Ideal Design for a Balcony for a Home

Evaluating the Space

• Prior to placing any furniture or other elements, decide whether the function of the balcony will be for dining, gardening or just sitting. Take careful measurements to confirm adequate space for your desired pieces. Plan to have an outdoor power outlet added if one is not present and electrical lighting is desired.

Plants

• Incorporate plants into a balcony design to add texture, color and height. Plants that grow upright lend a screening/privacy effect and help to frame a balcony while cascading plants add a flow type of feel. Don't overlook the containers for the plants, as they can be a decorative element themselves. For a cohesive look, use planters in the same color family, or for an equally balanced look, alternate between two complementary colors. When growing plants appropriate for your region, don't overlook herbs as a possibility. A corner of a balcony presents the perfect backdrop for herbs and with sufficient sunlight; consider growing pots of vegetables, too.

Furniture

• Comfortable and appropriately sized furniture are the two biggest considerations for outfitting a balcony. Bistro sets, which feature a small table and two chairs, work well in a balcony setting, but if space allows, you can use a full-sized table. Consider using weather-resistant pillows on the chairs in fabric choices that accentuate the color scheme of the balcony.

Lighting

• Lighting a balcony can be as simple as stringing paper lanterns or lighting candles. Outdoor wall sconces are another possibility to light the area. Adding lighting to a balcony will improve the functionality and add to the ambiance of the space.