Shutters on the balcony: how to choose a beautiful and practical design

Owners of apartments and houses with a balcony or loggia is worth considering the decent design of these zones, which is almost not used for the storage of unnecessary things. This article will help you understand the features of such decorative items, as the blinds to the balcony, to familiarize with their classification, advantages and disadvantages. The publication contains an 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.

Shutters on the balcony: characteristics and the main types of blinds

Balcony windows without blinds look empty and uncomfortable. In addition, nothing prevents the penetration of sunlight into the house, which has a negative effect on the microclimate premises. Of course, to protect the space against negative outside influences by using the curtain, but they are less convenient and practical than blinds.

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

The main types of blinds: classification by type

Design of modern blinds consist of slats or blades, as well as cornice. Products are made from different raw materials.

The lamellas can be made of the following materials:

• timber;
• Metal (aluminum);
• cloth;
• plastic.

Note!Design of modern blinds are not universal. By selecting the appropriate option for installation on the balcony, it is necessary to consider not only the decoration but also the configuration, and the type of glass and other features.

Classification of products by type:

1. Horizontal blinds - the most popular type of products to be installed on the balcony windows. Characterized by practicality, convenience and easy operation of the system.
2. Vertical - leaf or lamellae are placed vertically, which allows you to adjust the direction of the light flux coming from the street to the balcony.
3. Roller - more versatile than other varieties of products on the market in a large assortment.
4. Facade or outdoor blinds - mounted on the outside of the building. They perform not only decorative but also a protective function.
5. Roman - have excellent decorative characteristics, are made from natural fabrics.
6. Pleated - made from pleated fabric. Structure is formed from the folds 20 mm wide.

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

Why buy blinds to the balcony: the general advantages and disadvantages

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

• used in the production of high-quality materials having high margin of safety;
• the ability to create a cozy atmosphere;
• space protection from prying eyes;
• Easy cleaning system;
• Unlike conventional blinds curtains on the balcony does not crumple and do not break, they do not require ironing;
• dust repellent surface (rolled structure and vertical);
• the ability to control the level of ambient light on the balcony;
• large selection of colors and decoration;
• reasonable price.

Even in the closed slats do not prevent natural circulation of air. Opening the window for ventilation, there is no fear that the outside of the premises will be searched. No matter what material is made blinds, these products can be easily installed by hand.

Deficiencies in the blinds are not so much. Some types of products are of high value, such as pleats. But this disadvantage is offset by ease of maintenance. Unlike other kinds of pleated blinds can be washed.

Useful advice!If the balcony is on the sunny side of the building, it is advisable to use the types of rolled products (minirollo).

Characteristics of the main types of blinds on the balcony: a photo and review designs

For balconies rolled considered optimal, horizontal, vertical types of construction as well as pleats. Each product type has certain properties and characteristics that are necessarily taken into account when selecting the shutters.

By selecting a product in the store, you should pay attention to the quality of the rotary mechanism. Its moving parts should move freely without squeak and extraneous sounds. It is necessary that the details of quality swivel mechanism worked smoothly, but in this case the daily operation will be comfortable.

Features horizontal blinds on the doors and windows of balconies

Horizontal structures are the budget for this product for balconies. In most cases, these blinds are compact in size. Their installation is performed on the balcony frames, and the products are fixed separately in each double-glazed window.

The design of horizontal blinds consist of the following components:

• slats;
• eaves of the complete control mechanism built-in type;
• a grid formed of filaments;
• cord for control.

Some products provide additional elements. They provide a record of the lower rails, allowing the blinds are not swaying in strong gusts of wind when the windows are open. The advantage of horizontal structures is their compactness. Narrow and thin plates requires a minimum of space, thus onto the windowsill there is enough place for growing flowers. In this case, shutters protect the plants from the hot sun in the daytime.

Lamella perfectly detain street dust, which is also one of the biggest advantages of horizontal structures. To purify the product from contamination, enough to lower it in soapy water, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. This procedure does not require a lot of time, and the slats quickly dry out.

Important!In the process of washing it is strictly forbidden to wet the cornice of window blinds. In this zone is the rotary mechanism that breaks down in contact with water. If that happens, you will have to buy new blinds, because they will be unfit for use.

Disadvantages of horizontal items:

• under the influence of ultraviolet slats turn yellow;
• with time cheap construction crack;
• the regular use of a rotating mechanism quickly breaks down;
• when careless handling can bend the slats, then they must be replaced.

Horizontal blinds, though, and look carefully, are not able to create a cozy atmosphere on the balcony. They are suitable only for spaces decorated in minimalist style.

