Photo by Artur Aleksanian on Unsplash
A private outdoor space is a dream of many homeowners, especially for those living on a busy street or neighborhood. If you have even a small balcony, then you’re lucky! But the question is – are you making the most out of it?
When improving or decorating a home, one of the most overlooked parts is the balcony. People, especially those who live in small apartments, tend to skip this area since it’s usually small. For most of them, a simple “square peg in a round hole” chair will do.
Since one of the main purposes of a balcony is having a safe and solitary place to breathe in fresh air without actually leaving the comfort of your home, this area deserves more than a stool you just dragged from your bedroom.
Here are 6 cool ideas to spice up your boring balcony:
Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash
1.Add a sofa and a coffee table
If your balcony isn’t roofed, there are now high-quality outdoor sofas and loveseats you can choose from that can withstand extreme weather conditions. Many furniture shops often offer a “free coffee table” when you buy one. If not, make sure that the table would perfectly match your sofa.
Before choosing a design, make sure you already have a theme in your mind. If you’re going for a rustic-themed balcony, you can go for solid wood outdoor furniture. If you’re rooting for Scandinavian, your choices are almost endless.
If you have a different preference, make sure that your choice of furniture is foldable and easy to move inside if necessary.
Photo by Paul Hölscher on Unsplash
2.Add plants
You can never go wrong with adding a bit of greenery anywhere in your home. According to studies, plants can reduce physiological and psychological stress. They also improve air quality.
If you’re not well experienced in taking care of plants, it’s smart to do simple research on the kinds that don’t require high maintenance. Plus, if you have a small balcony, it’s not good to fill it up with big plants that would eat-up the whole area. Wall-mounted planters are recommended for limited spaces.
Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash
3.Add lights
Remember the times when lights were only used for utility purposes? Today, lights are being used to highlight and improve the appearance of any home.
Depending on your balcony’s theme, there are many lighting options you can use. The best ones are star/railing lanterns, string lights, faux lights, outdoor lamps, and even candles. However, if you’re going to use the latter, make sure to extinguish them before leaving.
There are also DIY outdoor lights you can try.
Photo by Neora Aylon on Unsplash
4.Redesign the floor
Feel free to use your imagination when it comes to redesigning your balcony’s floor. You can add patterned rugs, install artificial grass, place floor tiles, or even use wood planks. It’s just a matter of your choice if you want it to look like an extension of your room, a mini-garden, or a whole different world in just a few steps away from your room.
Photo by Streetwindy Photography from Pexels
5.Make it your study area
Some people love reading books outdoors, in a park or on a rooftop café. The reason is simple – natural light is essential for the development and ongoing health of the eyes.
If you’re a bookworm and given that your balcony has a roof, you can place a few cute bookshelves with your favorite books. A cozy reclining chair would complete the look of your outdoor library. If your balcony is too small for a reclining seat, a carpet and nice colorful floor pillows will do the trick.
Img source: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1514565
6.Make it your entertainment area
If your balcony’s space permits it, you can put a cocktail area where you can enjoy drinks with your friends. Some people even place televisions or projectors where they can binge-watch movies with guests while enjoying the outdoor ambiance.
