Balcony

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