not need special care;
• are not afraid of the influence of the sun and moisture.

Plastic constructions come in many colors

Multi-textured blinds are products with an original design. They can combine several shapes, materials and textures. The advantage of these canvases is their unique and unusual design. The assortment of multi-textured designs allows you to choose blinds that will fit into a romantic setting or a simple interior.

Useful advice! If the kitchen space is combined with a balcony, experts recommend using structures with lamellas made of metal. They are not afraid of moisture and do not absorb odors. For cleaning, it is advisable to use detergents that do not contain abrasive particles.

What is better to order blinds by size: the choice of the optimal dimensions of the product

In order not to be mistaken with the choice of the size of the product, it is necessary to decide where the blinds will be installed: on the glass, on the wall or in the window opening. If it is planned to install the structure on the sashes, then the optimal width will be equal to the distance between the glazing beads. Add 3 cm to this indicator. In this case, the length of the blinds should correspond to the height of the window.

Installation diagram of blinds on a balcony window

If the structure will be installed in a window opening, then the width of the product must correspond to the width of the glass unit. In addition, you will need to add the thickness of the side seals. The optimal length of the blinds will be equal to the height of the glass unit with an allowance of 2 cm. The canvas should be placed so that the cornice does not catch on the hinges and slopes.

If the blinds are to be mounted on the wall, their width is selected taking into account the size of the window opening and an additional allowance of 10 cm. The length in this case can be arbitrary. Leave at least 5 cm of free space above the opening so that the cornice can be fixed.

Can I use window blinds instead of doors?

Recently, decorators have resorted to non-standard design solutions using blinds, installing these structures in doorways. This approach to space zoning looks very original. In order for the blinds on the doors to harmoniously fit into the interior of the room, you need to pay special attention to the choice of construction, its design.

Blinds will easily highlight the interior of a modern balcony and add a special charm to it

Blinds are not capable of becoming a full-fledged replacement for doors: they do not contain noise and are not able to protect the room from penetration. These structures are used as partitions between two rooms. It is allowed to use these products in combination with a regular door leaf. It is desirable that it be glass.

As in the case of window structures, blinds installed in the doorway can be vertical, horizontal, in the form of an accordion or roller shutters. In addition, there are string-type products. They are made from threads and are used to protect the premises from the sun.

Blinds can be installed in a balcony doorway only if the balcony or loggia has high-quality insulation and glazing. Raising or closing such a partition will increase the overall space of the living space. Most often, the balcony is combined with a kitchen, living room or bedroom. In this zone, you can equip a rest corner, a compact dining room, a workplace.

The choice of the design option and the material from which the blinds are made depends on the location of the balcony

Selecting blinds on balcony depends on many factors. It is imperative to take into account the purpose of the room and its location in relation to the cardinal points. If a working area will be settled on the balcony, it is advisable to select products that will help smoothly adjust the level of natural light. For rooms located on the north side of the building, it is recommended to take blinds with thin sheets.

With regard to decorative features, the choice of design depends on the personal preferences of the owner of the apartment and the style in which the room is decorated. The modern assortment of blinds allows you to choose products that will meet the taste of even the most demanding customers, so there should be no problems with the choice.

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