Image from Pexels
An indoor balcony is a popular feature in many homes. It is a small area that is typically overlooking a room or hallway.
If you’re looking for an addition to your home that’s both stylish and functional, an indoor balcony is a great option.
However, there is some confusion when it comes to the name for these structures and what to call them…
So, what is an indoor balcony called?
There is no clear-cut name for an indoor balcony that is widely agreed upon. Rather, several names are commonly used when referring to indoor balcony structures. The most widely used names for indoor balconies are interior balcony, internal balcony, indoor balcony, and mezzanine.
Indoor balconies may be found in residential, commercial, and public buildings. Keep reading to learn about the additional names for indoor balconies, as well as their many differences and purposes!
The benefits of indoor balconies
Indoor balconies provide an extra level of comfort and convenience and can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can be used for a variety of purposes, such as:
- extra space
- a place to entertain guests
- privacy
- relaxation
- enjoying indoor views
- artistic and decoration purposes
While some indoor balconies are built directly onto the ground floor, others may be located on an upper level, providing residents with an additional area to enjoy.
The different names for indoor balconies
In this section, we will take a look at all the names and variations of indoor balconies and their common traits. You’ll learn about popular balcony structures for the first floor as well as the second floor and what they are usually called.
Interior balcony / Internal balcony / Indoor balcony
Indoor balconies are also often referred to as interior balconies or sometimes internal balconies. These are broader terms for indoor balcony structures that are not very specific, but that can be used on a day-to-day basis about different balcony structures on the inside of a building. You can use these terms and people will usually understand what you are talking about, as will architects and contractors.
Mezzanine
A Mezzanine is often described as a level or intermediate floor in a building that is between the ground floor and the first or second floors of a building. It is usually an open space with a railing around it that is typically used in commercial and retail settings, although they can be found in private residences as well.
Mezzanines are often used for storage or to provide additional office or business space. They can also be used as a place for people to congregate, such as in a shopping mall. Mezzanines are typically made out of steel or wood and can be accessed by stairs or a lift.
Below is a video with some great design ideas for mezzanine bedrooms:
Gallery
The term gallery can be used to refer to a number of different things. When we’re talking about indoor balconies in private houses or apartments, an indoor gallery balcony is typically a small, elevated platform that protrudes from, and alongside the wall, on the inside of a building.
An indoor balcony might also sometimes be referred to as a gallery if it is used for exhibiting art or other objects. This usage may be derived from the fact that, like an outdoor balcony, an indoor balcony provides a space for people to look out over a scene, perhaps with objects.
The word gallery is of course most commonly known in relation to art galleries. When a gallery balcony is used in art galleries, it allows visitors to look down on the exhibition from a higher perspective, and can also provide a more private viewing experience.
Atrium
An atrium, nowadays sometimes referred to as atria, is a large open space in the center of a building, typically with a high ceiling. It often contains a skylight or other source of natural light, and is often used for public events or as a gathering space for students or employees.
Atriums are also built in private residences as they allow for sunlight inside a house. Although not usually described as indoor balconies, Merriam-Webster does however describe these features as “a rectangular open patio around which a house is built”.
The origins of atriums in buildings are from ancient Roman times. Atriums were used as courtyards in the middle of a house or building. They were often used as a place to gather or to have a courtyard garden.
Loft
A loft is a room or space often within a private building that is situated on an upper floor and has an open ceiling. Lofts are often used as bedrooms, home offices, or studios. They can be customized to fit the needs of the residents, and many lofts include features like skylights, Juliet balconies, or rooftop decks.
Image from Unsplash
Lofts are similar to indoor balconies because they are both elevated spaces that provide a view of the surrounding area. They are both spaces that people can use to get away from the rest of the house or to have more living space, which is why they are becoming increasingly popular in urban areas.
Landing
A landing is a platform that extends from a stairway. It provides a flat surface on which to rest, and it can also serve as a place to pause in your journey up or down the stairs.
Some people refer to landings as “indoor balconies” because they offer a similar experience: They provide an outdoor-like space that’s located indoors. Landings are typically rectangular or square in shape, and they’re often covered with a carpet or rug.
Loggia
Loggias are somewhat similar to indoor balconies in that they are both open-air spaces that extend from a building. Loggias are typically smaller than balconies, and they may be enclosed or open on one or more sides. They are often used as reading nooks, sunrooms, or small dining areas.
