How to arrange a balcony? Decorating ideas and practical advices

The balcony is one of the best features of an apartment block. Provides fresh air and space for relaxation. It is worth designing it so that it becomes a springboard from everyday life in a substitute for a garden atmosphere. In this article, you will learn how to arrange a balcony so that it is both functional and beautiful.

How to design a balcony in a block of flats?

The first thing to consider when designing a balcony is the type of furniture you want to place on it. Do you want to sit? Small table? You can also think about what view you want to admire from the balcony? Is it nice and worth showing off, or do you just want something more private and secluded in a corner?

Balcony furniture and accessories

Here are some ideas for balcony furniture and accessories that will make your balcony more beautiful and inviting.

• Outdoor sofa - if you have a large balcony, a balcony sofa is a good option as it can accommodate up to 3 people and does not take up much space. It can be moved, so you can change the configuration according to your current needs;
• Balcony table - easy to store when not in use. If you have a small balcony in a block, it is worth buying a semicircular, folding table. You can choose a wooden or metal version. Plus two chairs and you already have a perfect place for your evening coffee;

• Hammock - A hammock is another great idea for furniture on your balcony. If you live in an apartment building it is a great idea to relax;
• Hanging armchair - for a smaller balcony, we recommend armchairs mounted on the ceiling (e.g. a hanging stork's nest armchair), on larger balconies, free-standing hanging armchairs will be perfect;
• Containers for accessories - it is worth having at least one chest in which you can hide e.g. blankets, rugs or pillows. It is also worth having a storage box for garden tools and other accessories for the care of our plants. On the balcony, racks for planting plants or a few simple shelves will also be useful;
• Balcony umbrella - it will provide protection against excessive sunlight. It cannot be missing!

Balcony decorations

• Decorating a balcony is about making the space feel at home. You can use some of the same items as in the apartment to make the balcony more cozy and welcoming. Here are some of our ideas for decorating a balcony:
• Adding plants to make it greener and more inviting;
• Placing pictures on the walls or photos of places where you have been;
• Additional atmospheric balcony lighting - e.g. wall lamps, solar garland, solar lamp, candles in lanterns;
• place soft pillows and blankets on chairs or a sofa
• it is worth placing artificial grass on the floor! Thanks to this, you will feel on your balcony like in a real garden;
• Adding an outdoor rug or a vinyl mat to accentuate the space - we suggest rugs with Moroccan or boho patterns! They will also help us keep the balcony clean. For more information, see our mini-guide "Outdoor carpets - what to remember when buying a carpet for your balcony, terrace and garden".

How to arrange a small balcony?

The small size of the balcony is not a problem! Each space will allow you to create your own mini Eden on it. If we want to have a comfortable place to relax and a little more space for flowers, it is worth choosing folding balcony furniture with a light structure and minimalist form. We want to enlarge small balconies, and not overwhelm them with heavy and large furniture.

It is also worth installing a pergola on a small balcony, on which various types of vines will climb, and hang a pair of long pots on the railing. In addition, fashionable cotton balls lighting in our small balcony will be our escape from reality.

The most beautiful houseplants that you can use on a balcony in a block of flats

Plants on the balcony can be a great addition to your home. However, when purchasing plants and pots, pay attention to:

• pots - you need to know how much your balcony can withstand - concrete or terracotta pots can be really heavy. It is worth choosing lighter plastic containers;
• amount of incoming light - shade loving plants are perfect for balconies that receive a small amount of light. However, if your balcony is exposed to the sun most of the time, remember that the plants have access to water and, if possible, cover them for a while. Plants with silver leaves, which reflect light more easily, e.g. lavender, will also be a good choice.

The most frequently chosen plants for the balcony:

• flowers - petunias, surfinie, verbena, lavender, begonias, impatiens, fuchsia
• vines - sweet pea, greater nasturtium, passion flower
• free-standing, miniature conifers - juniper, yew, dwarf varieties of pine and spruce

Year-round balcony plants

If you are looking for a low-maintenance plant, you should consider using an all-season potted plant. There are many beautiful and productive plants that can be used, for example:

Thanks to all-season plants, your balcony will be green all year round! In the spring and summer period, such plants will be a wonderful backdrop for colorful seasonal flowers.

How to arrange a balcony for a child?

The first and most important thing to consider when designing a balcony for a child is to take into account its safety. You need to make sure that everything is properly secured, so it is worth investing in additional protection, for example:

• adjustable baby gate
• railing made of plexiglass or wood
• safety net or balcony enclosure
• wicker or bamboo mat
• alarm for balcony door

If you want to create a child-friendly place on the balcony, it is worth considering additionally painting it with paint or placing colorful accessories on it. For example, paint the railing in a distinctive color, add colored shelves or painted wooden boxes.

The zones should be properly planned on the balcony for a child. There should be a place to lie and sit, and a play area.

• Place to lie down / rest - One of the best ideas is to include a place for a teepee tent in your balcony design. Not only does it give the baby his own space, it also keeps all the toys in one place. Additional pillows will make it a perfect place for afternoon relaxation.
• A table with a chair - a chair or a sun lounger and a mini table is enough! By adding artificial grass or a patio rug underneath, you will create a perfect place for snacks, a space for painting or reading. Remember! Never place items close to the railing, things that a child can climb onto.
• Play area - creating a balcony playground depends on the age of the child. It can be, for example, a place to play board games, a place to play with water or sand, or it can simply be a place for a toy house. Designing a mini garden will also be a great idea. Get small colorful pots and seeds for your child and show them how to grow plants.

How to arrange a balcony for a cat?

The best way to design a cat-friendly balcony is to keep it from escaping, making sure it is always available and offers the most sun.

The balcony should always have an open door and be fully secured against escape. A special cat net with a dense weave can be used for this. Make sure the cat has easy access to the apartment or to climb the railings. You'll also want to ask yourself if your cat will spend most of its time in direct sunlight or prefer a sheltered place? It is worth preparing a place for him, where he can, if necessary, protect himself from the sun - e.g. catio - the so-called cat windows (you can buy them, but you can also easily make them yourself) or place a comfortable bed in the shade.

When arranging a balcony for a cat, also think about placing additional attractions on it. For example, a jute rug on which some toys or a scratching post may lie. Plants will also be important - but remember that they should not be poisonous to your pet, e.g. impatiens, pansies, petunias and cornflowers. Of course, catnip should not be forgotten!