Named after the renowned balcony scene in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Juliet balconies bring European charm to your interiors. A balcony, even if it’s on the smaller side, can change the dynamic of your humble abode. Whether you want to add elegance to your home or make it look brighter and airier, Juliet balcony doors can achieve both. Although you can’t set up chairs and a table like a traditional balcony, you can still bring the outdoors in without stepping outside. Artificial light will be a thing of the past as their design allows for more sunshine to pour into your interiors. You can make your dream balcony a reality all whilst still fulfilling practicality, whether it be through French, sliding or bifold doors. If sophistication, elegance, and grandeur inspire your design tastes, Juliet balcony doors are perfectly suited. So, go ahead and open up your home for the summer with this charming addition.
What Are Juliet Balcony Doors?
A traditional balcony takes up outside space, requires regular maintenance and can be costly to install. Juliet balcony doors are essentially railings mounted to the exterior of a home, either directly to the siding, amid columns or alongside ledges. The phrase is an architectural term for a fake balcony since you cannot actually step out onto them. They are a compact and stylish way to give the illusion of a balcony when a door is open but without the safety risks. Their ability to make interiors look lighter and more spacious make them particularly beneficial for small apartments and enterprises. Especially with the addition of rail planters, hanging baskets or shutters, to achieve a picture-perfect aesthetic.
Juliet balconies appeared in architecture in the 1920s. In that era, they were typically made from iron, especially those with French and Spanish style inspirations. However, today’s Juliet balcony doors can be made from a broader range of materials. For instance, uPVC or aluminium. Some contemporary buildings have even reinvented the Juliet balcony by removing the railings in favour of thick fragments of glass. It just goes to show that no matter your aesthetical preference, there is a style out there for any type of home.
Safety Perks
Not only do Juliet balcony doors look aesthetically pleasing but they help keep everyone in your home safe. Larger doors that open to nothing can be fall hazards. Juliet balconies normally extend about waist-high on adults and have closely spaced bars. This way you’ll have no worries about your balcony door accidentally being left open or unlocked. You get many years of service out of these beauties without the safety concerns of a standard balcony.
Choosing The Right Design
Knowing what type of door is best to pair with Juliet balconies can be tricky. However, our styling expertise makes that process much easier. We recommend going for French doors, sliding doors or bifold doors. All can be made from uPVC or aluminium. Aluminium is better suited if you prefer a modern aesthetic. However, uPVC is fantastic for both contemporary and traditional looks. The material complements the classic charm of Juliet balconies with the bonus of modern innovation (energy efficiency and security). Here, we’ll break down each style to help you determine which is best for your home:
- French doors
When it comes to Juliet balconies, French doors are a go-to style and have a rich history dating back centuries. Traditionally, they’re two identical doors sitting side-by-side which look magnificent whether you view them from the outside or inside. When they’re closed, you can enjoy the full view of the outdoors and when they’re open, you can immerse yourself in the airy feel of your home. Usually, uPVC French doors are intended for opening outwards. However, our uPVC traditional French doors can be fitted to open inwardly too. Having this option makes it perfect for your Juliet balcony aesthetic. Modern technology has carried through their classic design and symmetry. This is because uPVC offers excellent efficiency and security. If you have a period property, uPVC Juliet balcony French doors are still able to mimic authenticity wonderfully. By adding in elements such as a decorative astragal bar, you can maximise their quintessential charm.
- Sliding doors
Often the area around Juliet balconies can be taken up when doors are opened. This means when they’re closed the frame can hide the beautiful views surrounding you. With Juliet balcony sliding doors comes both tradition and innovation combined. The sideways opening feature means you can see more from the comfort of your own home. If having a feature allowing you to control light and privacy is important then look no further. Upgrading your Juliet balcony sliding doors with integral blinds can achieve this. A sliding magnet is used to cocoon the blinds within the glazing. The design also keeps the space free from unnecessary clutter or pull cords.
