Condo Living: Creating the Perfect Balcony

Living in a condo usually means you’re working with smaller square footage than a standalone house. Because of this, figuring out how to best use the available space can present challenges to new condo owners. One of the most overlooked parts of a condo is the balcony. It might be short on square footage, but the balcony is probably one of the most critical points of interest for any condo owner…especially if that new condo comes with a stunning ocean view.

The problem that many condo owners have when approaching balcony décor is determining how to work with irregular shapes or widths. Many balconies are long but very skinny. Others are wide front to back but short side to side. Typical patio furniture may just not fit the irregular dimensions of your balcony, but the good news is, with a little planning, you can turn your balcony into one of your favorite parts of your new home.

Determine What You Have to Work With

The first thing you need to do is take a look at your balcony. If it’s long and skinny you’re not going to be able to buy that oversized patio furniture you’ve been eyeing. Instead, choose a bench that you can add comfy cushions to, or, a petite garden bistro set. Choose furniture that is easy to move around so that you can utilize the pieces in different ways. For instance, when you have guests over, a small bistro set can be turned inward to face the interior of the condo creating more seating space. On a mild night, patio doors can be swung open to create a bigger living area while letting in cool ocean breezes.

Decide What Is Most Important to You
Will your balcony serve mostly as an outdoor dining space or a quiet reading nook? Will you be putting your feet up to relax or having lively conversations over the morning newspaper? Choose furniture that fits those needs. A long, lounge chair can be slid sideways into a skinny balcony for afternoon naps or weekend reading time, whereas, a small outdoor table and swivel chairs would be better suited for morning breakfast and afternoon hors d’ouevres.

Add Plants
Adding a few small potted plants can transform a boring balcony into a welcoming outdoor space. Even one or two small containers with flowers or greenery can go a long way to making a balcony feel fresh and sophisticated. Be sure and choose plants that will thrive in your balcony’s environment. Consider sun exposure as well as how often you can commit to watering. If your balcony is on an upper level be sure and be courteous to the neighbors below you. Secure your pots and make sure that when watering you don’t inadvertently flood the balcony beneath yours.

Preserve Your View
The biggest mistake most people make when accessorizing their balcony is not preserving their view. Don’t choose furniture that is so high profile that it disturbs the line of sight from inside your condo. After all, there isn’t a piece of furniture on the planet that can compare to the beautiful beaches of the Grand Strand!

Photo Copyright: kayros / 123RF Stock Photo
Photo Copyright: innocent / 123RF Stock Photo

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