Often in many apartments you can see numerous shelves on the balcony. It is here that it is customary to store everything that does not fit in cabinets. If this issue is treated with intelligence and imagination, then on the balcony it will be possible not only to save things, but also to spend time with benefit and pleasure. To do this, you need to think about how to organize storage wisely.
How to make shelves on the balcony and which ones to choose, you will learn after reading this short article. They are classified according to various criteria. It is important at the planning stage to clearly determine what type of shelves on the balcony will become comfortable and durable. Consider different classifications of species diversity.
Classification of shelves by mounting method
Balcony shelves according to the method of attachment are divided into removable and folding, fixed, and also suspended and floor. Removable shelves are made from materials such as metal, solid wood or durable glass because they must withstand frequent repositioning. Folding are convenient thenwhen the need for them is intermittent. If necessary, they easily recline, and when not needed, they fold. With this view, it is possible to increase the space.
Fixed shelves are used for safe storage of heavy items. Suspended will be the best solution for small balconies, since this type takes up very little space. Floor shelves have proven themselves on narrow, elongated loggias.
Shape classification
By shape, balcony shelves are divided into straight, corner and curly, open and closed, as well as mirror, illuminated and combined. Straight shelves look very simple: they do not have any curly or artistic elements. Corner ones are considered very compact and convenient, because they can significantly save space in a small area. They are attached with brackets to two adjacent walls. Curly shelves, as opposed to straight ones, look very interesting and unique. Open-type shelves on the balcony are installed to store interesting decorative compositions on them. The closed type is used to save unaesthetic items, as well as those that are not needed for frequent use.
Shelves with mirrors visually increase the space of the balcony, even if it is small. Illuminated shelves are an additional source of lighting on the balcony. This is especially true for balconies located most of the time in the shade. Combined are the preferred choice for a balcony, because here they canshelves of various types can be combined, which meets not only the criteria of spaciousness and convenience, but also aesthetics.
Types of balcony shelves by purpose
Conventionally, balcony shelves are divided by purpose into book, shoe, souvenir, universal, as well as shelves for indoor plants, storage of cans or tools. It is not difficult to guess that bookshelves are used to store books, and shoe stores store out-of-season shoes. Souvenirs serve only for artistic decoration of the balcony.
Universal, on the contrary, are relevant for those who do not think about aesthetics. Shelves for indoor plants on the balcony are indispensable for those who grow flowers. Being on such a balcony is much more pleasant. Shelves for storing cans will be a salvation for summer residents and conservation lovers. Before you make a similar design on the balcony, it is important to take into account the weight of the intended luggage. Shelves for storing tools will delight men with their functionality.
Classification by materials of manufacture
These products can be made of wood, metal, plastic, glass or several materials at the same time. Shelves on a wooden balcony always look expensive and beautiful, but for durability they must be covered with special protective varnishes that prevent moisture from penetrating into the material.
Metal shelves are considered the most practical, durable and strong. Plastic products look very attractive, while theyhighly resistant to wear. Glass shelves not only help to create a feeling of lightness, but their texture is very durable. Their only drawback: the complexity of installation. Products made from combined materials combine several of their types, for example, the shelf itself can be made of plastic, and the doors can be glass. When choosing materials for manufacturing, it is necessary to evaluate the size and presence of glazing, as well as the purpose of the balcony shelves themselves.
Choice of shelves for the balcony
Based on the needs, possibilities and fantasies, you can design a unique, inimitable product. Your loggia or balcony shelf can be simple as well as unusually original. The selected type of installation work and the materials of the shelf determine its relevance and durability in the future.
Corner combined options are considered an excellent option for a small balcony. They perfectly save space and make it possible to hide ugly things in closed drawers, and put houseplants and other decorative elements on open drawers.
Drawings
Before you draw a drawing, draw up a project and calculate the amount of material needed, it is important to determine the purpose of shelves and cabinets. You can easily make a shelf on the balcony with your own hands or rely on specialists. Masters of their craft will help you make a choice, draw up a layout and design the product of your dreams. However, if you add a little skill and calculation, then your homemade shelf will be indistinguishable fromprofessional.
How to make a shelf on the balcony?
There are many mounting options, but each of them has its own, different mounting method. Before starting, it is important to think in detail about the shape of the product and determine its purpose.
In order to be able to store heavy items, you need a mount that can withstand the expected weight. Such shelves should be fastened with anchor bolts and metal frame corners.
Products of small sizes should be fixed on hinges that are attached to the walls of the balcony with dowels or self-tapping screws. To make shelves on the balcony with your own hands, you need to have the right tool and clearly follow the installation work algorithm.
Work in progress
Before installation, prepare the following tools:
- perforator;
- screwdriver;
- jigsaw;
- drill;
- level;
- nuts;
- wrenches.
Algorithm for installing suspended balcony shelves:
- Take a sheet of plywood (Fibreboard), cut a plate of the intended size. The design will become more stable if metal pipes are attached to the ends of the shelf.
- Mark holes at a distance of 6-8 cm from the edge of the shelf, into which the studs will be inserted later.
- Drill the marked holes. Transfer the location of the holes with a pencil or pen, placing the shelf against the ceiling. So it will be possible to avoid the oblique position of the product.
- Drill holes in the ceiling, after removing dust from them. Insert the anchor into the ceiling until it stops, tighten with nuts.
- Connect the studs to the anchors placed on the ceiling.
- Fix the structure with the coupling nuts. Screw the nut onto the stud and then the washer.
- Thread the shelf straight onto the ends of the studs, securing with Grover's washer and control nut. Adjust hardware fasteners to the correct level.
