Juliet Balconies

How do Juliet balconies work?

A Juliet balcony is not the same as a traditional balcony – in fact, rather than being a true balcony, it is simply a guardrail over an opening to protect against falls from a height. This is why the structure is professionally known as a Juliet guarding.

While a typical balcony would have external floor space, such as an attached platform, Juliet balconies don’t extend outwards. A guard railing or solid balustrade is simply fitted across the outside (or inside) of the opening.

This allows you to stand at the barrier while still being sheltered indoors, opening the window or glass doors to enjoy the breeze, sunlight, and outdoor sounds.

Juliet guardings have the aesthetic benefit of looking like a balcony without the expense and complexity of constructing one outside, improving the curb appeal and property value of any building, as they can improve its appearance and enhance its functionality.

However, while Juliet balconies are typically permitted developments, you should be sure to consult your local authority regarding planning permissions and building regulations for structural safety.

What can you use a Juliet balcony for?

Some may not see the point of a Juliet balcony, as it’s not a ‘real’ balcony that you can walk out onto, or use as extra outdoor space for furniture or plants.

That doesn’t mean you can’t use your Juliet balcony in a similar way, though – especially when you install a glass balustrade to minimise the separation, improving the view and making it feel as though you could be outside when you’re sitting or standing in front of it.

Depending on the type of window or door that accesses the opening, and how much clearance you need to leave around it, you could set up a small table and chairs in front of the Juliet guarding to feel like you’re dining al fresco, or add comfy seating in easy reach of a bookshelf.

You can also create a focal point of the balcony area from the inside with decorative features like curtains, string lights, and hanging plants, helping you to enjoy the ‘indoor-outdoor’ style that’s fast becoming an essential part of modern living.

It’s a great option to have in a workspace, too, as it allows people to take calming breaks and get a breath of fresh air without going all the way outside.

How are Juliet balconies mounted?

The biggest advantage when it comes to using a glass panel for a Juliet balcony is that it performs the function of a safety barrier without the material compromising the view or blocking the natural light. Most installations aim to make the most of this feature by using minimalist fixing methods.

There are many possible ways to secure a Juliet guarding to a building façade, or even across the opening from the inside. While some may prefer a handrail across the top, a slimline Juliet balcony system will forego this element so the view remains unobstructed.

As the balustrade is made of toughened laminated glass, it should comply with safety standards for protecting against falls from a height, without requiring a handrail. However, you must check with your local authority directly before proceeding with installation.

The Juliet balcony mounting systems we offer here at Express Toughening include side-mounted, top-mounted, and stand-off mounted, with varying hardware – to see the specifications for each type, click on the systems shown on this page to go through to their product pages.

Is it worth installing a Juliet balcony?

There are so many benefits to Juliet balconies that can improve your living or working space, but whether it’s worth it or not for you depends on what you want from a Juliet balcony, where you would be installing it, and the extent of any alterations it would require – such as changing the type of window or changing a window to a door.

The advantages of a Juliet balcony that would make it a good investment include:

• Minimalist style of glass and metal is surprisingly versatile
• Easy and less costly to install compared to traditional balconies
• Great option for properties with limited space and budgets
• Elegant appearance that transforms both the outside and inside
• Enhances access to fresh air and sunlight (especially for apartments)
• Boosted ‘street appeal’ and practical use can increase property value

A compact balcony like this simple design is a more affordable and practical solution for many buildings, not least because low-maintenance Juliet balconies are easy to keep clean and durable enough to last for a long time.

Why don’t Juliet balconies project?

The official name for a Juliet balcony is a ‘Juliet guarding’ for a reason – because it’s technically not a ‘real’ balcony. A standard balcony includes an outdoor floor space that you can walk out onto, which many people arrange furniture on.

This external floor is typically achieved by attaching a projecting platform to the building, which requires more complex support that may not be achievable without extensive structural alterations. By contrast, a Juliet guarding can simply be fitted over a sash window, or a window replaced with a door that slides or opens inwards.

There’s no exterior floor necessary, as the area just inside the opening becomes the ‘balcony’ floor. Even if there is only a narrow extension projecting from the façade, this may no longer be considered a Juliet balcony, and creating such a structure is likely to require planning permission.

Do you need planning permission for a Juliet balcony?

In most cases, a Juliet balcony is a permitted development, because it doesn’t extend the existing building or involve major structural renovations that need to be approved by the local authority first.

Balconies require planning permission if they include a projecting platform, are located on the street-facing side of the building, or they are in an area that’s subject to development restrictions for historical conservation reasons.

If you’re planning to install a glass Juliet balcony, you should still check with your local authorities whether there are any restrictions that apply in your specific case to make sure you’re complying with regulations and not causing any concerns about privacy or historical preservation.

It’s important to do this because if it turns out that you were subject to certain rules and didn’t apply for approval, you could receive a fine and even be ordered to remove the balcony entirely.