All photos: Charlotte Cowell
Let me start with a slightly controversial thought – your balcony isn't just a place for storing old clutter, it can be an actual place where you can relax, breathe fresh air, and even unwind! So, if you want to give your balcony a refresh without breaking the bank? You're in luck! This post will show you how to look at those forgotten items with fresh eyes, repurposing them into stylish and budget-friendly balcony decor.
- #1. Borrow From Indoors
Take stock of what’s just sitting in your living room collecting dust. You'd be surprised how many indoor pieces can be repurposed for a budget-friendly balcony refresh. For instance, that small side table you've always felt was a bit too narrow for your living room sofa? It could be the ideal perch for a morning coffee or a potted herb on your balcony.
- #2. Plants, Pots, and Planters
Skip buying new containers. Last week’s tomato cans will do just fine. Give them a coat of leftover wall paint, poke a drainage hole in the bottom, and you’ve got yourself a mini herb garden in minutes. Are old metal planters too rusted to save? Please drop them off for metal recycling and replace them with thrifted gems.
Then, head to thrift stores or garage sales to discover unique, budget-friendly replacements that add character without breaking the bank. Look for vintage crocks, ceramic bowls, or even old wooden crates that can be easily cleaned up and repurposed for your green oasis. I had a pair of wooden milk crates in awful condition, but managed to polish and paint them, repurposing them as a home garden cachepot.
- #3. Soft Lighting Techniques
Fairy lights are great, but you don’t need to stop there. Try slipping a tea light into a cleaned jam jar, twist the lid halfway, and enjoy a wind-proof glow all evening. An indoor desk lamp with a warm bulb can also work beautifully outside if you’ve got a weather-safe extension cord; just remember to bring it back in before bed.
- #4. Layer Intriguing Textures
Layers create life for the room. Throw an aggressively printed scarf over a back chair, or add an easy-wipe bath mat on the floor. Play with diverse materials, woven baskets, smooth glass, and matte ceramics. The contrast makes things look collected, but not crowded.
But, don't stop there – get creative with the materials themselves. Incorporate woven baskets for storage, which bring in an organic, natural texture. Introduce elements of smooth glass through lanterns or small decoupage bottles, providing a sleek counterpoint. Matte ceramics in planters or small bowls offer a grounding, earthy feel. The magic happens when these diverse materials play off each other; this contrast is what makes your balcony look thoughtfully curated and collected over time, rather than just cluttered.
- #5. Emphasize a Focal Point
Select an attention-grabber and add personality to the room. An old mirror will reflect light and create an illusion of increased room size. It might be an aging coffee table crate or an on-the-wall guitar for impromptu strumming times. It's that single attention-grabber that brings focus to the room itself.
- #6. Green on a Dime
Grow what you have. Cut back hardy plants like pothos, spider plants, or aloe pups and root them in transparent jars of water. Utilize books (if you're fancy, covered with waterproof contact paper) to provide disparate heights. Voila! Now you have yourself a lush mini garden all for free.
- #7. Seasonal Switch-Up
Do not spend money on new furniture; switch out what you have. For cold weather, switch light throws for heavier throws and switch light-colored cushions for deeper colors. Seasonally label storage containers and put them away when not in use.
Bring out any lanterns or string lights you might have tucked away for evening ambiance. Reposition existing potted plants to create a new focal point, or group smaller plants together for a fuller look. If you have any decorative items like candles, small sculptures, or even stackable magazines, consider which ones complement the current season's vibe.
Finishing Touches...
A tray and your preferred cup, a mini succulent, and your latest paperback can set the room together. Add some soft background music, some cold drink, and you have an indulgent room that costs you nothing extra. A small space doesn't mean you can't do anything about it!
It's about starting where you are, such that it's more than square footage; it's an extension of you, comfort designed into every cranny. Before you can say it, people will be asking how you created charm, and you'll be grinning, knowing that the secret was renovating things you loved to begin with.
