If you are one of the lucky ones to have a balcony in your apartment, house, or condo, congratulations! Whether it’s big or small, at least you have an outdoor space that you can use. It sounds interesting, right? However, if you only have a small balcony, what you can do? Make even the smallest balcony an extra living space that you’ll enjoy socializing in with friends or relaxing solo. By adding elements that connect your balcony with the rest of your home design, you’ll feel like it’s an extension of your house rather than a separate outdoor area.
And, if you just have a small balcony, don’t be worried. The small size of the balcony should not prevent you from making it functional and looking beautiful. There are lots of ideas to maximize your small balcony. One of them is by making a bar, a simple bar on your balcony. A balcony bar is a great way to make the most of your view and enjoy an al fresco drink. It can also be a place to entertain friends or work. You can find a number of small balcony bars to buy, but you can also easily make your own. While there will be a few common factors when it comes to great balcony bars (like a table and chairs, plants, and lighting) you should also make sure your space is truly your own.
Here are some bar design ideas for a small balcony.
Open Wine Rack
Even small balconies can be equipped with a wine rack that doubles as a display and storage space. Choose an open-concept design with a slim profile and style it like a bar cart by placing bottles of your favorite vino on top and using a woven basket or unique planter as a beverage station.
Hanging Bar Table
If you’re looking for a way to add more seating and functionality to your balcony without sacrificing floor space, consider a table that hangs on the railing. Rail-mounted table version is a space-saving solution that is perfect for long and narrow balconies. This stylish solution allows you to take advantage of your view and provides space for plates and drinks. You can find these tables at home improvement stores or online, but if you’re the DIY type, there are plenty of instructions on how to make your own.
Chair Ideas
If you have a balcony that can only fit a few chairs, you might want to think about building a bench from pallets. This outdoor take on the classic sofa will provide plenty of seating for relaxing and enjoying a glass of wine. For added comfort, try adding a few pillows and a throw. You can also opt for a high stool for a simple chair idea.
Adding a Privacy Screen
The great thing about privacy screens is that they allow sunlight and airflow to reach your balcony, but offer a barrier between you and anyone else who uses the space. Privacy screens for balconies are typically made of wood or metal and can be designed with patterns or colors to match your decor.
For a more natural option, try using plants as your privacy screen. Hanging plants from your railing can create a natural, green screen that also adds some beautiful foliage to the balcony. If you don’t have a lot of time to wait for plants to grow, there are many different varieties of fake privacy plants available.
Lighting Fixtures
Adding a light to the bar can help to brighten the space. For example, you could install lights that run along the railing. This can be a great idea for a balcony that is used for socialization, as it will make the area more inviting to guests. For a more unique lighting option, try hanging lamps from the balcony. This can be a simple DIY project, and it can also be a beautiful way to add some flair to your balcony decor.
Incorporate Plants
To make your small balcony bar more attractive, adding some plants can be a great option. Especially in built-up environments, balconies are an opportunity to indulge your green thumb and add a touch of nature to your urban oasis. You can choose some low-maintenance plants to beautify your balcony bar, such as succulents, aloe vera, orchids, and more.