Balcony Seating and Storage for Indian Homes: What to Measure, Keep and Leave Out
When an individual opens a balcony door in their Hyderabad-based home, the first sight could be of a plastic clothes stand. There may also be a plastic chair in the corner that is moved around as and when required. While few want seats to relax in the open-air, plants and a storage cabinet, it could prove a challenge to place everything in a single balcony. However, it could be a combination of the balcony size, floor area and the items that people want to keep there.
Before someone invests in a new piece of furniture or a storage cabinet, it is better to take specific measurements, look at the drainage, sunlight and the doors and think through what could be provided. Individuals could consider the following points.
Measuring the Usable Floor of the Balcony
While it is possible to measure a floor area by referring to a drawing or sketch, it is always best to take exact measurements. Masking tape can be used to mark out the area that would be occupied by a specific piece of furniture, a bench or a cabinet. If someone needs a chair, they should plan the space that they would need to pull the chair in order to sit down.
The same can be done for a bench or a cabinet. The next step would be to leave a space for movement. Someone might think that a specific piece would fit within the given dimensions, but it could turn out to be otherwise.
There are specific items that people want to keep on their balconies. Some might have a clothes stand that they would like to keep there. There could be planters that do not want to move. Individuals might also have an air conditioning unit that they would like to keep there or a cleaning bucket. Such items need to be kept in mind while taking measurements.
Testing the Drain and Keeping the Door Clear
Before someone buys a new piece of furniture or a cabinet, they make sure that the drain is not blocked. Leaves, dust and other such items could gather there. It is better to keep the area around a drain clear, especially during the monsoon season.
It is not advisable to test the drain by pouring an amount of water on the balcony, especially if there are chances of water leakage.
Small Balcony Seating: Movable, Folding or Built-In
The choice of a balcony seat would depend on how often it would be used and what else would need to be placed.
A movable seat would be a good choice if only one person would use it, but it would need to be moved every time someone wanted to hang clothes or mop the floor. Such a seat should be bought in a size that is easy to carry rather than a heavier and bulkier one.
Folding tables and chairs would be a good choice
A small balcony may not accommodate a bench or a chair most of the time. Folding is useful if it can be stored in a corner. However, the mechanism should be examined before making a purchase. If a person buys a folding table or a chair that cannot be opened with ease, it would create more problems than it solves.
A built-in bench may be a good option if there is sufficient space and the balcony is used often
If a balcony serves a dual purpose as a laundry area, a bench that comes with a cabinet would be a good choice. However, such a bench would permanently occupy a portion of the floor area. This option should only be considered if there is sufficient space.
It may seem a good idea to buy a particular piece of furniture simply because it looks good in an image. However, it is important to keep in mind those who would actually use it and how often it would need to be moved or accessed.
A Balcony Bench With Storage That Stays Dry
An important consideration for a balcony bench with storage would be where it could be placed. It should not be put in a spot where it would restrict access to a drain or the clothes line.
The way in which the lid or drawer opens should also be considered. If someone buys a bench that has a storage area beneath it, they should ensure that it does not have to be placed against a wall or upright. Doing so may prevent the lid from opening or the drawer from sliding out.
Rainwater could penetrate the cracks and crevices of a bench. Items that are sensitive to dampness should not be stored in a bench that is exposed to the elements unless there is a guarantee that it will not get damp. Similarly, fabric items such as cushions should not be kept outdoors unless they are waterproof.
Balcony Storage Solutions: What to Keep Outside
A balcony is not always a place to store things. While it is possible to store a few gardening tools in a small cabinet, there are limitations to what can be accommodated.
Individuals who wish to keep items such as planters on their balconies should invest in a small cabinet, narrow shelves or a rack that can be attached to a wall.
The height of the shelves and the depth of the cabinet or storage unit should also be considered. If a person buys a cabinet that is larger than the items that it is supposed to hold, it would be a waste of space and resources.
The storage units that are bought should not block access to a drain or the clothes line. Cardboard boxes should not be used to store items that are rarely used or that do not belong in the balcony. If an item has not been used for a long time, it is better to get rid of it rather than store it in a small balcony.
Furniture, storage cabinets and other items that are kept outside are exposed to direct sunlight, rain and dust. Finishes that are used on furniture can fade under the sun, while certain materials are vulnerable to dampness. Furniture kept on a balcony that overlooks a road or an open space would accumulate dust.
Before making a purchase, it is important to examine the material or finish that has been specified or recommended by the seller. If the instructions say that a particular finish is suitable only for indoor use, it should not be bought for a balcony.
