Design your patio and balcony: Ideas and tips
Two white plastic garden chairs and a barbecue: balcony and patio design doesn't have to look this drab. If you invest a little time and money, you can get a lot out of your outdoor space. With the ideas and design tips that await you in this article, every balcony and patio will become a holiday destination on your own doorstep! In our other guides, you can also find out how to clean patio slabs and awnings properly and what you should consider when choosing a privacy screen so that you can enjoy your balcony in complete privacy!
Content
- Balcony and terrace: true all-rounders
- Design elements for balconies and terraces
Balcony and terrace: true all-rounders
If you live in a rented flat, you often don't have access to a garden. However, with the right design, balconies and terraces can be a substitute at eye level. Before designing the outdoor areas, you should consider what they will mainly be used for. Do you need a lot of open space and privacy so that the children can play undisturbed? Is the focus on sunbathing and therefore a sunbathing area? Should the balcony or patio be a green oasis of relaxation? Of course, the options are often limited due to the available space. But even small balconies can be designed in such a way that they at least come close to fulfilling every wish.
Design elements for balconies and patios
There are numerous elements that can be used to embellish a balcony or patio. From flooring and furniture to decoration, there is a wide variety of design options available - for every style, every size and every requirement. Flooring When it comes to flooring for the patio, natural materials such as stone or wood are perennial favourites. They blend in well with the neighbouring outdoor area. However, tiles or WPC, a hard-wearing wood-polymer material, are also suitable for decking. There is also the option of laying click-in wooden tiles or artificial turf. These are not permanently fixed and can be easily removed when you move out. A colourful carpet makes the balcony more homely and provides a soft surface for children to play on. Care should be taken to ensure that it is a hard-wearing outdoor carpet.a) Sun protection If you have a south-facing balcony or terrace, you will be happy to have plenty of sunshine. However, especially when children are playing outside in the midday heat or if you generally spend a long time outside, effective sun protection is worth its weight in gold. Sun protection is available in every format and in various designs. The consent of the landlord is generally required for an awning on the balcony, as wall mounting could constitute a structural alteration. If you have a covered balcony, you can use clamp-on awnings: These do not require any screws or drill holes and can usually be fitted. Alternatives are sunshades, which can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled and moved with the position of the sun.b) Privacy protection In addition to sun protection, privacy protection also plays a role in the feel-good factor of patios and balconies. Glances from passers-by or neighbours can be extremely distracting when sunbathing. A privacy screen can help. Whether it's a screen, privacy screen mat or hedge: the area, desired flexibility, budget and legal guidelines play a decisive role when choosing a privacy screen. Furniture With the right furniture, balconies and patios can be transformed into a second living room in summer. There is the right balcony furniture for every size and style. On small balconies, folding tables with narrow bistro-style sets are ideal for dining, while beanbags invite you to relax. Large balconies and terraces can be designed with lounge furniture, sun loungers for sunbathing and dining areas for several people.
Lighting
With atmospheric patio lighting, summer evenings can be brought to a cosy close. In summer, there's no reason to leave the balcony or patio just because it's getting dark. In order to be able to enjoy the balmy summer nights in a relaxed manner, garden lights should also be considered when designing your patio. Battery-powered lamps and fairy lights provide brightness without having to rely on a power supply. Solar lights, which can be placed in flower boxes and tubs, for example, can also be used to provide light accents and splashes of colour in the evening. Homeowners or those who have the consent of their landlord can generally use permanently installed LED outdoor lights, some of which can even be dimmed as required. Anything is possible, from atmospheric, romantic lighting to bright reading light.
Planting
The planting of balconies and patios depends to a large extent on the available space. A small balcony will benefit from hanging planters and flower steps that rise upwards, creating as much space as possible for plants in a small area. If you have a little more space available, you can use large flower pots or even a raised bed for growing vegetables when planting your patio and balcony.
Decoration
With individual decoration, every balcony becomes a cosy place to relax. Decoration rounds off the design of any patio or balcony. Cushions provide more comfort, a tablecloth can create an elegant look or serve as a splash of colour. There are no limits to your imagination when choosing decorations. Whatever you like is allowed. However, care should be taken to ensure that the decorative elements are weatherproof or can at least be stowed away quickly when it rains or snows. Decorating ideas for balconies and patios Candles and lanterns Oil lamps Fire baskets and fire bowls Decorative figures Wind chimes Cushions and blankets Rugs Tablecloths
