This text is part of the special Pleasures notebook
A balcony can be a real refuge, an ideal place to enjoy the fresh air without leaving your nest. With a little ingenuity, even the tiniest patio can become an inviting den. But you still need to know how to arrange this limited space! Here are some ideas for making the most of your outdoor balcony.
1. Exotic walls
A mistake not to make when arranging a small room? Neglect vertical space! Green walls take up little space and will give you the impression of being surrounded by greenery. Choose the size of your project based on the time and effort you are willing to devote to it. If the gardener in you is feeling up to it, you can easily transform wooden pallets into a vertical garden. We protect it using geotextile sheets, then we use the slats as vegetable plots.
2. Under your feet
An interesting ground cover can completely change the mood and style of your balcony. All sorts of options exist. To give the impression that your terrace is an extension of the interior, you can choose gratings. Fairly easy to install, these wooden or composite material slabs completely transform the final look of your layout.
3. An aperitif corner
To arrange a small balcony, avoid bulky furniture, which can quickly overload the space. A hanging table will free up the floor while giving you a practical corner to work, eat or have a drink. This type of tablet is offered in several colors and styles, thus adapting to all decors. In just a few clicks, you’ll find tons of tutorials for making your own version. Also remember to provide a small storage unit so you can leave some essentials for aperitifs with friends: wine glasses, corkscrew, board for serving appetizers, etc. Having everything within reach will encourage you to take advantage of the space! All that remains is to add a few decorative accessories and one or two stools to relax on your balcony in complete comfort.
4. A plant oasis
The benefits of plants on mental health no longer need to be proven. Why not transform your balcony into a green oasis to contribute to your peace of mind? The secret is to install plants at all levels. Large pots and vegetable plots on the ground, small containers placed on a chair or stool and hanging plants. To create the illusion of being surrounded by nature, go to excess… well measured! Take advantage of this garden to grow your herbs, shoots and vegetables. Be sure to select plants suited to the sunlight level in your space. Spinach, salad and herbs, such as parsley and mint, will flourish in a shadier environment. Transforming your balcony into a vegetable garden will green it up in the blink of an eye and offer you harvests worthy of note. Growing in containers will even allow you to grow small shrubs, like a mini hydrangea.
5. Supreme relaxation
What’s better than breathing fresh air to completely relax! A small bed or sofa covered with cushions will provide you with a perfect relaxation area for reading. These sofas can be found in stores or custom-made, but they are also easy to DIY at home! We equip ourselves with wooden pallets (often offered free of charge in renovation centers), a screwdriver-drill and screws. Find inspiration online and benefit from tips from those who have done it before you. Our advice: choose well-padded cushions, because comfort is the key element. You can opt for a monochrome style or for bursts of color in a bohemian atmosphere. Don’t neglect lighting! It is thanks to him that we define the atmosphere and allow ourselves the possibility of enjoying our balcony at any time of the day.
This content was produced by the Special Publications team at Duty, relating to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part.