Styling ideas on making the most of your balcony space without burning a hole in your pocket

Till a few years ago, it was hard to find affordable outdoor living accessories; the choices were either Ikea or a high-end set from a handful of stores. Thankfully, we’ve since seen some changes in the market and there are now more options available. Decorating the outdoors doesn’t have to be expensive – depending on its size and functionality – you can spruce up your outdoor space in a limited budget. All you need are essential potted plants and clever accessories. Here are some tips and tricks.

Add: Greenery

Potted flowers and plants are an inexpensive way to enliven your living area. Adding greenery also creates an illusion of more space as it acts as a focal point beyond the boundaries of your walls. The more spacious the balcony, the larger (and taller) the pots of plants can be. Use topiaries for their elegance and height, which add visual interest and draws the eyes up.

Verticality can also be achieved with a row of railing planters or a hanging succulent garden that not only frees up valuable floor space in compact balconies, but forms a natural screen for privacy on the deck. For smaller condo balconies, give wall shelving decorated with smaller succulents.

Finally, if you don’t have the floor space for standalone pots, look for smaller plants (or even a single pot of orchids) for the tabletop. This step is essential to laying the foundation of a great outdoor space. You want to feel recharged in a sea of leafy green and not be surrounded by dull concrete.

Add: Textiles

One of the best ways to reinforce a space’s decorating scheme is to use colourful textiles to pull the look together.

Cushions are incredibly versatile and are perfect for giving your outdoor seating an instant update. It’s also the most affordable way to introduce a trend you like into a more classic space.

For choosing the right number of cushions, stick to two guidelines: A mix of texture and odd numbers. Decorating in odd numbers is an old styling trick – it helps to relax arrangements and make a space feel more lived in. Then there’s the mix of texture. It’s more limiting achieving this outdoors because there are weather conditions to think about, but the easiest method is to use cushions in contrasting sizes, and patterns (stripes, florals, solids etc.). Try pairing oversized cushions with smaller ones, and add the occasional odd-shaped option to build a layered look. Unify the arrangement by sticking to a colour palette.

You can opt for two decorating themes outdoors: Nature-inspired hues for a softer, more sophisticated look, or punchy pops of colour for a high-energy space.

While there are many outdoor cushions out there, the standard care tip is to ensure you don’t let a piece become waterlogged. This means wiping off rainwater – or better yet, taking the cushions in before the rain starts – and standing seat cushions up so water doesn’t have a chance to pool on top.

Adding an outdoor rug to the balcony is another way to anchor the space while adding lots of visual interest. A rug can also act as a visual separator between an al fresco dining area and a seating area for those lucky enough to enjoy the luxury of a large balcony.

Look for rugs that are made of 100 per cent polypropylene, a weather- and eco-friendly material that is both UV-resistant and waterproof. Care for your rugs by giving them a quick mop after heavy rainfall.

Add: Multitasking accessories

Multitasking furniture is a practical solution where space is a constraint; go for pieces that pull double duty as storage to minimise clutter. Of course, this trick only works for larger balconies.

Smaller balcony owners can consider using stools (checkout the glazed ceramic type) that double as extra seating and tabletop surfaces. For those who like to entertain or have multiple uses for their balcony spaces, folding furniture is an obvious choice.

If budget allows, definitely add accessories to your space as they make a world of difference.

You can bring in any accessories you want, but always lead with function. Outdoor spaces usually have poor lighting options, so start with additional hurricane lanterns and candles to set the mood. Those with small children and pets can consider electric candles – these are easily available at Ikea.

You can also use scented reeds or a diffuser; whichever medium you prefer, that added layer of scent will mentally help guests unwind.

Consider a statement piece

If you only have room for one special piece of furniture, a suspended swing chair is a high-impact option to consider. Often produced in synthetic wicker, the outdoor-friendly furniture stands up to heavy use and weather, and has a cocooning effect that’s perfect for curling up with a book or indulging in weekend afternoon naps.

Consider these if you’re looking to go all out with your balcony transformation:

Invest in quality outdoor furniture. Outfit your balcony with all-weather seating sets if space permits to keep the look cohesive. Use woven wicker furniture in soothing neutrals to ground the space as it tends to be very versatile and suits most decorating styles. Check the labels and shop with care when making bigger purchases – you’ll want to look out for UV- and water-resistant wicker and metal frames that won’t rust or corrode over time.

If you’re working with a narrow balcony, consider an inward-facing, L-shaped configuration to create a sense of intimacy and fluidity between the indoor-outdoor spaces. This allows those who are relaxing outdoors to continue interacting with guests seated indoors.