8 quick tips to Style Balconies
Personalized balconies are an easy way to add some wonder into our lives, we share 8 quick styling tips to amp yours!
Private outdoor space is a dream of most people living in city apartments even if it’s just a small balcony. No matter how tiny it is, your balcony has plenty of design potential. Even a small balcony can be converted into a peaceful oasis with the right ideas! Whether you wish to create a successful balcony garden full of fresh herbs and other greens or to make a cramped courtyard a little more ready for entertaining, here are 8 quick tips to style balconies!
BUILD A VERTICAL GARDEN
Perfect for small balconies, vertical gardens provide beautiful greenery without taking up precious ground cover. They’re also great for breathing new life into cold, concrete-heavy urban apartments – layer colors and textures to make the space appear even bigger. Hanging pots with trailing plants will never fail to make an impact, but if you want to get serious about creating a vertical garden, you’ll need to take advantage of any available wall space. Creating a vertical garden is like creating a living artwork, and you’ll still have plenty of space for a table and chairs or a comfy outdoor seat. When choosing your plants, look to colorful varieties such as begonias – which thrive in vertical gardens and add a pretty touch of pink, white, or apricot –as well as Japanese iris, orchids, and ivy geranium. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to grow something you can eat, see our list of the best edible plants for vertical gardens.
MIX AND MATCH POTS
Container gardens are perfect for small outdoor spaces and renters alike. Rather than choosing matching pots, try mixing things up to create interest and depth. Terracotta is the classic choice, but there are some stunning concrete and copper plant pots on the market too. Keep an eye out for rustic, second-hand finds,s and be sure to think outside the square – tins, teacups, and other upcycled vessels all make great balcony planters! Group them close together for maximum (space-saving) impact. Fuss-free, sun-loving plants that enjoy balcony life are herbs, geraniums, and pansies, while ferns, azalea, and camellia varieties prefer their pots in the shade. Succulents and cacti are the perfect low-maintenance option for balcony gardens and come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors.
CREATE AN INDOOR / OUTDOOR CONNECTION
Opening up your home to the outdoors makes any space appear bigger, not to mention entices guests to wander outdoors. Blur the lines by bringing pot plants inside and hanging artwork outside, so that the look and feel remain the same throughout your home. Ensuring there’s adequate seating is an important part of creating an outdoor room. An L-shaped sofa can be a great addition, however, if outdoor furniture isn’t an option, offer stools, crates, and oversized cushions for guests to perch on. Matching colors and materials with your indoor furniture can further help to create a seamless transition from the living room to the balcony.
LAYER TEXTURES
Just because a space is small, doesn’t mean it’s automatically going to feel cozy and welcoming. Introducing some soft furnishings – think outdoor cushions, blankets, and rugs, these are a quick and inexpensive way to make an area warm and welcoming, not to mention adding some color. Look to hardwearing materials when choosing furniture and opt for waterproof where possible – particularly if your balcony doesn’t have complete protection from the elements. Leather and linen are great durable options – just be sure to bring any items inside to avoid rain and sun damage when necessary.
ADD MOOD LIGHTING
The right lighting can completely transform the look and feel of an outdoor area. To create a little magic on a small balcony, string up some fairy lights – they take up barely any space and provide a soft, warm glow after the sun goes down. If your balcony is exposed to moisture, remember to choose only those designed for outdoor use.
Opt for Floor Pillows
There’s no need to invest in outdoor furniture—especially if you’re just renting. Get some colorful and comfortable floor pillows that can do double duty inside.
Add Pattern with an Outdoor Rug
Amp up the look of your balcony with a patterned rug or runner. Be sure to choose one that will stand up to the elements.
Opt for Folding Furniture If you’re short on space, try installing furniture that can be tucked or folded away when not in use. This folding table disappears to free up floor space.
Featured Image: Courtesy Lime Lace
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