To be or not to be…the owner of a Juliet balcony, that is!

SO, WHAT IS A JULIET BALCONY ?

A Juliet balcony, now also called a Juliet Guarding, is a romantic nod to the bard’s most famous heroine. They’re also known as balconettes. It’s a simple and compact balustrade structure that doesn’t protrude from the building but acts as a guard rail from the outdoors.

It’s the smallest and most affordable form of balcony. Low maintenance and compact, they’re great for subtly opening up a space as they come with minimal restrictions during installation. They don’t need any major construction for the building, making them a popular choice for urban flats.

These structures are a popular addition to contemporary style architecture and housing because of their sleek and minimalist look. They work especially well in cities due to their compact nature and the fact that you won’t need planning permission to build one. Their upkeep is also easier than regular balconies’.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A JULIET BALCONY?

VISUALS

There are many styles of Juliet balconies available to match the style and feel of a property. Curved iron railings can add vintage charm to Victorian townhouses and sleek steel gives a polished look for modern building. Frameless glass balconies can match any style due to their unobtrusive fixings and transparent material and are a popular look for a large range of buildings.

Adding a balcony adds a homely touch, and makes your space appear more open, welcoming, and chic. Balconies act as a focal point, drawing the eye to the light and views they provide. This makes a space feel bigger and airier.

Depending on your aesthetic preference, your balcony can be sleek, clean and clear as an extension of the outside brought into your home. You might prefer to furnish your balcony with window seats, mood lighting and plants to create a cosier feel. Whatever your choice, a Juliet balcony can elevate both your interior and exterior’s visuals.

SAFETY

Juliet balconies are usually considered safer than regular balconies as there is little risk of curious children climbing off a platform. The balcony itself acts as a transparent safety railing for the window and should be strong enough to withstand damage and impact. A singular, seamless sheet of glass suspended on an exterior may look delicate, but this balcony is as sturdy as any, with strong bolts carefully drilled into a flat and solid surface.

As with all building projects, these structures must comply with regulations to ensure good construction and safety. Juliet balconies will need to follow part K of the 2000 Building Regulations Act, meaning his type of balcony must be at least 110cm above floor level. Additionally, any gaps within railings can’t be more than 10cm wide. This ensures that whatever style you choose, your balcony is guaranteed to be safe with the right construction.

Always opt for your project to be undertaken by professional installation experts with the right experience and qualifications for the job to ensure these safety regulations are met.

LIGHT

When these structures are made of glass, they work wonders for letting in natural light. More traditional building materials such as metal and brick can block out a large amount of the sunshine. Even frames and supports can be obstructive. In comparison, frameless glass allows an uninterrupted flow of light and vision that works to brighten any space and provide ventilation.

Natural light, particularly in kitchens, is another highly coveted feature for property buyers, and opening up a dim space is an effective way to increase the value of your home. It might be worth considering expanding your windows, or adding a new one in.

Additionally, studies have found that sunlight can increase productivity, support the immune system, relieve pain, aid relaxation and sleep patterns, and lower depression and SAD. You might even save on electric lighting expenses!

BRINGS THE OUTDOORS IN!

Glass balconies work to open up and expand a window, letting in more light and a broadened view. This is a wonderful way to feel more in touch with your surroundings and reconnect a building to its place in the natural landscape. This is a great idea for holiday homes or retreats with scenic views and encompassing natural outlooks, where beautiful locations are a key factor in attracting guests. If you’ve worked hard on a garden or surrounding outdoor space, why not take the chance to show it off!

Standing or sitting near a direct opening to the outside provides a new experience that the boundaries of regular windows don’t provide. Juliet balconies can help ground you to your landscape by letting in a breeze, the sight and sounds of the world, and connecting with the changes that the seasons bring.

Like sunlight, emersion with the outdoors, and particularly with nature has many benefits to the mind and body, including lowering heart rate and decreasing stress, depression and anxiety. It can also help prevent near-sightedness and aids sleep, making a balcony a great addition to offices and bedrooms. They work especially well regulating heat in the summer, providing much needed ventilation and cool wind.

A COST-EFFECTIVE OPTION

Juliet balconies are usually far cheaper than regular balconies to construct. This is because they won’t require planning permission or complex structural changes to a property, as would be needed when building an extended platform. Many people choose a Juliet as a lower-priced option. They are usually upwards of £300, which is minimal when compared to the average cost of a walk-out balcony of between £1000- £5000.

As they’re so simple as structures, they are also very easy to maintain and repair if needed, making them a great investment on a property.

Find out more about framless glass project pricing here.

INCREASE PROPERTY VALUE

Juliet balconies may be low-cost, but they’re still great for adding value to a property. Constructing an outdoor space, even as small as a Juliet balcony to your property can add a significant value to your home. Connection to the outside is highly sought after by house-hunters (especially after being locked up indoors during covid).

It’s reported that roof terraces or balconies can add more than one-tenth to a property’s value. This increases to a quarter for higher-demand areas, but of course this will depend on the type of balcony you choose. Learn more about investing in your property value with a balcony here.

CREATE A UNIQUE SPACE

Undertaking a new construction project is the ideal opportunity to create something special for yourself. Take this chance to design an area that suits your needs, whether that be to eat, enjoy nature, socialise, or cosy up and relax.

The décor and design you choose can have a great impact on the feel of the balcony. If you’re looking for inspiration, you might want to consider these decorations to add to the area:

• To make the most of the area, you might want to create a seating nook to sit back and enjoy. This is a great option for a relaxing balcony, perhaps in a living area or bedroom where you may want to cosy up with a hot drink and a book.
• Add a comfy bench or chair, or even a beanbag to chill out and enjoy through all seasons.

• Consider adding some décor items to match your vibe. Maybe surrounding house plants for a nature nook or fairy lights and lanterns to create a gentle warmth for socialising spot.
• Textiles around the area can add a touch of comfort, or perhaps you’d prefer a glass coffee table to match a chic frameless glass structure.

• Whatever your intended look, make sure to carefully consider your colours and lighting
  as these can play an important role in affecting how we feel in an interior. Also take into account your architecture style and the view from the balcony for some visual consistency in your space.

BEAUTIFUL, ALMOST INVISIBLE JULIET BALCONIES FROM BESPOKE FRAMELESS GLASS

If you’re thinking about getting a Juliet balcony added to your property, make sure you consult with the right people to make sure you get a quality addition to your property, that’s well designed and properly installed.

We specialise in glass Juliet balconies, with sleek and minimalist designs to create a beautiful, almost-invisible balconies. If you’re ready to begin your own exciting construction project, Bespoke Frameless Glass are the premier source for frameless glass structures in Bristol. We also craft other bespoke frameless glass features.

Our firm serves nearby areas such as Bath, Wiltshire, Gloucester and Cheltenham. We have expanded to London, and have recently opened a London office to be able to fulfil more projects in the South East. Whether you’re looking for a structure your home or business, we offer affordable rates with the highest quality results.

Please feel free to contact Bespoke Frameless Glass today at 0117 961 2709. Alternatively, connect with us online to start the conversation about your balustrade requirements.

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