Options and ideas for decorating the ceiling on a balcony or loggia

Sooner or later this question arises. After all, if a new repair is made in the apartment, and the interior looks stylish and comfortable, I really do not want a balcony with peeling paint or uncoated brickwork to catch my eye.

The external appearance of the balcony consists of many components and the decoration of the ceiling plays an important role here

Primary requirements

An ordinary balcony has a limited area, which means that repair work will not be too expensive, neither in time nor in cost.

The ceiling forms the overall impression of the interior of the balcony space

There are some requirements that should be observed during the reconstruction or repair process:

1. If we are not talking about cosmetic decoration, but about the reconstruction of the ceiling on the balcony, then mainly pay attention to waterproofing. It is important to completely eliminate leaks from above and capillary spread of moisture through reinforced concrete slabs. Believe me, not paying due attention to these measures, as a result, money for expensive repairs will be thrown to the wind.
2. If you plan to use the balcony not only during the warm season, but also in winter, consider the thermal insulation of the ceiling. Indeed, even if only walls and floors are insulated, warm air rising upward will “meet” a cold concrete slab, and, as a result, unjustified heat losses will occur. With any heating system, without thermal insulation of the ceiling, money is wasted.
3. When resolved issues with waterproofing and thermal insulation, there is only one thing left - the decorative design of the room. In this matter, the preferences of the apartment owners play a key role. The main thing is to be pleasant and comfortable on the balcony.

Waterproofing and thermal insulation

You can start finishing the balcony or loggia only after a quality preparation of the foundation

Waterproofing

Waterproofing the ceiling should be done regardless of whether the balcony is glazed or not. Water or melted snow easily seeps through slots in the ceilings and flows down the walls to the floor. Such damage will affect any repairs.

Without waterproofing, water can enter the room, which will lead to damage to the interior

The most affordable option for waterproofing the ceiling on the balcony is the treatment of joints and crevices with silicone sealant. And the surface of the plates is covered with a special hydrophobic primer. But this option is only suitable for those whose neighbors have glazed their balcony on top and created waterproofing on the floor. If in your case the neighbor’s balcony hasn’t been “worked out” in any way, the best option is to agree with the neighbors and carry out expensive waterproofing work together.

In the case when it comes to a balcony on the top floor, waterproofing will have to be carried out both inside and out by the owners of the apartment. And you can’t do it on your own (at least from the outside), only specialized services can perform the work with the exact observance of safety rules and processing technology.

If there is a concrete slab above the balcony, it will be enough to cover it with rolled material

If there is no roof over the balcony, you will have to make a visor with a slope

Thermal insulation

A set of works to warm the balcony is not required.It is carried out only when it is necessary to fully or partially combine the balcony with the living room. Then thermal insulation will reduce heat loss and make the adjacent room more comfortable. Also, such work is carried out when the balcony is not insulated from above or the owners are absent.

The ceiling is insulated from the inside of the balcony

When choosing a heater for a balcony, pay attention to the following criteria:

• thickness
• weight;
• hygroscopicity (the material should not accumulate moisture in itself);
• noise insulation properties.

The best options for insulation are polystyrene, penofol, polystyrene foam or mineral wool.

To fix the foil material using wooden slats

In the process, the insulation is mounted in a specially prepared frame, which is made of either metal or wood. A waterproofing layer is glued under the insulation: a film or a membrane.

To fix the mineral wool, a frame is constructed from wooden blocks or galvanized profiles

Polyfoam can be attached without a frame. And if you chose mineral wool, then on top of it must necessarily be a vapor barrier membrane, since the wool itself is very hygroscopic.

Plate insulation is mounted with or without a frame, depending on the type of subsequent finishing

Choose a material for decoration

Approaching the final stage - finishing work - the main thing is not to make a mistake with the choice of material.

• Weight and thickness. These are the main parameters that you pay attention to. Since the material is attached to the waterproofing, the load on the floors increases, and a large weight of the finish is unacceptable. In addition, due to the thickness of the material, the ceiling height becomes smaller.
• Compliance with sanitary and fire safety standards. In other words, give preference to non-combustible and environmentally friendly materials.
• Sound absorbing properties. Although this criterion cannot be called determining, additional noise isolation will never hurt.
• Style. Depending on the stylistic decision, materials are also selected.

