Decorating a window with access to a balcony is always difficult. Regardless of what room it is combined with. We offer a number of practical recommendations for the design of such windows in different styles.
There are many ways to design windows with a balcony door, among which everyone can find the most suitable option.
Roman curtains
An interesting solution that has a lot of advantages is Roman blinds.
They provide free access not only to the door, but also to the window sill, which is especially important if you plan to use it. Lifting blades can be attached directly to the window frame and door sash. In this case, they do not need to be pulled back every time, like curtains, which means they will remain clean longer. In addition, the canvas will not draw a draft into the doorway.
Roman blinds are a suitable option for minimalism, loft, and Scandinavian style.
Options for decorating the door leading to the balcony with Roman blinds
Door location: design development features
The interior of a walk-through living room depends entirely on the location of the doors to other rooms, since the passage between them must be free
Here it is important to decide not only how to arrange the furniture, but also what the door leaves will be. Conventional swing structures take up a certain amount of space, because in order to open them the surrounding area must be empty
If the openings are located on adjacent walls in close proximity, the doors may occupy the same space, but it will no longer be able to serve any other function. Maybe just decorate the corner with a large flowerpot with a living plant. Therefore, in most cases, designers suggest installing sliding structures. But the decision is influenced by both the location of the openings and their width. A walk-through living room with wide openings, more like arches, will be a small island for relaxation in the huge space of the entire house or apartment.
In a room where ordinary doors are located opposite each other, it is possible to separate the passage, creating a complete and private room. Of course, its area will be smaller than the original one, but it will create the atmosphere that the owners need at different times. In this case, the passage can be fenced off not only with a capital partition.
- Narrow cabinets, although they will not be too roomy, will still help to organize enough space for storing a variety of things, especially when building them at a height from floor to ceiling.
- Between 2 doors you can install an openwork, lattice, translucent partition.
- The mezzanine located on the passage can be supplemented with a low partition with a combined surface. For ease of perception and visual expansion of space, the lower part - approximately to the level of the human waist - can be openwork, transparent or translucent, but at eye level - solid, to ensure the comfort of spending time and relaxing for people in the hall.
In a walk-through living room, in which the openings are located differently, it is worth considering the interior so that there is a convenient passage between the doors. At the same time, it is worth considering all the options in which a passing person will not interfere with the family’s rest in the room. This does not apply to openings located close to adjacent walls - such a passage will be virtually invisible. If the doors are scattered in different corners of the room, the development of interior design becomes a little more complicated.
- Doors on the same wall, but in different corners, are a fairly convenient option, especially for a square room. In this case, you can place the sofa at some distance from the wall so that there is a passage behind it. Then no one will interfere with watching TV, and the doors themselves will not “spoil” the composition in the interior in any style.
- Openings located on opposite walls and in different corners of the room pose a new challenge for designers - the passage between them is actually diagonal, and this in any case interferes with vacationers. If the area of the room allows, you can use the previous technique - place the sofa away from the wall so that you can easily walk behind it. There is another option - to place the sofa parallel to the wall on which there are no doors, then the openings will be on the sides of the resting place. This will reduce their influence on the composition. True, this option is not always acceptable - depending on the location of the windows.
- Doors in different corners of the living room on adjacent walls allow you to choose different methods of arranging the space, since the passage still lies along one wall, so it will not interfere with relaxation.
Roman blinds + curtains
If the previous option is too ascetic for you, Roman blinds can be combined with light curtains. For example, decorate a window with a Roman blind, and hang a curtain draped with tiebacks opposite the door.
For a balcony door, it is convenient to use static metal holders into which the fabric is tucked. Magnetic holders on a fishing line are suitable for picking up tulle curtains. These devices allow you to quickly clear access to the balcony and dirty the curtains less.
Compositions with Roman blinds
Another problem: disproportionality
Often, in addition to all the listed difficulties, the balcony design presents the problem of disproportionality. The sizes of the window frame and the balcony door vary greatly; they seem disproportionate, like a rectangle and a square placed on the side. This creates dissonance, breaking the entire geography of space. This nuance is annoying for a bedroom or other room, but especially for the living room, because this is the face of your home.
It’s good if the window and balcony are separated - then it’s enough to combine them with symmetrical curtains
For such cases, there are optimal “cunning” models of window decoration. This is, first of all, a classic pair: weightless but not transparent tulle plus two curtains that slide apart in different directions. Japanese canvas curtains, as in the illustration above, will also ideally hide such a design flaw.
Curtains with eyelets
Another way to maintain the functionality of a balcony door is to hang curtains on grommets. This is the name given to the rings that are sewn into the top of the curtain and thanks to which it easily slides along the curtain rod.
Depending on the size and lighting of the room, curtains with eyelets can be made from thick, light, or even curtain fabric. They are also combined with other types of textiles - Roman blinds, roller blinds, tulle.
