Decorating your balcony into a summer living room – here's how to succeed

Summer is the best time of the year. We long to go outside to enjoy the light, warmth, and fresh air. A glazed balcony brings nature closer and offers an excellent setting for various activities. With these tips, you can transform your rented home's glazed balcony into a delightful summer oasis.

A glazed balcony provides extra space for lounging and can accommodate various enjoyable activities. Create a cosy reading nook, a charming breakfast spot, or set up an easel to get inspired by the play of light and colours. Urban gardeners can turn their balcony into a summer garden where flowers and edible plants thrive.

A glazed balcony is easier to decorate to your liking compared to an open one, as the sheltered space is less exposed to the elements.

Keep the following points in mind when planning your dream balcony.

Decorate with weather-resistant materials

Although a glazed balcony is like a second living room, it is still exposed to weather conditions: outdoor humidity and sunshine find their way inside. Therefore, it's essential to choose materials suitable for outdoor use.

A balcony rug not only warms your feet but also adds softness and style to the space. Even on a glazed balcony, it's best to use durable materials such as jute, synthetic fibres, or plastic mats.

For other textiles, remember that the sun can fade their colours. Avoid placing your finest tablecloth or favourite throw blanket on the balcony to bake in the sun.

Consider the maintenance of materials: easy-care materials make balcony upkeep effortless.

Choose furniture according to the balcony's size and purpose

Balcony furniture should withstand sun and moisture, so opt for wood, aluminium, rattan, or synthetic fibres.

The most important factor in choosing balcony furniture is the size of the balcony and its intended use.

Foldable or stackable furniture is perfect for a small balcony where you might enjoy coffee now and then. Multifunctional furniture is also a great choice for a small balcony: benches and tables that can be adapted for various uses provide much-needed flexibility in limited space.

For a larger balcony meant for lounging, a large sofa or a hammock in a stand are ideal – both offer a delightful setting for naps or reading sessions. Beanbags can also create a comfortable nook for enjoying the fresh air.

If you want a living-room-like atmosphere on your balcony, furnish it with similar pieces as your indoor space. A cabinet or sideboard adds a cosy feel and extra storage space.

Curtains protect from the sun and prying eyes

Curtains not only protect from the sun and provide privacy but also add a cosy and soft touch to the space.

Choose a dirt- and moisture-repellent fabric for the curtains, even on a glazed balcony.

Since drilling holes into the balcony surfaces is not allowed in SATOhomes and many other rental apartments, opt for a tension rod between the walls for hanging curtains.

Plants make the oasis

In addition to traditional balcony flowers, houseplants also thrive well on the balcony during summer. Give your indoor plants a summer holiday on the balcony or bring in larger plants like a palm or a dragon tree specifically for the space.

Edible treats from tomatoes to herbs and beans to potatoes also fit perfectly on the balcony.

On sunny days, the temperature on a glazed balcony rises quickly, so it's crucial to pay special attention to watering plants. Watering globes are a great help, ensuring plants get consistent water even when you're not around.

On a glazed balcony, the growing season is wonderfully long: many flowers and vegetables thrive behind the balcony glass from early spring to late autumn.

 

This article was originally published in summer 2016 and updated in spring 2024.