Blooming Balconies
Get savvy with space and maximize your outdoor living
For apartment dwellers, outdoor living may feel out of reach — backyards don’t exist, and patio spaces are swapped for cramped balconies.
That concrete sliver of space can sometimes be ignored, save for a set of mix-match camping chairs and the old pair of sneakers you’ve been meaning to scrub. But there are simple ways that you can make more of that space.
“We’ve seen people using decor with tables, chairs and settees out there and a lot of plants,” said Shannon Burke Johnson, a manager at the Evergreens at Mahan apartment complex. “One resident had a really pretty cabinet filled with flowers.”
Apartment rules aren’t typically as strict as you’d think, Johnson explained. For Evergreens at Mahan, a clean, tastefully decorated balcony will pass the test. Cleaning supplies, coolers and bicycles must be stored inside or in storage and garage spaces. Flags are not permitted, and year-round lighting must be a neutral white or yellow. Fireplaces and charcoal and gas grills are a no-go for safety reasons, but electric grills are OK.
“You’ve got room still for a small bistro table and chairs with your electric grill and then maybe another area with a little hutch or some storage,” Johnson said.
Bistro sets work well on balconies, offering seating for two and a small table for coffee or lunch, crab claws or tuna dip. Easily stowed folding chairs make for versatility. Photo by iStock / Getty Images Plus: Kristin Mitchell
When choosing seating, be mindful of your patio plans — will you need to leave room for a garden or grill? A bistro set will be ideal for most balcony situations, offering seating for two and a small table for coffee or lunch. Opt for a set with folding chairs for versatility.
Similarly, you can optimize the space with stackable stools paired with a bistro table or a short, round coffee table paired with floor cushions for a modern boho look. A settee or bench with an end table creates a cozy setting, too. Pull it all together in style with an outdoor rug. Sizes from 3-by-5-foot to 5-by-7-foot will work for most balconies.
Adding the right lighting will enhance the setting, creating a comfortable glow for an evening of reading or a glass of wine with a friend. Bistro lights can be strung from hooks on the ceiling or along the railing. Solar and battery-powered sconces can easily be hung with Command Strips for a classy look with minimal effort. Tableside and floor lamps allow for creativity in design choice. Opt for a rattan look to match boho vibes or metal or glass for a more sleek look.
Incorporating plants and greenery can liven up the space with color and create a natural, inviting environment. You can add a few low-maintenance plants for looks, or craft a full garden. Keep it simple and regional with a few palms, crotons or vibrant cordylines, which all do well in North Florida. These bold, leafy plants will add depth and color to your green scene.
Before choosing your porch plants, take note of how the sun hits your balcony. If shade is an issue, try partial sun-loving plants. Creeping jenny will do well and look whimsical when draped over railing planters or billowing from macrame hangers. If floral is your style, marigolds are a trusty annual, and petunias, chrysanthemums and geraniums will do well in sunny planters.
For herb and vegetable gardening, get savvy with your space and opt for stackable or tiered planters. Not all vegetables do well in pots; start with tomatoes and herbs before filling in every planter tier. Several varieties of lavender do well in pots and will add a pop of color as well as a fresh and calming scent.
Green thumbs who are tired of anemic looking, flavorless tomatoes offered by grocery stores may opt to devote vertical space on a balcony to growing their own. Photo by iStock / Getty Images Plus: Vaivirga
Johnson said balcony gardens are not only achievable but can be impressive.
“There’s one particular apartment balcony — she has herbs and beautiful roses. She’s really got a green thumb,” she said. “Every time I go by that particular building, I think, ‘Wow!’”
At the holidays, Johnson said, lighting rules are relaxed. Vibrant colored string lights are temporarily permitted, and decorating is very much encouraged. Residents participate in the apartment complex’s annual holiday decorating contest. Many go all out for the occasion with Santas, candy canes, colorful lights and fully decked-out trees.
Don’t let that balcony space go to waste — get to decorating!
An added perk? No lawn mowing.
