What’s the difference between a balcony and a terrace?

January 20, 2025

If you are looking for a change in the construction of your building or you are about to build a new house, you need to have a better understanding of the different parts of a home. There are some parts of a house that seem similar in general; however, they are different in their sense. What’s the difference between a balcony and a terrace? This is one of the most common misunderstandings people have regarding their usage and features. Navilize Interior Design Studio in San Diego is a leading, trusted company that offers interior design consulting and services. Follow us in the rest of the article to learn more about the characteristics of balcony, and terrace and their differences.

 What’s the difference between a balcony and a terrace?
 What’s the difference between a balcony and a terrace?

Terrace vs. Balcony: How to Tell the Difference

What is a terrace vs. a balcony? What’s the difference between a balcony and a terrace? Are you the type of person who prefers an ocean of light in the house? If so, then both the balcony and terrace suit you best. These partial details are the main reasons for a great everlasting view, a path for capturing fresh air, and an overflow of daylight to your house. They are also great ways to expand the living room space and connect the inner part of the house to the outer area. Although they share dozens of similarities, they have their characteristics regarding size, location, and construction.  

A Balcony is an elevated and protruding part of the house that is located mostly in front of the rooms, creating a private space that most hotels have. However, a terrace is an outdoor part of the house located in front of the building, next to or sometimes at the top of it. Although they are raised slightly off the ground (except when applied on the roof), they are not necessarily attached to the house like balconies. Despite the fact the former is more limited, narrower, and more private; the latter tend to be bigger, and more common.

A green terrace
A green terrace

What Is a Terrace?

By learning more about terrace characteristics, you will understand “what’s the difference between a balcony and a terrace”. A terrace is a paved or tiled flat part next to or sometimes on top of a house. It is raised slightly from the ground; however, it is not exactly a part of the building, unless it is located at the top of it. A terrace is a great space for creating a cozy environment for the people of the house, especially for gatherings. It is easily arrangeable and is the best place to make a green zone for the home, especially when on the rooftop.    

Location

One of the key elements regarding the question of what’s the difference between a balcony and a terrace is about the location. A Terrace is a part of the house that can be detached from it, at the front or next to it, or it can be located on the roof of the building as most restaurants and bars do. It is a perfect way to create extra spaces around the house or on top of it. It is a great way to add more fresh air and daylight to the house, and meanwhile preserve the essence of the space. 

Size

What’s the difference between a balcony and a terrace? A terrace is larger than a balcony. A roof balcony can also include the entire surface of the building. When applied on top of the house, it can be used mostly as a garden or a cozy place for gatherings and entertainment. In modern cities of contemporary time, a roof terrace can be the heaven of the house where some small trees and plants can add a sense of freshness and zest to life. However, front terraces slightly raised from the ground are the best places to add some outdoor space, creating a perfect outside area for the house that suits best when the weather is fine. By the way, their private area increases the value of the house, too.

Construction

Depending on the house’s plan, a terrace can be considered a slight surface in front of the home that is paved, tiled, or wooden. What’s the difference between a balcony and a terrace? Another difference between a terrace and a balcony is related to the space of the building. It can be designed with plants and flowers, seats and couches, hangers, and light bulbs that create a touchy space toward the house-entering. On the other hand, when constructed on top of the house, it turns a useless space into an outdoor extra space that brings fresh air and light all around the house.

What Is a Balcony?

The word balcony is derived from the Italian word “Balcone” is an elevated platform attached to the building. Not only does it add space to the building, but also it makes the building’s exterior view more charming and eye-catching. Balconies have been a great way of adding sense and sight to the building, while it creates additional space for the building. They are usually connected to the living parts of the house, the bedroom, or living room. However, they can be an added structure even in the kitchen.

Balcony space

Location

A balcony is an elevated part of the ground attached to the house’s structure to create more space. Depending on the materials, they can be made of wood, marble, steel, etc. Since they are located around the building (based on the blueprint of the construction), they can add a private space ideal for relaxing and drinking coffee. They can be half-covered, fully covered, or covered with a canopy.

Size

Balconies are different in size, shape, and even function. There are standard types of balconies known as vertical opening doors and roof window ones. Balconies are mostly remembered with French doors which are also known as bi-fold doors. It is crystal clear that balconies’ space is more limited in comparison with the terrace. Therefore it has fewer potentialities regarding space and design.

Construction

The balcony is a part of the building that is attached to the side of it and is enclosed by a low railing or wall. Although usually narrow and small, they are perfect places for creating a private space for the residents. They can take various shapes regarding the architecture of the building, for instance, pillar balconies, hung balconies, cantilevered balconies, and others. These are other features that clarify “what’s the difference between a balcony and a terrace”. Deciding on the best choice is mostly personal and based on the people’s interest. However, as an experienced construction designer company, at Navilize we can give expert consulting.

A usual balcony

Conclusion

What’s the difference between a balcony and a terrace? As we discussed in this article, there share some similarities regarding the application, however, they have various characteristics that make them unique. As an avant-garde group with years of brilliant experiences in the industry, Navilize is ready to create an everlasting space that is not only a craftsmanship work but also a masterpiece that elevates the aesthetics of your building. Modern architecture is the art of bringing comfort, beauty, and space all together. At the Navilize group, we know the hidden secrets of such compounds, so you are a step away from turning your usual space into a catchy and charming one. Never hesitate to call for a consultation and reserve a meeting.    

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