Maybe you’re the proud owner of a balcony like I am? I remember when we bought our home. I envisioned myself spending countless leisurely hours out on the balcony enjoying a cup of coffee each morning or sipping a glass of wine at the end of the day soaking in the view. Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it?
Well, fast forward 2 years and I think I’ve spent a total of 10 minutes out on the balcony. I think my cat Lucy has spent more time hanging out, bird watching, than I have. LOL.
It has such a sad, neglected, dusty, lonely feel to it, doesn’t it? It looks more like a time out corner than an inviting spot beckoning anyone to come and sit for a spell.
It definitely has some potential though! It has a gorgeous birds eye view of the mature oak trees that surround the house and it feels like you are up in a tree house. Add loads of birds that visit and it’s the perfect perch to soak up the beautiful view that Mother Nature has provided.
But where do you start? How do you go from the before picture to the after? It’s easier than you think and you don’t need to be an interior decorator to do it either.
Instead of forging ahead willy-nilly, take a deep breath and make a simple plan. Not only will make it easier to create an inviting space, but it will help you stay within a budget as well. Keep reading to find how easy the process can be.
1. Decide how you will use the space.
The way you want to use the space will determine how to furnish and decorate it. Do you see yourself having breakfast out on the balcony when the weather is nice? A small bistro set would be perfect and allow you to have your morning cup of coffee while enjoying a sunrise.
Maybe you want a spot to escape to at the end of a long day to enjoy a glass of wine while you catch up on emails? A comfy loveseat with a small coffee table to put your feet up would work beautifully.
I wanted a comfortable space where I could get away from all the distractions in the house and focus on writing and working on my laptop. I needed a quiet space to work. A comfortable chair or lounger creates a comfortable, inviting spot to work.
2. Measure the space.
Get out a tape measure and write down the measurements of the space. I’m a visual person so I like to draw out the space on a sheet of graph paper. Be sure to note any windows, doors or fixed obstacles that may impact where you can place furniture.
Take a picture and keep it with you on your phone. This will help you immensely when you unexpectedly find something that you want to purchase. No matter how lovely the piece is or how inexpensive it is, a bargain isn’t a bargain if you bring it home only to discover it won’t fit in your space.
3. Determine your budget.
The good news is balconies are typically on the small side so it shouldn’t break the bank creating an inviting space for yourself. Before buying anything shop your house first to see if you have any furniture that you could pull out onto your balcony. If you have a covered balcony, anything you put outside should be protected, except maybe in the most extreme weather conditions, so you are not limited to using just outdoor furniture to furnish the space.
Good to know: Avoid using furniture outdoors made with MDF wood. Moisture will cause it to swell and warp. Moisture is its mortal enemy and will ruin it in short order.
If you are on a tight budget, check local garage sales, thrift stores, and consignment stores. Don’t let the finish on a piece stop you from purchasing a bargain. If you love the shape of a piece, it’s the right size for your space, and the price is right; grab it! It’s easy to change the color of almost anything with chalk paint or a couple coats of spray paint. Check out these links for step by step instructions on How To Transform Old, Dated Wood Furniture with Chalk Paint or DIY How to Chalk Paint Wood Furniture or this post about Refinishing Outdoor Wood Furniture. It’s easier than you think to transform an old dated piece of furniture and turn it into a unique piece that you will love for years to come.
Facebook Marketplace, Ebay or Craigslist are other fabulous resources for finding affordable treasures. I’ve not only found some wonderful items for my home using these online resources, but I’ve sold quite a few items over the years as well. Have some old pieces of furniture to sell? Use the proceeds from items you sell to purchase something you can use to furnish your space.
5. Shop your house.
Before you go out and spend even one dollar take a look around your home to see if you have anything that you might be able to repurpose and use in your space.
4. Paint or refinish inexpensive pieces.
Don’t skip items with dated finishes. For just a few dollars spray paint them. Spray paint transformed these old dated items and gave them new life.
Instead of tossing out those older pieces, you can easily give them new life with a coat of paint.
Before 
After
5. Use Pinterest for inspiration.
Create a board and start pinning. Once you have numerous images saved to your board go thru the pictures and take a closer look at them. You will most likely notice a theme and a common thread. There will be a certain look that you are drawn to. It will help you decide how you want to decorate your space and it will give you loads and loads of inspiration!
Sometimes all it takes is one image that immediately draws you in. Use it as your inspiration. You may not be able to recreate it exactly, but it will guide you when you are trying to decide if a certain piece will work with what you are trying to create.
Look at each of the elements in the image and use them to guide you in creating your space.
- Chaise lounge with a neutral colored cushion
- Area rug
- Ceramic garden stool
- Neutral colored pillow
- Cream colored throw
- Large white lantern
- Candles
- Greenery
6. Anchor the space with an area rug.
Adding a rug to a space makes a huge difference. Purchase the largest size rug that will fit the space. Adding a rug will instantly make the space feel more inviting and cozy. Depending on what you choose, it will set the tone and color scheme for the space as well. Outdoor rugs made of polypropylene are low maintenance and can be hosed off to clean them.
Jute and seagrass rugs are also a great alternative. They are affordable options in neutral colors that provide a beautiful natural texture that works with almost any style you have going on with your furnishings. Shop around. you should easily be able to find a beautiful rug for well under $100.
7. Add the finishing touches and accessories.
This is the fun part!
- Create instant ambiance at night with candles. If you are fortunate enough to have an electrical outlet in the space, add a small lamp or string up a strand of lights.
- Add softness with cushions, pillows and throws. Nothing says uncomfortable more than cold hard surfaces. Add comfort to seating with cushions and throw pillows. A warm throw is always welcome on a chilly evening and can add a lovely pop of color.
- Adding greenery will add an organic, welcoming and inviting feel to a space. Choose plants such a succulents that thrive on neglect, or Pothos that are easy to grow and propagate and don’t have high water needs.
- Hang artwork to bare walls
Instead of purchasing something, consider making something instead. It will be a one of a kind unique creation. This organic driftwood sculpture is made entirely from driftwood collected along the lake. If you are interested in creating something similar, check out this POST for the step by step easy instructions to make it.
Take your time. Rome wasn’t built in a day and there is no big hurry to get your space finished. Be patient and keep your eyes open for just the right pieces that work within your budget. Not only will you save money waiting until you find just the right pieces, but your space will have a more curated look. Sure you can go hit your local furniture store and purchase a set of furniture where everything matches, plunk it down and call it good. But if you are looking to create something more unique, something that is a reflection of your style, then slow down and take your time with the process. Trust me…your patience will be rewarded.
BEFORE 
AFTER
Even though I used a more saturated color pallet to furnish and decorate the balcony, the inspiration photo gave me the basic elements for the space; chaise lounge, neutral colored cushion, rug, pillow, throw, garden stool and greenery.
Remember, the end goal is to create a comfortable, inviting, beautiful space that will draw you into spending time there. So take your time and enjoy the creative process along the way. Furnish and decorate it with items you love and make you smile. Don’t worry if something is out of style, instead, focus on creating a space that is uniquely yours and reflects your own personal style. Before you know it, you will be spending your time relaxing in your newly created space that you love.
If you’re looking for me, check my balcony. I’m probably relaxing out there at the end of the day with a glass of wine.
Did You Try Any Of These Ideas?
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For God so loved the world he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
John 3:16
Nicely Done! Very inviting space to escape from the rest of the world!