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  1. Home
  2. Outdoor

How to turn a balcony into a second living space

Enjoy the great outdoors - by Laura Barry
  • 09 Aug 2018
How to turn a balcony into a second living space
Getty images

When it comes to apartment living, space is hard to come by. If you’re lucky enough to live in a climate that allows the use of a balcony all year round, you can transform this space into a small second living area in a few easy steps, perfect for lazy weekend brunches and after work drinks at home.

1. Clean

The very first thing you need to do is get rid of all the mess and clutter that is currently filling up your balcony space. Get ride of, or find alternative storage for, everything you possible can. Keep your barbecue and any outdoor plants.

Once this is done, give the area a good sweep, mop or wipe down (depending on the surface and materials your balcony is made from) so you have a clean base to wok with.

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2. Choose flooring

Make your balcony feel more like a living space with an outdoor rug that feels plush underfoot, or outdoor flooring that can be easily rolled out and laid over your existing balcony floor.

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ブログ更新しました! . 【夏に食べ飲みたくなるもので簡単バルコニーディナー&お買い物マラソン】→「http://riswatashi.blog/blog/2018/8/6」 . よろしければご覧ください。ブログへはプロフィール欄のURLからどうぞ。 . . . #balcony #balconydecor #balconydecoration #balconypic #ikea #dinneronthebalcony #dinnertime #wineandbeer #バルコニー #バルコニーライフ #バルコニスト #アウトドアリビング #バルコニーディナー #ディナー #ワイン好き #インテリアグリーン

3. Pick furniture

When shopping for furniture for your balcony you want to choose pieces that are made from weather-resistant materials such as steel or treated timber. Pick a couple seating options and a coffee or side table that can fit snugly into the available space of your balcony without making it feel cramped. Some balconies can fit a small sofa, coffee table and chair, while others can only fit a small garden setting of two chairs and a table. Choose furniture that’s comfortable, weather-proof and suitable to your space.

If you desperately need storage on the balcony, consider bench seats with hidden storage.

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4. Create privacy

Use potted plants to create a sense of privacy on your balcony by popping a few large foliage plants - such as bamboo or palms - into the space, and use hanging pots on the balcony railing for herbs, flowers or small foliage. This will not only give a sense of privacy, but add a green garden element to your balcony, which is much needed in urban environments.

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5. Accessorise

The final step is to accessorise your balcony as you would any other living room. Check out your local furniture or hardware stores for cushions made from durable weather-resistant fabric. A throw blanket is always welcome outside, so look for one in a robust knit or fabric that could withstand being pulled around a bit, and store it somewhere protected from rain, wind and sunshine. Candles set the mood in any living room and are even more romantic outside; citronella candles will keep mosquitoes at bay.

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This article originally appeared on Better Homes and Gardens.

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Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

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