Would you have a Juliette balcony or normal windows?

[alma123]

Am planning some works to master bedroom. It is quite a large room but currently only has a velux window to the rear. We have an option to install french doors with a Juliet balcony instead of a normal window.

Are there any downsides?

[StripyPenguin]

What size Juliet balcony? I'd have normal windows unless you have enough space for two chairs on the balcony.

[alma123]

It isn't a balcony as such. It is french doors with windows either side and the railings outside for safety.

[MILdesperandum]

What does the proposed window look onto?
Downside - you lose space (radiators normally go under window to save wall space). and I'm guessing you can't open a small window to air the room during the day - but perhaps the velux could do that?

[Rooners]

I don't know if they are all the same but our friends had a new built flat for a while, with one of these, and there was nothing at the bottom of the railings to stop a small child slipping out.

It was very frightening. Obviously there must be a way to get a similar set up with railings that curve into an attachment on the wall under the doors, but if you can't, then I'd go for a proper balcony.

[Rooners]

Oh sorry - normal balcony not an option.

Erm, I don't know. I think railings is quite a good idea if you plan to have any sort of high up window that opens.

[dontcallmemam]

I think it depends on the view.
The idea of lying in bed with the windows open and the curtains swaying in the summer breeze while you sip coffee sounds enticing.
But not if you were looking onto next door's greenhouse

[alma123]

The view out the back is nice. Just a wooded area to the rear. The idea of the french doors is just for more light than anything else and to enjoy the views rather than a small velux that we have now. I think we could open one of the smaller windows to the side rather than open the doors.

[dontcallmemam]

Sounds lovely, I'd go for the Juliette then.

[MILdesperandum]

Yes - in that situation Juliette balcony would be lovely.

[Mrsladybirdface]

not sure if these would be suitable

www.velux.co.uk/private/products/velux_roof_windows/roof-balcony_and_-terrace/roof_terrace_system

[greenfolder]

also,proper french doors will be fantastic on hot summer nights.

[StripyPenguin]

Right, I thought that might be the case.
I don't like the look of them from the outside to be honest, I think I'd go for a decent window instead.

[Jaffacakesallround]

I think the idea of being able to open a full length window is nice, but on the other hand I have always felt JB's a bit naff-pretentious sorry. They are something or nothing- not a balcony which you can use, so you may as well have a large window which you can still open.

[dontcallmemam]

I have a feeling that you can't have a really big window to ground level on the first floor without grills or equivalent due to Health & Safety. A Juliette balcony gets round that.
I might be very wrong.

[HaveToWearHeels]

Juliette balcony, we have one in a rental property and I love it.

[TheZeeTeam]

Our first flat had Juliet balconies in the bedroom and the living room. I loved them. We'd have them open all summer long.

[jalopy]

Agree with the others.

1. Only worth it if you have a decent view.
2. If not short on space.
3. Makes the room look more interesting.
4. Lovely to open on hot summer evenings.

[alma123]

Yes think we would need the railings for safety reasons. I think we will go for the Juliet. Thanks all

[TequilaMockinBird]

We have a Juliette balcony in the living room (town house) and I love it. It makes the room so bright and it's lovely being able to open the doors in the summer and let the breeze through.

We don't have young dc so not worried about safety though.

[MrsKwazii]

If you have a juliette balcony, do you have blinds and/or curtains? We've considered having one if we ever extend upstairs but I can't imagine what would look best. Would shutters work? Can imagine that the doors opening inwards affects the window dressing.

[HaveToWearHeels]

MrsKwazii we have curtains on wide poles so you can pull them right back when the doors are open.

[calendula]

A Juliette balcony is great for airing duvets. I think they are naff otherwise but would have one if I could just for the sake of the suvets

[superram]

We got rid of ours as doors when open took up too much space and I didn't like them being open because of burglars. Now have decent radiator under window.