Balcony Garden Designs That Are Not-So Basic

Summer is SHORT and you have limited space. We are talking about a traditional balcony, as in long and narrow, usually with a sliding glass door. The standard for balcony decor has always been a few small pots and maybe some plastic window boxes, either hanging from brackets on the railing or set on the ground against the railing. Let’s explore some ideas that make that balcony into an extra room for you to enjoy every last minute of summer.

Starting at the Bottom

Outdoor carpets come in “runner” sizes (around 2 feet by 7 feet) and make a huge impact for low cost. Available in many colors and styles, it will save your feet from the inevitable scorch of late summer as well as pulling your outdoor space together and setting you apart from your neighbors.  

If a Rug Won’t Cut It

Interlocking wood tiles float above your existing deck and provide a very chic, modern flooring that can be packed up and moved with you very easily.

On A Roll

Rolled fencing, in willow, bamboo or heather, comes in several heights and widths and can add an extra layer of privacy to your balcony. Easily attached to railings with clear zip ties, rolled fencing can also add a little more security if you share your balcony with pets, too. Although nothing is as safe as always being watched by a careful owner.

Big Plants

Having a few larger plants in large planters make a much bigger statement than having a dozen small planters that sit on the ground. We are talking at least 24” tall and around. Buy large indoor tropical plants and the appropriately sized pots for them to live in. You can pull these indoors once the weather turns, bringing a little extra cheer indoors throughout the winter, and put them back outdoors in spring. Look for palms, ficus, Norfolk pines, and snake plants.

On the Rails

To snazz up your balcony railing, consider hayrack planters in the largest lengths and sizes you can wrangle. The larger the planter, the less watering, and the better your plants’ overall health. In other words, a 4-foot planter will be deeper and have more soil mass than a 2-foot trough and therefore dry out less quickly. You can purchase new coco liners each year and the hayracks are easily hung from railings with heavy duty zip ties.

A Little Light

Whether it’s wrapping twinkle lights around your railing, sticking solar lights in your planters or just bringing candles out when you enjoy your outdoor space, have a plan to add a little light. It all depends on your personal style, needs and what kind of power source is available.

See how it looks BEFORE you buy using iScape. Just snap a photo or use iScape’s powerful Augmented Reality capabilities to see how you can do right by your balcony. So simple, so easy… iScape it! Download the app here.