5 Winter Balcony Decorating Tips You Need To Know
Typically, when decorating for the outdoors comes to mind, we think about the warmer seasons like spring and summer, but decorating during the chilly winter season is just as fun to do- and no, it doesn’t just have to center around the holidays either! Decorating your balcony for the winter might seem a bit nerve-wracking at first, especially if you live in an area that is frequently slammed with bad weather like snow or freezing rain. While you want to create a cozy winter space, you also don’t want to ruin your furniture or decorations that you spent both money on buying and time on arranging!
Figuring out the direction of your outdoor balcony decorating doesn’t have to be plain, simple, or boring- it can be unique to your individual style! Are you someone who likes to decorate every inch of your space? Looking for some tips and tricks to help you decorate your balcony for the winter season? Want some inspiration and ideas to get you started? Follow these five tips to create the perfect winter wonderland on your balcony!
1. Consider Your Space: This is a bit of a no-brainer, but before you head to Target to get tables, chairs, blankets, and other accessories, take the time to really evaluate the space you are working with. The goal is to make your balcony both cozy and functional, and unfortunately, you can’t do that if your space is overcrowded or cluttered with bulky furniture that doesn’t fit your space. Instead, take proper measurements and figure out the dimensions of your balcony to properly gauge how to best utilize the space that you do have. Zoe Baillargeon of ApartmentGuide.com suggests, “Furniture like sofas or ottomans that double as storage for blankets is one efficient option that amplifies space and helps the balcony not look so cluttered.”
2. Think About Outdoor Furniture: As stated previously, if you are in an area that frequently gets bad wintery weather, it is important to evaluate the best furniture to get for your outdoor balcony use. You don’t want to put an expensive table or sofa chairs outside to be left in a bad snowstorm. Utilize furniture with waterproof coverings to prevent any kind of damage, such as mold or mildew, from ruining your furniture. Additionally, if you do want to put a nice piece of furniture on your balcony, just be aware of any impending storms and bring the item(s) inside.
3. Prepare for Snow/Ice: Living in a place that is cold and is vulnerable to storms means it’s necessary to prepare your balcony for heavy snow and ice buildup. Prior to the storm, cover any large or cherished furniture with a tarp to prevent any potential water damage. Afterward, have an ice scraper, shovel, and broom on hand to get rid of any snow or ice left from the storm. Adequately preparing for storms and having the right tools afterward will salvage your furniture and help you save the money of replacing anything in the long run!
4. Remember the Little Holidays: So many of us think of the winter months as just being exclusive to the big holidays, like Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanza, but celebrating the little holidays during winter can also be fun- and your balcony can reflect that! For example, Valentine’s Day can be a lovely opportunity to decorate your balcony with hearts, the colors red and pink and fun cupid-themed decorations! Deidre Sullivan of The Spruce notes, “A fringed heart accessory updates a boxwood wreath held over from Christmas. A bright, outdoor rug is a colorful touch that works 365 days a year. Another easy idea anyone can do is to tie ribbon bows around light fixtures.” For Saint Patrick’s Day, you can tie in different shades of green into your decor, incorporate different plants (don’t forget your shamrock), and perhaps add fun rainbow-themed decorations around your space!
5. Don’t Overdecorate: When taking the time to decorate a new space, the excitement and adrenaline can sometimes take over and lead you to want to cover every inch of space that you have on your balcony. While it’s good to have that designer’s mind and the passion to decorate, remember that you also want your balcony to be functional. You don’t want yourself or friends and family to have to shimmy through a small path of space because they’re unable to get through or feel squinched being on your balcony. So, when it comes to decorating your space, remember that less is more!
When decorating your balcony for the winter season, there are so many different factors to consider: what kind of furniture to get, how to prepare for the winter storms, how to best utilize your space, and more. While it’s important to consider all of these factors, remember to ultimately have fun and explore your creative side when you decorate your balcony!