Metal furniture should have a coating or finish that is suitable for outdoor use. Wood and metal furniture would need to be maintained on a regular basis. Plastic furniture could be a convenient option as it is usually light, but its durability and resistance to sunlight would need to be considered.
The texture of a material should also be examined if the balcony overlooks a street or an open space. Cushions with a smooth surface would collect dust with ease, but they would need to be stored indoors during rainfall or on nights when the sky is overcast. Similarly, a rough-textured fabric can be wiped clean with a damp.
Choosing Materials for Strong Sun, Rain and Dust
Fitting Plants and a Clothes Line on the Balcony
Many people like to grow plants on their balconies. They also like to keep a clothes line on the balcony to dry their clothes. Such items need to be accommodated in a balcony.
It is always easier to keep a plant in a pot or a tub than to dig a hole in the floor of the balcony. The length, diameter and height of the pot or tub should be measured to ensure that it can be accommodated in the designated spot. The space that the plant would occupy should also be considered in relation to the seating arrangement.
The position of the clothes line should also be kept in mind. It should be possible for a person to hang the laundry in such a way that it does not touch or lean against the furniture that is kept on the balcony. If a person has an AC outdoor unit, it should also be given the space that it requires.
Checks Before Drilling, Hanging or Ordering
Before drilling a hole in a wall or a railing to fix a cabinet or a shelf, it is best to examine the suitability of the location. Apartment associations or societies sometimes have rules about items that can be kept outside, modifications to railings and visible items that could be a nuisance. The association or society should be contacted to obtain specific guidelines or restrictions.
Individuals should examine the wall or a railing to see if it is strong enough to bear the weight of a storage cabinet or a bench. It is a good idea to take photographs of the items and measurements. It is always easier to reverse a decision than to undo a cabinet that has been fixed with cement or plaster of paris.
Before placing an order for a specific item, it is important to recheck the measurements and the material, finish, direction of the opening mechanism, if any, and the installation instructions, if any. Individuals should also examine how the item would be brought into the house through the balcony door. It should be possible to remove the piece of furniture if there are any modifications or repairs that need to be carried out in the future.
Keeping the Balcony Easy to Clean
Many people keep a number of items on their balconies such as small plants, buckets, gardening tools, sacks of fertilizers or insecticides and even pet food. However, it should be possible to sweep the balcony floor without encountering any obstacles.
A bench that has a gap or a void at the bottom can make it easier to sweep the floor, but it could also be a good idea to examine the design to ensure that it does not trap dust in hard-to-reach places. If a storage cabinet has to be kept on the floor, the space around it should also be examined.
Cushions or movable items should be kept in a corner or in a cupboard that can be accessed with ease. Leaves and plant debris should be removed from the drains. Spots that are damp or that have collected water should also be wiped with a cloth. Individuals should examine storage cabinets, shelves or furniture for signs of dampness, dust or damage.
Plan Your Balcony Seating and Storage with Decore Designz
A balcony should accommodate the way you use it, whether that means relaxing with a cup of tea, growing plants or keeping laundry organised. The right layout starts with the available floor space, door clearance, drainage and the materials suited to the balcony’s exposure to sun and rain.
Decore Designz Studio works on residential interior design and execution in Hyderabad. If you are planning a home interior project or rethinking how your balcony can be used, contact Decore Designz to discuss your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What furniture is suitable for a small balcony?
A movable seat or a folding option could work, depending on the size and the shape of the balcony. The length of the furniture, door space, drain position, walking space, clothes line position and the air conditioning outdoor unit, if any, should be kept in mind.
Is a storage bench suitable for an open balcony?
It would depend on the material and construction, but it is always best to examine the product details. Items that are sensitive to dampness should be kept in a dry spot. The drain should also remain unobstructed.
Can plants and seating fit in the same balcony?
Plants can be placed on a balcony with seating if the layout allows for it. The length and breadth of a pot or tub should be measured with reference to a potential bench or chair.
What should I check before installing balcony furniture?
It is always a good idea to measure, re-measure and double-check all the dimensions. Sunlight, doors, railing, drain, clothes line position, air conditioning unit, if any, space for movement, and any restrictions imposed by the apartment association or residential society should be examined.
Can Decore Designz help plan balcony seating and storage?
Decore Designz is an interior designing company based in Hyderabad. Those who wish to modify their balcony layout or who have questions can speak to our team at the company. The options would be determined on the basis of the available space and the extent of modification.
