Everyone knows that sinking feeling when doing an apartment hunt. But it is almost everyone’s dream that a balcony comes with it, regardless of size. Depending on your needs, you may want the balcony to take in fresh air, as a reading nook, have morning coffee, or even take in views of surrounding areas or the sky every now and then.
If you decide to settle on a small apartment with a balcony, chances are it will be small. Even so, you want to make the most of it.
But what exactly do you do to make it your happy place, style and function-wise? Here are some creative ideas that you can use to elevate the space.
Bloom Up the Balcony
Adding nature can give your balcony a lush and inviting ambience, so consider adding various plant types. You can add climbing plants, succulents, ferns, herbs, and more. Having them in varying textures and heights is suitable for added visual interest. Think about adding plant stands or shelving your plants to make the most out of the space.
A vertical garden is perfect as it will save you space while adding that touch of nature. It is stylish and beautifies what would otherwise be just a blank space. Go for hanging planters or pots, a wall-mounted planter, or make a trellis for your favorite climbing plants. Flowers are also an excellent idea to add pop and color.
Mix and match plants and flowers to bring in a view of both worlds, and you will have a beautiful mini garden.
If you don’t consider yourself much of a gardener or don’t want the task of caring for live plants and flowers, don’t shy away from going for faux options. There are many artificial plants and flowers with realistic looks that can be perfect for your balcony when paired well.
Include Seating Options
Spice up your balcony with some outdoor seating options, considering how much it can accommodate, and be keen to invest in seating furniture that is designed for small spaces. It is also better to get light and easily movable pieces. Additional seating will invite conversations, as well as make the area cozy.
Foldable, stackable, and extendable items are good choices for a small balcony and can quickly go into storage when they are not being used.
Opt for a good-sized lounge chair(s), a small outdoor sofa, a daybed, or a hammock if you have the space. Fitting benches and ottomans can also act multipurpose as extra seating or storage options for extra off-season items. Remember to touch up with additional cushions and throws for enhanced style and comfort.
Poufs and floor cushions are another option for flexible seating. They are easy to move around, and you can keep them indoors when they are not in use. For textural variance and a more casual look, select differently-sized and colored ones, but ensure they are durable enough with weather-resistant covers.
Cozy it Up, but Keep It Simple
If you think your balcony is just a strictly chair and table space, you probably are not aware of the comfort the space can offer. You can cozy it up for more relaxation and appeal.
To curate a cozy balcony, pick a style or theme you like, e.g., modern, bohemian, coastal, Mediterranean, Moroccan, etc., and add elements that resonate with the style. This theme will guide your choices in creating a space that feels personal and inviting.
Soft textiles are key to coziness. From rugs and throw blankets to cushions, the options are almost endless. Weather-resistant fabrics ensure these elements will last through different seasons.
While adding items that keep the place cozy, remember to keep it simple. Adding many dysfunctional items will just overcrowd it and make it less charming. So select functional pieces that serve a purpose, and keep decorations minimal to avoid cluttering the space.
Light it up
Adding lighting is ideal and will let you enjoy the space during the evenings. It will make the space inviting and warm, transforming it into a charming and magical lounging retreat.
Hanging string lights are always fantastic, whether overhead, on the walls, or when weaved within the railing. What’s more, they are affordable. Some can be battery or solar-powered to emit warm and ambient light. Still, you can look for different outdoor lighting options from various sellers. You can add a statement pendant light to jazz the balcony up. Materials like rattan and metal are good choices. You can also consider an extra cozy touch using LED candles and solar-powered lanterns if you want to negate the need for electrical outlets.
Think about combining floor-level and overhead lighting to achieve a layered effect. To double the lighting effect, include reflective accessories or surfaces.
Make it an Extension of your Apartment
Don’t think of your balcony exclusively as a separate entity. If the balcony is linked to one of the rooms in your apartment, e.g., the living room, bedroom, or kitchen, you can make it a perfect extension for the spaces.
Sliding doors and windows (transparent or translucent) make this idea very achievable. Keeping a similar theme between the spaces will make them appear even bigger since this trick brings a seamless flow between the inside and outside. For example, if your living room features wooden furniture, opt for an outdoor set in the same finish to maintain a unified appearance.
Color schemes play a crucial role in seamless integration. Extend your indoor palette to the balcony, using matching or complementary colors for cushions, throws, or rugs. This consistency in color will visually enlarge the space and create a harmonious flow.
Personalize it
Having a small balcony space does not mean that it shouldn’t feel personal to you. Ensure that it reflects a bit of your taste. Adding personality will make it feel like a part of your home.
For instance, you can add well-thought and hand-picked items that create a tasteful and eclectic space. You can personalize the balcony with outdoor art (DIY, thrifted, or store-bought), such as ceramic pieces or wall sculptures. A mosaic table or painted terracotta planters can be an excellent way to add to the balcony’s flair.
Incorporate elements that reflect your hobbies or interests. If you’re a book lover, consider setting up a small reading nook with your favorite novels. For music enthusiasts, a corner with a small speaker setup and your favorite tunes can create a welcoming atmosphere.
Colors and patterns are also good reflections of personality, so remember to use both cohesively when accessorizing.
Make it a Dining Area or Consider a Balcony Bar
Your balcony can be the bonus spot where you lounge, dine, or enjoy a drink alone or with friends and family.
You may put it together and make a cute dining set up or a breakfast nook. Better yet, have a movable bar cart for when you need a relaxing drink. Alternatively, consider a narrow bistro set that fits snugly against a wall, providing a cozy spot for meals or morning coffee.
For a more permanent solution that doubles as storage, you can construct a wall-mounted shelf to hold your utensils, glassware, and drinks. The setup will be complete and ready for some fun times with extra seating options like a couple of bar stools or a bench.
Consider making it an Entertainment Zone with a Privacy Screen
Besides having your balcony as a dining or bar area, you can consider making it a screening room if you love TV entertainment. This is an out-of-the-box idea, but it will only be suitable if you live in an adequately temperate locality.
Consider investing in a portable projector and a retractable screen that can be easily set up and taken down as needed. This setup provides flexibility and allows you to enjoy a cinematic experience without permanent installations.
You can put up a privacy screen to make the area an even more secluded oasis. Generally, outdoor curtains, bamboo screens, and balcony lattice are viable options for more privacy and an additional decorative element.
Whichever way you choose to go, select a privacy screen material that complements the balcony’s design and your overall taste.
Focus on Using Durable Items and Shading Options
Having a small apartment comes with the likelihood of lacking different balcony furniture for changing seasons. For this reason, chances are that you will want the items on the balcony to be durable all year and weatherproof simultaneously.
You can consider using outdoor furniture made from naturally rot-resistant wood like cedar, teak, or redwood. You can also treat it with a waterproof sealer to increase the weather-resisting properties.
Materials like synthetic wicker are also excellent for extreme temperatures and moisture seasons. Furniture covers will also offer added protection, keeping them durable for longer.
For those scorching days, you can install a retractable awning, shade sail, or umbrella that will be decorative and functional and give you shade. Just choose a suitable size that suits your style and balcony size.
Final Words
Please take your time to consider each idea listed here and decide which one of them best suit your needs or wants. Taking some time to discuss with your loved ones who are living together with you may help with your decision. I just wanted to inform you that the images you see here are for illustration purposes only. Thank you for reading.
