You see them all the time – tiny balconies that sit on the outside of windows that can’t be walked on or used as storage – but people are only just realising that they have an actual purpose
People are only just realising what tiny balconies with no floor space are actually for.
You’re bound to have seen them on the outside of windows before – balcony rails with fronts that can’t be used as a place to relax or store things.
They’re known as balconettes or Juliet balconies, and recently became a hot topic of conversion on Reddit. An image of two balconettes was shared on the r/CasualUK subreddit, alongside the caption: “What’s the point in building these ‘balconies’?”
Of course, not all of the answers were as serious as others. One user noted how they were perfect for “standing in the window in your dressing gown” and having a cigarette. Another suggested they would be useful for “hauling up awkward pieces of furniture that won’t fit around the tight bend on the stairs”.
Thankfully, others were on hand with actual answers. “It’s a Juliet balcony. They’re to maximise your view and air flow,” one person explained, before adding jokingly: “You can stand there in the morning with the door open, coffee in hand, maybe even your tackle out, who knows!”
And there’s also a safety aspect to their use, as another explained: “It’s not really a balcony, it’s the guard railing. Having a door there, instead of a window, means you can get greater views, more light and more ventilation. Obviously you don’t want anyone falling out, hence the railing.”
Balconette, a company that manufactures them, states on its website: “To enhance your view, maximise natural light, and improve the airflow in your home, a Juliet balcony serves as the perfect solution.
“Opting for a glass Juliet balcony, with its sleek and clean lines, is a fantastic and affordable method to elevate both the external and internal aesthetics of your home. There’s no denying that they truly enhance the overall appearance.”
