Making The Most Out Of Your Balcony

When you live in a flat, it can be difficult to decide how to decorate the balcony and it can often end up being forgotten about or used for storage for things such as bikes. However, although creating a functional, stylish balcony can be a challenge, it is possible to transform even the smallest space into a cozy outdoor retreat. When people live in flats, there is almost always a lack of outdoor space, so it’s important to make the most of the balcony area.

The first step to creating a little outdoor haven is to evaluate the space available and consider what you will spend your time doing there. For most people, the balcony is a place to simply sit back and relax. But depending on the size of the space, the balcony can also be used for outdoor dining.

Cozy Outdoor Furniture

One of the simplest ways to create a comfortable balcony is to add some furniture. Large pieces of furniture with fabric covers are not suitable for the balcony because if it rains, they could easily get damaged. Instead, try using wicker products. This looks stylish and is comfortable and very hard-wearing. In terms of what kind of furniture pieces to add to a balcony, this will largely depend on the amount of space available and what you intend to do there. For most people, a couple of chairs and a small table are usually sufficient.

For very small balconies, you might want to consider investing in a multi-functional piece of furniture, such as a seating bench with storage capacities. If space is not an issue, then you can afford to be a little bit more imaginative. Why not add a hammock so you can take a nap on lazy summer days or even a porch swing?

Potted Plants

Another simple and affordable way to spruce up the balcony is to add some colorful plants. It’s amazing what a couple of pretty little potted plants can do for a drab-looking balcony. Before purchasing plants, make sure to take into consideration the amount of sunlight on the balcony, as most plants require either a lot of sun or a lot of shade, depending on the species. Try to choose plants which are easy to care for too. If you’re green fingered, you may want to take this idea a step further by growing some potted herbs, fruit and vegetables on your balcony. Things such as tomatoes and certain herbs are quite easy to grow and you don’t need a lot of space for them.

Let Your Imagination Run Wild

Aside from the basics such as furniture and plants, it’s really up to you what you want to have on your balcony. Have some fun with coming up with decorative ideas. You could add some outdoor fairy lights, candles or other decorative pieces. Just remember to pick things which are suitable for outdoor use – ornaments and lighting should be durable and waterproof. Garden centers usually have a good range of these kinds of accessories.

This guest post was written and contributed by Zoe on behalf of conservatory specialists 2Furnish.