While condo and apartment living can sometimes mean cramped spaces with tight balconies, there are ways to make the most of your 3 x 10 slab of concrete. From folding balcony chairs and tables, to outdoor carpeting, lighting, plants, and more -- it doesn't take much to make your small outdoor space an oasis in the sky. To help you outfit your balcony this summer, the team at BentallGreenOak Residential Services has curated this list of ideas to make any outdoor space a welcome retreat.
Hammock
A cheap and insanely easy addition to balconies of nearly every size. While there can routinely be issues with both hanging ability and balcony depth in modern shoebox condos, there's usually a way to rig it. Check it out.
Hanging Chair
As an alternative to hammocks if space is ultra tight, hanging chairs - either tethered/screwed into a structural support, or using the framed, self-supporting variety - can come in handy when 20 floors up and unwilling to scale the outer windows to find a good hammock hook. See more.
Climbing plants/vines
Plants make every space better. From potted plants, to creeping vines and ivy, a balcony can be transformed from urban squalor to forest chic with very little effort and expense. Read more.
Herb Garden
A more miniscule offshoot of larger scale plant decor ideas, an herb garden can be an easy way to brighten a balcony and grow yourself some aromatic eats. Read more.
Outdoor carpeting
Add a little cushion to your concrete balcony with some outdoor carpeting. And, just an honorable mention here - astroturf - seriously, it's the best, and helps your balcony look vibrant all year round. Check out more.
String Lights
There may be no better patio accessory than string lights. They're fun, they provide functional light, and add emotional warmth -- especially to cozy balcony spaces. Learn more.
Wall Garden
From ladders to old shelves, stacked planters to hanging baskets, and live moss and vine walls, there's huge untapped potential for balcony decorating in the vertical plane. Learn how to craft your own living wall here.
Folding Furniture
While often associated with cheap, breakable plastic varieties, folding patio furniture has improved by leaps and bounds in recent years. From sturdy wood to metal composites, there's a load of stylish stuff that can stow away to maximize even the most minute balcony. Learn more.
The BentallGreenOak Residential Services blog team hopes this list has given you some ideas for how to decorate your balcony this summer. For more information about BentallGreenOak properties in your city, please visit our website.