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If you live in an apartment building in the city, the lack of space is likely an issue you’re all too familiar with. The worst part is when your apartment has certain features that you don’t know how to put to good use. That’s often the case with those teeny tiny balconies that seem to be there just for show, but don’t do much in terms of extending your living space.
But just like you should never judge a book by its cover, you shouldn’t judge a balcony by its dimensions either. We know that might sound counterintuitive, but hear us out. It’s not just the size of a place that matters, but also how you use it and the ability to see its true potential. You can have a treasure in front of you, but you may not be aware of it because you’ve been conditioned to believe that small nooks can’t make any significant difference in the economy of the space, so they are not deserving of your attention.
Well, we’re here to bring a fresh perspective on tiny balconies and show you that every inch matters. So, here are a few smart ways to make the most of your neglected balcony and turn it into a wonderful outdoor retreat.
Think layers
If your little balcony is currently in a stripped state, with nothing but cold concrete slabs in dire need of some TLC that don’t necessarily make for an aesthetically pleasing view, it’s no wonder you’re not able to see what you could make out of it.
If you want to integrate this tiny space into your home and make it look like it’s actually an extension of your apartment, you should treat it as such. Look at the elements that you’ve used to decorate your interiors, such as rugs, cushions, throws, and soft furnishings, and bring them outside. Bringing the indoors outdoors, adding layers, and mixing colours, textures, and patterns to create depth and dimension will instantly give your balcony a homey and cosy feel, and help you win a few extra inches of comfortable living space.
Green for the win
If you are a green thumb, a balcony represents a golden opportunity to bring your passion to life and turn your outdoor space into a small green oasis. You don’t need acres of land to grow plants. You can do it at home by filling your balcony with greenery and surrounding yourself with nature.
However, since you also need space to move around and tend to your green friends, you should think about placement before you start building your balcony greenhouse. Mounting balcony planters provide a great solution in this respect, as they can help you make use of vertical space and hang plants around. That way, you won’t have to tuck all your plants in a corner and you can ensure each and every one of them gets enough sun and air to grow strong and healthy.
Lounge around
Living in an apartment often makes one long for the great outdoors and the possibility to see a piece of the sky every now and then. Well, if you have a balcony, as small as it may be, you have the luxury of relaxing in the sun and breathing fresh air whenever you want, without actually having to leave the safety and comfort of your house.
It doesn’t take much to transform your balcony into a private lounge area. All you need is a lounge chair, some pillows, a throw, a rug, and maybe a few scented candles and that’s it. You’ve built yourself the ideal retreat where you can unwind and relax at the end of a long and exhausting day.
Light it up
If you’re going to give your balcony the care and attention it deserves, you might as well make sure you’re able to enjoy it even after the sun has set. That’s where lighting fixtures come into play.
There are many lighting ideas that can help you brighten up your outdoor space, but string lights are without a doubt one of the most popular options. Not only do they look absolutely fabulous, and create a whimsical and intimate atmosphere, but they’re also very practical and can be used in a variety of ways. Besides, string lights come in a wide variety of styles, so you can choose the ones that best suit your design.
Choose the right pieces
While adding different elements to your balcony to bring it to life is a great idea, you have to be aware of the space limitations when choosing the items that you want to include in your design. Before you purchase furniture or décor accessories, make sure they will fit first.
Custom-made pieces that are specially designed for your space, foldable furniture that you can tuck away when you don’t need it, or planters on wheels that you can move around are ideal in this situation, providing both functionality and style. Investing in the right pieces will help you create a one-of-a-kind space that you’ll be able to enjoy for years to come.
Dine al fresco
Tired of eating in your kitchen, especially when there’s beautiful weather outside? Then why not turn your balcony into a private alfresco area where you can dine in style? We’re not suggesting you should try to fit a full-scale table and invite people over for a dinner party on your tiny balcony.
But what you could easily do is install a foldable custom-made table and a few stools, so you can switch up your routine from time to time and enjoy a quiet breakfast, a quick bite, or a romantic dinner as you take in the city night views.
As you can see, when it comes to putting your balcony to good use, as small as it may be, the options are limitless, so don’t hesitate to experiment with this space until you find the formula that works best for you.