balcony

A balcony is a platform that projects from a building's exterior wall and is enclosed by a railing or balustrade. It is typically accessible from an interior room through a door or large window and provides outdoor space, light, and views without leaving the building footprint.

Balconies vary in size and support. Cantilever balconies extend directly from the wall, often relying on steel or reinforced concrete. Supported balconies use brackets or columns. Juliet balconies are shallow railings attached to a facade with no usable floor area.

Construction uses materials such as reinforced concrete, steel, timber, or composite blends. Key considerations include weather resistance, drainage, and load-bearing capacity. Safety standards generally require guardrails of a specified height and strength; regular maintenance is needed to counter corrosion, rot, and structural wear.

Historically, balconies have appeared in many cultures, notable in European architecture where they became features of urban residences in the 18th and 19th centuries. The term derives from Italian balcone. Balconies influence architectural aesthetics and urban life by expanding outdoor space in densely built environments.