How to Create an Apartment Balcony Oasis

Upgrading your outdoor balcony doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Use the following tips to turn it into the perfect outdoor haven.

Considerations for Your Balcony Upgrade

Select quality items. Outdoor furniture and decor are available in various materials, such as wrought iron, teak and plastic.

While bargains and trends can be enticing, consider each piece's quality before buying anything. Poorly made furniture and decor don't typically last. Choosing higher quality items, regardless of cost, can help them last longer.

Consider the weather. You can help ensure your purchases last longer by selecting items that can withstand your area's seasons. For example, if it rains frequently, look for materials that resist water, mildew and rust.

Note your power sources. Review your balcony's power sources to ensure you have enough outlets to support your new upgrades.

Follow the rules. Check with your building regulations, city codes or homeowners association guidelines before making permanent changes to your balcony.

Be courteous. Remember to be considerate of your neighbors, both while you set up your new balcony space and while you’re enjoying it.

5 Balcony Decoration Ideas

Whether you live in a single-family home or a multi-unit apartment, you can turn your balcony into your go-to spot. With a little attention and planning, you can turn this often-overlooked space into a favorite outdoor hangout. From furnishings to plants, here are five tips to help you revamp your balcony.

1. Add Outdoor Balcony Seating

Tight space on a balcony means seating takes some creativity. But you can still add a spot for both dining and lounging with these tips.

Bench with storage. This space-saving solution gives you 2-in-1 functionality. A bench with storage underneath will maximize your small space while making it more comfortable. The bench offers a sleek sitting area for reading, eating and chatting, while the storage underneath gives you a spot to tuck away any unused items, such as cushions or gardening tools.

Hammock or hanging chair. A hammock or a hanging chair is an easy and affordable option to turn your balcony into a cozy spot for reading or napping. Just make sure to check with your landlord first before you safely mount it from your balcony ceiling.

Small table and chairs. A small but stylish table and two chairs are all you need to expand your balcony into a perfect spot for morning coffee, a light lunch or dinner al fresco.

2. Decorate Your Balcony with Plants and Greenery

Plants can help you create a peaceful space. Before getting started, knowing which types will thrive in your environment is essential. To begin, determine how much sunlight your balcony gets:

• Full sun: six or more hours of direct sun
• Partial sun: less than six hours of sunlight
• Full shade: no direct sun (don’t worry — there are still plenty of plants that enjoy indirect or very little sun)
• Then choose flowers and foliage based on how much sun each plant needs.

Planter wall. Create a striking showcase with a wall of flowers and greenery. A planter wall is a fresh way to showcase your plant collection while creating vertical height in your small space.

Balcony garden. More and more people are interested in growing their own food — even in urban settings. Using one to create a balcony garden is a great way to spruce up your space while cultivating delicious herbs and veggies. Stick to easy-to-grow varieties, such as basil and tomatoes, that thrive in small spaces.

Potted plants. Planters are an easy way to add a lot of color and life to your balcony. Make a statement with one or two large potted plants or a variety of smaller plants. Mix it up with colors and greenery or create a soothing palette with a monochromatic color scheme. Whatever fits your unique style.

Railing planters. These specially designed boxes hold plants over balcony railings, adding beauty and curb appeal to your space. You could also place these handy planters on top of the rail, creating more privacy on your balcony.

Hanging flowerpots. Add a pop of color at eye-level with hanging baskets. Look for full blooms or greens that drop down over the sides of the basket, such as petunias, begonias or potato vines. Make sure there’s a drainage hole in each pot for healthy air and water flow.

3. Invest in Balcony Lighting

The right lighting can make all the difference on your balcony, instantly making your space feel warm and welcoming. Here are some lighting ideas that can add ambiance to give your balcony a magical glow.

First, ensure you have proper outdoor outlets for external lights. Outdoor spaces should have ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets, a special type of circuit breaker that can automatically shut off power directly at the outlet when it detects an electrical fault, to reduce the risk of fire and injuries. Many outdoor outlets also include a plastic cover to keep the outlet dry in all kinds of weather.

