Balcony railings connect indoor and outdoor spaces. People can enjoy views, hang laundry, and grow plants here, adding leisure to daily life. As a key source of natural light, balcony railings also impact safety, requiring careful design.
Design Essentials for Balcony Railings
Safety Standards
All residential buildings must have balcony railings. Vertical railing spacing must not exceed 11cm. Flowerpots placed on railings need anti-fall devices.
Height Requirements by Floor
Buildings with 6 floors or fewer: railing height ≥1.05m.
Buildings with 7 floors or higher: railing height ≥1.10m.
Closed balconies must meet these standards. Mid/high-rise buildings and cold regions should use solid panels.
Functional Features
Laundry-drying fixtures are mandatory. Top-floor balconies require rain shelters. Adjacent balconies need partition panels. All railings must have drainage systems. Waterproofing is recommended.
Height Calculation Rules
Measure from floor to railing top. If the base has a step area with width ≥22cm and height ≤45cm, measure from the step surface. Minimum height: 1.05m (up to 1.2m for high-rises). No gaps allowed within 10cm of the ground.
Lighting Solutions
Install light-colored aluminum alloy windows to preserve light. For poor insulation, add glass films. If windows can't be sealed, install dark curtains in the living room.
Additional Design Tips
When sealing balconies, leave a 2cm gap under windows. Fill with cement first, then seal with foam agent.
Use stone windowsills—they outlast wood in sun and rain.
Match indoor and outdoor floor tiles to visually expand space.
Ceiling options include grapevine patterns, stained glass, or false beams. Skip ceilings in small balconies to avoid crowding.