When it comes to adding a dash of style to the balcony, there are a fair few restraints that you’ll need to contend with. Unlike the backyard patio, you can’t simply dot a few decor items and essential feature pieces in the space, there simply isn’t enough room.
With that in mind, you will want to be as calculated and pedantic about your balcony decorations as possible, and we have some fantastic tips for you in our post below.
1) Set a Goal First
Off the top, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re setting off on your balcony-styling journey with some sort of goal. This could be anything from creating a green outdoor oasis, a work zone, leisure space or even an additional eating and living area.
Whatever you’re looking to change, always make sure you have a goal and this will make the process so much easier.
One of our biggest tips for you here is to make a checklist, but rather than have a list of the items you want – list out all of the things you want to do on the balcony and go from there. This will more easily guide you to what decor to invest in.
2) Plants Are A Must
If you already have a few decor items in place, and the balcony looks pretty good, though just lacking one or two things, then you might want to consider plants!
We’re not going to suggest a specific type or category of plant, but instead, we suggest taking a look at the decor you already have, and pair a plant with these items which suit that item best.
For example, coffee tables, or small benches are almost always going to do well with a tall and rather ‘reserved’ plant that isn’t too leafy or overgrown looking. On the other hand, a shelf will do well with a hanging variety.
3) Investing in New Furniture Items
Another key thing to consider when it comes to getting the most out of your balcony is investing in the correct furniture.
This is where things can become a little tough, so being ultra-smart about this is key, and depending on how large or small your balcony is, you’re really going to want to maximise the space out there.
Our biggest tip here is to surround the edges of the balcony with some sort of seating and leave a space in the centre for standing, a table or a planter.
However, for the office and productivity zone, you should opt for something a little more pared back, with perhaps a single seating space, small desk and a weatherproof armchair for relaxing away from the said desk.
One other tip we’d like to suggest is downsizing the typical back patio essentials, like the barbecue. From brands like Botanex, you can get your hands on an Ooni, for example, and take the space to a whole new level – without eating up all of your floor space.
4) Cozy is Important
With the balcony being rather small, regardless of whether you have a large apartment or not, it’s always a good idea to consider going a little cozy and making the space just that bit more ‘soft.’
Whether winter or summer, all balconies could do with some added comfort, and so an outdoor rug is a good place to start, as is a great set of throw cushions. On top of this, if your apartment’s style accommodates, you can also consider bamboo dividers and other small wooden pieces as these offer a relaxed and warm-toned space that can really turn up the cozy and welcoming factor.
5) Lighting is Imperative
If you have a balcony that is rather standard and hasn’t been designed custom by an architect, there’s a good chance your lighting is simply one single downlight or a wall-mounted CFL, and this isn’t ideal for any fun outdoor space.
With that noted, we suggest opting for as much added and accent lighting as you can. The added light won’t only help your space feel a little bigger at night, but it also gives you the chance to create an elegant ambience and zone lighting.
Consider lining parts of your walls with LED strips, a standing outdoor-friendly lamp and go all out with candles and other decorative lights. Wrapping a balcony railing in fairy lights might also be something to consider too, depending on whether you have an outlet in these spaces.
6) Go Upwards
One other key point to keep in mind is that your balcony decorations might be spruced up by simply grouping them and moving them up a wall.
This will give you a tonne more floor space and make use of the balcony’s verticality, which will give you some added space to add in more decor items that better suit the floor – such as a vase, plants, a sofa or daybed, for example.
In line with this, adding a wall planter or some added LED strips on your balcony walls might also be a plus too, depending on the look you’re going for.
The Takeaway
With those helpful tips, we’re sure it will be a whole lot easier for you to re-style and spruce up your balcony this year.
Always be sure to start your decoration voyage with a plan and make certain that you’re choosing items that will amplify your space rather than make it feel smaller or harder to use from day to day.
Keep your furniture items compact or custom-built, use your vertical space and go green with as many happy plants as possible.
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