If you don’t have a garden or courtyard, making the most of your balcony, no matter the size, is a must-do! Breathe new life into your soon to be outdoor oasis with these 5 tips.
Use your space wisely: Will your balcony be a place for alfresco dining or somewhere to lounge with a book? Either way you need to decide the function of the space upfront, it will save you both time and money in the long run. If you’re thinking it’ll be a place to entertain, then invest in a sturdy outdoor dining setting. A rule of thumb for picking the right size is to do the chair test. Can you pull out the dining chairs from the table (with room to spare) and sit down easily? If you’re thinking the space will be more a place of relaxation, then outdoor lounges or armchairs are the way to go. They are also a good option if your space poor.
Furniture choice: Whatever the use of the space, ensuring that you’re purchasing good quality and weather-resistant materials are a must! Make sure that all cushion covers can be removed and are washable.
Greenery: Add a touch of nature with a container garden. The size of your balcony will affect whether you can go for a large trough or small pots, but either way it will instantly add a touch of style. When picking your plants remember to consider how much sun your balcony will be exposed to, you don’t want to be picking flowers that need constant sunlight if your balcony is in the shade from midday onwards. At the same time plants also dry out quite quickly in pots and some need daily attention, so keep that in mind when purchasing.
Backdrop:If the backdrop of your balcony is a rendered or brick wall, add some much needed personality with bamboo or other forms of decorative screening. Both affordable and aesthetically pleasing, there are a wide range of screens available, from wooden to laser cut steel.
Art: Being outside is no excuse for having no art! Like a screen, art can instantly transform a boring wall and no matter the size it packs a punch. If your balcony is particularly small, swap the art for a large mirror, instantly doubling the feeling of the space.