How to choose the blinds on the sliding windows on the balcony: Pleated design

Sliding windows are not suitable horizontal cassette and roll types of products. Although Pleated blinds are classified as horizontal, and their design has a different structure. It consists of a pair of aluminum profiles, between which a pleated textile fixed.

These constructs can be regulated in various ways:

• via a chain;
• remotely;
• by means of a special pen.

Systems such as "day / night" are equipped with an additional profile. In addition, the fabric on these products is much denser, so the closed blade practically impermeable to sunlight. If the folded structure, fabric thickness will not exceed 5 cm.

Pleated blinds can be installed in different zones:

• on the window frame;
• of glass contour;
• in the window opening.

Blinds for sliding windows can be used in insulating glass units with irregular shape, e.g., triangular, circular or trapezoidal. Cloths can be washed. The only exception is the structure having a metal coating. In this case, the cleaning process consists in the dust wiping with a damp cloth. Pleated design are made in a wide variety of colors, allowing customers to choose the ideal solution for any interior style.

What features have vertical blinds on the balcony and loggia

Vertical blinds can be closed from left to right, right to left, as well as expenses in both directions from the center. Most often, the installation of structures is carried out on the ceiling or wall. For fixing using brackets.

The design of vertical blinds consist of the following elements:

• cornice made of aluminum or plastic;
• slats placed in an upright position;
• connecting chain, equipped with runners and weights;
• control cord.

When closing the slats turn around its axis, and when opened - going to the accordion. These elements are made of aluminum, fabric or plastic. For balconies, loggias and residential premises such as manufacturers offer products decorated with various patterns, which gives the maximum similarity blinds with curtains. Due to the special impregnation of fabric blinds are less prone to burn in the sun. In addition, the material acquires dust properties.

Note!Fabric blinds vertical type are ideal for mounting on a plastic frame. The size of these products allows to block any window size. You can also set the vertical blinds on the door.

Vertical structures can be closed with one hand movement, thus obscuring the entire balcony. To achieve the same result with horizontal products, will have to close each window individually.

Related article:

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Installation on the balcony blinds with vertical slats accommodation has its drawbacks:

• products occupy a lot of space;
• limited access to the windowsill;
• to open the need to move the slats or stick between the hands, which creates some inconvenience;
• on the window sill can not grow flowers.

If the blinds cover the space from floor to ceiling, they are easy to catch and damage. This issue is particularly relevant for those who have small children or pets.

The specificity of the roller blinds to the loggia or balcony

Roller blinds resemble curtains. They consist of whole cloth, and not from the individual bands.

The design of such products is simplified and comprises only a few elements:

• thin shaft;
• web wound on the shaft;
• chain management mechanism.

On sale there are blinds closed. In these constructions there is a special box where the hidden shaft. In addition, they are equipped with two additional guide rails that prevent sagging and bending of the fabric. Compact design allows you to attach such shutters on the balcony door, ceiling, wall, windows and even casement windows.

Fabrics may have varying degrees of density, which affects their capacity. There translucent modifications and models, which are almost completely missing the sunshine. The advantage of roll goods lies in their ornamental variety. Consumers can buy any blinds texture and color. Products with the most simple design, can significantly transform the appearance of loggias and balconies.

Relatively recently appeared on the market "zebra" system and the "day / night". These structures consist of two webs with alternating strips of translucent and transparent textiles. While driving and shifting the superimposition of the material, so that it is possible to adjust the level of natural light. These products are of two types: open and cassette.

Useful advice!To create a common space on the balcony or balconies with panoramic glazing type experts recommend the use of vertical blinds.

Buying blinds on the balcony: how to choose the best product

Manufacturers are constantly working to improve the performance and design of their own products, so you can find a huge market a variety of blinds, which differ from each other not only by type, but also in appearance, coloring, as well as material manufacturing.

When selecting products must take into account the type of glazing. For example, for glazing balconies are arranged solely on the front (front side). In this case, the shutters for the windows can be quite arbitrary. The only exceptions are the sliding type system.

If the balcony has a blind-end for the window decorations, you can use different versions. It is not recommended to select vertical blinds for outdoor areas of small size, since their installation will require a curved curtain rod, which has a high price. The optimal model is selected taking into account the location of the building. On the south side it is desirable to fix the light linen fabric that will protect the room from the scorching sun.

Compensation bow balcony does not put forward specific requirements on the design. In this case, based on the interior of the premises, as well as the type of glazing, which is a standard or panoramic. If the opening is opened and piled the things you can use the vertical structure in the floor. For standard glazing suit wooden models, as well as Roman and roller designs.

Whether to install plastic shutters on the balcony window

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

Advantages of structures made of plastic:

• Easy operating system;
• They do not require special care (slats are easy to wash and dry);
• are made of a material with a high safety margin, so able to withstand strong gusts of wind and other loads, while maintaining its original appearance and shape;
• They are manufactured in a wide range of colors;
• can be applied, if desired, the surface of the slats decorative motif.

