Decorating Tips for Small Balconies or Patios

Over the past weekend while I was in Manhattan I noticed how some balconies were decorated so beautiful and others were left empty for precious unused space.  If you’ve ever lived in a big city, you know how every square foot is cherished and a balcony can be wonderful place to relax and take in the open air.  Small spaces, such as apartment balconies or patios can sometimes be challenging to decorate, but it can be done and after living in the city for the past six years, I highly recommend it.

 Decorating your apartment patio for summer doesn’t have to be a daunting task, in fact, can be a very enjoyable and rewarding task. What better way than to kick back on your balcony or patio in the cool evening breeze as you relax on a comfortable chaise lounge after a long day at the office? Or enjoy your morning coffee and newspaper as the sun comes up before you begin you busy day?

 No matter where your apartment is located – city or rural, urban or suburban, north or south or east or west – it doesn’t matter how large or small your apartment patio is, there are a few general tips to remember before you begin your patio-decorating project this summer:

1. Treat your apartment patio as you would any other room in your apartment. Keep it neat and organized.

2. Pick a single theme or style for your apartment patio: Romantic and plush, country casual and white wicker, or art deco and neon ... one theme at a time, please!  Pick your style and stick with it.

3. Make your apartment patio or balcony easy-care. Have a place for everything so everything's in its place. Durable, recycled plastics and washable seats and cushions are a must. If you're going with patio gardening, choose from the many self-watering containers that allow you to harvest tomatoes, strawberries, cucumbers, beans and other edibles all summer long.

4. Remember, sleeker spaces are easier to clean. Give yourself enough room to get around your apartment patio quickly with a broom, bucket and window washer.

5. A very important tip is to make your apartment patio furniture and accessories as weather-proof as possible. The last thing you want is to be carrying dripping wet patio furniture through your apartment in a sudden summer downpour!

There are many different styles to decorate your patio, here are just a few:

Casual Country – weathered wood, antiques, folk art, wicker, and cottage garden flowers are all casual country style theme designs. 

• You can use old barrels, covered or not, as side tables.  Use as much old, weathered, antique materials as you can to add to your country theme.
• Either our Cupella Tin Lantern or our Ivory Parasol Lantern would add a beautiful touch to your country theme patio.
• Herb gardens and flowers in every area corner of the patio.
• Choose easy care wicker or old-fashioned painted metal with a bright rust-resistant paint. 

City Garden - visit your local nursery to see what types of plants will thrive best in your environment; understand that your apartment patio offers decorating opportunities as well as limitations. If your apartment is several stories up in the big city, you've got urban gardening issues - more pollution, stronger wind, deep shade and city heat, for instance, to deal with if you choose to decorate your patio with plants. Keep in mind, even on shaded apartment patios you can enjoy a secret garden that provides privacy, fragrance and serenity if you choose the right design and plants for your environment. 

• Choose ergonomically sound patio furniture and bamboo floor-mats, normally used for Yoga exercises and meditation.
• Choose sleek design furniture.
• Choose soft lighting, lanterns are an ideal way to create the perfect atmosphere.
• Any one of our beautiful wind chimes will enhance your patio garden with relaxing sounds.

Whatever your style ...

I suggest sticking to tried-and-true small-space design techniques to suit your small apartment patio or balcony. Use height to draw eyes upward toward the more expansive sky.  Add lights or string lights to banish the dark and open up the great outdoors.

Remember, the most important decorating ideas for your apartment patio begin with your own imagination.  If you find it comfortable and enjoy your decor, chances are your visitors will too.

A deck may not count towards the square footage of your home, but it will give you the opportunity to make your home or apartment feel larger and expand your opportunities for entertaining.  You can transform your patio so dramatically that you'll be the envy of your neighbors.