A compact balcony or patio can easily be disregarded as a non-functional space. Looking at the grand (and costly!) balconies and patios showcased on social media platforms like Instagram, you might feel as though a dream balcony or patio is out of reach. However, don’t let the lack of space dampen your spirits. Even a small balcony or patio can be transformed into a stylish and welcoming outdoor retreat, regardless of your neighbors being in close proximity.
Ready to breathe new life into your balcony or patio? Let’s delve into these innovative and functional ideas.
Over 11 Ways to Revamp Your Compact Balcony or Patio:
1. Install Elegant Privacy Screens
In smaller spaces, privacy can be a challenge due to close or overlooking neighbors. Enhance your outside space’s comfort by setting up tasteful privacy screens that also elevate its aesthetics. The right screening should blend well with your space while providing you enough cover. Here are some suggestions:
Opt for Planters with a High Trellis Back: These planters give you privacy without blocking out all the light. You can accessorize them with artificial plants based on your preference. For a larger, more open trellis, wrap artificial vine plants around it for extra cover.
Deploy Hanging Baskets: For a small balcony with a roof and open sides, artificial hanging baskets are ideal. They obscure the line of sight, adding a layer of privacy.
Attach Privacy Screening to your Railings: Add privacy and an extra safety layer by fixing privacy screening to your railings. A renter-friendly option, these screens come in roll form and can be cable-tied to the railings. Wicker or bamboo offer a natural look, but PVC is recommended for total privacy.
Trellis Covered with Artificial Foliage: You can affix a trellis to your balcony or fence and attach artificial foliage for privacy and greenery. Pre-made artificial green wall panels are also available.
2. Consider these brilliant wall planter ideas:
Metal Grid with Pots – Available in various designs like small squares, diamonds, and triangle shapes. These grids serve as pieces of art when hung at the right height. Fill the pots with artificial plants like vines, trailing plants, cacti, succulents, or anything else that you fancy.
Hanging Planting Bags – Resembling hanging shoe organizers, these can give a green-wall effect. Filled with artificial foliage of different colors and textures, they are a splendid way to style your space.
Hanging Baskets – Although live flowers in hanging baskets demand extensive care and have limited appeal, an artificial hanging basket offers year-round beauty without any maintenance.
Standing Balcony Garden – Ready-made “balcony gardens” with tiered planters or outdoor shelving filled with your favorite artificial plants can transform the look of your balcony.
Multi-Tiered Plant Stand – These affordable and stylish stands can provide a modern or bohemian look. If space is a concern, consider using some of the shelves for storing drinks or other items when you are relaxing nearby.
Maximise Wall Space – Practical Solutions. Wall planters beautify your balcony or patio, and when space is scarce, other furniture and accessories need to be chosen wisely. Here are some chic and clever ideas:
Manual Balcony Awning – When space is a concern and an umbrella or table isn’t feasible, consider a manually retractable balcony awning. They lay flat against the wall when not in use and can be found in neutral designs that blend in perfectly.
Folding Balcony Table – A folding balcony table saves space and offers functionality. It works like a leaf table (with a foldable tabletop) and can be hung on the balcony railing.
Bench Seating – If you are fine with having your seating outdoors all year round, consider benches against the walls instead of chairs. Enhance them with chic cushions and you’ll have a comfortable spot for lounging or hosting gatherings. If budget allows, consider benches with storage options.
3. Install “Decking”
Ever seen those wooden bath mats? They are essentially small square tiles of decking that can instantly beautify an otherwise flat and boring concrete balcony or patio. Designed to endure weather conditions, they are perfect for outdoor use. However, the surface must be completely flat for this option.
4. Maximise Wall Space – Incorporate Planters
When dealing with confined spaces, indoors or outdoors, vertical thinking is key. Enhancing your wall space can make your balcony or patio seem cozier and avoid a cramped feeling that often accompanies furniture that is too close to the floor. This strategy of saving space while adding an aesthetic appeal helps create the illusion of a larger area.
Using planters is a smart way to make the most of your wall space. You can sidestep the need for oversized planters, cover bland walls, and introduce appealing elements to your outdoor space. In small balconies and patios, artificial plants offer an excellent solution. Often, these spaces aren’t ideal for a lot of plants unless you have a green thumb, so artificial plants become your best friend.
With the unpredictable weather, maintaining healthy plants, especially on balconies, can be challenging. While these conditions can be delightful for us, potted plants can’t always thrive in them, often leaving you with nothing more than a dried-up plant.
5. Add Hanging Baskets in Front of Your Window
Hanging baskets can divert attention from less appealing windows. Small artificial plants and succulents on the ledge outside, along with fairy lights strung between the planters, enhance the ambiance.
6. Conceal Industrial Features with Artificial Vines
Unappealing features like exposed pipes or industrial railings can be made more aesthetic by wrapping them with vine plants. Add fairy lights for a magical touch at night.
7. Integrate a Mirror
Mirrors can increase the perceived size of your space and enhance lighting. If you’re not a fan of mirrors outdoors, surround it with hanging plants for a “secret garden” effect.
8. Introduce a Rug
A rug can transform your outside area into a cozy extension of your home. Outdoor rugs withstand the elements well, or you can use a regular rug when the weather permits and store it away otherwise.
9. Invest in Outdoor Lighting
Here are some creative ideas to brighten your balcony or patio after sundown:
• Lanterns
• Fairy lights around the railing
• Solar-powered lightbulbs in covered areas mimicking hanging lights
• Fairy lights from hanging baskets
• Solar-powered lights hidden in wall planters
• Fairy lights draped around wall planters
10. Choose Compact Furniture
Bulky furniture can make small spaces feel more cramped. Opt for lighter furniture items like rattan and wicker, or classic bistro-style foldable chairs and tables.
11. Enhance the External Door with Plants
To create a sense of spaciousness, extend your balcony’s decoration to the indoors, framing the door with artificial plants or plant stands. This seamless integration of greenery can make your space feel larger.
Remember, a small balcony doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a stylish outside area. Just be smart with your decoration choices, ensuring it’s a space where you feel comfortable. Explore our range of artificial plants to immerse yourself in greenery.
At Elegant, we understand your need for quality and affordability. As a China-based B2B company, we are dedicated to producing artificial plants that are ideal for both indoor and outdoor decoration. Our brand resonates with our commitment to providing an authentic and immersive experience for our customers. Feel free to contact us at anytime.
