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Tips to Get the Most Use out of a Balcony or Terrace

If you have a balcony or terrace that you are not using, here are a few tips on how to get the most use out of it.

21/06/2022

The luxury of having a balcony or terrace attached to your living space should not be overlooked and if you have one of these and are not using it, here are just a few ideas on getting the most out of the space and opening or extending your living space. With a few added extras, you can even turn this extra bit of space into an area where you can relax in summer and winter.

1 | The perfect furniture for a balcony or terrace

One thing you will need whether it is a small balcony, or a larger terrace is the perfect furniture to provide comfort and relaxation, especially if you want to use this area as an extension of your existing living space. There are plenty of options here, but even more, if you are handy with a few basic power tools. Reclaimed wood pallets are all the rage now and still offer the most affordable way for knocking up a few pieces of furniture to fit a specific space. After making the furniture, then all that is needed are some upholstered cushions and pillows to make the setting homey and comfortable.

Brightening up a small balcony or terrace by introducing soft accessories in colourful hues and patterns will make any space more welcoming and cosier.

On a small balcony the size of the furniture will be dictated by the amount of space available but being able to make your own furniture is the ideal solution if you need pieces of a certain size, ones that you can't buy in a home store or furniture outlet. Or what about asking around to see if you can get your hands on second-hand furniture that just needs some TLC to have it ready for its new purpose.

Lightweight furniture with an open design will look visually more appealing in a small space and still provide seating for relaxation or outdoor dining.

2 | Decor for a balcony or terrace

As an extension of your living area, don't miss out on the opportunity to make something of the outdoor space. There are plenty of ways to dress up the area and all types of accessories you can use to bring in that personal touch that will make you and any visitors welcome.

Decorate an outdoor balcony or terrace with an exterior paint or durable materials such as tongue and groove pine planks or reclaimed pallet wood to create a wood-panelled wall.

If you need privacy from overlooking properties, think about how you can use plants or natural materials to close off the area to give you more privacy.

3 | Use walls for storage or decoration

If you are making use of a balcony or terrace, being able to make more space available is a must. Having some plants in the space is also a must and there are plenty of ways that you can do this without taking up too much valuable floor space by using walls or vertical surfaces.

Wooden window boxes or crates can be fastened onto walls for storage or shelving or kitted out for plants or pots of colourful annuals. This is another area where you can put your DIY skills to use and make use of reclaimed wood pallets or wood scraps and offcuts.

4 | Introduce fabric and textiles

A balcony or terrace that receives direct sun during the day, especially at the hottest time of the day, will need some shade relief. This can be easily covered with a shade umbrella or even a small sailcloth mounted above the area, but one idea that I do love is to have rods mounted strategically so that you can drape lightweight durable fabrics such as cotton, linen, hemp, or even a length of shade cloth, to provide a shady retreat.

Lightweight organic fabrics are inexpensive when compared to other fabrics and are easy to wash and care for, making them ideal for shade on a balcony or terrace.

Textiles are an essential element of interior design and bring a layer of warmth and comfort to any room. Even a balcony or terrace should have a few textural elements to balance the sharp edges and straight lines.

A rug on the balcony or terrace not only adds comfort underfoot, but also ties the outdoor and indoor living space together for a more cohesive flow between the two areas.

5 | Outdoor lighting

If you want to be able to use the balcony or terrace throughout the day, adding a few lighting elements will let you use the space in the evenings, which is nice during warmer weather. Being so close to your living space, an extension lead can be fitted that will allow you to plug-in lamps and corded light fittings to light up the night. Alternatively, make use of solar lighting for the perfect atmosphere.

Make sure any lighting is suitable for outdoor use. Solar lighting doesn't require any wires or electrical power to light up outdoors.

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