This is what a balcony block looks like, decorated with curtains on grommets
Fabric selection
Curtains in the kitchen will get dirty very quickly, since in this room there is an increased concentration of steam, grease splashes occur, and soot accumulates. Curtain fabric should be as wear-resistant as possible. It is also recommended to choose materials that do not absorb odors well. You should not buy massive curtains and too thin tulle. It is desirable that the fabric is fireproof.
It is recommended to avoid the following types of curtains:
- made of cotton fabric and crocheted - after a few washes they will completely lose their attractiveness;
- velvet curtains - they take a very long time to dry after washing and quickly accumulate odors, in addition, due to the steam present in the kitchen, they will always be slightly damp;
- curtains embroidered with ruffles and frills made of thin tulle - over time they will darken and look like a rag.
To ensure that kitchen curtains last a long time, it is better to choose fabrics with synthetic fibers that are easy to wash and do not require ironing.
If you are interested in the topic of kitchen curtains, you can look at our photo gallery, which contains 90+ real photos of examples of a kitchen with beautiful curtains.
Filament curtains
A practical solution for decorating a balcony opening will be thread curtains (muslin). They look beautiful, you don’t have to tie them up, but go out onto the balcony right through them.
Decorating the exit to the balcony with thread curtains
Light curtains
A balcony, especially if it is glazed, significantly reduces the amount of light entering the room. If this is your case, choose lightweight curtains instead of thick curtains. They can, like curtains, be made sliding, picked up in opposite directions, combined with a Roman blind or blinds.
Decorating a balcony block with light curtains
Blinds
Vertical or horizontal designs in a kitchen with a balcony are only welcomed by designers. This is the best option because it is very aesthetic and reliable.
Vertical blinds with plastic slats to match the main interior of the kitchen, are easy to clean, and cover the windows from prying eyes and sunlight. Manufacturers produce a huge variety of products in this product line. Therefore, choosing the necessary option will not be difficult.
Asymmetrical compositions
At the very beginning, we said that one of the tasks of designing a window block is to remove asymmetry. But it can be played beautifully. For example, using spectacular asymmetrical curtains, as in the photo below. These can be curtains, picked up on one side, fabrics crossing at different angles, one-sided lambrequins. It all depends on the interior style and creativity of your designer.
Photo examples of asymmetrical compositions for a window with a balcony door
Asymmetrical decor
If the size of the openings does not match, then you can use various original asymmetrical designs (image in photo 4).
Asymmetrical window design
It is also suitable if you want something original and special. You can use an asymmetrical lambrequin and several types of fabrics that differ not only in color, but also in texture. This design is practical on the one hand, and looks original on the other.
Decorating access to the balcony in different rooms
In many ways, the textile frame of the balcony block depends on the room in which it is located.
In the kitchen
The balcony in the kitchen is used more often than in other rooms. An area for storing dishes and vegetables is usually organized here, and it happens that people go there several times a day. That’s why they choose practical curtains – roman and roller curtains, thread ones, with grommets, asymmetrical compositions that open the door slightly.
Textile design for a kitchen window with access to the balcony
In the bedroom
In the bedroom, the balcony door serves mainly to ventilate the room. They come out here less often, unless they are setting up an office or winter garden on the balcony. Such an opening is usually decorated with curtains and tulle, but in such a way that the curtains can be easily moved apart.
Since we relax in the bedroom, it is imperative to provide thick, light-proof curtains or blinds.
Decorating a balcony block in the bedroom
Types of curtains: pros and cons
Let us immediately note that the main criterion (even according to professional designers) is your comfort, which means that if you are going to design a window in a way that no one has ever done before, this is your full right.
When choosing curtains for a window with a balcony door, you will have to find a compromise between beauty and convenience.
Blinds
Vertical and horizontal blinds have long ceased to be an exclusive office interior detail. They are valued for their laconic appearance, practicality and ease of installation. In addition, the blinds are not at all picky in their care. Well, just a dream of any housewife! Finally, they can be installed in such a way that they do not obstruct the exit to the loggia at all.
Fabric vertical blinds are a reliable, practical and quite stylish solution
Modern models are equipped with a special remote control, which allows you to lower and raise the structure without getting up from your favorite sofa or being distracted from watching TV. This manipulation is easy to do with both external blinds installed from the street and internal blinds. Another advantage of this type of curtains is their durability. So blinds are an ideal option for those who do not like frequent changes in the interior. With their help, the room becomes visually larger.
For greater convenience, it is better to hang horizontal blinds separately on the window and door sashes
But there is also a drawback, albeit a very conditional one. When installing blinds in an apartment, think about how best to decorate the structure to make the interior cozy and pleasant.
Roman or roller blinds
Having appeared relatively recently, Roman paintings have already earned universal recognition. They are distinguished by their laconic design and functionality. The variety of color options is especially attractive; it is possible to choose the most suitable model for any interior. The design is also controlled manually and using remote control.
