Small Balcony Tips

Every square inch of a small apartment needs to be utilized and if you have a balcony you have another room. Maximize your outdoor space.

Design is guided by function. This balcony will be used for cozying up with a book, entertaining friends and family, growing herbs, cherry tomatoes and flowers. South west facing, a large deciduous tree shades the balcony from early summer through autumn, resulting in part shade growing conditions. The balcony is also exposed to strong west winds.

Make sure seating is comfortable and efficient. Adding throw pillows and blankets will make it cozier on chilly days.

Choosing neutral coloured cushions will make them blend in with their surroundings. Grey works well here, with our view of the water.

Add white accessories. Reflective white brightens a space in both day and night. We introduced white with a hand-crafted pottery bowl, a pillow, flower pots, candles and art.

Plants provide colour and privacy. Elevating the plants to eye level, when sitting, encloses the space with lush greenery. The cat loves looking out underneath the benches.

Facing south-west means the wind can be fierce, so riverbed rocks and moss cover all the planters, preventing soil erosion and reducing dust. Choose drought tolerant plants (geraniums, sedums, hostas, ferns and herbs) for a windy balcony.

Reusing the dogwood branches from A windy balcony holiday planter

to support the plants minimizes wind damage and is visually interesting.

Make use of the vertical space and fill your walls with art and objects of interest.

A rug finishes the space.

If you have electricity consider exterior illumination. A timer and a couple of lights transform the balcony. Here, two spot lights spiked in the flower beds focus light on the ceiling and trees. There are some fabulous solar powered lights as an alternative and battery operated candles create mood without fire.