Everything you ever wanted to know about Juliet balconies
If you are renovating, remodelling or building an extension, finding ways to draw in natural light, provide far-reaching views and bring in plenty of fresh air to your home are all likely to be top of your list of your priorities – after all, who doesn’t love spending time in bright and breezy spaces?
The good news is that there are so many types of windows and glazing options available these days that achieving all of the above is possible. And, when it comes to the upper storeys of a house, using a Juliet balcony can be one of the best options.
If you are toying with the idea of installing a Juliet balcony but are unsure whether or not this feature is going to be quite right for your home and what you are trying to achieve, our expert-led guide is here to help.
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What is a Juliet balcony?
First up, what exactly is a Juliet balcony?
It is important to recognise that rather than being a type of window, this is actually something quite different, as Edward Stobart, technical sales manager at IDSystems, explains. “A Juliet balcony is an exterior fixed balustrade attached to a full height window or door, such as bifold doors.
“It is named a Juliet balcony after the famous scene from Romeo and Juliet where Juliet stands at her window and declares her love to Romeo,” continues Edward. “The Juliet balcony is a way to have glazing on upper floor levels and still achieve a traditional balcony look without the need for an additional external structure.
“Modern Juliet balconies are often constructed using frameless glass which allows for maximum natural light to enter the room and give large viewing areas internally.”
A long serving member of the IDSystems team, for the past 20 years Edward has advised and supported self-builders and renovators to identify the most suitable glazing options for their project. He has recently finished a complete renovation and remodel of his own home, transforming a tired 1960s house into a stylish modern family home. His expertise ensures that each project is equipped with cutting-edge, bespoke glazing designs that enhance both functionality and aesthetics.
Are there different types of Juliet balcony?
Juliet balconies come in all kinds of shapes, sizes and designs, meaning that whether you are considering one for your modern extension, or need balcony ideas that are a little more traditional in style, there should be an option for you.
“There are three main types of Juliet balcony – frameless glass, framed glass and metal railings,” picks up Edward Stobart. “Frameless glass balconies are the most popular type of balcony due to the fact that they don’t interrupt views and allow for the maximum amount of natural light to pass through. They are a modern feature that can be used as part of a new build, extension or loft conversion.
“Framed glass Juliet balconies are slightly more intrusive, but can be suitable for larger openings, while metal railings (either steel or wrought iron) are best suited for homes that require a decorative feature or are required to comply with certain planning conditions,” adds Edward.
Where do Juliet balconies work best?
In the not too distant future, I am hoping to extend out over the flat roof of our kitchen extension, and a Juliet balcony is something I’ve been considering in order to make the most of the views. That said, I have to admit I have, at times, wondered what the point of Juliet balconies is given that you don’t actually get a traditional balcony to step out onto and enjoy.
Edward Stobart explains to me where they work best. “The main use of a Juliet balcony is for safety reasons, as Building Regulations Approved Document K requires guarding where there is a risk of a fall from an opening at height. In this case a Juliet balcony is a fantastic solution as it enables the full height of the window or door to be opened to allow air into the room.
“Also, the larger glazed area adds a real design feature to the room and enhances the view out, as well as dramatically increasing the amount of natural light let in.
“Loft conversions, master bedrooms and even first floor living rooms can benefit from the addition of a Juliet balcony as they maximise natural light, ventilation and views to these rooms,” continues Edward.
“A Juliet balcony can also be a cost-effective alternative to a full balcony where space, or indeed planning, is not an option, adding many of the advantages of a balcony without the expense or disruption of adding a fully projecting one.
“Internally a Juliet balcony feature can look very clean and contemporary too,” he adds, “and, as it does not project out from the external walls, it is a feature that can be relatively easily used on existing buildings, as well as new builds.”
What types of full-height glazing do they work with?
In order to get the most out of your Juliet balcony you need to choose the best style of windows or doors to match it.
“Juliet balconies can be installed alongside almost any type of full-height glazing, including French doors, sliding doors, bifold doors and full-height tilt and turn windows,” says Edward Stobart. “They are particularly effective with ultra-slim sliding doors or large aluminium windows, where maintaining uninterrupted views is a key design choice.”
Do you need planning permission for a Juliet balcony?
According to Zaeem Chaudhary, director and chartered architectural technologist (MCIAT) at AC Design Solution, in the majority of cases, planning permission will not be required to install a Juliet balcony. “Most replacements will fall within permitted development, but planning permission may be needed in conservation areas, listed buildings or where the opening itself requires consent.”
“It’s always best to check with the local planning authority first though as every house is different,” points out Edward Stobart. “Houses in conservation areas, listed buildings and/or houses which have previously had restrictions placed on them by planning, are likely to need further approval for these kinds of alterations.”
Zaeem Chaudhary, MCIAT, is director of AC Design Solution, a multidisciplinary practice delivering architecture, structural engineering, and party wall services across London and the UK
What building regulations do you need to comply with?
Even where planning permission isn’t required, you will still need to comply with the relevant building regulations if you want to ensure you are installing your Juliet balcony legally, and in a way that will ensure the safety of your household.
“Any guarding protecting an opening at height must comply with the relevant building regulations,” picks up Edward Stobart. “The guarding must be strong enough to withstand specified loads, and typically needs to achieve a minimum height of 1100mm when protecting upper-floor openings.
“Gaps within the guarding should also be designed to prevent small children from passing through,” continues Edward. “These requirements and the specification of the glass are covered within Approved Document K. Products should always be supplied and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.”
How much do Juliet balconies cost?
There are two elements to consider when working out how much a Juliet balcony is going to cost you – the price of the balustrade and the cost of new windows or doors.
“Costs vary considerably depending on size, material and specification,” explains Edward Stobart. “A simple metal railing can start from a few hundred pounds, while premium frameless glass systems, supplied and professionally installed are typically more expensive. Homeowners should also factor in the cost of the associated glazing, installation and any structural alterations required for the opening itself.”
“Costs typically range from £500 to £2,500+ depending on size and specification,” adds Zaeem Chaudhary.
FAQs
Can you fit a Juliet balcony on a DIY basis?
Understandably, some people are keen to have a go at installing a Juliet balcony on a DIY basis, usually in a bid to make some savings on their overall renovation or extension costs. But is this a good idea?
“While some systems are available for DIY installation, professional fitting is strongly recommended,” says Edward Stobart. “A Juliet balcony is a critical safety feature that must be securely fixed into the building’s structure and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidance and building regulations. Incorrect installation could compromise both safety and compliance.”
Juliet balconies are one of the best loft balcony ideas around so if you are considering converting your attic space into a habitable room, make sure you consider them, alongside alternatives such as skylight balconies.
Or, if space is no issue and you do want somewhere to step out onto, consider these roof terrace ideas instead.