Create an Inviting Balcony

Not everybody is lucky enough to have, or chooses to purchase, a residence with a large garden. The surge in hip, inner-city apartments has given rise to a whole demographic whose outdoor space is confined to a balcony. Now that doesn’t mean you should draw the curtains and ignore your new outdoor space. Even a balcony that seems fit to host a Shakespearean scene can be transformed into an inviting space. There are many uses for even the smallest of balconies, and you may be fortunate enough to have purchased an apartment with a sizeable one. Here we’ll investigate the many ways you can create an inviting balcony.

What Are You Using It For?

Aside from the myriad of correct ways to use a balcony there are many who choose to treat it as a no-go zone. Maybe the street is too noisy or your apartment lacks storage and the balcony is the place to hide overflow. Storage problems can be solved, but street noise is a little trickier. What do you want to do on your balcony? Would you like to sit outside and sip on a coffee whilst reading the newspaper? Would you like to eat meals on the balcony or are you happy to just lounge and watch the world go by?

Privacy

Many complaints about inner city living come from a lack of privacy. Your balcony may be in touching distance of your neighbour and possibly facing others across the street. Not all complexes will allow you to make permanent structural changes. If you are one of the lucky ones then decorative screening or trellis will afford you the privacy you desire. If regulations prohibit this then we recommend trendy planter boxes with planters that will grow to create a natural screen. Growing plants will also create a calming effect if you face a noisy street as they will absorb some of the sound.

Heat

Some larger balconies will be exposed to the elements. Sitting on the outside of your building affords you little shade and some will avoid spending time out there during summer. Again, depending on your available space a large umbrella that can be opened, manoeuvred into place then folded for storage is a cheap and practical solution. For those willing to spend a little more, you could have an awning fitted above the balcony.

But it’s a cold, uninviting space!

This is where the team at Outdoor Furniture Ideas can help. Once you’ve dressed up your balcony with plants and screenings, you are going to want to furnish it. If you are seeking a comfortable spot to drink coffee and read the paper, how about the Nardi Giove 3 piece balcony setting or the coffee table based Nardi Aria in a range of fantastic colours! For those wanting to dine on the balcony how about a Nardi Toscana 5 piece setting in a choice of round or rectangular table? For the lounge lizards out there, those content to grab a cool drink and watch the street life, we have Cocoon single sofas that are so comfortable you may not want to head back inside!

Cocoon Single Sofa

So as you can see, with a little thought on practicality and design any unloved balcony space can be transformed into a cool hang-out. If you have any questions or need advice on sprucing up your balcony space, feel free to contact us at Outdoor Furniture Ideas and explore our magnificent range.