O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo? If you’re a design enthusiast like us, perhaps the most exciting thing about this part of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is the balcony that Juliet is standing on! After all, who hasn’t dreamed of having their very own balcony? Balconies exude luxury and sophistication, and Juliet balconies, otherwise known as balconets, are a particularly popular choice for many homeowners looking to enhance their home.

If you’re planning to add a Juliet balcony to your home, it’s important to do your research first. There’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach to choosing a Juliet balcony; in fact, there are many different styles to choose from and factors to consider. 

As professional balcony manufacturers, it’s safe to say that we at Underwoods know a thing or two about Juliet balcony installations, which is why we’ve put this handy guide together for new customers. Read on for everything you need to know about installing a Juliet balcony.

First, let’s answer the question: what are Juliet balconies? Juliet balconies aren’t quite like the large terraces you often get with hotel rooms. They’re a much smaller, more compact option for homeowners who want large windows without the safety risks. Juliet balconies are typically used to add a decorative barrier to upper storey French doors or large windows. Put simply, they are protective railings that give the appearance of having a balcony.

You may be wondering - what are the benefits of a Juliet balcony? If you don’t have enough space to put a chair or coffee table, what’s the point of having a balcony at all? 

In fact, there are many! Juliet balconies have long been a popular choice for homeowners everywhere because of their many benefits. If you’re not quite sure whether to install a Juliet balcony, here are some of the most compelling reasons to say yes.

● They look stylish: One great reason to install a Juliet balcony is that they look extremely stylish. They can greatly enhance the appearance of your home, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication that can be difficult to achieve. A balcony can transport your home from rainy England to sunny Spain! 

● They add extra protection: If you love ventilating your home with fresh air, keeping your windows open is ideal. However, if you have young children or pets, you may be worried about leaving upper-storey windows open throughout the day. A Juliet balcony can alleviate your fears by adding a protective barrier between your home and the outdoors.

● With a Juliet balcony, you can let lots of light in: Juliet balconies and French doors are popular pairings. As we’ve mentioned, a Juliet balcony gives you the freedom to install large windows or doors which let lots of light in. With a Juliet balcony, you can let natural bright light illuminate your home without worrying about safety.

As you can see, there are many reasons to install a Juliet balcony! Here, we offer some top tips and things to consider when choosing the perfect balcony installation for you.

Depending on your preferences and budget, you can typically choose between iron railings, glass and steel combinations, or glass frameless models. At Underwoods, we specialise in iron and steel Juliet balconies (which are highly durable and available in many ornamental styles), but the option you choose will largely depend on your design preferences and budget. 

If you have an ultra-modern home, you may opt for a frameless glass balcony. However, if you’re inspired by traditional design, then a decorative iron balcony, such as a Sorrento-style balcony, could be your top choice.

Not sure which option is right for your home? Here are some of the benefits of iron, frameless and glass and steel Juliet balconies.

● Iron Juliet balconies: Iron Juliet balconies are one of the most visually appealing balcony styles. Iron bars can be shaped in a variety of patterns and designs, so whether you want a simple frame or something more intricate, the option is there. When you work with a reputable ironmongery company like Underwoods, you can submit a bespoke design that suits your tastes perfectly.

Iron bars also allow fresh air to flow through, so if you want to set up a coffee table or armchair by the window, there’s nothing to block the warmth of the sun. 

● Glass and steel balconies: Combination balconies are a great option for homeowners looking for a modern style. Metal frames support large panes of glass, allowing light to flood into your home. These are also a great choice if you want to block the wind while enjoying a cup of coffee by the window. 

● Frameless glass balconies: Frameless balconies are more like railings than traditional balconies. A pane of reinforced glass is used to create a barrier between windows (or French doors) and the outside. These are a top pick if you don’t have the space for a balcony but would like the option to leave your windows or doors open throughout the day.  

Before installing a Juliet balcony, there are some practicalities to consider. Here, we discuss some of the main practicalities to take into account and questions you need to ask yourself. 

If you already have large upper storey windows, choosing the location of your balcony will be simple! However, if you’re starting from scratch, you’ll need to think carefully before installing windows or French doors, and of course your new balcony. Some of the factors to consider when choosing the location are:

● The view - One of the main reasons for installing a balcony is to appreciate gorgeous views without barriers. With this in mind, you’ll need to choose the side of your house that offers the best view. Don’t forget to consider the rising of the sun; do you want a window that gets the morning sun or one with sunset views?

● Privacy - The privacy of you and your neighbours is important to think about. Will your Juliet balcony look out into your neighbour’s garden? If so, you’ll need to discuss what they’re comfortable with before going ahead with the installation.

● Safety - Are there any utility lines in the way that could pose a safety threat? If your balcony is going to be fitted to a lower storey window, could it give criminals access to your property? Are there any trees nearby which need to be cut back before the balcony can be installed safely? These are three safety and security considerations to make before giving your balcony installers the go-ahead. 

When it comes to installing a balcony, there are no two ways about it - you need to hire a professional company. Balcony installations must comply with safety regulations, and if you don’t understand these completely, you’re likely to make mistakes. Trying to install a balcony yourself will also put you and your neighbours at risk - so leave it to the professionals!

Balcony design is also something you need to invest in. Balconies must be designed and manufactured according to building regulations, so find a reputable company to ensure your new model is compliant. 

If you’re looking for bespoke balcony design services, Underwoods is here for you. We can help bring your design dreams to life, enhance your kerb appeal and add value to your home with our expert balcony design services. 

As specialists in ironmongery and steel fabrication, we’re a top choice for property owners in Hereford and Worcester. Whether you’re hoping to replace your current balcony or you want to enhance the appearance of your home with a beautiful new Juliet balcony, make Underwoods your go-to choice.

For more information about our range of ironmongery and steel fabrication services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Underwoods today. We’re always happy to help!