Decorating a balcony - tips and inspiration
Here we have gathered tips and inspiration for those who need a little help decorating their balcony. Do you want a cozy patio to sunbathe on during the summer? Are you looking for a little mini-garden on the sixth floor? Or is the balcony where you and your friends have coffee when you meet at your place? Maybe you are looking for a condominium with a perfect balcony? No matter what you want to use your balcony for, you can find lots of tips on balcony decor here!
Decorate your balcony according to your favorite hobby.
What you intend to do on your balcony is, of course, what influences how you decorate your balcony the most. Some of us spend all day on the balcony when the weather permits, while others just use the balcony as an extra outdoor storage space. Therefore, it's important to think about how your balcony will be used before you go out and buy new balcony furniture or flower pots.
You should also find out about any rules where you live. For example, some balconies are not allowed to have flower boxes hanging outside the balcony railing, while other apartment buildings and condominiums allow electric grills on the balcony. It is therefore important that you find out what applies to your particular balcony.
Larger balconies have huge potential
If you have a large balcony, the possibilities are endless. With the right balcony decor, you can have an extra dining area on the balcony where you and your family can have dinner on summer evenings or decorate with lovely beanbags and small coffee tables to create your own private lounge in your apartment. A hammock is always a smart choice on larger balconies and they can be hung up or put away in seconds when needed. Furnish according to what you prefer to do on your balcony but remember that the furniture is for function but it is the small details that make a balcony complete.
Decorating with soft cushions and blankets gives your balcony a cozier aura that makes it extra cozy. A cold gray balcony floor doesn't look or feel nice underfoot, which is easily fixed with a soft artificial turf or beautiful decking. If your balcony is glazed, you have even more options and can decorate for year-round use with an infrared heater or electric radiator.
Even small balconies can have varying degrees of benefit
There are many different sizes when it comes to balconies and it is often the smallest balconies that are the most complicated to decorate. So here are some smart tips for those who have a long or small balcony. Since you have limited floor space on smaller balconies, it's a good idea to have furniture with dual functions.
A bench with hidden storage under the seat cushion is always a smart choice. Collapsible or stackable furniture is perfect for a small balcony. Chairs that fold up and take up minimal space in the corner or a set of 4 stools that can be stacked vertically both save space and give you the opportunity to conjure up more seating when friends and family come to visit.
Storage on the balcony
When it comes to storage, it's also smart to use all surfaces of the balcony. Flower boxes and storage boxes that can be hung on the wall or balcony railing are really handy choices. If you want to have shelves, it's all about tall and narrow. The less floor space your storage furniture takes up, the more space you have for other things.
A French balcony can be too small for real outdoor furniture, but with some clever thinking, you can extend your French balcony into your apartment and enjoy the sun and lovely summer breezes. With a couple of folding chairs on the balcony, you can create a small cozy coffee corner with sunlight by sitting in front of the open balcony door. With some lighting hanging on the balcony railing, you can make your small French balcony at least as cozy as a larger balcony.
An oasis on your doorstep with lots of plants
Who doesn't want a private oasis of flowers and green plants outside their window? Even if you live high up in an apartment building, you can have your own small garden where you can grow your favorite plants and vegetables such as small chilies or tomatoes. A balcony is a perfect place for a mini-greenhouse where you can plant beautiful flowers that you bring into the apartment during the winter. Set up a grid on one of the walls and you can grow plants at height, saving space on the floor and giving your balcony a cool design.
Something that has become particularly popular lately is urban gardening, which means having your own garden on your balcony, even if you live in the middle of the city. Growing your own herbs and spices means that you always have access to fresh, locally grown ingredients, but it is also good for the soul to "create" your own food from the earth.
It's also better for the environment if more people grow their own basil on their balconies instead of buying dried herbs at the grocery store. You can also find tenancy rights with the same feeling of an urban garden in the middle of the city.
Your balcony is your very own alfresco dining area.
Something that happens every year is that we Swedes flock to the outdoor restaurants in town as soon as the sun comes out in the spring. It is a wonderful feeling to sit in the sun and have a coffee or a glass of beer with friends at your favorite place. What's even better is having your very own outdoor terrace that you can invite your friends to.
With the right balcony decor, smart planning, a few nice green plants and a variety of cozy cushions and blankets, you can create an outdoor dining area at home that beats the cafes in town any day of the week. Host a coffee, dinner or party and turn your balcony into your friends' new favorite spot!