Small or large, your balcony is an outdoor space – a sanctuary – worth celebrating. By adding a few indoor comforts to this small space, you can avail all the pleasures of the outdoors. Many homeowners want to take the time and effort to create a beautiful and welcoming balcony. However, most are unsure how to decorate the smallest of balconies because there just does not seem to be adequate space for furnishing, planters and other décor.
Here are 5 easy balcony decoration ideas that can help you personalize your slice of paradise:
1. Add pops of color
A small patio or balcony can be easily converted into a breakfast nook, an entertaining space or a quiet green escape. Naturally, color plays an important role and must be one of the first factors to consider when decorating the balcony. Bright colors add tons of impact, especially when chosen with the right patterns and textures. You could always add colorful hanging flower baskets, railing planters or balcony boxes, but if you are feeling frivolous, a simple tongue-in-cheek doormat can also elicit smiles from your guests. You could also infuse color in the balcony through outdoor floor rugs, cushions, wall sconces, accents and other embellishments.
2. Utilize size & space appropriately
A medium-sized balcony will do very well as a small café-style area having a single table, matching chairs and lots of plants. If you like to party and the space permits, you could go for creating an outdoor barbecue area. For small to medium-sized balconies, the key is to keep the table setting simple, bench seats are ideal as they are portable and do not occupy too much space. You could also hang your plants on the ceiling to free up space on the ground. Just make sure the plants are at an optimal height for watering and where they do not clash with the opening/closing of the balcony doors.
3. Use accessories to create a pretty theme
A theme can impart tons of personality to a small balcony. For example, if you love reading, you could create a lovely reading nook by adding a comfortable chair along with side tables for holding your iced tea, books and magazines. Lanterns, outdoor rugs, torches and other clever accessories can help transform the humble balcony into an entertainment area. Make sure, whatever theme you choose, you keep a cohesive look throughout – it could be sophisticated, shabby chic, eclectic or whimsical. Pick a theme and work from there – adding colorful palette, tables, chairs, plants and accessories.
4. Choose your furniture wisely
It is important to choose your balcony furniture based on the climatic conditions as well as your space and storage needs. Teak is a great choice as it is durable and weathers harsh sun well. You need not oil or polish this wood; rather allow it to grey naturally through exposure to elements. You could even use metallic planters, chairs and tables. Custom designed ottomans are also great – you could have them made soft enough for resting your feet, sturdy enough to hold a tray or store extra blankets and tuck away into a corner when required. Woven outdoor furniture is also hardy and comfortable. You just need to keep it looking good by regularly using a bristle brush and soft cloth to wipe it down.
5. Add colorful lights
Adding colorful lights that match your balcony’s theme will further uplift its beauty. Also, if your balcony is located in the middle of a city – you can catch a beautiful view of the city especially at night.
No matter how petite your balcony, it should be seen as an extension of your home with decorations, planters and furniture to match. We hope these 5 simple balcony decoration ideas will help you create a well-lit reading retreat, a cozy personal space or an entertainment nook.
Author Bio:
Ankush Gupta is a marketing administrator based in Toronto, Canada. He assists in contributing resourceful content throughout the web and prides himself in his ability to provide high-quality content that readers will find valuable. Follow him on twitter: @ankushguptaTO