Cheap products made of plastic, fade with time, and white - yellow. After prolonged use such shutters begin to bend and break, crumble and stuck.

Which is better to install wooden shutters on the windows

For timber windows it is desirable to select the structure with lamellae made from natural materials, such as wood, bamboo or tissue.

Benefits wooden blinds:

• do not fade under the influence of ultraviolet light;
• not delaminate upon exposure to moisture thanks to the protective lacquered coating;
• equipped with the optimal length of the control handles.

Among the disadvantages of such design means high costs and considerable weight.

Note!Wood products is undesirable to use on balconies and large windows, as in the operation can occur with the rotary mechanism of the problem. If we still want to install these blinds, is to abandon the cumbersome design in favor of smaller sections.

For the manufacture of tissue balcony blinds can be used various kinds of textiles, but the most popular one is a polyester.

Advantages of tissue products:

• long service life;
• high resistance to the effects of ultraviolet radiation;
• Easy operating system.

The disadvantages of the fabric blinds can be attributed imperfect design. Along the edges of the fabric is not protected, because of what may change its structure.

Bamboo blinds for balconies have the form of woven fabric, characterized by high strength and moisture resistance. Most often made of this material made Roman and roll model. Products whose width does not exceed 100 cm, equipped with a metal cornice. It is decorated with trim strip, repeating the shade cloth. In models of a width exceeding 1 m is provided with a ledge wooden lath. Manufacturers disguise it with a bamboo flapper.

Metal and Multifacture shutters on the balcony window

Metal structures less demand, because they are more suited for office and commercial premises, than for the living rooms. The fact that the slats are made of aluminum, much noise, which is one of the main drawbacks structure.

Advantages of metal products:

• low cost;
• They do not require special care;
• They do not fear the influence of the sun and moisture.

Multifacture blinds are products with original design. They can combine several forms, materials and textures. The advantage of these paintings lies in their unique and unusual design. Multifacture range of designs allows to pick up blinds that will fit into a romantic setting or interior, designed in a simple style.

Useful advice!If the kitchen space combined with a balcony, experts recommend using a design with fins made of metal. They are not afraid of moisture and does not absorb odors. For purification, it is desirable to use the detergent composition in which no abrasive particles.

What better to order blinds size: Selecting the optimal size of the product

Not to be mistaken with a choice of size of the product, you need to decide where the blinds will be installed: on the glass, on the wall or in the window opening. If it is assumed structure mounted on the wings, the optimal width is equal to the distance between the glazing glazing beads. By this measure should add 3 cm. In this case, the blinds length should match the height of the window.

If the design will be installed in the window opening, the width of the product must comply with the width of the glazing unit. In addition, the need to add the thickness of the side seals. The optimum length will be equal to the height shutters glass with an allowance of 2 cm. The cloth should be placed so that the cornice did not cling loops and slopes.

If the blinds are mounted on the wall, their width is selected based on the size of the window opening and an additional allowance of 10 cm. The length in this case may be arbitrary. Above the door opening should be kept at least 5 cm of free space to be able to fix the cornice.

Can I use the window shutters instead of doors

Recently decorators resorting to non-standard design solutions using shutters, setting data structure in doorways. Such an approach to zoning the space looks very original. To shutters on doors harmoniously fit into the interior of the premises, it is necessary to pay special attention to the choice of design, its design.

Blinds are not able to become a full replacement of doors: they do not constrain the noise and not being able to protect the premises from intrusion. These structures are used as a partition between the two rooms. Allowed to use these products in combination with a conventional door leaf. It is desirable that it was glass.

As in the case of window constructions, shutters, installed in the doorway can be vertical, horizontal, a bellows or roller blinds. In addition, there are products such as "string". They are made of threads and are used to protect the room from the sun.

The balcony door shutters can be installed in only if the balcony or loggia and have a high-quality thermal insulation glazing. Lifting or closing of such partitions will increase the total space of the dwelling. Most often, the balcony is combined with the kitchen, living room or bedroom. In this area, you can arrange a sitting area, a compact dining room, a work area.

Selection of blinds balcony It depends on many factors. Be sure to take into account the purpose of the premises and its location in relation to the cardinal points. If the balcony will settle working area, it is desirable to select products that will smoothly adjust the level of natural light. For rooms, located on the north side of the building, it is recommended to take the blinds with thin blades.

With regard to decorative features of design choice depends on personal preference and style of the owner of the apartment, which is decorated room. Modern range of blinds allows you to choose products that will meet the tastes of even the most demanding customers, so the problems with the choice should not occur.

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