Make the Most of Your Apartment’s Balcony

With warmer weather on the horizon, take advantage of any outdoor space that your apartment has to offer. Use these tips to turn your tasteless terrace into a breathtaking balcony:

Lighting

Don’t let dark nights limit your time outside. Take advantage of your space at any time of day by installing weatherproof lights around your balcony. Stick to classics by hanging a string of fairy lights or placing tea lights on various surfaces. Stop struggling with pesky mosquitos, use citronella candles to keep your balcony a bug free zone.  If traditional isn’t your cup of tea, opt for an unlikely light source like an outdoor chandelier or hanging lanterns.

Plants

Put your green thumb to work and add a little life to your balcony. Typically, the easiest way to approach gardening on your balcony is container gardening. Choose an appropriately sized pot or planter with proper drainage to help your floral friends thrive.  When choosing plants for your balcony take note of the amount of sun and shade your balcony gets on any given day. This can save you from choosing the wrong plant. If your space is limited, a vertical style garden may be the choice for you. They allow you to grow a variety of herbs, vegetables or ornamentals without sacrificing space.

Flooring

Spruce up your balcony by changing out faded cement floors for a decorative alternative. Outdoor rugs are a way to add colour and pattern to your outdoor space. Functional and stylish, outdoor rugs are generally made of durable materials that will last through various types of weather and resist stains and fading. For a sleeker look opt for interlocking floor tiles or choose artificial grass for a fresher feel.

Furniture

Outfit an outdoor balcony by careful selecting space-conscious and functional furniture. For seating, opt for an easily storable hammock or multi-use storage chest. For your dining area, choose a small, yet stylish bistro set. Finally, for a pop of colour and comfort toss some throw pillows into your space.

Privacy

Protect yourself from nosy neighbours by increasing the privacy on your balcony. Never again will you worry about reading your book in peace, or meditating uninterruptedly. Opt for a privacy panel or outdoor screen to shield you from the elements as well as Peeping Toms. Alternatively, grow your own privacy screen with decorative pots and tall-growing plants (such as Viburnums or Climbing Roses).  Plants that grow quickly and densely can easily put a screen of green between you and unwanted observers.

Sometimes size really doesn’t matter. Help your balcony live up to its full potential this year by refurbishing and renewing its current décor.

Paramount Properties is a privately held, family-owned company established in 1986. We specialize in the management of high-quality residential properties. For more information, or to check out our current listings, click here!