Attempt to locate balconies adjacent to living rooms. Avoid screening balconies with solid walls. Instead, consider screening materials that provide privacy but also allow residents, particularly small children, to look out. Avoid horizontal railings and other designs which enable children to climb up. Carefully consider how and where balconies will drain.

The impact of the screening for this play balcony - which provides maximum protection for children - is softened by the wood trim and trellis that help define the balcony and tie it visually to the building as a whole. 
(YWCA Family Village)

Balcony designs vary throughout this Oakland, California project. Some have completely open screening, some have mostly open with some solid screening and some have mostly solid with some open. None are completely solid; all allow some view through the balcony wall. Stacking the balconies on top of each other reduces the risk of leaks into indoor living areas. 
(HismenHin-nu Terrace)

There are a variety of balcony designs in this San Jose, California project, but all have open screening, maximizing light and view. 
(YWCA Villa Nueva)

Balcony walls made of frosted glass allow light to reach the apartments in this Oakland, California project but also provide privacy from the street. 
(Frank G. Mar Community Housing)

The balconies for these Madison, Wisconsin row houses do double duty. They provide an upper level, private open space for each unit and they shelter the entrance to each unit from rain and snow. 
(The Reservoir)

Simple railing materials and clean details give a light and airy feel to these Charleston, South Carolina balconies. 
(Charleston Infill Housing)