---
title: "11 Ways to Elevate Your Boring Balcony"
date: "2015-08-21"
modified: "2016-03-31"
authors:
  - name: "Manasa Reddigari"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer"
    link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/manasa-reddigari.md"
url: "https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/11-ways-to-elevate-your-boring-balcony-49207/"
categories:
  - "Deck, Patio & Porch"
  - "DIY"
  - "Exterior"
  - "Furniture & Design"
tags:
  - "decor"
  - "outdoor structures"
---

# 11 Ways to Elevate Your Boring Balcony

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/balconycover.jpg>)

### Vine and Dine

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/balcony2.jpg>)
*Designed by Paul Gleicher, founding principal of Gleicher Design - Architecture &amp; Interiors*

Create a lush, intimate corner in your balcony by adding a weatherproof trellis with [climbers](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/10-climbing-plants-that-are-easy-to-keep-under-control-580526.md>) like black-eyed Susan vine, sweet pea, or cup and saucer plant. A space-saving trellis can convey the majesty of Mother Nature, even in the notoriously tight confines of apartment or condo balconies.

### Go Out on a Limb

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/balcony1.jpg>)
*Modern House Architects*

Overgrowth causes some gardeners to go green at the gills. On a balcony, however, a restrained [pruning strategy](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-prune-a-tree.md>) that encourages overgrowth can help create a protective canopy of foliage that offers shade and shields your balcony floor from heat-related damage. Pile in a few large potted plants, and you won't even miss the ground-floor garden.

### Take Cover

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/balcony3.jpg>)
*ikea.com*

Transform your balcony from an austere space into a luxe extension of any room by draping curtains over the rails of the balcony. Choose rot-resistant curtains, whether in demure solids or fanciful tapestries, to lend longevity and a little bohemian charm—not to mention [privacy](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/backyard-privacy-ideas.md>)—to your outdoor living.

### Cut a Rug

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/balcony5.jpg>)
*apartmenttherapy.com*

Give your balcony floor the red-carpet treatment with textiles and [rugs](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-outdoor-rugs.md>)—modern motifs for a contemporary vibe, jute and sisal rugs for natural flair, or artificial grass rugs for vibrant verdure. Whether you choose flat-woven or plush, a textile will really warm the space. Just ensure that your covering dries out between rains to prevent water damage to your balcony floor.

### Color It Beautiful

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/balcony4.jpg>)
*sweetparrishplace.com*

A balcony floor in wood or earthen tones has a disappearing effect, blending into your home’s surroundings. [Embolden your balcony floor](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-paint-a-wood-floor.md>)’s natural finish with anti-slip exterior paint in charismatic colors or playful patterns that command the space.

### Beam with Pride

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/balcony6.jpg>)
*flickr.com /via Anne-Lise Heinrichs*

Dress your balcony from head to toe by appending a rustic pergola or arbor that creates the illusion that your balcony is a secluded passageway. The sturdy crossbeams of the pergola form an openwork roof that is ideal for both training climbing vines and blocking harsh sunlight.

### Aim High

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/balcony7.jpg>)
*ikea.com*

Do you have a cramped space that you're longing to grow? Take your garden to the next level by stacking pots on a tall shelving unit to establish your very own vertical [container garden](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/container-gardening.md>). Stick with neutral shelves to intensify the vibrant effect of the potted plants, whether delectable edibles like salad greens or beautiful blooms like zinnias.

### Return to the Fold

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/balcony9.jpg>)
*ikea.com*

Don't set limits on your balcony by designating it a sunroom or reading nook. Instead, convert your balcony into a [multipurpose room](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/9-space-smart-ways-to-fit-two-rooms-in-one-49306.md>) by furnishing it with collapsible furniture that is as dynamic as your interests. Folding tables and chairs can create the impression of palatial dimensions in cozy quarters.

### Set Concrete Goals

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/balcony10.jpg>)
*engineeryourspace.com*

Transform a homely balcony into a homey hot spot by covering barren walls with lively textures and greenery. Overlaying concrete walls—or a wrought-iron railing, if you have that instead—with reed [fencing](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/fence-styles-10-popular-designs-to-consider-47589.md>) will transport you and your guests to a tropical paradise that you can further soften and shade with lattice blinds.

### Cleanse the Pallet

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/balcony11.jpg>)
*apieceofrainbow.com*

Wooden shipping pallets are a DIYer's blank canvas; their durability and versatility encourage outside-the-box resourcefulness. Try using pallets in good condition to cover unsightly stains on stark concrete balcony walls and floors. Once you've achieved an allover rustic, reclaimed-wood finish, put extra pallets to work by constructing custom furnishings to match.

## Author
Manasa Reddigari has tackled topics ranging from computer software to home remodeling in her decade-plus career as a writer and editor. During her stint as a scribe, she's been featured by leading outlets in the real estate, home improvement, and lifestyle niches such as [Trulia](<https://www.trulia.com/blog/author/manasareddigari/>), [Stikwood](<https://www.stikwood.com/>), and [Brit + Co](<https://www.brit.co/author/mreddigari/>). Her design philosophy is, if you can dream it, you can DIY it!

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/manasareddigari/>)

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