The choice of material for the ceiling is largely determined by the style decision of the interior of the balcony

Plastering and painting

If the balcony is not glazed, then plastering is a budget, and the best option. It makes no sense to spend money on expensive materials that will constantly get wet in the rain or "fry" in direct sunlight.

Painting or decorative plaster is often chosen for finishing the ceiling of an open balcony

Most often, latex, acrylic or PVA paints are chosen for such a decor. They are appreciated for the ability to exactly "lie down" on any surface, as well as a variety of colors, which, by the way, you can create yourself using tinting.

Qualitatively plastered and painted ceiling looks attractive, but is quite inexpensive

And such a decorative pattern is easy to make with a spatula-comb

Plaster mixes for balconies in the form of powders, solutions or pastes are suitable. Usually they are made on the basis of cement or gypsum.

Wooden lining

Favorite material by many. It is appreciated for its decent appearance, environmental friendliness and versatility. If you decide to use a lining for the decoration of the ceiling, it is better to arrange the walls in the same way. The ceiling of the lining itself does not look.

Wooden lining is eco-friendly, beautiful and spectacular

Today, all kinds of antiseptic compounds are available that significantly extend the life of a natural wood surface.So, with proper care, a balcony lined with clapboard will serve you for many years.

Any kind of wood is great for decorating an open balcony

Looks original trim ceiling balcony wooden slats

Plastic panels

This decoration option has already earned the title of “Balcony Classic”. It is perhaps hard to imagine the more common material.

The ceiling made of PVC panels is moisture resistant and easy to clean.

Such a demand for PVC panels is simply explained:

• affordable price;
• the widest assortment - a variety of not only color, but also size, and texture;
• high rates of thermal insulation and sound insulation;
• resistance to moisture;
• ease of installation - even without a special education, you can easily cope with installing PVC panels on your balcony or loggia.

Plastic panels can be installed in a frame way or simply glued to a concrete surface

The disadvantages of plastic panels include the gradual fading of the material when exposed to direct sunlight, as well as the inability to use in conditions of temperature extremes. Therefore, the material is applicable only to insulated loggias.

Plastic panels are also suitable for decorating the walls of a balcony or loggia.

Polystyrene foam boards

Another budget finish option. By the way, it is actively used not only for the ceiling on the loggia, but also for the design of the ceiling space in the kitchen, in the bedroom or hallway. Such a tile is an excellent heat insulator. It is also appreciated for its ease of installation - the plates are glued to the ceiling, and then additionally fixed with dowels. If desired, a layer of textured paint or decorative plaster is applied over the plates. Let us concise decor.

Polystyrene plates can be painted in the desired color with water-based paint

Drywall

This material is also in demand for decoration of kitchens, bedrooms or hallways. To design the ceiling on the loggia, a special moisture-resistant version of plasterboard sheets is used. After sheathing, the surface of the drywall is coated with a special water-repellent paint in several layers.

Using drywall, two-level structures can be formed with built-in spotlights

Stretch ceiling

This method of decorating the ceiling on the balcony cannot be called the most popular, and, nevertheless, it has the right to exist in the insulated spaces.

PVC film stretch fabric at low temperatures loses elasticity and becomes brittle, so this coating should not be used on cold balconies

Its main advantages:

• refined appearance;
• a diverse palette of colors;
• quick installation (provided that there is the necessary equipment and experience);
• the ability to create an interesting lighting system;
• ease of use - the surface is very easy to clean;
• moisture resistance and durability;
• absolute tightness of the subceiling space.

A huge assortment of stretch linens allows you to select the desired color of the shelving

If desired, the interior of the balcony can be decorated with a stretch ceiling with photo printing

These are not all options for decorating the ceiling on the loggia. Obviously, even without serious financial investments, you can make a practical and beautiful balcony ceiling. If you have work skills in this area, then you will completely cope with the task yourself. If there are no such skills, then it is better to contact specialists.

Video: Thermal insulation of the loggia ceiling and installation of PVC panels

Photo ideas for decorating the ceiling on the loggia and balcony