Balcony solutions that will help you make the most of your outdoor space
By Sumiko Wilson on Apr 14, 2016
As we transition into spring and the weather gets warmer, being outside becomes more of a pleasure and less of a punishment. This will inevitably mean more time in your outdoor space; the backyard, on the patio, on the terrace or, for condo residents, on the balcony.
High-rise balconies offer incomparable views of the city but residents sometimes find that they are lacking in certain departments. These cons are not enough to sour condo life but they may potentially pose an inconvenience over time.
So leading up to summer, here are some helpful hacks for your condo balcony to ensure that you are just as comfortable outside as you are indoors:
1) Too much/not enough sun
Depending on your unit’s placement, you may find that sunlight is either blindingly excessive or sombrely deficient. For either predicament, there are stylish solutions.
If your balcony is too shady, you can combat the cold by installing a sleek electric heater. Though it is always a good idea to check your own building’s stance, most will permit a heater as long as it doesn’t require gas or fire.
The VIREOO Heated Table by Mensa requires neither, making it a great choice for a shady, chilly balcony. Moreover it is less costly and more eco-friendly than a propane heater and conveniently doubles as a table.
If your balcony is too sunny for your liking, this Sun Shade from CB2 can be helpful, as long as it is tightly secured. Another issue that may arise if you aren’t getting enough sun on your balcony is withering plants. Hostas and hydrangeas can thrive in light shade and will certainly bring life to your balcony. When you are on the other side of the spectrum and you find that your unit gets too much sun, potted lavender and Russian sage are good plant choices.
2) Not enough space
While some have the luxury of a spacious balcony, others are confined to far fewer square feet. To optimize your surface area on a smaller balcony, it is a good idea to consider your vertical space versus your horizontal space.
In doing this, you may decide to set your plants atop outdoor surfaces using the Steckling Plant Container. Folding furniture is also a good choice. Philippe Malouin’s Hanger Chair is ideal for smaller spaces, as it is collapsible and can be hung up when it is not in use.
3) Not enough privacy
If you find that your neighbours are too close for comfort, DIY will become your BFF. For added privacy, you can drape the balcony walls with faux greenery from FenceScreen.com. As an added plus, FenceScreen’s foliage muffles sounds and reduces echoes, making for a more intimate balcony.
On the rare occasion where you can see over the balcony divider, consider setting potted plants atop the divider or placing tall flowers or boxwood in front of it to give the illusion of a higher wall.
We hope these tips help you make the most of your balcony this spring and summer!
