- Adding Privacy and Charm
- Flooring Upgrades
- Furniture Choices: From Whimsical to Practical
- Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living
- Pet-Friendly Balcony Solutions
- Vibrant Color Story
- Year-Round Solutions
- Maximizing Space
- Lounge in Comfort
- Adding Texture and Layers
- Sun Protection and Ambiance
- Trellises and Railing Covers
- Winterizing Your Balcon
If you’re lucky enough to have one, don’t miss out on its potential! Even a small balcony can be a place to eat al fresco or catch some sun! It is an inviting extension of your home, especially if you enjoy guests. You can turn your apartment balcony into an extension of living space to give it that bonus room feel or create a secluded oasis with its distinct charm.
A balcony is a spot to relax in solitude or company, sip on a morning cup of coffee, and breathe in the morning air. However, having the right furniture and layout is key to making the most of your balcony.
It’s tricky to decorate small spaces so they feel comfortable but not crowded. Is it possible? Absolutely! Keep reading to discover our awesome tricks and hacks!
Just a quick heads-up: before trying out these suggestions, be sure to check your rental agreements to understand any rules related to using the balcony!
Adding Privacy and Charm
Visualize this: a privacy screen blocking wind, sunlight, and prying eyes. The space is sweetened with hanging planters. Small potted plants sitting on the table and corner, the iron fence, and a chic yet functional hanging structure. A planter wall sets the ambiance for this charming balcony retreat. Complete the look with wicker furniture and lush green astroturf for a relaxing decorative haven.
Adding a half-privacy screen made of bamboo strands balances visibility (allows a view) and privacy without giving onlookers a full view of the space.
Flooring Upgrades
Most apartment balconies have floors that lack character, but you can easily improve them with interlocking deck tiles that snap together effortlessly. For a lasting solution to hiding an unattractive balcony floor, consider using outdoor-appropriate tiles. The bold blue and white geometric design adds a striking touch to the whole space, showcasing how much impact tiles can truly have.
Furniture Choices: From Whimsical to Practical
Rather than sticking with an average set of chairs, add a touch of whimsy with an egg-shaped chair that fits perfectly without overpowering the space. Completing the look with flower baskets in the corner and a paper lantern above adds an ornamental touch that brings everything together seamlessly.
Think of the balcony as an extension of your living room. Opening the doors and windows and maintaining a similar theme across both rooms allows you to create a sense of spaciousness and openness, even on a smaller balcony.
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living
Architectural upgrades that ease the transition between indoor and outdoor spaces are big for making the most of indoor-outdoor living. For example, your home office can have steel and glass floor-to-ceiling doors that open to a simple balcony, giving the impression that you are working outside even while you’re seated at your computer.
Pet-Friendly Balcony Solutions
Implementing a few security measures can transform your balcony into a safe pet spot. Let’s face it: a standard white fence may not be sufficient to keep your companion safe, so installing a thin wire mesh barrier can do the trick. To avoid feeling too enclosed, use the mesh to hang items like paper lanterns in various shapes and sizes.
Vibrant Color Story
In the meantime, the pinkish tint on the fence, the table and chairs, and splashes of blue on the floor or walls deliver an inviting and lively contrast.
Working with a small balcony doesn’t mean you can’t still embrace vibrant colors. Your outdoor space can be centered around shades of pink. Paired with the cactus and small surrounding succulents, the peach or pinkish hues on the walls will create a fun space for hanging out or hosting guests.
Year-Round Solutions
If you live in a small apartment, chances are you might not have space to store balcony furniture during the colder months of fall and winter. The good news is that certain types of furniture can withstand the weather all year round.
Outdoor furniture crafted from woods like teak, cedar, or redwood naturally resists rotting. Applying a waterproof sealer to items made from these materials can boost their ability to withstand weather conditions and prevent the wood from turning grey.
In fact, faux wicker furniture is often constructed using weather polypropylene, a plastic that can withstand moisture and extreme temperatures.
Needless to say, using water-repellent covers for your balcony furniture when it is not in use can offer added protection throughout the year.
Maximizing Space
Picture this: an easy balcony table that can be folded, extended, or attached to the railing for convenience. When not in use, simply fold the table top to free up space!
In cases where there’s no space for a table, a balcony bar—a shelf that attaches to the balcony railing—proves to be a more than handy addition. You can use it to serve food and drinks or even place your laptop if you prefer working outdoors.
Invest in a chic bistro set for your balcony and enjoy dinner while imagining yourself looking out over a European metropolis from a tiny balcony. Extra points if it’s foldable—even more if it’s a fun color!
Lounge in Comfort
Nothing beats the comfort of lounging in a hammock while enjoying the summer vibe on your balcony.
For those with small balconies, making the most of every inch is the first step. To top it off, embrace built-in benches to maximize seating options while saving space for a spot to unwind and enjoy.
Adding Texture and Layers
Layer a variety of textures on your furniture and outdoor accessories to create the atmosphere of a staycation. Plant floral shrubs and climbing vines beneath your balcony to make onlookers envious (you know what we mean). The comforting outdoor lounge area’s appearance and atmosphere will make an instant R&R.
Sun Protection and Ambiance
Look for high-quality patio blinds that shield you from the sun’s brightness and add privacy and ambiance. You can make the deck area beautifully functional with rustic wood slatting for some privacy and hang planters. Light-colored fabric blinds are ideal for reflecting sunlight and reducing heat absorption.
Moreover, a misting system can infuse your balcony with a tropical vibe. This system emits a fine mist of water droplets to create a refreshing microclimate that cools the area even on scorching days.
Trellises and Railing Covers
Trellises are a must-have for any balcony, whether you aim to cultivate plants or simply desire added seclusion. In fact, look for a trellis planter combo to create a gardening area. Whether you grow blossoming vines, runner beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, or squash plants, there are so many ways to make the most of this space-saving combo.
Not keen on gardening? Use a trellis to intertwine and showcase string lights!
Even on their own, trellises can offer a touch of privacy to your balcony while still allowing sunlight to filter through.
Railing covers are another excellent way to create a private, secluded atmosphere on your balcony. You can go wrong with fabric covers, artificial hedges, or faux-dried grass. Faux greenery, for example, serves as a privacy solution for patios and balconies with various wall and fence styles.
Reeded screening is a favored option among balcony residents seeking both privacy and coziness. Plus, adding textural elements can truly elevate the design of any space—so don’t hesitate to try it.
Adding a glass panel will extend the height of your balcony railing. It provides an added sense of privacy while still allowing you to enjoy the views without obstruction.
Winterizing Your Balcon
Have you ever considered maximizing the use of your balcony during winter months? Even as the nights grow longer and the temperature drops, the joys of having a balcony in winter remain undiminished:
- Invest in weatherproof furniture;
- Get a heat source;
- Plant winter flowers and evergreen shrubbery.
Are you looking for creative concepts for your apartment? Check out our suggestions on updating your kitchen, refreshing your bedroom, and revamping your living room, as well as tips for renovations and amazing furniture ideas.
Each of us dreams of having an apartment with a balcony, right? Wunderflats offers you a diverse selection of apartments with outdoor access, so you can unwind with a sunset view after a long day. Discover the your perfect place in France, tailored just for you.
