Collaborative Post
Let’s face it: not everyone lives in a house with a garden. Many people live in flats or apartments, usually, because they want to live close to a town or city center which is why people crowd these apartments for rent in West University Place, but sometimes because they live alone and a house would be overkill for their needs.
You’re likely reading this today because you live in such a dwelling, and the closest thing you’ve got to a garden is your balcony. However, your balcony is looking somewhat bland and empty.
How can you improve your balcony area and make it look more attractive, considering space is at a premium? You might not realist it, but there are actually several ways to beautify your balcony without making it crowded. Take a look at the following ideas for some inspiration:
1. Lay Down Some Artificial Turf
It’s not realistic to grow a lawn in an outdoor space tens of feet up in the air that’s probably half the size of your bathroom. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t create the illusion of having a lawn on your balcony; it’s something you can achieve by laying down some artificial turf.
What’s great about artificial turf is you don’t need to mow it or do anything to maintain it. Also, the rain will clean the surface for you, so there is little to no cleaning required on your part.
You can buy artificial turf in various styles and colours to suit your tastes, and it won’t cost much to purchase, considering the small area you need to cover. Another advantage is you don’t need any special skills or tools to cut and install artificial turf to the ground.
2. Add a Small Table and a Couple Of Chairs
You can easily find the perfect outdoor table and chairs for your balcony – even if you’ve got the world’s smallest balcony space. Some apartment dwellers opt for foldable outdoor tables and chairs, making them simple to remove and store when they’re not in use.
As you might imagine, there are many different types and styles of outdoor tables and chairs you can purchase. For example, you might wish to buy a treated wood table and chair set. Or, you may prefer to upcycle an old iron table and chairs if someone is giving them away.
You can buy outdoor tables and chairs from your local garden centre or your favourite branded DIY warehouse. Exercise caution when buying online because you won’t have a chance to check out the quality and style without purchasing the set first.
Photo by Samantha Gades on Unsplash
3. Add Some Stylish Planters
No balcony is complete without some plant life to enhance the aesthetics and add a splash of colour. You can buy tall pot planters if you prefer the contemporary look, or if you’re on a strict budget, a few upcycled buckets or jugs can easily add style and greenery.
When you choose planters, bear in mind the total space available to you. It’s best not to add too many planters as you may not have enough room to navigate around your balcony, especially if you’ve bought a table and chairs.
4. Get Some Vertical Plants
If you’ve got plenty of wall space available to you on your balcony, one of the best ways to make use of it is by investing in some vertical plants. Put simply, these are plants that grow in small pots or “pockets” permanently affixed to your walls to create green walls.
When you choose a selection of lush plants and herbs growing from your walls, you’ll break up the monotony of your brick or concrete walls and create a more attractive environment to enjoy at any time of the year.
5. Fit Some Pendant Lights
Your balcony likely doesn’t have any outdoor lighting. If you want to enjoy a relaxing evening on your balcony during a summer’s evening, some mood lighting in the form of LED pendant lights can help you achieve that goal.
You can have such lights installed by an electrician to make them permanent fixtures, or you could opt for string lights or lanterns as a viable alternative if you’re renting your apartment and can’t make such major changes.
6. Install a Retractable Awning
Many balconies typically have permanent ceilings, but if that’s not the case with your balcony, you should consider installing a retractable awning. They are cheap enough to buy and simple to install but can make a world of difference to your balcony.
Lastly, they give you some privacy from your neighbours and, of course, offer shelter from the sun or the rain.