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For most people living in tight metropolitan areas like Mumbai, balconies are one of the luxury spaces which only a few can access. However, if you have a great viewing area where you can sip some tea and unwind from a long day, then you should most certainly rejoice in that space. With pieces of delicate outdoor furniture, rugs, and a coffee table along with a relaxing area, balconies can provide you with so much more than just a good view. So gather your balcony layout and get creative while designing your apartment’s viewing space. To guide you further, here are 25 balcony design ideas for your ideal cozy balcony.
1. Keep Things Minimal
If you have a relatively smaller balcony, then you can go for a minimally designed sleek space by adding balcony chairs and table sets without adding bulky furniture which occupies more space. You do not need additional fancy elements or highlighted décor to bring out the most of your balcony. A limited color scheme, well-selected minimal lights and furniture, and a simple carpet will certainly give elegance to the balcony. For smaller balconies, You can even let loose by completely ditching the bulky balcony furniture and adding a mat to the floor with some throw-on pillows for a homely look.
2. Plan It Vertically
If you have a balcony that is more vertically spread out then you can opt for hanging planters. Add vertical wall décor elements and wall hanging decor to your balcony wall instead of spreading them out on the floor area. Adding plants is another great option. This will not only save your floor space but also add more depth and vertical aesthetics to your balcony.
3. Add Rugs For A Cozy Look
To achieve an eye-catching exterior balcony that will attract your guests into the space, an earthy balcony design will be your ideal pick. Outdoor rugs are also a great way to control dirt and withstand the sun over your balcony floor leading to minimum maintenance. Furthermore, this balcony design idea is not only perpetual but also adds vibrancy to your viewing balcony.
4. Use Swing Beds or Hammocks As Your Main Accessories
Swings are loved by both adults as well as kids. You can also add a set of outdoor furniture with a coffee table for a nice complete set. This can will eventually become a favorite spot for you and your family members to rest and unwind. If you have extra horizontal balcony space to design, then you can most certainly add a full-body hammock or a swing hammock for a more boho look.
5. Opt For A Pet-friendly Balcony Design For Your Fur Babies
For all the pet owners out there, you certainly cannot leave your balconies open with your dog/cat peeping out of the balcony. Hence to avoid accidents you can add engaging toys, climbing paths, and most importantly barricades for your pet to enjoy balcony space without causing any trouble.
6. Do Consider The Classic B&W Finish
For achieving that Hollywood modern look which is imposing, you can always select a black and white color palette for your balcony to give it an effortless look. You can also add colorful accessories to give a pop of color to the contrasting black and white balcony. This also helps even out the entire space without taking the entire focus focusing on the B&W elements.
7. Flash Your Flooring
If you are looking to give your balcony that noticeable flooring, then an eclectic floor design is what you need. To balance the entire patterned flooring look you can add plants of your choice. If you wish to deviate from the regular flooring designs then can also add mosaic floorings inspired by Moroccan Architecture for a more intricate look for your balcony.
8. Add Life To Your Balcony With Plants
Bring in the greenery to your apartment by adding planted pots and wall climbers to your balcony design. For small apartment balconies, hanging plant boxes are also a great alternative for potted plants as they do not take up more floor space. Do check the radius of the growing plant which you select as it may cause distractions in your balcony movement. You can also opt for some colored plants that add a tint to your leisure time. Make sure to keep the vegetation all maintained by watering and trimming. Those homeowners who do not have time to look after a mini-garden can opt for artificial plants. Make sure to choose a high-quality plastic plant as the cheaper ones may tend to look tacky with time.
9. Highlight A Portion With Wall Panels
For a more even-toned look balcony, you can add wall panels to your balcony. These decorative panels can also provide a great sense of protection to the wall. The trick is to ensure that the installed panel has been provided with a solid weathering cover so that it stays protected from the external environment.
10. Design A Reading Corner
For all the book lovers out there who enjoy a great view with their book and a cup of coffee, you can opt for a nice small bookshelf at the side of your balcony walls and add a set of chairs and tables for you to relax on. Make sure you place your bookshelf in such a place that it won’t be affected by rains or other harsh weathering conditions.
11. Use Lights To Provide Visual Warmth
Accessories such as candles, string lights, or neon lights along with a stone wall can completely transform your balcony space into the most visually appealing and comforting area. You can even add a set of incense or scented candles and throw in a bean bag for achieving that extra comfort.
12. Play With Contrasting Colors For A Poppy Look
Contrasting colors such as yellow, blue, or even pink can add the oomph factor to your balcony space. These accent colors can further be balanced with a warm set of furniture and plants. You can also opt for any earthy schemes, mint colors, or even a vibrant blue to emphasize more on the power of color. Always remember that radiant color themes should always be set off with a simple furniture set.
13. Add A Mini Bar
If you wish to enjoy your late-night drinks with the breeze flowing through your hair, you can add a mini-bar on your balcony with minimal seating and a foldable table. and you a mini cooler and glass holders with wooden seating for a more vintage feel. Such nooks of your house will be the ideal spot to hang out in or after a party with your family and friends.
