A balcony can become a beautiful and tranquil space with a little creative effort. However, in many homes, it is often used for storing mops, buckets, old clothes, junk, and other items that do not fit inside living areas. As a result, a balcony that could serve as a place for morning tea or enjoying the evening atmosphere quickly turns into a storeroom or warehouse.
If your small balcony is cluttered with things, you do not need to spend a lot of money or conduct major renovations to transform it. With smart design, a small space can be arranged as a workspace, mini-bar, herb garden, or a relaxation area for pets. Bollywood actress Twinkl Hanna shared several simple and thoughtful ways to turn a balcony into a multifunctional space, applicable even in small apartments.
According to Twinkl Hanna, the simplest way to organize a small terrace is to divide it into separate zones. For this, Twinkl used a bamboo partition. This allows part of the balcony to be private and also hides pipes, wires, or other elements that spoil the overall look of the space. A spot for drying laundry can be designated behind this partition. If you live in rented accommodation and cannot attach anything to the wall, bamboo blinds can be a good solution, as they can be adjusted in height according to needs.
When you have a small balcony, you should avoid installing bulky furniture. You need to choose furniture that can be used as needed and put away after use. Twinkl suggested the idea of a folding desk. During the day, you can work or study on it, and after use, you can fold it up, freeing up more space on the balcony. Such folding tables can be purchased at local markets or online sites. Nevertheless, before buying a table, it is crucial to carefully measure the length and width of the balcony, as incorrectly sized furniture can take up all the space in a small area.
Instead of decorating the balcony only with furniture, you can add personal preferences and creativity to it. A cork board is perfect for this. It can be hung on the wall by placing it in a wooden frame. This board can be used to decorate with leftover upholstery fabric from home. On this board, you can display photos, small notes, quotes, or any other things you like. This will help create a personal and creative corner on the balcony.
The most pleasant time spent on the balcony is ruined when direct sunlight starts shining inside. To avoid this, you can install bamboo blinds. Blinds not only partially block sunlight but also give the balcony a natural and warm look. In the summer, a small desk fan can also make the place more comfortable.
Twinkl notes that if the space serves as a workspace during the day, it can be transformed into a relaxation area in the evening. To do this, you need to remove the laptop, stationery, and other items from the desk, using it as a mini-bar. Storing necessary items in small baskets and woven hampers helps hide clutter. The space under the table can be used to store bar accessories, snacks, and other items. Thus, the same furniture can function as a desk during the day and a bar counter in the evening.
It is also advantageous to choose furniture for the balcony that can be moved as needed. Twinkl Hanna suggested using a console table that can be moved to different parts of the balcony. This same table can be turned into a small herb garden. You can take two old pieces of wood, drill holes in them for pots, and plant small plants in them. Before planting, you must check the table's ability to support weight so that it does not sag under the load.
In a small balcony, it is better to plant herbs that require little space. For example, lavender, rosemary, mint, and basil. These plants will not only add greenery to the balcony but also provide the possibility of having fresh leaves for tea, drinks, and cooking at home.
The most important thing is that a small balcony does not need excessively expensive decorative items or a large amount of furniture. With a folding table, blinds, storage baskets, a cork board, and a few small plants, it can be adapted to various needs.
