French Balcony

French Balcony

French balconies (or faux balconies) are a type of protective barrier for long French windows or doors.

French balconies do not jut out of the building and do not have floor surface. This type of balconies is an ideal solution for buildings where the space is limited.

What Are The Features Of A French Balcony?

Here are the main features of a French balcony:

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  • Decorative Railing: A French balcony is typically enclosed by a pretty, often ornate, railing or fence. This adds a touch of elegance and safety to the balcony.
  • Not Very Deep: French balconies don’t jut out very far from the building. They are quite shallow and are not meant for standing or sitting. Instead, they provide a little space for leaning or placing small items.
  • Double Doors or Large Windows: You’ll often see French balconies associated with double doors or large windows that open inward. These doors or windows are usually designed with nice details and sometimes have glass to let in natural light and fresh air.
  • Fancy Design: French balconies are known for their decorative elements. The railing or fence often has beautiful patterns, scrollwork, or other decorative touches, making them look attractive.
  • Limited Space: These balconies are commonly found in crowded cities where space is at a premium. They allow people to enjoy the outdoors without needing a big balcony.
  • Historical Charm: French balconies have a history and are connected to French architectural styles, especially during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. They continue to be used in many European cities for their historical charm.

What Are The Different Types Of French Balconies?

French balconies come in various styles and designs to suit different architectural preferences and functional needs. Here are some common types of French balconies:

  • Juliet Balcony: The classic French balcony, also known as a Juliet balcony, is a shallow decorative balcony with a railing or balustrade. It does not provide space for people to step out onto but is designed for aesthetic and safety purposes. It typically features double doors or large windows that can be opened to let in fresh air and natural light.
  • Ornate Ironwork Balcony: This type of French balcony is characterized by intricate and decorative ironwork in the railing. The design often includes elaborate patterns, curves, and scrollwork, adding a touch of elegance to the building’s exterior.
  • Modern Minimalist Balcony: In contemporary architecture, you can find French balconies with a more minimalist design. These balconies feature clean lines, simple shapes, and minimal ornamentation, offering a sleek and modern look to the building.
  • Wraparound Balcony: Some French balconies extend around the corner of a building, providing a more panoramic view and additional outdoor space. These wraparound balconies are often found in larger, more luxurious properties.
  • Balconette Balcony: A balconette balcony is a smaller and more compact version of the traditional French balcony. It offers just enough space for a person to step out and lean on the railing. Balconettes are common in urban areas with limited space.
  • Glass-Paneled Balcony: In some modern designs, French balconies may feature glass panels instead of traditional railings. This design choice allows for an unobstructed view while still providing safety and aesthetics.

These are just a few examples of the many types of French balconies available. The choice of balcony style depends on the building’s architecture, the desired aesthetic, and the functional requirements of the space.

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Pros & Cons Of A French Balcony

Pros:

  • Aesthetic Appeal: Adds elegance and charm to a building.
  • Natural Light and Ventilation: Enhances indoor comfort and reduces energy use.
  • Space-Saving: Ideal for urban areas with limited outdoor space.
  • Safety: Prevents accidental falls from open doors/windows.
  • Historical Significance: Adds cultural richness.
  • Privacy: Offers some level of seclusion.
  • Low Maintenance: Requires less upkeep.

Cons:

  • Limited Outdoor Space: Not suitable for outdoor activities.
  • Restricted Mobility: Doesn’t allow standing or walking.
  • Limited Functionality: Primarily for decoration and safety.
  • Cost: Installation can be expensive.
  • Maintenance Challenges: Cleaning decorative elements may be difficult.
  • Security Concerns: May pose security risks.
  • Noise and Pollution: Exposes occupants to external noise and pollution.

French Balcony & Veranda

French balconies and verandas are two distinct architectural features, each with its own purpose and characteristics. Here’s a brief comparison between the two:

 Aspect  French Balcony  Veranda
 Design & Function  Decorative, shallow  Spacious, functional
 Usage  Limited outdoor space  Ideal for various activities, dining, gatherings
 Privacy  Offers some seclusion  Varies but may be less private
 Maintenance  Generally low-maintenance  May require more upkeep
 Cost  Usually more cost-effective Generally more expensive to build and maintain

What Is The Cost Of A French Balcony?

The cost of a smaller and simpler French balcony is $1,000 to $3,000 in general, while larger, custom-designed balconies with high-end materials can exceed $10,000 or more. For a moderately sized and well-crafted French balcony with standard materials, you might expect to budget between $4,000 to $7,000.

French balcony is a very stylish and useful design feature – it provides more light to the house and allows you to open French doors for safe ventilation. French balconies are used for more than just safety reasons, they also add exquisite decorative touch to apartment.

Art Metal Workshop specializes in manufacturing and installation of bespoke French balconies.
We offer various designs of custom made French balconies at the most affordable prices in Toronto. You can also create a design of your own with the help of our creative designers. For more than 28 years we have been helping our clients choose the best solution for their interior.

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Please, contact us to get more detailed information about wrought faux balconies in Toronto. Discuss all the features of your ideal French balcony and our specialists will offer a number of variants to meet your needs.