14. Choose Glass Railings For Seamless Integration Between Outdoor & Indoor
Since evolving times, glass has been the ideal choice for an exterior balcony finish. A toughened or tempered glass gives an edgier, slimmer and modern finish over a traditional baluster. Glass does not degrade over time thus providing to be an excellent railing material. However, ensure safety protocols for the same if you have kids or pets at home. For the maintenance of your outdoor glass, you do not need to stack up on cleaning materials or chemicals. Simply walk into your kitchen and add warm water with white vinegar to your spray bottle. If you do not wish to use any kitchen elements then you can opt for readymade glass cleaning sprays which are readily available in the supermarkets. Both these solutions will leave your balcony glass squeaky clean.
15. Opt For An Open Design Concept
If you are looking to make the most of your balcony space then an open concept design idea will be your ideal pick. The whole idea of an open balcony concept is to incorporate it into your room without providing any barricades or partitions and make it a separate unit. You can even add a small eating table outdoors along with a cute bookshelf or crockery shelf to make it more aesthetic. This will give you a look of a wider and much larger room and will provide the functionality to that space as well.
16. Add Reused and Repurposed Elements
Balcony design does not necessarily mean that you need to design it significantly. You can also turn it into a simple DIY balcony project by redoing your old tables or by using old bottles as planter pots. This recycled and reused balcony theme can be a fun space for you while also raising awareness and saving nature as well.
17. Design A Play Area For Kids
Balconies can also be carefully designed as a kid’s play area as well. What’s more? It could also provide children with some Vitamin D. You can also add a portable pool or a kid’s table and chair set for them to play indoors. Of course, special precautions and adult supervision are a must for your kid’s safety in a balcony area.
18. Use The Space For A Soothing Morning Meditation
For the ones looking for a stress-free meditation space in their apartments, you can turn your balcony into a mind-soothing area. Add a melodious wind chime, a yoga mat, and some Bluetooth speakers where you can listen to a mental program podcast peacefully. This will surely help you connect with nature and keep you away from the bustling city.
19. Design A Workstation
If you are someone who enjoys working from home with a great view then simply add a small desk with a chair on your balcony for a fresh ray of sunshine while working. Always remember to place your desk in such a way that you do not get any computer glare which makes it difficult for you to work. You can add small office accessories and storage areas in such spaces. Also, remember to keep your documents and accessories safe from rains and any other weather conditions.
20. Paint It The Right Way
Balconies when painted can either make it or break the entire look. You can paint a motivational quote that keeps you going or can block paint it to give it a personalized feel. If you are not a fan of script writing you can play with shapes, sizes, patterns, and colors while selecting the right design for your balcony.
21. Choose Rust Finished Walls For More Texture
If you do not wish to provide regular paint to your balcony walls, then rust-finished walls can complete your balcony design. This not only adds a natural element to your viewing space but also adds a nice color and texture.
22. Go For An Exposed Brick Wall For An Industrial Aesthetic
If you are more inclined towards an industrial theme for your home and wish to continue the same for your balcony, then an exposed brick wall can be your ideal pick. A set of metal furniture and black railings can finish your entire balcony look.
23. Go Creative By Hand-painting Your Balcony Wall
Painting your balcony wall will not only give a personalized touch to it but will also give it a beautiful finish. You can proudly own the copyrights of your cozy balcony space which will surely give an inviting effect for your guests. Don’t forget to provide a weathering coat so that the paint does not wash off your balcony walls.
24. Be Accurate With Your Proportions
Furniture picking for balconies can be tricky at times. If you go straight ahead and purchase the furniture set you’ve been eyeing for so long, but it takes up the entire space, then it will be a failed design. Always look for compact furniture which is suitable for outdoor seating areas along with a table. Foldable furniture is your best friend in such cases. Always ensure you have space to move in and around your balcony without any bulky furniture coming your way. Movable furniture will cause fewer accidents if you have kids and pets at home as well.
25. Add An Oomph Factor With A Designer Deck
If you wish to segregate your balcony space without really providing any partition walls, then you can add levels to your balcony by adding a deck in your space. A nice pinewood deck will not only add dimension and height to your balcony but will also make a powerful statement to your balcony space.
Things To Remember While Designing Your Balcony
For keeping your balcony design intact for the longer term, always remember that the elements which you will be adding to your balcony will always be exposed to mother nature. Hence pick elements that are water and dust proof and do not require much maintenance.
While selecting your planters always keep in mind the climate in which you live and how much sunlight your balcony takes in, as the plants can easily be damaged by harsh sunlight or no sunlight. These little green bodies are also not a one-time investment. Hence, you can opt for artificial planters if you do not wish to take care of them for a longer span.
And finally, think about the fact that you are looking for an outsourced outdoor balcony design or a private enclosed balcony design. Your décor, partitions, and furniture elements will change accordingly. Fabric hangings and weatherproof tiles are used to shut the space yet provide the shade you need for your balcony. Some local bamboos or metals can also help provide you with some privacy in your viewing space while keeping the sustainability factors in mind.
Now that we have given you 25 practical yet aesthetic ideas for your cozy balcony, do feel free to pick one or two and implement the same in your homes for that perfect finished apartment balcony of your choice.
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