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If the architectural terms veranda and balcony have you confused, you're not alone. Most of us can picture what a balcony is, but the word veranda might leave you scratching your head. Both structures are attached to the home, both are outdoor spaces, but they are different. What is the main difference between veranda vs balcony? The main difference between a veranda and a balcony is that a veranda is typically level with the first floor, and a balcony is usually on the second floor or higher. There are some good reasons why people might confuse these two terms. They are fairly similar at a superficial level, but their purpose in the home and construction are very different. In this article, we'll go over everything you need to know about the difference between a veranda and a balcony. What is a Balcony? Before we get started, let's take a look at the definitions of a balcony or a veranda. A balcony is a "platform that projects from the wall of a building and is enclosed by a parapet or railing," according to Merriam Webster. The platform typically projects from the outside wall of the building and can be accessed through the inside of the building by means of a door or window. A balcony is also typically on the second floor or higher of a building and may be covered or not. In general, balconies are 2-6 feet wide and 4-12 feet in length, but there is technically no size limit. Types of Balconies There are a couple of different kinds of balconies: Traditional balcony: A traditional balcony is exactly what you'd expect. A small platform with railing typically intended to be used by 1-2 people at a time.Faux Balcony (Juliet balcony/French balcony): These are fake balconies! They look like balconies from the outside, but they cannot be used as such. A faux balcony may just be railing affixed to the outside of a window or a very small platform with a railing outside of a window, which is often used for plants.Mezzanine Balcony: This indoor balcony is a loft-life structure that usually overlooks a living space.Cantilevered Balcony: These balconies get their support from inside the building with no visible supports. Cantilevered Balconies lend themselves to a modern style.Balcony Supported by Collums or pillars: These balconies are supported by columns or pillars underneath them. These are commonly found on second-floor balconies, but not so much on balconies on higher floors.Hung Balcony: These balconies get at least some of their support from cables that are attached to the wall of the building and the bottom of the balcony. They are generally not super nice looking, but they are practical.Covered Balcony: A covered balcony is essentially a balcony with an overhang that provides mild protection from the elements. The Purpose of a Balcony The purpose of a balcony is to provide a personal outdoor space to people living in apartments or condos. On a single-family home, a balcony may provide outdoor space for a bedroom or upper-level room. Generally, balconies are not used for entertaining, but for personal and private use. Larger balconies can however be used as social space. Now that you've got an idea of what a balcony is and what the different types entail, let's take a look at the definition of a veranda. What is a Veranda? So, what exactly is a veranda anyway? Well, it is basically a covered porch or what is known in parts of the United States as a gallery. Merriam Webster says it's "a usually roofed open gallery or portico attached to the exterior of a building." It usually has columns supporting the roof, and it may have railings as well. Unlike a balcony, it is on the first floor level of the home, according to American English. In the UK, it would be considered at the ground level. "Veranda" is a pretty loose term. Just about any covered patio, porch, or deck that is attached to the exterior of a home can be called a veranda. The Purpose of Verandas Verandas are typically used for outdoor entertainment, especially when attached to the back of a home. This is why they are usually larger than balconies. Typically, you'll find outdoor seating and maybe even a grill. Some verandas are smaller, and they're usually built to add curb appeal to the front of a home or in lieu of a set of steps. Veranda Vs Balcony: What's the Difference Let's take a look at how these two outdoor structures measure up. We've put together this handy chart to help make it easier to understand how a veranda vs balcony differ and how they're the same. VerandaBalconyAlso Known AsPorch, gallery, covered deckNoneExterior or Interior StructureAttached to the exterior, but in rare cases may be finished to feel like an interior spaceUsually exterior, except for mezzanine balcony or balcony seating, Exterior balconies may be finished to have an interior feelLevelGround/First-floor levelAt least half a floor off the groundSizeCan be any size, but typically large enough for several people to enjoyCan be any size, but typically only large enough for 1-2 people to enjoyInterior Access?YesAlmost always except in the case some faux balconiesCovered or UncoveredAlways coveredMay be covered or uncoveredEnclosed with railing or half-wall?Usually yes, but not requiredFor safety reasons, yes always enclosed with at least a railing or half-wallPurposeEntertaining groups of people outdoors, barbecuing, and enjoying outdoor space, may also be a functional way to enter homeEating or relaxing outdoors for 1-2 people, Gives private outdoor space for condos and apartmentsUsed in Residential or Commerical Spaces?Typically residentialFrequently found in apartments and condos, also found in hotels, faux balconies may adorn commercial spacesPopularityBecause veranda has a loose definition, you can find one in most homes.Balconies are also popular, but less popular on single-family homes. What is the Difference Between a Balcony and a Veranda on a Cruise Ship? Now, all this terminology gets turned upside down when you're talking about cruise ships. (Just another reason this gets to be confusing!) Cruise lines use different terminology from each other, so there is no way to say for sure what the cruise line you're looking into means, but in general, this is what you can expect: Cruise Ship Balcony: This usually means a small balcony that you can actually step out on to, and it may have a chair or two. Some of these are so small that you wouldn't feel comfortable sitting on them, but you could stand and admire the open seas.Cruise Ship Veranda: Most definitely a balcony that you can step out on to, and typically a fairly decent size. Either way, these are both typically not suspended off the side of the boat and feel more like an outdoor extension of the room. They could also be connected to nearby balconies with only minimal privacy, so make sure to do your research so that you know what you're paying extra for. Veranda Vs Balcony: Which is Better? We say both! Verandas and balconies serve very different purposes. So, if you're looking to build one or the other on your home, you have to get clear on why you want one of these things. If you're looking for a space to entertain family or guests, then go with a veranda (if possible). If you want a quiet, private place away from the rest to drink your morning coffee, then a balcony is a better option.