Transform Your Balcony Into An Urban Oasis With These 11 Tips

With social distancing and limited public spaces still in effect and a reality for many people, now is an amazing time to upgrade your living space. If your tiny apartment balcony feels more like a curse than an amenity, listen up. Read on to find 12 balcony ideas and see how to transform your outdoor space into an irresistible summer retreat.

Balcony Bar

Attach a narrow bar table to the railing of your balcony to maximize dining space. This small addition will add an alfresco dining area while opening up a cramped space. This tip will leave more room for you to enjoy. The chairs can be moved inside when you’re entertaining larger groups to enlarge the space.

Find a similar one here.

Concrete Furniture

Those looking for patio furniture that will withstand storms, extreme temperatures, and other elements should consider concrete. Another benefit of concrete patio furniture is that it provides a natural look that is also sustainable. These stone-based materials blend well with other natural elements such as wood, metal, and leather. The furniture is also unique, almost like having a work of art on your patio. As a result, many furniture designers now view concrete as a favorite material to create sleek and modern lines. If you are looking for the latest conversation starter for your guests, these accent pieces can certainly deliver as a dining table or seating option.

Cube Concrete Outdoor Accent Table available here via West Elm.

Wood Flooring

A drab balcony floor detracts from the soothing nature of your outdoor oasis, leaving you less inclined to use this space for relaxing and taking in the view. You can upgrade your balcony or deck in an instant with teak flooring and also section off an area for lounging and for dining. It’s easy to install and easily elevates the space.

RUNNEN Outdoor Decking available here via IKEA.

white Bistro Sets

A white bistro set can transport you from your balcony to the French Riviera. These dining sets don’t take up large amounts of space and are perfect for smaller city balconies.

Della 3 Piece Bistro Set available here via Wayfair.

Large Potted Plants

Whether your balcony is on the first floor or the 20th floor, adding plants is a way to add privacy and enhance the setting. There’s a common misconception that gardens can only exist in the countryside or the suburbs, places where the yards are large and the space is a nonissue. Sure, you’d probably have room for pepper, cabbage, beans, and every type of tomato, but apartments and homes with balconies are not barred from living the garden life. Though there’s typically even less space to work with than a patio gardenhas, balcony gardens can hold more plants than you might think.

For creating the balcony garden of your dreams, your options include lush living walls, vertical planters, railing planters, container gardens, and even trellises. To save money on building this out, start your garden from scratch rather than buying a full grown plant and select plants that work best for your climate so you don’t lose them to the elements. But because there’s less square footage, your costs will stay lower to begin with.

Outdoor Potted Plants available here via The Sill.

Pallet Seating

Pallet seating can be a really great and easy DIY project to add a seated space. A corner sofa can make the best use of space, especially if you have a big family, and it needn't be expensive if you DIY your own with wooden pallets like below for a charismatic, yet rustic finish. This is one cheap balcony idea that boasts a cosy and stylish result with the simple addition of mix-matched cushions and throws.

Gracie Oaks Pallet Wood Crate available here via Wayfair.

Reed Fencing

Reed fencing can transform your garden, patio or balcony into a cozy and exotic paradise. Bamboo fencing is available in either rolls or panels. They’re suitable for covering a wooden fence, existing wall and mesh panel. They can also be used as partitions or freestanding panels to create privacy from your neighbors or to create a safe space for your pets to roam around in. They are easy to install and very affordable.

Backyard Natural Reeds available here via Lowes.

Wicker Seating

One of the best qualities of wicker outdoor furniture is that it is extremely durable. It is designed to withstand a variety of weather conditions such as high heat, extreme cold, rain, humidity, and even snow! The woven patterns stand out and it presents uniqueness and a sense of comfort. There is a diverse range when it comes to design and styles, and you can also mix and match your cushions for the creative touch. You can find pieces that would definitely reflect you and your personality as you keep your guests comfortable. I love the idea of adding a swing chair made out of wicker - the perfect reading spot on warm summer days.

Sales Swing Chair with Stand available here via Wayfair.

Patterned Rug

Outdoor rugs instantly warm up any area needing a little color or texture, ad they do it without taking up extra space. Pattered rugs adds a splash of excitement and color, creating an area of visual interest in an otherwise boring room. They will also tie together any neutral colors you have picked out seamlessly.

Laurel Foundry Modern Farmhouse Grassmere Rug available here via Wayfair.

Floor Poufs

Giving your living space a much-needed uplift with the addition of comfortable, plush, and attractive poufs is easy. Poufs are similar to ottomans, but these versatile and fun pieces of furniture provide plenty of benefits to your home beyond being a footrest. Chosen well, the perfect pouf for your lifestyle can complement your bohemian style, exude timeless chic, or make a bold statement. You’ll be happy choosing a pouf for your home; they are available in various fabric treatments, are durable, and create visual interest.

Braided Jute Large Pouf available here via CB2.

Globe Lights

Well-designed outdoor lighting can enhance the beauty of your home. Outdoor lighting can add certain colors to spice up the environment and allows you to create different layers by using colored, bright or dim lighting within the landscape. You can revive the appearance of your balcony by simply using modern, contemporary light fittings. String lights are adaptable to any type of environment and allows the consumer to individually tailor the design to suit their unique space and provide a festive atmosphere during the summer evenings. My favorites are the globe lights as they elevate the design of a space.

Globe String Lights available here via Crate and Barrel.