How balconies differ from loggias: a detailed guide for homeowners

What is a balcony

A balcony is a structure that juts out beyond the building's facade and is attached to it by a slab. A balcony has a railing, and in modern new builds it's often made of glass and metal, which gives it a light, stylish look.

The advantages of a balcony:

• Open space — access to fresh air and a panoramic view.
• Different finishing options — you can leave it open or glaze it in.
• A handy spot to relax — it can be set up as a summer terrace.
• It's not part of the heated living area — the temperature on a balcony depends on the weather.

In RIEL new builds, balconies are designed with modern trends in mind — they can have transparent glass or metal parapets, which adds to the look of the facade and lets you enjoy panoramic views. 

Balconies are especially popular in residential complexes set in scenic areas or on high floors, so that residents can take in the views. The Riel City residential complex, for example, features spacious balconies with floor-to-ceiling glazing, making them perfect for a morning coffee or an evening unwind.

What is a loggia

A loggia differs from a balcony in that it's a built-in part of the building. It has three walls and one open or glazed side. Thanks to this design, a loggia offers better protection from wind, rain and snow.

The advantages of a loggia:

• A high level of protection from the weather.
• The option to set it up as part of the living space.
• It's easier to insulate, so you can use it all year round.

In new builds, loggias have become a real trend among homeowners — they're set up as home offices, children's play areas or even small gyms. 

Loggia and balcony: the difference

You can tell these two types of space apart by their design and appearance. The main difference between a balcony and a loggia lies in how they're built:

• A balcony juts out beyond the building's facade and is attached to it on a slab.
• A loggia is built into the building, has side walls and forms part of its load-bearing structure.

This difference affects comfort: a balcony is more exposed to wind and rain, whereas a loggia is sheltered and can be part of the living space. In RIEL new builds you can find both types of space, which lets you choose the best option to suit the needs of the future residents.

Appearance and shape

Visually, balconies have a lighter structure, with railings that are sometimes metal or glass. Loggias, on the other hand, look like a natural extension of the facade, since they're part of it. In RIEL Real Estate Corporation's residential complexes, loggias are usually finished in a style that matches the building's overall architectural concept.

Practical uses for a balcony: a relaxation area, a garden or a coffee spot

A balcony isn't just an architectural feature but extra space you can put to all sorts of uses. Its openness gives you a unique chance to enjoy fresh air and a panoramic view, and to create a special atmosphere of cosiness.

An open-air relaxation area

If you love spending time outdoors, the balcony will become your favorite spot in the home. Even a small balcony can be set up for maximum comfort. In modern new builds, thoughtfully designed balconies with a panoramic view are popular, making them perfect for an evening unwind.

What you need to set up a balcony as a lounge area:

• Compact furniture (folding chairs, rocking chairs or poufs).
• String lights or lanterns to create atmospheric lighting.
• Decorative cushions and throws for cosiness.
• A small table for your coffee or a book.

A balcony is easy to turn into a place to relax after a day's work. In summer it can become your personal terrace for sunbathing or evening get-togethers with friends.

A balcony garden: creating a green oasis

City dwellers increasingly set up their balconies as green spaces, since fresh air and contact with nature help you relax. Even in a small space you can create a micro-garden of houseplants or grow greens for your own kitchen.

What can you grow on a balcony?

• Fragrant herbs (basil, mint, rosemary).
• Flowers (petunias, geraniums, lavender).
• Vegetables (cherry tomatoes, peppers).

New builds often feature spacious balconies, where homeowners successfully create even vertical gardens, using hanging planters or multi-tier shelves for plants.

A balcony as a spot for breakfasts and evening relaxation

For many residents, the balcony is a special zone for a morning coffee or evening conversations. A compact table, two comfortable cushions — and the space turns into a cozy café with a view of the city.

A loggia as part of the home: a study, a gym or a children's area

Unlike a balcony, a loggia is more functional, since it's easy to turn into a full-fledged room. In RIEL Real Estate Corporation's modern new builds, loggias are designed as versatile spaces that can be used not only as a relaxation area but also as part of the home's interior.

A loggia study: a comfortable workspace

With the rise of remote work, many people face the challenge of setting up a comfortable workspace. If the home doesn't have a separate room for a study, the loggia makes an ideal solution.

How to set up a workspace on a loggia:

• A desk with an ergonomic chair.
• Good lighting (a desk lamp or built-in fixtures).
• Shelves or cabinets for storing documents and stationery.
• Blinds or roller shades for protection from the sun.

Residents often use loggias as full-fledged offices — there's enough room for a laptop, a book and a cup of coffee, and you don't have to set up a workspace in the main part of the home.

A loggia as a home gym

Many people dream of their own gym, but the limited space in a home usually makes it impossible to fit one out. A loggia, however, can make a great place to work out.

What you need to set up a gym on a loggia:

• A yoga mat and room for stretching.
• Wall mounts for sports equipment.
• Dumbbells, resistance bands or an exercise bike.
• Good ventilation and plenty of light.

Some residents set up fitness areas on their loggias so they can work out in comfort without having to go to the gym.

A loggia as the perfect spot for a children's play area

If there are children in the home, the loggia can make a wonderful zone for their play. This enclosed, protected space can be made safe and, thanks to good insulation, even soundproofed.

• What you can set up for children on a loggia:
• A soft rug and cushions for safety.
• A play corner with boxes for toys.
• A small tent or a rocking chair.
• A desk for studying and crafts.

Some families set up children's corners on their loggias, adding special educational furniture and even mini-libraries for the little ones.

The differences between a balcony and a loggia: summing up

A balcony and a loggia are two different types of space that can be adapted to your needs, but they have significant differences in how they're used.

A balcony is an open spot for relaxation, where you can enjoy fresh air and the view and create a cozy open-air atmosphere. It's the ideal solution for anyone who wants to set up a mini-garden, a lounge area or a place for a morning coffee. Bear in mind, though, that a balcony is more exposed to the weather and harder to insulate.

A loggia, on the contrary, is a versatile space that integrates easily into the home's interior. Thanks to its design, a loggia can be used as a study, a workout corner or a children's area, turning it into a full-fledged part of the home. It's better protected from the elements, and with quality insulation it can serve as a separate functional room.

RIEL Real Estate Corporation's modern new builds feature both options, so that every buyer can find the best solution. If open space matters to you, choose a balcony. But if you need a more practical, multifunctional area that becomes part of the home, then a loggia will be the perfect choice.

Whatever you decide, the main thing is to make this space cozy, comfortable and useful for your lifestyle!