Is your outdoor living space like your balcony or porch bare and unused? You can create a more inviting and enjoyable area for both relaxation and entertainment by adding just a few comforting and stylish touches. If you're unsure of how to begin, read our useful advice to help you transform your existing space into one of your favorite places!

Plants and Flowers

Plants and flowers can quickly alter the mood of any location. Bright foliage and bold blooming flowers draw in the eye and create a more serene feel. Don’t worry, even if you don’t have a green thumb, plenty of plants can thrive in outdoor environments with minimal effort. Luckily, you have many options to choose from depending on your aesthetic and the size of your balcony or porch. 

Looking for a little more privacy? Add a wall of potted plants to create a barrier between you and the outside world, while inviting in some color. If you already have a wall as a barrier in your space, you could hang planter boxes with dangling ferns or herbs to add some texture and flavor to your meals. 

If you’re slightly more adventurous, try adding a trellis and attaching climbing vines or flowering vines for an extra layer of concealment and a pop of color. 

Wanting a little extra shade in summer? Try a potted tree that suits the size of your space. You may even be able to enjoy fresh fruit from time to time depending on what you pick!

To create a unique look by combining flower colors and styles, you can try adding a shelf, especially a lattice shelf with lots of room, and fill the places with easy-to-care-for plants like geraniums, petunias, succulents, and mums. 

Cozy & Convenient

A lot of people want a spot to retreat to, away from the hustle and bustle of work, a little private oasis meant for comfort and rest. If that’s the atmosphere you’re going for, you may want to cozy up your outdoor space the way you would any other room. 

For example, by adding details like curtains and a seating area, you can get a cocooned nook for intimate or private interactions. Depending on the look you want, you can try airy fabrics with an ethereal feel, or thick patterned fabrics to add a bold look while protecting yourself from heavy rain, and sunlight, or even help insulate noise. 

Plus, curtains are easy to set up. Begin by installing a curtain rod using ceiling-mounted hardware into a brick or stone wall, or you can simply add tension rods at the length desired and place your curtains on them. 

For an even more snug look, try installing a hammock between two rods or mounted on the ceiling if it’s strong enough. Curtains and a hammock combined can create a home-away-from-home for reading, studying, or taking a nap.

Furniture & Feel

For a lot of unused space, you may want to invest in outdoor living area furniture like dining tables, coffee tables, chairs, and rugs. Smaller to medium-sized porches or balconies may benefit from bistro tables, which can be a lightweight, flexible option. 
Another unique and stylish choice for any patio size are glass tables. Consider Table Bases for high-quality table bases for glass tops, which use a glass top adapter and aesthetically pleasing machined aluminum disc to mount the glass. Simply choose the size and shape of the glass that works for you, for a customized look and feel that goes with a variety of decor.

You can also try to create a custom patio table out of any materials you already have available. Sustainable and recycled found materials can create a one-of-a-kind look and breathe new life into your objects. Try old pieces of wood, glass, or metal. Old pieces of decor, moments, glass fragments from broken pots and other special pieces can also be upcycled into personalized table tops filled with memories. 

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Lighting

Another easy element to fix is your current lighting situation. Intentional lighting can completely transform the mood. Patios and balconies can be used in the evening hours with the right lighting. Popular options include string lights, lanterns, and traditional deck lights. 

If you do have a hammock, don’t exclude it from spotlights. Festoon lights can amplify the relaxed look and are easy to install. That way, you can take naps or watch your favorite shows outdoors, well into the night. 

Get creative with your lighting by layering multiple strings of lights or incorporating a variety of lighting options for a customizable look depending on your activities. You can also try adding in lights at different heights and sizes. Test out lanterns of multiple sizes and heights to really redirect the eye and create an ambient glow. 

If you have a pathway to your outdoor space, you can light the way for you and your guests using soft lights placed at both high and low positions. 

If you want to highlight a main focal feature of your balcony or porch, invest in a few spotlights to really give an elevated look and make sure every guest takes note. Maybe you’re proud of a statue, water display, or the beautiful plants you’ve set up. Don’t let them conceal their beauty during evening drinks or meals. Light illumination can enhance their beauty and give a new sense of depth to their appearance not seen during the day. 

Organization

A cluttered area is difficult to fully relax in. If you’ve been using your outdoor space as storage, it’s natural you would likely spend less time there. However, there are many options to organize your items so you can start enjoying your space! 

If you don’t already own storage bins, it’s time to stock up. They come in a variety of colors and materials depending on your budget, so you don’t have to sacrifice the look of your place. You can also invest in a storage shelf with hidden drawers. This will help give everything a place while maintaining that tidy appearance and creating room. 

When you’re extra tight on space, search for chests or openable benches to place items, while also functioning as a seat for guests. 

Once you’ve put all of these suggestions into action, your porch or balcony could be the most impressive part of your house!