Making the Most Out of Your Balcony
For most, a balcony can be a treasured space, it’s a breath of fresh air away from a stuffy apartment, it’s a place to sunbathe and relax whilst staying within arms reach of home comfort, and of course, more often than not it’s a place to dry your laundry. A neglected balcony somewhere as sunny and temperate as Gibraltar is a sad sight. Even the smallest balcony has potential to become a comfortable place to socialise, or a cosy nook to relax in during warm summer nights.
If you’re thinking that your balcony may be in need of a makeover but you’re not sure what to do, here’s 5 different ways you can spruce up your balcony.
One thing people may dislike about their balcony is that they may not offer enough privacy. Whether it’s because you feel too exposed to onlookers or because your balcony shares a wall with your neighbours balcony. Canvas screens around the railings of your balcony are great for ensuring complete privacy, but natural screens made from reed or bamboo offer a more filtered effect that obscures privacy but still let in plenty of sunlight.
If you do want to create a sense of distance between your own balcony and your neighbour, consider adding a trellis to your shared wall or divider. A second benefit of a trellis is that it is an excellent opportunity to add some greenery to your space. Perhaps try growing a climbing plant like honeysuckle or sweet pea on your trellis to add privacy, colour and a lovely scent to your balcony.
Second to privacy, the next best thing to make your balcony more comfortable is to add some furniture. A small bistro set can allow you to have lunch al fresco but won’t take up too much room, a fold away set is even better as it will allow you to keep your space as open as possible.
Perhaps consider growing some plants or flowers on your balcony. Hanging planters over the railings is an effective way to make the most out of your available space. Use a planter to keep a small herb garden so you can level up your cooking as well as your living space. Fragrant plants such as mint and lavender not only look great and smell great, but will also act as an effective repellent against spiders and mosquitoes.
The floor of your balcony should not be forgotten, there is plenty that can be done with it. If you’re not a fan of the flooring of your balcony, you can easily change it. Consider laying down some artificial grass to give your balcony a garden feel, or perhaps consider fitting snap-together decking or tiling. This is a quick DIY way you can freshen up and modernise your balcony with minimal effort even on a budget.
You may even want to consider adding an outdoor rug to your balcony. An outdoor rug can add colour and texture. Add some floor cushions to create a private and cosy nook or bright place to have a picnic.
To keep your balcony comfortable day and night, don’t forget the lighting. Adding some lighting is a great way to create a cosy environment in your outdoor space. Fairy lights and LED lanterns are a safe way to create an inviting atmosphere without worrying about setting fire to your new outdoor rug. There is plenty of options when it comes to outdoor lighting.
If you have any creative ideas you use to spruce up your balcony, please let us know in the comments below!
