With the rise of apartment living, balconies and small patios are more common than ever. In this day and age the truth is simply that not everyone has the luxury of a large backyard and huge patio space. With a smaller space comes the need to decorate and furnish accordingly – without sacrificing style!
Having a small space doesn’t need to stop you from having an amazing outdoor area, and we are here to help. There’s a few key areas that we’ll address that will help you get well on your way to creating the perfect small balcony or patio space.
Here at Patio Productions, we want to give you the knowledge and the resources to create a space you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Lighting
Creating a nice ambiance is important when setting up your balcony. The lighting that you choose will have a huge impact on the atmosphere of your space. Creating a relaxing space is usually a top priority for any balcony or patio. That’s why one of our biggest recommendations is to use string lights or fairy lights. They’re super easy to set up because the wires allow you to maneuver them almost any place on your balcony. Not only are they easy to set up, they’re cheap! There’s a wide range of string lights that vary in quality, but this is a lighting option that won’t break the bank.
“The lighting that you choose will have a huge impact on the atmosphere of your space.”
Using candles is another classic option to set the mood for any small balcony or patio. They’re cheap, accessible, and they smell great! Although they won’t give you quite as much light as some other options, that might be what you’re looking for.
An even more space-saving option, if you have a small patio umbrella, is a super-cool LED umbrella light. Try this one, the Luna Umbrella Light with built in bluetooth speakers – so you can brighten up your balcony and play some awesome beats at the same time.
Greenery
Gardening is a great way to relax and have some time for yourself during the day. Having some greenery on your balcony or patio is also a great way to bring some life to a small space. Although balconies seem like an impossible place to have a garden or flowers, many people make it happen with great success! Don’t let the small space get you down, there are plenty of options for maintaining all sorts of plants.
“Although balconies seem like an impossible place to have a garden or flowers, many people make it happen with great success!”
One of the best options is planter boxes! These can hang on either the inside or the outside of your balcony. They won’t take up any valuable space like potted plants would. They’re often right at railing level so everyone will be able to see the amazing flowers you’ve grown!
Another direction you can take your balcony garden is up. Vertical and hanging gardens are a great way to conserve space while still being able to enjoy the beauty of your garden. Creating a hanging garden is easier than you think – just take a look at some of these suggestions from CountryLiving.com!
Furnishings
The patio furniture you put on your balcony or patio is one of the most important aspects of designing your space. Having a small area means that you have to get a little more creative and be thoughtful of the pieces you choose. The key is to pick out pieces of furniture that look good, and also help you maximize the amount of room you have. A great way to do this is to choose dual purpose furniture. Picking a piece of furniture that serves multiple purposes is a great way to bring together style and function. A perfect example of this is an end table ice chest.
We love this option because it can function as a table, an extra seat, and a place to store drinks! Another space saving option is folding or stacking chairs. If you want to use your patio or balcony for something other than lounging, being able to quickly and efficiently clear out the space is awesome. Finally, if you have the room, a bench seat/storage space combo is a great addition. It’s a comfortable place to relax and if the weather gets bad, being able to store cushions and blankets will be a lifesaver.
“The key is to pick out pieces of furniture that look good, and also help you maximize the amount of room you have. A great way to do this is to choose dual purpose furniture.”
Other than dual functioning furniture, choosing smaller patio furniture is a must when dealing with smaller spaces. And don’t worry! There are plenty of great options available. One of our favorites is the Acapulco chair. It comes in a bunch of fun colors, and doesn’t take up too much room.
If you’ve got the space and ability, hanging a hammock is a unique space saving option if you need more seating. They’re a fun novelty that friends and family will get a kick out of. And when it’s just you, you’ll be able to relax in comfort.
Our final recommendation for a small patio and balcony is a bistro set! These are usually just two chairs and a small table, perfect for saving on space. There are a huge amount of options for bistro furniture. The most common materials are cast aluminum and wrought iron. In this situation, cast aluminum is probably a better option because it’s lighter and a little easier to maneuver.
Bar sets are stylish and small, the perfect combination for any patio or balcony space.
Decorating
You’ve got your lighting situation figured out, some ideas and inspiration for a balcony garden, furniture options that won’t take up too much room, now what? It’s time to tie it all together with some balcony and patio decorations. There are a couple more options that will help you create the perfect spot to relax and unwind. The easiest way to do this is to add some colorful cushions! This may seem like an obvious choice, but it’s easy to get caught up in the process and leave this out. Not only do they add some extra comfort to your space, they’re a trending addition to most stylish patios.
A quick note, it’s important to pick cushions that can hold up to the elements. Our go to recommendation is any cushion that uses Sunbrella fabric. It’s far and away the best options because it doesn’t fade and is very weather resistant. They’re also easy to customize with over 200 fabric options, check it out!
“It’s important to pick cushions that can hold up to the elements.”
Adding a fun, colorful rug is another way to put your own unique twist on your balcony or patio. Weather proof rugs are the way to go, and you can find tons of options online.
We know that decorating and furnishing a small balcony or patio can be daunting. It’s tough when you’re limited on space. We want you to know that it’s not impossible! There are endless possibilities given some planning and a little creativity. Hopefully our ideas and tips can give you some inspiration to create an amazing patio or balcony space.
Yes great steps you have shared and everyone love to sit under patios. I am also looking for decorate my home patio area and i will consider steps that you have shared with us. Thanks..