The balcony is undoubtedly an essential and striking feature in the design of a home. As well as having the power to elevate a house from ordinary to impressive, they’re also featured in some of the most iconic scenes ingrained in our culture, from pop culture to politics. While the design of the balcony has changed and evolved over the years, they have remained a consistent feature in art and reality, serving as the backdrop to so many influential figures and memorable memories for many people.

While it’s tricky to trace the precise origins of balconies some of the earliest examples are thought to have featured in Ancient Greece within its architecture. At the time, it was likely they were more functional than a stylistic choice, with heavy stone buildings requiring an outlet through which air could circulate and natural light could enter.

Their function seems to have evolved and changed with the way of the world over the years. 19th-Century architect Eugène Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc posed that the modern-day balcony design derives from the medieval hourd – an anti-siege device that could be mounted onto a castle wall. Although their uses might now seem primaeval (often defenders of the castle took cover behind slate coverings and dropped rocks on the heads of intruders), hours were by and large totally ahead of their time. Designed to be simply assembled just before or sometimes even during battle, they were a feat of ingenuity and craftsmanship.

The timing of the balconies transition into a decorative adornment is a little unclear, but early examples seem to point towards the infamous Juliet balconies that were adopted by European architects during the 18th and 19th Centuries. While these initial balconies served a practical purpose similar to that of the Ancient Greek designs, they soon became a fashionable choice which were added to homes to make them appear grander and to appear elaborate. This effect was furthered during Britain’s Regency era when the falling cost of iron permitted craftsmen to make more elaborate designs.

With all of this in mind, here in this blog, we explore the origins of the balcony and some of the various types of balcony you can choose from - for your home! To take a trip through time and discover more. 

Juliet balconies seem to have continued popularity all throughout Europe, but one place they will not be found, surprisingly, is at Verona’s famous Casa di Guilietta – or Juliet’s Home. The house is a beautiful example of 14th Century architecture. The balcony design, however, dates from a slightly later time, as it wasn’t a feature of the original house. Once the house gained popularity amongst tourists, it was added to replicate the depictions in Romeo and Juliet.

Regardless of its namesake, Juliet’s Balcony would more aptly be labelled a French balcony, because of its small terrace space on which visitors can stand. Traditional Juliet balconies are reminiscent of false balconies in that they typically don’t include a platform for standing on.

Juliet and false balconies may be quite similar, but there are a few marked differences that architects consider to be important. What’s more, differences are seen even between false balconies and faux balconies – two words typically seen as synonymous. While a false balcony is so named because there isn’t space to stand, there is still often a minute deck included, although not enough to impact the square footage of a house or apartment. Faux balconies, on the other hand, are made up from nothing but railing attached to a home exterior. French balconies are so named because of the French doors that typically precede it, making it perfect for rooms that need a little extra light.

With space for standing – or sitting or soliloquizing – are known as true balconies. These are often featured in European holiday homes, where spectacular views can be taken in from outdoor furniture, or summer cocktails can be shared over meals eaten al fresco.

Stacked or Pillared Balcony

Balconies of this kind are common in blocks of flats. These types of balconies take the form of a pillar outside the building, with all the balconies stacking up on one another. This type of structure puts less pressure on the structure itself.

This type of balcony does exactly what it says; it’s a useable space in the form of a jutting platform or deck. The size varies, but there should be the room and the strength to sit outside comfortably around a table or on a chair, as a minimum. These types of balconies adorn architecturally designed properties, holiday homes and hotels, and can extend your living space dramatically.

Despite not technically a balcony, this feature still allows you to enjoy the outside while you are on an upper floor. It frequently has to have a roof and has a sturdy support structure.

Rather than going for stainless railings, glass railings and balustrades offer an alternative that gives a feeling of space on your balcony. 

For those who want to enjoy the outdoor space of a balcony without the relaxation factor, opening glazed balconies are the answer. Fully enclosed, they still provide light and airiness, and on a warm day just slide back the doors and let the fresh air in.

Whilst trends and functions of balcony design may have evolved throughout time, they have remained a popular feature throughout the history of architecture and into the present day.

When thinking about adding a balcony to your property, there are a few factors that should be taken into consideration. As well as looking at the different types of balcony available to you, it’s important to match your chosen design with your property type, lifestyle as well as surroundings.

If you live in a modern building, you may consider a glass railing. This also works well in areas with lots of scenery, offering greater scope to enjoy the surroundings. However, if, you are renovating a house that sits in a more traditional street setting, wrought iron railings may be more in keeping with the architecture.

What may look chic on a modern coastal property in Cornwall may seem out of place on a cobbled street in central London. Your balcony should enhance the beauty around it rather than contrasting it.

Here at Underwood Steel, we know that the addition of a new balcony can add aesthetic appeal, functionality and real value to a property, so it’s vitally important to make the right decisions about the balcony you order for your own home or a construction/renovation project that you are working on. As well as aesthetic appeal, functionality and real value to a property, it’s vitally important to make the right decisions about the balcony you order for your own home or a construction or renovation project that you are working on. As reputable balcony design specialists in Worcester with more than four decades’ experience supplying beautiful bespoke balconies and balcony railings in Hereford, Worcester and across the United Kingdom. 

We have over four decades experience supplying beautiful bespoke balconies and balcony railings in Hereford, Worcester and across the United Kingdom, Underwoods are ideally positioned to bring your balcony design to life and provide you with informed advice to help you make the right choices. To find out more about the various services available, please get in touch or visit our website.