Year-Round Tips For Styling A Balcony Through The Seasons

If you’re moving into a flat, you might enjoy an additional perk of a balcony. In the city, any private outdoor space is a luxury, and no space is too small to be practical and usable. We tend to only use balconies on sunny days, but in the UK, that leaves much of the year where this valuable area is left unused.

The good news is that with a few stylish additions, your balcony can be a place to relax and unwind from January to December. Whether you’re moving into a studio apartment or a townhouse in the centre of the city, here are some tips for keeping your balcony stylish and functional year-round.

Spring balcony inspiration

Spring is a time when the weather begins to warm up and we see signs of life cropping up in budding trees and colour emerging in nature. It’s the perfect time to spruce up your balcony with pastel shades and natural elements, like potted plants, that will echo what we’re seeing elsewhere in the city.

Since you’ll be using your balcony more, consider adding some furniture like a hanging chair or a cast iron coffee table and chairs so you can enjoy your morning coffee comfortably. Adding an awning in a bright coloured fabric will protect you from unexpected spring showers while also adding a pop of colour to your balcony.

Preparing for summer

The summer season here is brief, so we should make the most of it while we can. With higher temperatures, you might want to create a space for sunbathing and enjoying the rays, like a foldable sun lounger that can be folded up and stored away when it’s not in use, to free up extra space.

Just as with indoors, give the walls of your balcony attention with artwork, outdoor mirrors or decorative pieces – you could even choose different themes to mix up the style every few months. Adding a compact bar cart is also a fun addition that’s perfect for those impromptu cocktail hours after work with friends.

If you have a green thumb, or you’d like to cultivate one, hanging baskets and windowsill troughs for growing herbs or tomatoes add colour and depth while also being a tasty way to brighten up summer salads. The days are longer at this time of year so you can enjoy more of your evenings outside, but a string of fairy lights can be a charming touch as the sun sets.

Autumn ideas for your space

The temperatures are starting to dip and leaves are beginning to fall—autumn is here and the focus for your balcony should be keeping warm. A cosy balcony is a lovely place to enjoy the changing of the seasons, wrapped up with thick woollen blankets and surrounded by candles. Don’t want to risk real ones? LED candles give the same effect but are safer for outdoor use.

Switch up your colour palette to rusts, maples and reds to coincide with the autumn season in the form of throws and outdoor décor, and add plants that can cope with the colder temperatures like eucalyptus, rudbeckia, and sempervivums which are evergreen, so they add colour to outdoor spaces at any time of year.

Enjoying your balcony in winter

There’s nothing nicer than being able to cosy up outside during the winter. Move any potted plants towards the walls of your home so they’re more protected from the frost, or cover them with gardening fleece or cloches if temperatures regularly dip below zero where you are.

A space heater is a must to enjoy this area of your home at the end of the year but coupling it with fleece throws and cushions creates a more relaxing space that’s also practical for that indoor-outdoor feel. A soft outdoor rug will add insulation underfoot too, but an additional insulating layer underneath it will add more protection for your feet for this time of year. 

Finally, outdoor lights will keep this area usable during longer nights—battery-operated wall sconces are an attractive option that are low maintenance and easy to install.

What to consider before decorating

Whether you own the apartment in question or you’re renting, there are a few things to think about for successful decorating. First, take stock of the amount of space you have to work with. Check the dimension and the layout, as well as orientation to the light, so you can decide where furniture and plants will be placed. You also want to look at where doors and windows are placed as you won’t want to position a table, chairs, or any other bulky furniture in front of them.

Multi-functional furniture like fold-down tables or storage benches can be a great space-saver if you have a smaller balcony, giving you more room without compromising on comfort. The latter is also ideal for storing cushions and blankets when they’re not being used. Just as with decorating interiors, think vertically—walls and ceilings can be a practical way to make the most of your balcony and save on precious floor space.

Finally, think about how much maintenance and care you want to dedicate to your balcony. Some materials, like wood, will require more upkeep compared to plastic or powder-coated metal, so consider this when shopping for furniture.

A balcony is a wonderful feature in an apartment but don’t think it’s limited to summer use. No matter the size of your outdoor space, with the right accessories and attention to detail, you can create a practical, area that can be used comfortably all year long.