- Bifold doors
This style has the added benefit of opening inwards as well as outwards. If you’ve got a loft bedroom, you’ll know it can get fairly stuffy in summer. Bifold doors help to keep it feeling breezy during those long warm days. They create a visually attractive glass feature which lends to the beauty of Juliet balcony doors. This way you can make the most of the rooftop view and the spacious atmosphere. You don’t need to step out anywhere – just sit back and enjoy looking out. Bifold doors open the full width of the space they’re in. Typically, they’re complemented by essentially an obscure glass balustrade on the outside. In essence, they achieve something totally unique from French doors and sliding doors.
Generally, French doors lean more towards a traditional look. If you prefer a modern design opt for sliding or bifold doors as they’re more contemporary. It’s important to keep in mind the character of your home as your Juliet balcony door should complement it. For period homes, a uPVC French door with a woodgrain finish and astragal bar establishes the authentic look. Whilst modern homes work better with sliding or bifold doors in uPVC or aluminium, with a sleek balustrade or a frameless glass one. If your home’s exterior and interior design vary, be prepared to test a blend of looks.
Colour Wheel
You can choose from a wide range of colours when it comes to your Juliet balcony doors. For instance, colour, wood grain and metallic foil finishes. If a contemporary aesthetic is what you’re aiming for, opt for uPVC bifold doors in a stunning Agate Grey with Chrome handles. Alternatively, if you want to bring to life the old-school allure of Juliet balconies, uPVC traditional French doors in a charming woodgrain Light Oak does the trick.
In most cases, there is also the option to create your own custom colour. For instance, this can be done through state-of-the-art paint spraying in RAL or BS colour codes. This way you can put your own spin on your Juliet balcony door, so that it’s customised to your exact desires.
Benefits of Juliet Balcony Doors
It may seem like there are no benefits to a balcony you can’t step out onto. However, this definitely isn’t the case. Some of the main advantages include:
- Brightening up your home
A Juliet balcony gives you the freedom to fit doors which let plenty of light stream into your interiors. You can admire the scenery from the comfort of your own home. - Additional ventilation
By having a door fitted which can also tilt inwards when closed, more air will be allowed in without having to fully open it. This is especially handy for the hot summer days ahead of us. - Extra protection
Juliet balcony doors are a perfect way to incorporate an additional layer of protection around large doors. This is particularly beneficial if you have small children or pets. You can open your doors to let the natural breeze in whenever you please, as these balconies act as a guard around the door. - Cost-effective and easy to install They are easy to fit as planning permission isn’t required, so long as the false balconet follows building guidelines. Juliet balcony doors are typically installed on existing walls. This makes them very cost-effective as you wouldn’t need to construct any extra structures, nor would you require hiring an architect.
Styling Inspiration
Once you have your Juliet balcony door in all its glory, the next step is to think about maximising the way you utilise it. There are several ways to add those special final touches. If you’re a bookworm, a snug reading nook will create the perfect getaway on your balconet. Just set up a sofa facing the view outside and cosy up with a good read. For those who love all things green, you could treat your Juliet balcony like a mini garden. Add in a few railing planters and nurture a beautiful flower patch to enhance the charm of the space.
If you opt for French or sliding doors, dressing your Juliet balconies can be challenging as typically they don’t have the option to open inwards into a room. This means that curtains and blinds can be obtrusive and limit light management. So, shutters are the way forward when it comes to Juliet balcony doors. They let you have complete control over light and privacy as they are capable of being opened or closed.
It’s clear that Juliet balcony doors offer much more than people believe. Though they’re not intended as an outdoor lounge, they still enhance a home’s character whilst being functional. Of course, walking onto a spacious balcony to admire the stunning views would not go amiss. However, space can be a premium now, and often neighbouring houses and architectural demands means having the luxury of a balcony can sometimes be difficult. This is where Juliet balcony doors can be utilised, to make your home stand out from the crowd.