Regardless of your lighting choices, make sure you’re using items rated for outdoor use, especially if they'll be exposed to water. Using indoor lighting outdoors may be banned by your landlord or city.

Battery-powered lights. These simple lights are a great option when you don’t have outdoor outlets nearby.

Lamps. One of the easiest light sources to add to a balcony is a simple floor lamp that can throw a lot of light into your small area. Even a single table lamp can give you a cozy glow at night.

Lanterns. Lanterns are an enchanting way to add a comfortable, inviting warmth to your balcony. A simple row of paper lanterns helps light the way along a railing, while an assortment of metal lanterns is a modern take on a classic lighting choice.

String lights. From delicate white fairy lights to the warm glow of vintage-inspired Edison bulbs, string lights are always a classic choice. Wind them along the railing, drape them from the ceiling, or weave them throughout your planters for a glowing look.

Sphere lights. For a modern twist on the string lights, choose spherical pendant lights. They’re generally lightweight and easy to hang from any ceiling, and just one or two can cast a warm light over an entire small space.

Sconces. If floor space is tight, add wall sconces to get the lighting you need to enjoy your balcony without sacrificing more area.

4. Make Your Balcony Private

Privacy can feel hard to come by in a large apartment complex or close-knit community. But everyone needs a quiet space to recharge and rest. With just a few easy steps, your balcony can give you the peace and privacy you need.

Curtains. Installing outdoor curtains is an easy addition that creates privacy while dramatically updating your aesthetic. They’re a great way to switch between a private or more public view with ease. Make sure to choose a style specially made for outdoor use that will resist the elements.

Screens and panels. For a quick and sleek privacy solution, consider bamboo panels or an inexpensive lattice. It can also help provide shade if it gets too hot.

Outdoor umbrella. Today’s umbrellas come in a variety of sizes and colors to match any décor. Many tilt or swivel to give you a flexible shade solution that doubles as a privacy screen.

Nature. Planting some strategic greenery can close off your balcony to neighbors and passersby. If your balcony restrictions allow for it, a row of large plants or trees, a line of shrubs or a trellis with climbing vines are great ways to use nature to protect your privacy. You can also plant bamboo and nurture it to full growth for a fast-growing, natural privacy screen. If you live in an apartment, remember to utilize railing planters or large outdoor plants to close off your space.

5. Consider Space and Storage

On a small balcony, space is precious — so it’s important to pick and choose items wisely. Here are some tips to help you maximize your seating space and storage options.

Seating with storage. Choose seating with storage underneath for double functionality. Have fun with it. Benches with a lid can conceal a lot of storage space, ottoman cubes can hide a few blankets or comfy pillows, and even a sturdy side table with shelves underneath can offer an extra seat in a pinch.

Storage containers. Choose storage containers that meet your aesthetic and functional needs to maximize space. You can include bookcases, plastic storage bins, fabric or woven baskets, and decorative boxes to match your décor.

Keep it decluttered. The key to a peaceful and functional space is to keep it clear of clutter. Remove unnecessary items and clean the area regularly so you can enjoy every minute in your new outdoor space.

And there you have it. Your apartment should make you feel inspired from the outside to the inside. With just a few adjustments and additions, you can create the perfect space to enjoy your space alone or with company.

Protect Your New Balcony Oasis

Once you’ve perfected your balcony, make sure you’re doing all you can to protect it by talking to your American Family Insurance agent.

Whether you rent or own, homeowners insurance or renters insurance can help cover your new favorite space. Get the peace of mind you deserve by building your own homeowners or renters policy customized to your unique needs.

Looking for more DIY tips? Head to our Renters Resource hub, where you’ll find more ways to create a unique space, plus how you can protect it with renters insurance.

This article is for informational purposes only and includes information widely available through different sources. This article does not afford, offer, or guarantee any coverage.

*Customers who bundle home and auto insurance policies may save up to 23% on both policies together (as of December 2023). Discounts may vary by state, property, policy form and company underwriting the home and/or auto policy. Discounts may not apply to all coverages on a home or auto policy.