7 Tips to Brighten Up Your Balcony!

Photo credit: Artur Aleksanian via Unsplash

Are you tired of that bare, gray concrete look on your balcony, but not quite sure how to turn it into a cozy, green little paradise? Here are some practical tips.

If you want to transform a garden into a green oasis, the first thing you do is remove the tiles and replace them with grass and plants. But of course, that’s not an option on your balcony. That concrete floor will have to stay where it is—otherwise, you’ll sink right through it. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to add greenery to your balcony and make it cozier.

1. Deck tiles or a rug

Making your balcony cozier starts with the floor. Is it currently concrete or gray tiles? There are so many more options than that! Wooden decking or mosaic tiles will instantly give your balcony a completely different look—much warmer and cozier. Another option is to lay down an outdoor rug. This is especially handy if your balcony is covered and doesn’t get rained on.

Just a few small changes can make all the difference. I suggested to a friend that she lay down some decking tiles, place some flower pots on the ground and hang a few, and buy some brightly colored throw pillows. What a difference!

2. Natural balcony partition

Do you also have a dreary fence on your balcony? Then consider installing a beautiful, natural barrier made of, for example, bamboo poles, willow branches, or greenery! The climbing nasturtium winds its way easily around your balcony railing. An evergreen clematis or honeysuckle in a pot is also a great idea. That way, you’ll have a green railing even in winter.

I came up with this idea for two clients who weren’t allowed to attach anything to the railing. Planters with a climbing frame inside, where evergreen clematis and honeysuckle will eventually grow. On the left are two potted evergreen honeysuckles. That works great, too!

Don’t want to completely cover the railing but still want to be able to see through it? Then opt for balcony planters. They’ll brighten things up right away. Go for a mix of perennials and flower bulbs to enjoy blooming plants all year round. Choose organic plants that attract bees and butterflies, such as Rozanne geraniums, botanical tulips, grape hyacinths, alliums, and marigolds.

3. A cozy sitting area

For example, you can create a cozy seating area using old pallets and some nice, big pillows. If you have very little space, consider a storage chest that you can also use as a bench to sit on. Just add a few pillows, and your seating area is ready!

5. Vertical Vegetable Garden

Do you love growing your own vegetables? You can do that just as well on a balcony. Make the most of the vertical space and choose a raised vegetable planter or a vertical edible wall where you can grow herbs or strawberries. Of course, you can also use regular pots on the floor.

Tip: Stack your jars—that way, you can fit more of them in.

6. Attracting Birds

Want to attract birds? Then make sure to put some plants on your balcony that birds love. Think, for example, of sunflowers, which produce seeds in the fall that the birds can snack on. Strawberries are always a hit, too (a little for you and a little for the birds). Also, make sure you have a spot where birds can drink and bathe. This could be a water dish, but you could also set up a small pond with aquatic plants. That way, you’ll have a drinking spot for birds right away.

7. A touch of paint for the wall

Do you have a bit of guts? Then give your balcony wall a bold coat of paint. In my backyard, I painted my patio walls bright yellow and another wall bright blue. It was a gamble, but I still enjoy the cheerful colors every day. Especially in the winter, it makes everything feel so much less gloomy!

My wonderfully cheerful backyard!

Need help?

I hope you've picked up some fun ideas for sprucing up your balcony. Are you having trouble coming up with a plan on your own? You can also hire me to come up with something fun for your balcony.