Have you ever wondered why people bother to have a Juliet balcony? Or even what that type of balcony is?
The first time I saw one, I wondered what on earth was the point of it. The balcony I saw had no space to walk outside….so, what is the point of a Juliet balcony? Well, I know why now!
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What Is A Juliet Balcony?
A Juliet balcony is a small external balcony. It is usually made up of a railing or a glass balustrade across an opening through a ceiling-high window or inward-swinging glass doors. This opening may be just large enough for a person to step out onto, or it may have no floor at all.
Juliet balconies got their name from William Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet. In the play, Romeo Montague declares his love for Juliet Capulet from below her balcony.
Today, a modern Juliet balcony is a popular feature in many homes and businesses. They are sometimes referred to as a balconette, a false balcony, or a faux balcony. It can even be known as a French balcony, even though these types of balconies are common throughout Europe.
A Juliet balcony can provide some of the benefits of a full-size balcony in a situation where there may not be enough space or money for a standard balcony. In a narrow street where a balcony doesn’t make sense and doesn’t meet planning regulations, a Juliet balcony can add a special touch to a tiny apartment.
They provide a way to enjoy the outdoors without having to leave the comfort of your own space. Juliet balconies can also help to improve the appearance of a building by adding a touch of elegance and charm.
Benefits Of A Juliet Balcony
There are plenty of good reasons to appreciate a Juliet balcony. Not only do they look great, but they can also add value to your home and make it more enjoyable to live in. Here are just a few of the reasons to appreciate a Juliet balcony:
A Feeling Of Space
Juliet balconies can open up a room and make it feel bigger and much more spacious than it actually is. Even if the Juliet balcony is closed, you can still enjoy the light…or the thunderstorm….
Extra Light
They also allow extra light into the room, which can be especially beneficial in smaller rooms or in rooms with low natural lighting. Juliet balconies bring a friendly and inviting glow to the room, making smaller spaces feel more airy.
Better Airflow
Juliet balconies can help improve the airflow in your home. This is because they allow fresh air to enter the room, while also allowing stale air to escape. This can help to keep your home more comfortable and can reduce the amount of dust and allergens in the air.
Extra Storage Space (Maybe)
If you have a Juliet balcony, you can use it as extra storage space for things like pot plants, your bicycle, or even your baby’s stroller, keeping in mind that they would need to be protected from the weather. This can free up “walking around” space inside your home and can make it more organized.
Freedom From Fear
If you love the sunshine and air outside, but you don’t like the insects, other pests, or just don’t like the outdoors, you can reap the benefits of a balcony without experiencing the little critters.
Increased Home Value
Having a Juliet balcony can add value to your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers if you ever decide to sell. This is because they are seen as a luxury feature, even though it’s a very cost-effective addition.
Juliet Balcony Styles
European-Style Juliets
There are a few different styles of Juliet balconies, each with its own unique charms.
- French Juliet balcony: features delicate wrought iron railings and often has flower boxes attached.
- Italian Juliet balcony: characterized by its simple, clean lines.
- Spanish Juliet balcony: often features ornate metal scrollwork.
Modern Juliets
There are numerous styles of modern Juliet balconies available to suit the aesthetic of any home. Some of the most popular styles include:
- The Traditional Juliet Balcony: This style is based on the classic design of a Juliet balcony, with a simple railing and often decorative features such as scrollwork or wrought iron details.
- The Contemporary Juliet Balcony: This style is characterized by its clean lines and minimalist design. Often, contemporary Juliet balconies will have a glass or Perspex railing for an uninterrupted view.
- The Art Deco Juliet Balcony: This style combines classic art deco elements with a modern twist. Think geometric shapes, metallics, and bold colors.
- The Rustic Juliet Balcony: This style is perfect for those who want to bring a touch of the outdoors inside. Rustic Juliet balconies often feature timber details and natural finishes.
No matter what style you choose, a Juliet balcony can add a touch of romance and elegance to your home.
If You Can Step Out Onto Your Juliet Balcony….
But what exactly can you do with a Juliet balcony? Here are some ideas:
Make It Into A Cozy Nook
With a few cushions, a Juliet balcony can become the perfect spot for relaxing with a good book or enjoying a morning cup of coffee.
Turn It Into An Outdoor Dining Area
With a small table and chairs, your Juliet balcony can easily be transformed into an alfresco dining area. Just add some fresh flowers and candles for extra ambiance.
Grow A Garden
If you’re lucky enough to have a sunny Juliet balcony that you can stand in, why not use it to grow some plants? You can create a mini herb garden, grow some colorful flowers, or even try your hand at some fruit and vegetables. Hanging plants or window boxes designed for railings will save space.
If You Can’t Step Out Onto Your Juliet Balcony….
Even if you and your guests can’t walk out onto your Juliet balcony, you can still enjoy the sunshine and the breeze inside your apartment.
The area around the window or doors can be set up to take advantage of the changed atmosphere when the Juliet balcony is open. You can create an indoor balcony.
- Set up comfy chairs for a reading area
- A beautifully set table and comfy chairs can create a lovely lunch area
- Or you could use that table for your home office when the weather is gorgeous
- Your indoor plants will love being near the opening of the balcony
- How about some sheer flowing curtains to float in the breeze?
Juliet Balcony Safety
If you’re considering a Juliet balcony for your home, there are a few things you’ll need to take into account in order to ensure the safety of your family and pets.
Depending on the type of barrier you have, you may need to keep your little kids and pets away from the balcony. Can you child fit through the bars? What about your dog?
It’s also important to keep in mind that snow and ice can accumulate on Juliet balconies, so you’ll need to be careful when walking on them in winter weather.
By taking these precautions, you can enjoy your Juliet balcony while keeping your family and pets safe.
Conclusion
Overall, Juliet balconies can make your home more enjoyable to live in. They provide extra space and light, improve airflow, and can even be used as extra storage space.
If you’re looking for a way to make your home more comfortable and enjoyable, or if you’re looking at a rental apartment with this feature, a Juliet balcony may be right up your alley. Create and enjoy your very own piece of paradise.
