Balcony ideas please!

8 years ago

Hi. What would you do with this balcony space. As you see it has a high concrete wall, hence the need for bar stools from which you have a great view of London (therefore I don’t want the little table and chairs combo as that would mean missing the view). At night I usually have tea lights in lanterns dotted about and I was thinking if having floor to ceiling greenery (if some kind) against the far wall. Any other ideas to make it look fab??

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PRO

Origin - Doors and Windows

8 years ago

A few ideas...

Fairy lights can make all the difference. You could position them on top of the concrete wall to soften it and enhance your twinkly view!

I've also found a double-seater bar stool that could make for a more comfortable, cosy seating solution: (I don't know about you but I just can't relax on a bar stool!)

You could get some spray to weather proof it or get a cover to pop over it during rubbish weather.

The next thing I found was this great table that you could fix on to the concrete wall like so:

You could probably use gorilla glue to fix this on. This solution would save you space and the hassle of having to find the perfect high bar table. (They sell these in IKEA for around £30)

Personally I would finish this off with some decorative cushions and put a tall potted plant where you have that empty plant as it may hide some of that wiring.

Hope this helps!

Robyn @ Origin

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Comments (14)

tamp75
8 years ago
You can get a taller bar table to go with your chairs which might be nice at the far end.
https://www.gardenoasis.co.uk/garden-furniture/palermo-bar-patio-set?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIo5aHlYuH3AIVYbvtCh1cCwfDEAQYDCABEgJHUPD_BwE
Try googling artificial green hedging for a screen that can be attached to the end wall although a mirror might also be nice there.
Fairy lights / festoon light would be good - battery or solar ones if you don’t have power on the balcony.
Some big pots for plants would be great.
Kathy
8 years ago
Take a look at " 7Ways to Lounge in Your Garden" in the stories section on this site. There is a subheading Make it Mini, featuring a tiny balcony with a screen of bamboo planted along one side.
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I’m much liking the look of that second layout suggested by Carolina - there are some very clever solutions there!The positioning of the doors is slightly awkward, but this layout creates zones that work nicely. The position of the sofa very cleverly creates a TV zone, and also defines the study area behind it. And those two orange accent chairs are lovely, forming part of the lounge zone whilst also drawing the eye to the windows and the view. And, on days when Joan and her family/visitors want to gaze at the view, they can be simply turned round. There’s just one tiny tweak i might suggest: to remove the coffee table and instead have a side table and lamp to the left of the sofa, in the corner by the door. Otherwise, if that were my room, I’d be looking at the orange chairs and the view as I walked into the room... and I’d trip over the coffee table :-)
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Tani H-S
8 years ago
You could build a bar onto your actual balcony wall with a small Perspex screen in front of it just to stop the drinks from falling off
Obviously you can have glass as well - laminated for the balcony but it would be a lot more expensive. Then you can actually sit and enjoy the view to it’s fullest.

Wall decor wise ... as mentioned, mirrors if it doesn’t get a lot of sun/light will make it appear larger (again you can get outdoor mirrors which is a mirror Perspex and can be ordered to size online with holes where you want them) or a trellis feature. Home bargains have some fab willow screens with faux leaves on that don’t look too fake (I have about 6 panels in my garden so far and love them) and they are only £16.99!! Quite large as well.

Lots of hanging lights to create a cosy atmosphere and definately some tropical tall plants either side of the balcony.
Jacq
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks so much for the great ideas especially the tables! I can’t have mirrors as the balcony has blazing sunshine most of the day. Re the fake greenery for the far wall, do you think this would withstand strong sunshine? I tend to kill every plant I’ve bought although a friend has just introduced me to automatic watering systems.
PRO
Origin - Doors and Windows
8 years ago
Let us know how you get on. I'd love to see an 'after' picture if you do decide to make some changes!
Carolina
8 years ago
Plant ideas here: https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/garden/designs/how-to/a781/balcony-garden-guide/

and here: http://balconygardenweb.com/plants-for-south-facing-balcony-garden/

Herbs often smell nice and lots of them do well in full sun.

You could look for hanging balcony tables. Can't quite work out how the balcony wall/railing construction is, but perhaps you can find one that you can simply hang over it.

Ikea has a nice selection of solar powered lights. They also have a wooden flower box that would maybe fit at the end of the balcony.
catherine_eb
8 years ago
Oh how I miss my balcony. It’s crying out for greenery! Ikea is your fake green friend. Have a look at their Fejka range. They have buildable fake greenery for walls, just add as much or as little as you need and will last all year round. Also have a look at their potted tall grasses and bambo. Nice and tall to compliment the side wall.
Jacq
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks for the tips re IKEA - will head there next week. The green wall is exactly what I’ve wanted so I will load up with plants, solar powered lights and a hanging table (if it fits over my concrete wall - so wish I had railings or glass!). Will do an ‘after’ picture when it’s all done. Thanks so much everyone.
Jules Mc
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Some more inspiration photos, some of which don't have railings or glass either. They're all quite different in style. I know you're wanting to make the most of the view, would swing seat or seats hung at the right height be a diy/purchase too far?? They look fab but realise this might then limit your use of the space. Def think an outdoor rug would also cosy up the space (Wayfair has some good choices) along with all other solar lighting, table and plant suggestions . Happy shopping. Great views and potential!
Jacq
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks so much for the photos! So much choice. Love the idea of an outdoor rug as really don’t like the current flooring.
Carolina
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Measure your balcony before you go to Ikea. It's useful to have the dimensions on hand if you see a runner/rug, plant container, etc. Hanging balcony tables with adjustable hanging thingies (yes, that is the technical term ;-) ) are also available on Amazon.

Brackets! That's the word I was looking for. I think.
catherine_eb
8 years ago
If you fancy a different floor check out the Runnen outdoor floor Ikea has. Yes yes Ikea again! It’s one big jigsaw so measure your before you go and buy what you need. Comes in three colours from memory. The grey may lighten your floor.
Jules Mc
8 years ago
Hi Jacq. Any updates? Interested to see if you've made any progress.