This post shows you how to decorate a balcony to add extra coziness to a space.
You just moved into your new apartment and it has a balcony! Yes! But designing a space that is ideal for gardening while keeping it cute and cozy will take some strategy.
Decorate your balcony garden by keeping it simple with a few accents here and there or go all out for vibes and personality.
Think of your balcony as an extension of your overall apartment and the perfect place to curl up and meditate away from chaos.
Balcony Garden Decor Tips
Making a space cozy can be challenging, but there are plenty of ways to do more with less.
Here are some tips on how to decorate your balcony garden to give off more retreat vibes!
- Set the foundation. Add dark flooring, an oversized plant, or an accent of black to ground a space and bring all the elements together.
- Mix different textures. Natural textures like rustic or warm wood, rattan, and glass will always add a dash of coziness to a space. Always look to nature for decor inspiration ideas!
- Vary size, texture, and height. Plants can make a space feel more cozy but without enough variety, it can very quickly turn claustrophobic. Be sure to add different plants to create visual interest.
- Adopt a color scheme. Some people respond better to neutrals while others find colors more relaxing. No matter your choice, try to keep it cohesive!
On a budget? Add fake plants! This is one of the best-kept secrets of interior designers and a smart budgeting option.
Even the perception of nature like turf grass or fake plants has been scientifically shown to have positive impacts on our overall well-being.
Take your time to curate a space with plants or items that resonate with your style and personality.
The goal is to make your balcony space an ultimate retreat!
Here’s some unique ways to decorate your balcony garden for more coziness in your space
1. Go green with foliage
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need bucket loads of flowering plants to make a garden look incredible, only a variety of foliage!
It may seem obvious but you would be amazed at the energy that plants can bring to a space and they are insanely valuable for your mental health. A balcony garden enveloped in shrubs feels like a secret garden!
Make your greens edible and include sorrel, chard, salad greens, and leafy herbs. Go crazy with planters and whatever makes you happy!
2. Hang fairytale lights
Fairy lights are super easy, affordable, and accessible to find. No balcony space is cozy without warm lighting!
For an illuminating glow over your space, skip the LED lights and go for traditional yellow Christmas lights that you can string along the railing or over larger plants.
For the eco-friendly, go sustainable with solar-powered lanterns. They charge during the day and emit a warm glow at night, adding a touch of eco-friendly ambiance to your outdoor retreat.
Add electric lights or candles and place them inside potted plants for optimal fairytale vibes at night!
3. Add perennial flowers
If you’re not into colorful balcony decor, why not experiment with color through flowers?
If you’re growing herbs, borage is great for a vibrant display and to attract pollinators.
Or create a more feminine aesthetic with easy-to-care-for perennial flowers like climbing roses, hydrangeas, or impatients.
Not only do they have a fresh scent, but a heavy dose of pinks, whites, purples, and reds are sure to lift any mood.
4. Set up a dining set
Nothing screams cozy more than pretending you’re on a balcony in Paris!
Opt for a cute iron-wrought or wooden bistro set with folding chairs.
Or get a little more intimate with a second-hand padded bench on one end and add pillows and colorful cushions.
Place a small coffee table in front and a small armchair right across for some intimate conversation.
5. Put down flooring
Define your balcony space with soft outdoor rugs. Not only do they add warmth underfoot but they also inject a sense of style.
Go for a neutral jute rug to add elements to or opt for a bright pop of pattern and color that matches your overall aesthetic.
You can also put down easy snap-and-click tiles that resemble wood to warm up old concrete.
Be sure whatever flooring you choose is weather-resistant or is both an indoor and outdoor rug for those rainier days!
6. Grow “up” for a vertical garden
Use vertical gardening to display an array of plants and flowers. A wall-mounted shelf, trellis, or tower garden is like a breath of fresh air for your balcony!
If you have the option, hanging planters from the rails above is a great way to option to grow food and save space.
I’ve even seen people grow cherry tomatoes and strawberries upside down in a wide-sized planter.
Imagine waking up in the morning and sipping your tea or coffee while plucking strawberries from overhead!
7. Go with a theme
Go with a cohesive theme to give your garden character. You can organize it by type of plant, color, or an overall vibe.
