If you have a balcony that you barely use, then that is purely wasted space. Life in a small apartment is all about using the space you have and getting the most out of it. You can live very comfortably if you set up your apartment right without needing tons of space.
You can add to the liveability of your small space by setting up your balcony as a way to draw some of your life outdoors. You get most of the benefits of being outdoors without the hassle of taking care of a big yard and garden. It can even add value to your condo if you plan to sell it as it will be very attractive to a buyer.
With some creativity, your balcony can become an extension of your apartment and become your favourite “room” in your home.
Here are some ideas to create an inviting and cozy outdoor space on your balcony.
1 – Use the walls
Even a very small balcony can be a great substitute for a yard if you set it up right. As long as you have enough space to be able to sit out there, even a small balcony can work.
The trick is to get things off of the floor and use the wall space. If you need extra storage space for things normally kept in the apartment, this is the ideal opportunity to rearrange some stuff. You can put some of your tchotchkes outside and free up some of the space inside your apartment while also adding some style to your balcony.
You can go all out and even add a wall mounted water fixture to your balcony walls and enjoy the benefits of having water outside. It will not only look incredible, it will also create a very relaxing space for you to unwind. The sound of water is ideal to soothe a stressed mind and relax after a long day. You can get some outdoor water fountains ideas including wall mounted fountains there.
2 – Employ lots of plants
The best thing about being outdoors is the effect that plants have on you. They keep the air clean, add a lot of beauty to an area and can even be eaten if you plant the right ones.
There are a lot of different plants you can put in pots out on a balcony that can thrive there even if the space is small. For instance, you can put some hanging pots and plant things like ferns. If you want something low maintenance then some succulents can be scattered about on some shelves or a coffee table.
And if you love to cook then this is the ideal location to plant some herbs. Even if you don’t have much space, you can put some railing planters on the railing that hang over the side so you don’t waste any space.
Basil, parsley, and chives all grow quickly and can add a lot of depth to your dishes. If you like the idea of having permanent herbs there, then try for thyme, rosemary and sage as they can grow almost year round.
3 – Hang some art
The best way to show off your personality and also create a welcoming space is to use art. It can be some things you picked up at a thrift store, or that you bought from an actual artist. Whatever style you like, you will be able to find.
The trick is that it can’t be exposed to the elements. If the sun shines directly on it, it will fade. And rain will obviously damage them as well. Make sure your balcony roof is enough to protect them.
4 – Get the right furniture
Even if you have very little space, you can find the right furniture for your balcony. There is plenty of foldable furniture like seats and tables that can tuck away in seconds so you can save some space.
If you have a larger balcony, then look into patio furniture. Resin wicker is a good material if you are worried about it surviving the rain and snow as it is weatherproof. Add some throw pillows and you have a cozy little outdoor living room.
Ottomans are also an ideal piece of furniture as many of them have storage inside. They are like containers that also are a comfortable place to rest your feet. You can put your tools that you use to take care of your plants in there and not have them in the way or disrupting the design of your balcony.