Believe it or not, a lot of people have started creating their own apartment patios on their small balconies and here is why.
Having your own backyard and a patio to relax after work is a dream for a lot of people. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to buy a house in these modern times. Even if you can afford one, you simply cannot get one if you live in a metropolitan area. Your only option is to get an apartment or something of the sort.
However, you do not have to give on your idea of having your own patio. If your apartment comes with a balcony, no matter how small, you can still get creative and create a space where you will be spending most of your time. With enough motivation, you can realize your idea in just a week or two. What’s even better about this kind of project is that it is cheap. You do not have to go all out and buy huge oak planks that will cost you hundreds of dollars. You can do all of this with quite a small budget.
To help you get motivated and to give you some inspiration, here are some creative and non-expensive ideas to make a patio for your apartment.
Contents
1. Add some shade
Source: pinterest
Having your own house with a backyard is a much different experience. If you have set up a fence, nobody can see inside of your yard and you have full privacy. The same does not apply for apartment patios unless you are on the top floor of a building. Otherwise, everyone that’s a floor higher than you will be able to see what you are doing. You want to drink your coffee in peace and in total privacy, you don’t want to feel like people are looking over your shoulder. This is why you should consider adding curtains or bamboo mats to block people’s view and the sun’s rays. It will help you stay cool too.
2. Add furniture
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What is the point of having a balcony if you do not have a small sofa or an armchair where you can relax? You will need something that won’t take up too much space, but it will also be comfortable to sit down for hours and kick your feet up. Take measurements from one side to the other and pick in which location you are going to put the seating. If you live with your partner or with a roommate then you will have to consider something that will allow both of you to sit on the balcony at the same time.
If you are having trouble finding the right pieces of furniture for your apartment patio, you should check out FurnitureOkay.
3. Outdoor rug
Source: pinterest
You are supposed to create a patio where you will be able to feel just as comfortable when you are inside. So, if the flooring on your balcony is just the concrete slab, why not get an outdoor rug. This way, you won’t feel a difference whether you are inside or outside. Your feet won’t be freezing and stepping on the rug will feel much comfier than walking on concrete. You can mix and match the colors of the rug with your seating and all the other elements that you plan to add to the balcony.
4. Flooring
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If you feel like an outdoor rug is not enough to make your balcony feel homey then you should consider adding some kind of flooring to hide that ugly concrete slab. If you want to create a patio-like vibe then you will probably need to add wooden planks. Since most decks are usually made from wood then it is probably the best option, right?
Although, you can go crazy and add any kind of flooring you want. Make sure that you match the colors with all the other elements that will go on your balcony.
5. Add some green
Source: medium
The best thing about a patio in your own backyard is that you feel like you are at home and in nature at the same time. You are surrounded by trees, green grass and a bunch of other plants while sitting on a comfy couch. If you are looking to achieve this same feeling, you will have to add some plants in your apartment patio too. If you do not have enough space for larger pots, you should consider creating DIY hanging pots. Look for plants that are low maintenance and that can endure sitting under the sun too long.
Once you add some green onto your balcony, you will truly feel like you are outside in nature. Your coffee and meditation sessions will be enhanced.
6. Lighting
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Whether you plan to use your patio for relaxation sessions such as listening to music, drinking your coffee or light reading, you will definitely need some kind of lighting. Hanging out on your balcony during the nights is just as good as during the day. But, once the sun sets, you will need something to lit up the mood and create a cozy atmosphere. Remove the ceiling light bulb and add some LED strips or lights.
If you can, find LEDs that can shine in different colors, so you can control what kind of atmosphere you want to create. For a bit more style, you should consider buying small table lamps or LED candles. You will get the same lighting out of the candles without the fire hazard.
7. Firepit
Source: keribrownhomes
Of course, you can’t create your own firepit in your apartment patio because that would be illegal. However, there are tons of fake fire pits out there that have an authentic look but work with led lights. It will give your patio just a bit more style and lighting.
8. Use anything you can find
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Since you are working on a low budget, you shouldn’t be spending all of your money on brand new items for your balcony. Search through your apartment and maybe you will find some items that you can add to your patio.