Succulents in terracotta pots gives this container garden a southwestern feel. Place down a vibrant outdoor rug or paint your pots an eclectic tone as an accent.
Or go with a zen-themed garden! Add shrubs, rocks, and a pop of red in the form of a pot, decor, or plant for Asian inspiration.
We love our neutral trends but authenticity and creativity are in.
Bring back creativity and color!
8. Install some privacy blinds
One thing about some apartment balconies is the lack of privacy. If this is you, no worries!
Depending on your budget, you have several options. A good option are outdoor bamboo shades that you can pull down as needed.
They add texture to a space and it also gives a nice glow with the sun shining through and it feels more like a room.
Another choice is to invest in planters with taller leafier plants with lattice trellises, lined along the railings to help enclose a space.
9. Mix texture
Using too much of one type of material will leave a space feeling flat. Be sure to source items of different textures.
Go with a rattan chair or macrame hanging decor or opt for wood or iron-wrought bistro tables.
A mixture of textures adds coziness and visual appeal to a space.
Consider using glass shelving for optimal sunlight and to reach plants below.
10. Go with low-profile seating
If you’re in an apartment, privacy might be a concern when you want to enjoy the outdoors.
If you can’t put up a privacy shade or curtains on the railings, be sure to invest in some low-profile seating options.
You can surround the chairs with taller plants or shrubs to give you a hidden cocoon feeling.
11. Invest in second-hand items
Maximize your balcony’s potential with multipurpose furniture.
Go to thrift stores and find tables with built-in storage, milk crates that double as planters and seats, or ottomans that can be used for both seating and storage.
Invest in vintage and interesting pieces that speak to your personal style.
People will be impressed at how you took the time to personally curate a space tailored to you, on a budget!
12. Play to your senses
Getting in tune with nature can make a difference in your life.
Gardenias, cape jasmine, and Japanese honeysuckle are some of the best-smelling flowering plants.
Start an herb garden with smells of fresh rosemary and basil to add flavor and taste to your food.
Or create a sensory garden for those with disabilities as a calming and delightful green space to make your space even more inviting.
13. Hang a hammock
Create the ultimate relaxation zone by hanging a hammock!
It’s the perfect spot for an afternoon nap or a lazy weekend read.
Be sure to check with your property office and choose a sturdy option that can support your weight comfortably.
14. Snuggle with blankets and pillows
Nothing gives a more classic cozy feeling than snuggling with a blanket and getting lost in a book.
As the temperature drops, keep warm with soft throw blankets.
Choose blankets in different textures and colors to match the season or your mood.
They also double as stylish décor when not in use!
15. Unique shelving
A repurposed ladder makes a durable and aesthetic addition to a garden and helps save space with extra vertical shelving.
If you use tables, make sure they are glass to let rays shine through to lower plants.
Use railing planters to add a splash of color in a line or repurpose a hanging shoe rack for an assortment of herbs!
16. Give your balcony a purpose
What is the main use of your outdoor space?
Is it only a garden? Do you want a reading nook? Entertain guests with a makeshift bar?
No matter your ideal aesthetic, mix and match different styles to make a space personally tailored for you.
17. Add an egg chair/bean bag
Nothing says I’m cozy and not leaving the house like a comfy hanging egg chair or a bean bag or pouf for extra seating.
Invest in comfortable outdoor seating that encourages relaxation. Think plush cushions, stylish hammocks, or even a cozy swing chair.
Comfort is key when it comes to enjoying your balcony to the fullest.
18. Go boho
Embrace bohemian charm with colorful cushions, macramé plant hangers, and eclectic décor.
Mix and match patterns for a laid-back, boho-chic vibe that’s effortlessly cool.
Add a touch of elegance with outdoor curtains. They not only provide privacy but also soften the space. Choose light, flowing fabrics for a breezy feel.
Final Thoughts
This post has shown you How to Decorate a Balcony Garden for a Cozy Retreat! Whether you’re sipping on your morning coffee or enjoying a sunset with friends, your balcony is your own little slice of the outdoors.
Need more balcony garden ideas? Read Items I Thrifted for my Balcony Garden for Less Than $20!
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