Expert Apartment Balcony Ideas and Patio Decor

An apartment balcony or patio is a fantastic amenity that apartment communities provide. It’s a personal space for you, your pets, friends, and family to unwind and relax, catching up or just hanging out. Sometimes, choosing a design or style for your outdoor space can be challenging, with so many balcony furniture and decor ideas at your disposal.

Our blog will share tips for enhancing your outdoor space with various balcony style ideas, small balcony furniture ideas, and ways to utilize the space you have for your plants.

How To Extend Your Living Space Outdoors With Patio Decor

To appropriately decorate your balcony or patio without overcrowding or under-decorating, measure the dimensions of the space you have. It wouldn’t be ideal if you bought a wicker love seat that doesn’t fit where you hoped. Determine exactly how much space you have to work with and allow for gaps between furniture to move about easily.

Pay attention to how sunlight hits your balcony or patio, and take note of the weather patterns. Is it particularly windy in that area? You may want to secure your belongings tightly to prevent them from blowing away. Plus, if you have neighbors overlooking your balcony, it’s important to consider your privacy needs and those of your neighbors so you can plan ahead—think about adding sheer drapery to maintain your privacy when you want it.

How to Decorate a Small Balcony

How you choose to decorate your balcony is entirely up to you and your tastes—whether that’s a cozy outdoor lounge or a lively outdoor dining area. We’ll provide balcony design ideas that combine functionality with aesthetics, so explore below to spark inspiration or find the perfect arrangement!

A Vibrant Mediterranean Retreat

Draw inspiration from the vibrant designs of the Mediterranean, from Greece to France and Spain. These styles are perfect for entertaining friends and family while enjoying the sunset. A delicately designed wrought iron bistro table and chairs, reminiscent of Parisian cafes from the 1800s, would beautifully set the scene.

Incorporate deep blue hues into the textiles, such as in the rug or hanging elements like wind chimes, along with warm terracotta oranges. Terracotta plant pots are widely available and would make an excellent addition. Look for these colors in patterned cushions, a patterned rug, or even patterned coasters with a mosaic-tile print—mosaic tiles are a staple in Mediterranean design. Complete your design with lanterns for cozy lighting in the evenings or on cloudy days.

The Modern Minimalist Sanctuary

Do you prefer clean lines and simple designs? If so, a minimalist design might be perfect for you! Look for balcony decor that features sleek, crisp lines, industrial-like materials, and emphasizes functionality, such as multipurpose pieces.

Incorporating metal, like steel and chrome, or glass accents—but not too many, as less is best with minimalism—along with a neutral color palette of black, white, gray, and brown can help create a calm, uncluttered aesthetic, whether you’re sipping your morning coffee or reading a book.

An Eclectic Hideaway

Do you enjoy antiquing or shopping at thrift stores? The eclectic design could be just for you! This style combines elements from various cultures, periods, and styles to create a unique, personalized look for your space.

By blending different textures, colors, and patterns, you can infuse a playful vibe to your balcony while establishing an eclectic yet cohesive area tailored to your taste! If your style is bright purple chairs, a zebra print rug, and vibrant paper lanterns suspended from the ceiling, this design helps create a truly distinctive space with your unique patio decor.

A Scandinavian-Inspired Outdoor Haven

If you don’t love the look of the industrial-esque designs of minimalism, Scandinavian style incorporates minimalist ideals while focusing on natural elements, function, and comfort. To achieve this Scandinavian vibe, include simple and functional pieces, such as natural wood or white furniture. The key is to create a cozy, clean, and bright atmosphere.

Enhance the warmth of your outdoor chairs on chilly evenings with soft lighting from string lights and by adding simple, neutral-colored throws. Include a hemp rug, woven baskets to hold plants or supplies, and a few cozy candles on the table to set the perfect scene for your Scandinavian-style balcony or patio.

Budget-Friendly Balcony Furniture

Some pieces of patio furniture can be wildly overpriced and lack quality, so you should try to shop around before buying the first table and chairs you see. Explore Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or Craigslist for balcony furniture, as well as flea markets, thrift shops, and antique stores for affordable finds you can restore or keep as is!

If you haven’t found anything you like after shopping around, compare options online. If you can wait to purchase, stores often have sales for Independence Day and an end-of-summer sale around Labor Day. Patio furniture to look out for includes:

• Stackable chairs
• Folding chairs or a table
• Multipurpose storage bench
• Side tables
• Hammock

Apartment Balcony Plants

Do you want to enhance your patio or balcony with lush greenery? It’s simple! A plant stand that is positioned against the wall, mounted, and shielded from the wind is ideal for keeping your plants healthy while utilizing the vertical wall space. You can hang planters from the ceiling and even incorporate flower boxes with colorful blooms, vegetables, and herbs onto your railing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Tips for Maintaining Your Balcony Retreat

A cozily decorated balcony or patio can create an oasis outside your door. It’s smart to keep a broom on your balcony in case of any blowing leaves or debris to keep it clean. Folding blankets, rearranging pillows, and tucking items away into their proper places can help your balcony feel like a sanctuary year-round. Adjust for the changing seasons by bringing plants indoors and swapping out the blankets to keep it cozy when the weather changes.

Are you looking for an apartment with a private balcony or patio? Case and Associates offers just under 90 apartment communities across the South and Midwest, with apartments with balconies and patios available for rent. Find a Case and Associates apartment community near you or explore our blog for more tricks!