Balconies aren't just for the exterior of your home. Internal balconies have
been increasing in popularity as homeowners continue to gravitate toward open
floor plans. Of course, internal balconies date back to the times of castles
and manor houses when such structures would overlook a ballroom or other great
room.
Are you looking at an internal remodel project or a brand new build? Below
are the factors you need to consider for internal balconies.
Internal balconies come in different forms. You see the mezzanine balcony
quite often. Just like at your local hotel or art museum, the mezzanine level
is an intermediate floor. In terms of residential buildings, a mezzanine
balcony is usually a platform - a balcony or loft-style space.
Another version of a residential internal balcony is the gallery. This style
of balcony is actually more common, though it doesn't resemble a balcony at
all. In fact, it's more of an anti-balcony in that it's a cut-away space in an
upper floor that allows you to look down on the floor below.
A true balcony for the interior is somewhere in between. For example, you
might see a mezzanine floor that only goes part of the way across a room with
soaring ceilings. To look at the room below, designers add a protruding balcony
in a shape similar to what you'd see on the exterior of a building.
Finally, when you have stairs that curve or even turn, you'll have a
landing. This landing can serve as a miniature balcony.
Naturally, any of the above styles of balconies will feature a railing for
safety purposes. In the case of a stairway landing, the railing may be the same
as for the staircase itself. However, if the landing is a destination, such as
one located at the top of the staircase, you might see a railing made of the
same materials but with more ornamentation.
With all other internal balconies, your railing options are pretty much the
same as with a deck or staircase railing. Wood and metal are the main
materials, with glass making an appearance in modern-style homes. Typically,
contractors install the glass with either wood or metal framing.
Wooden railings consist of posts, rails, and balustrades. They range in
style from very simple with straight balustrades, to ornate models with carved
balustrades. You can paint or stain the wood according to your décor style.
With metal railings, you have many more options. You can start with the
basic, which is essentially a metal tube version of the wooden railing design.
This style of railing also often replaces the balustrade with another material,
such as glass or cable rail.
You can also get decorative metal railings. Typically made of wrought iron,
your design choices are similar to those for a wrought iron fence. Highly
ornamented styles are popular, featuring medallions, curving balustrades, and
other ornamentation. You can also see customized versions with metal cut-outs
in place of balustrades.
You may already have an internal balcony, and so the only real choice you
need to make is in the railing. Naturally, personal preference will play a big
part in your choice. So, too, will the overall style of your house. Likewise,
you'll want to utilize similar materials as featured in the rest of your house.
Possibly the biggest decision is how much attention you want to draw to the
balcony. The less attention you want to draw to this home feature, the simpler
your railing should be. However, many homeowners choose to highlight this
unusual space. If you want to draw attention, look into a wrought iron railing.
Wrought iron has long been used for ornamentation, which is why it comes in so
many elaborate designs.
Let an internal balcony add beauty to your house's interior, whether you're
adding it in or highlighting an existing structure. Consult with Capitol City Iron Works
for a beautiful wrought iron railing for your internal balcony.