As with many of the different words in this section, the definitions of the word loggia do vary, but YourDictionary.com describes loggias as “An open balcony in a theater.”.
Bay window
A bay window is a large window that projects from the wall of a building, typically forming a recess in the wall. Bay windows are often used to provide seating and display space in a room, to frame views of the outdoors, and to allow more natural light into the interior.
They are often found in homes with older architecture, as well as in newer construction that seeks to emulate traditional design.
Faux balcony / Fake balcony
A faux balcony is an architectural feature that is similar to a balcony but does not project from the wall of a building. Faux balconies are often used to provide visual interest or to add space to a room.
They are typically created by adding a railing and a small platform to a section of the wall that is higher than the rest of the room. Faux balconies are purely ornamental.
Juliet balcony
A Juliet balcony is a small balcony typically found on the second story of a house and named after Shakespeare’s Juliet in Romeo and Juliet. They are usually too small for anyone to stand on or spend time on, but they do a good job in opening up a home, enabling people to enjoy the view.
Additionally, they are a very beautiful addition to almost any building!
How do you decorate an indoor balcony?
Before rounding up this article, we’d like to share a few indoor balcony decoration ideas.
Image from Unsplash
Whether you’d like to install a mezzanine balcony inside your home, or perhaps an indoor balcony hallway, adding a beautiful interior balcony railing is a must!
If you just have a low mezzanine not far above the floor, using an old thick rope can look stylish. Old dark wooden beams are also classy, as well as golden metal railings.
Another excellent idea for your inside balcony is to have flowers on display.
Let’s say you have an indoor balcony overlooking living room, then it can make a great impression on any guest if you put big plants in beautiful pots on that balcony, perhaps small palm trees or similar.
Lastly, hanging true beautiful artwork on your inside balcony will make this architectural feature stand out even more!
Final words on what indoor balconies are called
If we go back to the main question what is an indoor balcony called? We’ve seen that indoor balconies come in many shapes and sizes and can be called by many different names.
Regardless of what they are called, they provide a unique and convenient space for homeowners to enjoy and can increase the value of a property.
So, if you are considering adding an indoor balcony to your home, be sure to do your research and find the right one for you. The different functionalities are more important than their correct titles.
P.S. No matter if you have an indoor balcony apartment or outdoor balcony apartment or house, our essential guide to balconies on houses and buildings contains lots of practical information that can surely be of great help to you!
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of enclosed balcony?
An enclosed balcony is a balcony that is surrounded by walls on all sides. This type of balcony can be used to provide privacy and protection from the elements or to create an additional living space. Enclosed balconies are often found in apartments and condos, and they can be a great way to make the most of small spaces. This type of balcony can be used in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
What is a loft balcony?
A loft balcony is a small, elevated platform typically found in lofts and other upper-story rooms. It provides a space for occupants to relax or entertain guests and offers a view of the surrounding area. The construction of a loft balcony typically involves the installation of a railing or guardrail to ensure safety.
What is a loggia balcony?
A loggia balcony is a type of balcony that is open on one or more sides, with openings that provide views out. This type of balcony is often found in buildings that have a classical style, and they are often used in warmer climates where they can provide more shade than an open balcony.
Do you need building permit for interior balcony?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a variety of factors specific to each individual situation and your geographic location. Some municipalities do not require building permits for interior balconies, while others do.
It is advisable to consult with local authorities to determine if a permit is required in your case. Factors that could influence whether or not you need a permit include the size and height of the balcony, its proximity to other structures, and whether or not it is being used as a living space.
Generally, an interior balcony will be considered a structural alteration and will require a permit if the balcony changes the footprint of the building or if the existing framing is altered in any way.
What is another word for mezzanine?
There is no perfect synonym for mezzanine, but the closest alternative words to use are intermediate floor, storey, level, entresol, or balcony.
A mezzanine is a type of balcony or platform that is typically found in theaters, malls, and other large public buildings. It is a raised platform that is usually located between the ground floor and the first or second floors of a building. Mezzanines can be used for a variety of purposes, including exhibitions, storage, office space, or as an additional seating area.
What do you call an internal balcony?
An internal balcony is a balcony that is located inside a building. They are usually called indoor balconies or interior balconies. This type of balcony can be used for a variety of purposes, such as storage, seating, or even as a bedroom. Internal balconies can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, or glass. They can also be enclosed or open.