Who doesn’t like a Romeo and Juliet Balcony? This charming miniature version of a portico was made noteworthy by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. In the greater share of cases, a Juliet style Balconies is constructed of a concrete slab, natural wood floor and handmade wrought iron handrails.

Not everyone knows what a typical Romeo and Juliet Balconies looks like and if you have invested in an Character Home, and looking to bring back a balcony back to its previous state, it would be vital to understand what style of balcony you have. Here is a outline of a few of the most important and uncommon features of a Juliette Balcony:

•    A Juliette balcony does not extend from the facade as a traditional terrace, balcony or deck would. On a Juliet balcony there is often very little room – often just enough for a person to to take in the view outside.

•    A Juliet balcony is NOT a French balcony, which is a phony balcony without any room to walk out (essentially just a gaudy handrail).

•    A Juliet balcony is nearly always positioned on an upper floor (2nd or higher) and at no time on the ground floor of a true heritage or character home.

•    A Juliette balcony has balusters only at the foreground. In nearly all circumstances, the ends are like walls and are braced by fancy yet tremendous corbel style supports.

Many residences in stylish Manhattan, NY are seen sporting the trendy Juliette balcony on their outside façade. Many are original to the era of the century home but more and more are being crafted new “to look old” and installed on older buildings to bolster visual attraction and individuality.

Whether you are repairing an old balcony or adding a new one to your home, your options are vast in terms of materials. As long as you keep true to the fundamental features of a Juliette balcony (as outlined above), you can pretty much pick whatever materials you want.  For example, you may choose hand crafted wrought iron balusters with solid cherry side walls and antique corbels stained to match the shutters on your home.

The best advice I can offer is to take a walking or driving tour around any heritage neighborhood. Check out many original styles of Juliette balconies, and be sure to capture some digital photos of what you like for future reference. Then choose the features you love best and have a hand crafted railed balcony made for your century home.

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