Must-Have Balcony Essentials You Didn’t Even Know You Needed

Not everyone is lucky enough to live in a house or a villa with a green, spacious yard. If you live in an apartment, balcony or a terrace may be your only outdoor oasis and a green getaway. Wouldn’t it be amazing to spend warm summer nights outdoors? To fully enjoy the space you have, you will have to include some essentials for aesthetic and comfort purposes.

Wooden pallets

Having an outdoor seating area is great. However, it may take up too much space to bring out a sofa or bench. Instead of that, consider paying your local hardware store a visit, and picking up a couple of wooden pallets for your balcony. What do you need wooden pallets for?

Stack two to three wooden pallets on each other. Add a comfortable seat cushion on them and a couple of pillows and smaller cushions. Without too much effort, you have an eclectic, modern seating area on your terrace. In case you need a table or a shelf, you can make it out of wooden pallets as well! Possibilities are endless if you’re creative enough.

Folding furniture

When it comes to balconies, one of the biggest issues is space. You can barely fit a proper seating area for 2-4 people, let alone hold a small gathering up there. However, that shouldn’t stop you from inviting your friends or family over for a get-together.

Buy folding furniture such as chairs and a table. They don’t take up too much space on your balcony and are ideal for times when you have company over. People will no longer have to scooch over on small couches or love seats. Just bring out the folding furniture and enjoy the lovely day.

Storage place

Many people use their balconies only for storing things. As the space is limited, they can’t use it for anything else. However, sooner or later they will realise what a charm it is to have a cute balcony with a comfortable seating area. So, if you're one of those people, to create a cosy corner, you will first have to clean out the clutter.

The truth is, you can’t throw everything away. Therefore, instead of piling things on your terrace, get a storage area. It can be a small cupboard, cabinet or even a shelf. You can style it however you like.

Pillows and blankets

Let’s face it, you can’t get completely comfy without pillows. Is there a better feeling than completely immersing in a soft seating area and reading an intriguing book? Complete the atmosphere with a cold drink, a snack and soft music, and you have created a peaceful corner above the busy street.

Spending chilly nights stargazing with your significant other have never been more romantic. Don’t forget to bring out a soft blanket or a cover for cosy snuggles outside. Blankets are also perfect if you decide to take a nap on your balcony. Besides that, you can add a throw rug for chic aesthetic and fancy decoration.

Decorative fence

The decorative fence may not be essential, but your privacy is. We all know how hard it is to get some privacy in the middle of the city with a lot of residents and buildings. Even if you don't peek, it's impossible not to notice what your terrace neighbour is doing. So, for additional privacy and creativity, implement a decorative fence.

They are also great for personalising your space. Every balcony comes with a fence, but you can’t really choose the type you like. Besides that, decorative fences are ideal for your pet’s safety. They won’t be able to get through the bars and get hurt.

Portable grills

One of the biggest perks of having a yard is barbeque parties with your friends. Summer nights are perfect for eating, laughing and having fun with your best mates. How can you do that if you live in an apartment? Surely, things won’t be the same, but you don’t have to give up the fun. You can spark up an atmosphere by getting a portable grill for your balcony.

Electric portable grills are ideal for small spaces such as balconies and apartments. They are compact and light-weight, so you can prepare a couple of burgers for you and your friends without having to use gas or charcoal. Bon appetite!

Mini fridge

A mini-fridge or a small drink cooler is heaven sent for a balcony. Hot summer days can be dreadful without having a cold drink in your hand. Having to walk all the way to your kitchen to get a refill is even worse. That's why having a mini-fridge on your terrace is essential.

Whether you’d enjoy a perfectly cold beer or a refreshing glass of iced tea, having a cooler at hand is amazing.

Bug spray

Sipping a glass of wine or juice on a warm summer night is like a dream come true. You can just sit back and relax until you hear the well-known buzzing sound. Mosquitoes! Nobody likes being bothered by mosquitoes and other annoying insects.

That’s why you need to buy enough bug spray or other insect repellents. They may even include scented candles that are a great décor too! Don’t let those pests ruing the vibe for you.

Décor

No space feels like home without a personal touch. To give your balcony some personality, include details and décor you like the most. They don’t have to be expensive to look high-end.

For example, metal is very in right now in minimalistic and industrial themes. It creates the "clean and tidy" effect most people are trying to achieve. If mixed with other materials, it serves as an effective element, that brings out other colours on your balcony. For this type of look, experiment with metal details such as window sills or pots and plant holders.

String lights

Even though candles are great décor, you will need a stronger source of light during the night. Installing a regular outdoor light is an option, but where’s the fun and beauty in that? Whether you have a small or a large balcony, string lights or fairy lights are ideal for any style.

For a boho-hippie styled balcony, consider making your own string lights. Hang them over the seating area or around the fence for the cute effects. For a classy and minimalistic style, use plain light bulbs to create the high-class, fancy atmosphere. Experiment and see what kind of the string lights suit your style the most.

Artificial grass

You might not have a yard or a garden, but you can still have soft grass on your balcony. Artificial grass is the best solution for those who crave more greenery in a concrete jungle. It's a low-maintenance mat that can be placed just about anywhere.

You can get it at places such as Mat Shop. This multi-purpose artificial grass is an ideal surface for a morning exercise or a soft place to sit on and enjoy your book. It is designed to replicate real grass, so your bare feet wouldn’t even know the difference. Your kids and pets will surely love it too.

Hanging or potted plants

Is there anything more aesthetically pleasing than greenery? Considering the fact that balconies are usually pretty small, that leaves you almost no place for the potted plants. However, if you get creative, your terrace will look like a real green oasis.

If space is the biggest issue, there are many balcony gardening solutions to try out. Hang your plants or create an interesting green wall on your balcony. That’s how you’ll save space and still have beautiful flowers to take care of. You can also paint the pots in different colours and create a unique, eclectic look everyone will admire.

Conclusion

As you can see, you can have a wonderful outdoor space without a yard. You can turn your balcony into a small oasis in the middle of the city and enjoy the view. Even the limited spaces can be transformed into comfortable corners for you, your friends or family. So, what are you waiting for? Equip your balcony and enjoy warm evenings with your loved ones.