At Outdoor Living Direct we have something for everyone. Regardless of how much space you have at home, outdoor furniture was made to be enjoyed by everyone for any area! Often people who live in small apartment buildings feel like they can’t enjoy outdoor furniture in comparison to someone who has a spacious outdoor decked area. This is by far not the case. Whether you live in an apartment, high rise, flat, cottage, single story, double story, or a mansion, the choice is yours when it comes to outdoor furniture. Outdoor Living Direct offers modern, well-designed, affordable settings, so depending on the size of your outdoor area, we have something for everyone. In this article, we will focus on balconies and list our top balcony styling tips. When designing your balcony, think of it as an extension of your indoor area. You want to be able to freely move from one space to the next with comfort and ease. With the help of these few tips below, we'll turn your dated balcony space into an exotic paradise that will be the envy of all your family and friends.
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1. Consider your space
Firstly, consider the space you have to work with. Walk around and assess your balcony area. As you walk around and design your space, consider any existing structures such as doors, walls, floors, or garden beds, as they will play a part in how your space will look. If you plan on accessorizing your area with furniture, pots, and plants, consider where these will go in relation to existing structures.
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2. A place to sit
If you plan on sitting outside and enjoying your space with family and friends, balcony furniture is a must. Choose lightweight furniture that can be easily maneuvered depending on the occasion. Furniture that folds or stacks tends to work quite well in smaller spaces such as apartments or townhouses. Multi-functional outdoor furniture pieces are also a smart idea, such as a cushion box that doubles as a bench seat. Outdoor Living Direct has a variety of balcony sets available in various colours, shapes, sizes, and materials.
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3. Colour palette
Avoid dark colours and busy patterns as they can confine a space and create an unwanted feeling of closure. Instead, opt for lighter colours and subtle patterns that will create a bright and airy feel. Less is more when it comes to choosing a colour palette. Fresh white fabrics alongside crisp green plants are always a nice choice and will make your space appear larger than it actually is.
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4. Plants
If gardening is not your strong point, yet you'd still like to enjoy a garden feel, opt for low-maintenance plants such as succulents and creepers to decorate your space. Both of these plant choices are easy to maintain and will guarantee you optimal balcony enjoyment. Another idea is to create pot clusters. Using pots and plants with varying heights will create a stylish, layered focal point. Hanging pots and vertical gardens are also great as they take up little space and add a touch of greenery to any balcony.
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5. Choose a focal point
Avoid cluttering your balcony with too many pieces. Instead, start with a focal point that will be the main point of attention. Build around this focal point, adding necessary accessories as needed. These extras shouldn’t compete with the focal point but rather enhance the overall look of your space. Too much clutter can make the space feel smaller, so less is more when it comes to styling a smaller outdoor area.
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6. Vertical lines
Vertical lines help give the impression of more space. Tall pieces of art, hanging chairs, slender trees, or vertical gardens are all great options. If floor space is limited, make use of wall space by hanging shelves for extra storage.
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7. Privacy
If you want privacy, consider using outdoor decorative screens or bamboo screens with creeping vine plants intertwined. Both provide privacy and look great in any balcony space.
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8. Lighting
A balcony with poor lighting will feel closed in. Choose lights that will bounce off the walls and visually make the space larger. Candles and fairy lights are low-maintenance options that produce beautiful mood lighting for any occasion. A mirror is another great trick; it reflects natural light and creates the illusion of more space.
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When it comes to designing and decorating a balcony, it’s all about tricking the eye into believing that the space is much larger than it actually is. Applying these few tips and tricks will help create the illusion of more space and make the most of your outdoor area.
