A cosy and practical balcony
There’s nothing quite like catching some rays on your own little balcony, drink in hand, snacks at the ready: pure bliss! Even the smallest space can become a charming little outdoor retreat with our practical, space-saving tips.
Cosy and green
So, what can we add to our perfect little balcony? Plenty of greenery, of course! If you’re short on space for plant pots, why not go vertical? A green garden wall is easy to make yourself using a simple wooden pallet. Perfect for planting flowers that attract butterflies and bees.
Another great addition to your balcony is a space-saving storage bench. Not only does it give you a comfortable place to sit, it also doubles as clever storage.
Charming wall shelves
You can also add wall shelves. Perfect for more plants or for storing items that would otherwise take up too much space. Take inspiration from the bees buzzing around the flowers on your garden wall and create honeycomb shelves. They’re sturdy, decorative, and easy to make yourself.
Or why not build a swing for your balcony? No, not one to actually sit on (that might not be the safest idea!), but a clever ‘swing-style’ wall shelf. We made one like this for indoors a while back, but there’s no reason you can’t hang it outside too.
A compact table for your balcony
Running out of room for a table? Think again! Simply mount a DIY table onto your balcony railing.
Which tools will you need?
To start: a table saw. It’s perfect for quickly cutting thin slats from wooden boards. Straight or at an angle, precisely to size, and through different thicknesses of wood. Some models require you to buy the support separately, while others come with a sturdy frame already included.
Next, you’ll use an electric mitre saw. This tool offers precision and stability because the workpiece stays put while you guide the blade through it. A telescopic model lets you pull the blade towards you first, which makes it easier to cut wider planks.
Finally, you'll need a battery-powered screwdriver/impact drill. Ideally, go for a model that’s compatible with a 20 V or 2x20 V battery, so you’re sure to have enough power for the job. Choose one with two speed settings: that’ll make it easy to pre-drill the wood for your balcony table and drive the screws in firmly.
And now, time to get started, so you’ll be all set to enjoy the sunshine in no time!