Thinking of giving your apartment balcony a makeover? While it may seem like a daunting task, redecorating a balcony is surprisingly easy with a little bit of guidance and planning.
We’ve put together the most important tips to consider before getting started in addition to the most common balcony makeover ideas. We’ve also sourced a bunch of balcony makeover before and after photos so you can visualize the potential of your space more easily.
Tips before getting started
It’s important to plan out your balcony makeover properly before you do anything else. Follow the below balcony makeover tips to ensure you set up your project for success.
Decide What you want to get out of the space
Perhaps the most important thing to pinpoint before getting started is your overall goal for the space. Why are you looking to do a balcony makeover in the first place?
Maybe you’re tired of wasting the space and leaving it completely empty. Maybe you want to spend more time outside, but the current set-up is uncomfortable or uninviting. Maybe you just want to do something different and are looking for some inspiration. Either way, figuring out your end goals before getting started will save you time in the long run.
Understand Renter / HOA restrictions
Understanding any décor restrictions for your building is important to find out before getting started. Most times, the rules aren’t super restrictive, but it’s good to understand anything you should avoid.
Renters typically aren’t able to drill holes or make any structural changes, so you’ll want to avoid projects that require drilling. Condo owners might have an aesthetic code that they need to abide by.
Regardless of your situation, check with your building management or HOA to understand any restrictions that might affect the redesign of your balcony.
Set a Budget
Determining your budget from the beginning is important because it will help you with planning out your space.
If you’re not looking to spend a ton of money, you might just want to consider making a few simple changes versus a drastic overhaul of your space. You also might want to consider exploring DIY projects as well. While these might take more time to complete upfront, they can save a considerable amount of money.
Either way, setting a budget will help you decide how much you want to do and in what way.
Plan Your layout
Once you’ve determined your goals, budget and understand any limitations you need to abide by, it’s time to plan out your space.
Are you going to replace all of your furniture, or are you going to focus on making décor changes instead? Which ones are you going to focus on?
If you’re at this stage, but are still unclear on what to do, do not worry! This is where before and after photos can provide some inspiration for your own project.
8 Balcony Makeover Ideas
A balcony makeover can be as simple as switching out your pillows and throws, or it can be as complicated as changing your entire look and layout. Below are the 8 most common elements that people change as part of a balcony makeover. As you’ll see in many of these photos, a balcony makeover project can include one or all of these ideas.
1. Install balcony Flooring
Adding or switching up balcony flooring can dramatically change the overall look of a balcony. Balcony flooring options can include:
- Decking
- Tile
- Rugs
- Artificial turf or real grass
- Painting the floor
2. Add some Lighting
Lighting is an easy way and economical to add ambience and coziness to a balcony. It also turns the space into a functional area at night. String lights and lanterns are typically hung from a balcony ceiling, balcony railing or against a balcony wall. You can also find outdoor floor or table lamps.
3. Update Wall décor or paint
One of the easiest ways to transform a tiny balcony is to add décor to a balcony wall. This can come in many forms:
- Shelving
- Hanging planters
- Flower walls
- Trellis or screen
Alternatively, you can simply paint the balcony wall (as in the below example) to achieve a different look and feel for the space.
4. Add Fencing
Fencing will not only add privacy to a balcony space, but it will add warmth and coziness and contribute to the overall aesthetic of the space.
Typical fencing options used on a balcony include bamboo/reed fencing (as shown below), metal, canvas and faux greenery.
5. Hang Curtains
Curtains can be used in a variety of ways on a balcony. Sheer curtains can dress up any space and opaque curtains can be used to hide bad balcony views or to provide privacy.
6. Update your Furniture
Not only can furniture transform the functionality of your entire balcony, but when used properly it can also make the space feel much bigger.
If you’re working with an awkwardly shaped space and are having trouble finding comfortable furniture that fits, consider investing some time into a DIY sofa project.
7. Add Pillows, throws and smaller décor items
Sometimes it’s really just as simple as changing out smaller décor items like pillows or throws. Patterns or bright colors can make a huge difference to an otherwise boring couch. For extra effect, add an area rug like the below.
8. Bring in some Greenery
As shown in the photo below, adding flowers or plants can transform the tiniest of spaces and turn it into something beautiful.
Plants can be added into planters on the floor or as hanging plants off a railing, ceiling or wall.
More Balcony Makeover Before and After Photos:
Conclusion
Remodeling a balcony can be as easy or as complicated as you like. Hopefully, these tips, ideas and before and after balcony makeover photos have provided some inspiration for your redesign project!