Roman blinds have a compact appearance due to the ability to adjust the height of the curtain
Roller blinds attached directly to the shutters allow you to open doors and windows without hindrance
To give the design a homely warmth and comfort, Roman blinds are recommended to be combined with tulle. Or think about other decor options for these curtains.
Tradition and simplicity
The best option are structures that do not need to be constantly moved aside to pass. In other words, if you consider yourself a supporter of multi-layer models with tulle covering the entire wall, then you will have to sacrifice your interests. Especially if the balcony is actively used as additional space. Choose the option with the motto: “The simpler, the better.”
One of the simplest solutions is a straight curtain with a tieback
For example, “cafe” curtains. A long curtain for the balcony door, and short curtains up to the window sill for the window. If desired, this model can be easily decorated with ruffles, braid or bows. One of the options for such a curtain model is canvases attached directly to the window (or door) opening. Sometimes they are supplemented with a grabber located exactly in the middle of the window.
Transparent cafe curtains will play the role of tulle, and if complete shading is necessary, curtains made of dense material will come in handy
Often straight curtains look impressive due to interesting or unusual fastenings, for example, eyelets. In addition, the canvas on the eyelets slides well along the cornice, making it easier to open and close the window opening.
By the way, when choosing traditional models of drapes and curtains, it is important to choose the right length of the curtains. Please note that opening the balcony door completely will cause the curtain to tighten. It is important that such mechanical action does not damage the canvas.
And although long curtains are not always practical when it comes to decorating a window with a balcony, it will definitely decorate the interior by hiding the radiator. And the difference between the balcony door and the window will not be so noticeable.
Classic straight curtains are suitable for fairly spacious rooms
If you don't like the idea of regular long curtains, choose an asymmetrical model. It will be unusual, stylish and comfortable. Place the shorter curtain near the balcony door, and leave the long curtain by the window. In this case, the tulle should consist of two parts so as not to interfere with the exit to the balcony.
Tulle cloud
When the loggia is glazed and curtained, you don’t have to worry about choosing curtains for the room, but limit yourself to tulle. Just remember that in this case you need to use a continuous fabric, and not two-piece tulle. When deciding on the width of the canvas, add at least two meters to the width of the window opening. Only in this case will the fabric be beautifully draped and allow you to open and close the door to the balcony without any hindrance.
The photo shows an example of decorating a kitchen window with a light airy tulle curtain
A beautiful curtain made of translucent tulle, successfully complemented by a beautiful lambrequin
Metal or plastic eyelets are ideal for attaching light curtains. And one more thing: choose colors carefully. In this situation, it is expected that the tulle shade will be in maximum harmony with the color scheme of the interior. Snow-white tulle, familiar since Soviet times, is not the only possible solution for decorating rooms.
Kiseya
Thread curtains or muslin are a very effective and unusual option. A room with a similar design immediately creates an atmosphere of oriental sophistication and luxury. In themselves, such curtains have a right to exist. Moreover, today manufacturers are not limited to just pieces of thread. We are offered a large assortment of thread fabrics with beads, flowers and other decorative elements. But if we consider thread fabrics as an option for curtains for a window with a balcony door, then, alas, this is not the most suitable choice.
Thread curtains, due to their lightness, make the interior more airy and light
Imagine how inconvenient and unpleasant it is when the threads are pulled along the body until their length runs out? What if you use the balcony to dry clothes, or sometimes take food out to the loggia as if it were a summer dining room? In addition, the threads will interfere with watering the flowers on the windowsill, and they will not cope at all with the function of protecting them from prying eyes. In general, thread fabrics are not suitable in such a situation.
In the photo there is muslin on the sliding balcony door in the kitchen-living room
Perhaps the only option for using muslin in such a situation is to pick it up. The threads will be permanently fixed in such a position that they do not interfere with movement. If this option is suitable for you, then why not.
Magic of the East
More and more different ideas are being borrowed from China and Japan. This is not surprising, because they are famous for their practicality and ability to organize their life in a stylish and concise manner. So Japanese curtains feel almost like home in our average apartments. And when decorating an exit to a balcony, it’s difficult to choose an idea more suitable than this one.
Japanese curtains are optimal for a room whose interior is dominated by minimalist notes
Designers recommend choosing this model precisely when the balcony is used very actively. The fabric, fixed to a special frame, moves freely and silently along the cornice. As they say, “with a slight movement of the hand,” you can open and close access to the door. The material of Japanese curtains usually has a special impregnation against dust and dirt, and thanks to this, such designs are easy to use. And the variety of color solutions will ensure complete harmony with the interior.
Depending on the level of natural light, you can choose canvases from light or dense fabric
By the way, Japanese curtains will ideally complement not only the oriental interior, but also the minimalist furnishings in the European style.
