With so much time spent indoors during the winter, there’s nothing better than opening up your space to the fresh air of spring and summer. Your balcony is the ultimate spot where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors at any time of day.. If you’re looking for some inspiring ways on cultivating a cozy balcony vibe, here are some ideas to get you started.
Unroll an Outdoor Rug
Step one for instantly cozying up your balcony is adding an outdoor rug. These are easy to clean in case there are any spills, and protect your feet from any uncomfortable edges. If your balcony space is large enough, you could even add two rugs and layer them for a cute boho type of look. Either way, a rug is a must.
Add a Small Circular Table
If your balcony is limited on space, you can still add a table or two. Circular tables work better for smaller spaces because they are easier to switch up and move around. Think about how you will use the table if you are planning on taking work from anywhere to your balcony. Maybe you enjoy a coffee in the morning or a comfy spot to read at night. Knowing the purpose of the table will help you decide on the best one. Even better,find one that folds up so you can tuck it away when you want.
Go Green with Plants
You can make any balcony look and feel like a dreamy retreat by adding lots of greenery. Fill a few planters with flowers, plant some herbs that you can use when cooking, add a few tall leafy ferns for a tropical vibe or create a green feature wall if you can. They’re also ideal to use if you want to block the view from your neighbours and create more privacy. Plants can really make all the difference in enlivening up any space, and can be brought inside during the colder months so you can continuously watch them grow and save them year after year.
Find a Vintage Piece of Furniture
If you are looking to add storage or want to get creative with flat surfaces, you could add an old, vintage piece of furniture to place along the wall of your balcony. A long and narrow dresser is the perfect piece to upcycle here. Whether you give it a fresh coat of paint, or just leave it be, it should fit seamlessly into the space and be versatile enough for all your needs. Add a few plants on top, or use it as a makeshift outdoor bar when you have friends or family over.
Use Pillows and Throws for Comfort and Interest
When it comes to sprucing up the look of your balcony, it’s the little details that really make a difference. Focus on the small stuff, pieces you can collect that change the vibe of the space but not necessarily the layout. Pillows and throws are easy to mix and match and bring fun as well as function.. You’d be amazed at how much these can elevate the look of any room, including outdoor areas. Choose colours and patterns that coordinate well together and change them up during each season, adding warmer blankets so you can enjoy the evenings as they cool down too.
Brighten it Up with Lights and Lanterns
To finish it all off, add some lights. String lights around the railing, hang them along the wall or nestle them in your planters to create the perfect ambience. For battery-operated lamps or lanterns, consider a texture element like wicker or iron to encapsulate the bulbs. Place them high for an expanded effect, or along the ground next to plants for a soothing, backyard vibe. Lighting makes all the difference when the sun goes down, and you’ll have the perfect spot to find your Zen after your workday.
We hope our list has sparked some great ideas on how to up your balcony’s game with the changing of the seasons. If you’re searching for a new apartment, CLV Group and InterRent REIT have hundreds of listings with spacious balconies throughout Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia. Contact us to learn more.
I’m anxious to find out what my balcomy will look like once the renovations are complete…I hope soon.
Thank you for your balcony ideas.