How to decorate a balcony

Now, fortunately, the time when the balcony was used as a place to store unnecessary things is coming to an end. Increasingly, this place in the apartment is being equipped as a relaxation corner, a study, or even turned into a blooming mini-garden.

How to decorate a balcony with flowers

Bright and beautiful flowers are perfect for decorating any balcony. To turn a banal balcony into an original blooming garden, do the following:

• Before you start planting plants on the balcony, you need to decide which flowers are suitable for your balcony. If it faces north, then it is better to choose shade-loving plants. These include nasturtium, petunia or begonia. They will take root perfectly on the southern balcony lobelia, marigolds or pelargoniums. If your balcony is located high, then choose hardy plants that will not be broken by gusts of wind, for example, daisies, snapdragons, and alyssum. Flowers should grow quickly and be undemanding to living conditions.
• Choose boxes for planting flowers made of plastic; their depth should be at least 25 cm. There must be drainage holes and a grid that protects the soil from washing out. Don't choose dark-colored boxes for southern balconies. The sun will heat up the soil greatly, which can kill the plants.

• Now choose exactly how your plants will be placed. If your balcony does not face a busy street, then it is best to secure containers with plants on the outside of the balcony. This will save space inside. If the balcony is open on all three sides, then provide protection from prying eyes by constructing a curtain of climbing plants on the sides. To do this, secure a plastic grid in the right places or simply pull the fishing line. Plants in hanging pots will look great on the wall that separates the balcony from the apartment. In summer, you can take indoor plants to the balcony and simply place them on the floor in pots.

• When planting plants, try to do it so that the balcony looks beautiful all season long. To do this, choose varieties that bloom at different times. Consider the color scheme too. It is best to choose shades of colors that will contrast with the color of the wall of the house.

How to decorate a balcony with your own hands

Before you start arranging the balcony, you need to clear the space. Remove old furniture and throw away any unnecessary clutter. Then you need to decide what will be placed on your balcony. If you plan to use it all year round, then install double-glazed windows and insulate walls, ceiling and floor. Typically, wooden lining is used for finishing, and the floors are made of tiles, laminate or linoleum and must be heated. Don't forget about additional lighting - you can install built-in lamps or limit yourself to a compact chandelier. As decoration, paintings or panels will look great on the balcony.

In the future, the arrangement of the balcony depends on how exactly this space is intended to be used. If you decide to make a place to work on the balcony, then it would be appropriate to equip a computer desk here, put a chair and hang bookshelves. You can organize a needlewoman’s workplace on the balcony by placing a large rack with drawers and shelves and arranging bright lighting for ease of work. The other side of the balcony can be used as a play area for a child. For children, you can place an easel on the balcony for drawing or hang a small sitting hammock. Here you can put a small plastic table and chairs for very young children. For school-age children, it is appropriate to organize a study area on the balcony with a comfortable table and bookshelves.

How to make a balcony cozy

It is impossible to create comfort on the balcony without appropriate furniture and textiles. For such a small space as a balcony, compact folding furniture is suitable, for example, a tabletop can simply be attached to the walls of the balcony, and a bench can be arranged in the same way. Built-in furniture and retractable structures on the balcony are very convenient. For example, for storing things you can make built-in cabinets. Light wicker furniture or even just pillows in practical covers as a place to sit would look very appropriate on the balcony.

By hanging a hammock on the balcony or installing a rocking chair and a table, you will create an ideal place for comfortable relaxation on your balcony. To prevent the sun from hitting your eyes, you can curtain the windows with Roman blinds. Hang one canvas on each window opening. This way you can adjust the intensity of natural light. A small homemade rug or fluffy carpet for the cold season will look harmonious on the floor.

If the balcony is adjacent to kitchen, then you can arrange a dining room on the balcony or install an electric grill and equip a barbecue area there. As an addition, hang shelves on the wall to store kitchen items, place a small table for eating and a couple of folding chairs.

How to decorate a balcony: ideas