The Sunday Mail
A balcony is a prized amenity for apartment dwellers. These balcony decorating ideas will help you create a cosy outdoor hangout, no matter how small your space.
For anyone living in an apartment or condo, having a balcony is a major perk.
Although it is not as luxurious as a sprawling backyard, even a tiny balcony provides a private outdoor space where you can kick back and take in some fresh air.
And with a little extra attention to the design, your balcony can serve as a stress-free outdoor hangout that is well equipped for dining, entertaining, gardening, and unwinding.
These balcony decorating ideas demonstrate how you can turn even a sliver of space into a relaxing outdoor retreat.
Personalise your balcony with pretty accessories
Bring in colour and pattern to transform a lifeless balcony into a stylish oasis. Start by anchoring the space with an outdoor area rug for a large dose of pattern.
Pull up a couple of chairs and top them with colourful pillows made from weather-resistant fabric. Plants are another easy way to liven up a small outdoor space; just be sure to choose varieties that are suitable for the light and temperatures on your balcony.
Create a balcony entertaining station
Outfit your balcony with a bar cart that is stocked with the essentials for outdoor entertaining. Along with your favourite cocktail-making ingredients, be sure to include a few accents, such as a potted plant or framed artwork.
If you are worried about your dishes taking a tumble, use drinkware that is made of durable, shatter-resistant materials like melamine, plastic, or stainless steel.
Choose a cart on wheels that you can easily roll back inside when happy hour is over.
Establish privacy
Complete privacy will be difficult to achieve if your balcony butts up to other apartments or opens onto the street, but there are a few simple ways to establish a more private space.
Position containers of tall plants along the railing, or hang a row of plants with trailing leaves to screen your balcony. Outdoor curtains are another easy solution that blocks harsh light as well as views from nosy neighbours.
Set up a balcony dining area.
A small table and a couple of chairs are all you need to enjoy your morning coffee or a casual meal out on the balcony. Choose a round table shape over a rectangular one to make it easier to navigate around.
A small settee or cushioned bench offers seating for multiple people without taking up too much space. Add a centrepiece and a few tabletop accessories to elevate your alfresco meal.
Consider scale and durability when choosing furniture
Furnish your balcony with pieces that match its scale. Trying to squeeze a bunch of bulky furniture onto a minuscule balcony will quickly overwhelm it.
Instead, choose options with streamlined, low-profile shapes, such as armless chairs, bistro tables, and petite side tables.
Durability is another key consideration when decorating a balcony. Look for furniture and accessories made from materials like aluminium, wrought iron, resin wicker, plastic, or teak that will stand up well to the elements.
Carve out zones on
a larger balcony
If you are lucky enough to have a large balcony or even a rooftop terrace, break it up into zones for different activities. Designate areas for entertaining, dining, or relaxing with a book, for example. This outdoor space includes a cosy conversation area situated around a fire table and comfortable seating for solo relaxing.
A freestanding patio heater keeps the balcony cosy on cool evenings. — bhg.com
