Turn your balcony into an oasis
6 simple ways to create a relaxing outdoor hangout
For anyone living in an apartment or condo, having a balcony is a major perk. Although it’s not as luxurious as a sprawling backyard, even a tiny balcony provides a private outdoor space where you can kick back and take in some fresh air.
And with a little extra attention to the design, your balcony can serve as a cozy outdoor hangout that’s well equipped for dining, entertaining, gardening and unwinding.
These balcony decorating ideas demonstrate how you can turn even a sliver of space into a relaxing outdoor retreat.
1 . Personalize your balcony with pretty accessories.
Bring in color and pattern to transform a lifeless balcony into a stylish oasis. Start by anchoring the space with an outdoor area rug for a large dose of pattern.
Pull up a couple of chairs and top them with colorful pillows made from weather-resistant fabric.
Plants are another easy way to liven up a small outdoor space; just be sure to choose varieties that are suitable for the light and temperatures on your balcony.
2 . Create a balcony
entertaining station.
Outfit your balcony with a bar cart that’s stocked with the essentials for outdoor entertaining.
Along with your favorite cocktail-making ingredients, be sure to include a few accents, such as a potted plant or framed artwork.
If you’re worried about your dishes taking a tumble, use drinkware that’s made of durable, shatter-resistant materials like melamine, plastic or stainless steel.
Choose a cart on wheels that you can easily roll back inside when happy hour is over.
3 . Establish privacy on your balcony.
Complete privacy will be difficult to achieve if your balcony butts up to other apartments or opens onto the street, but there are a few simple ways to establish a more private space.
Position containers of tall plants along the railing, or hang a row of plants with trailing leaves to screen your balcony.
Outdoor curtains are another easy solution that blocks harsh light as well as views from nosy neighbors.
4 . Set up a balcony dining area.
A small table and a couple of chairs are all you need to enjoy your morning coffee or a casual meal out on the balcony.
Choose a round table shape over a rectangular one to make it easier to navigate around.
A small settee or cushioned bench offers seating for multiple people without taking up too much space. Add a centerpiece and a few tabletop accessories to elevate your al fresco meal.
5 . Consider scale and durability when choosing furniture.
Furnish your balcony with pieces that match its scale. Trying to squeeze a bunch of bulky furniture onto a minuscule balcony will quickly overwhelm it.
Instead, choose options with streamlined, lowprofile shapes, such as armless chairs, bistro tables and petite side tables.
Durability is another key consideration when decorating a balcony. Look for furniture and accessories made from materials like aluminum, wrought iron, resin wicker, plastic or teak that will stand up well to the elements.
6 . Carve out zones on a larger balcony.
If you’re lucky enough to have a large balcony or even a rooftop terrace, break it up into zones for different activities. Designate areas for entertaining, dining or relaxing with a book, for example.
One outdoor space includes a cozy conversation area situated around a fire table and comfortable seating for solo relaxing. A free-standing patio heater keeps the balcony cozy on cool evenings.