
The Balcony Chronicles: How to Make the Most Out of Your Balcony
When it comes to enjoying time outside, I’m all for it. So when my new apartment came all decked out with a large-and-in-charge balcony, I knew it was going to get a ton of use. After lots of thought, the balcony is slowly become more and more loved with fairy lights, delicious bites, and a whole lot of plants. Check out a few things I’ve added to make this place really feel like home and how you can make the most out of your balcony.
Sip & Enjoy: Dinner with a View
First thing is first, we can’t not talk about how insane this view is. I’m sitting on my balcony typing this while the city lights are starting to flicker on each and every building. It’s been four years living across the Hudson River, and I still am memorized by the Empire State Building’s dancing lights on every evening hour. With that said, the little outdoor table needed to face the beautiful skyscrapers so we could enjoy each and every sunset and sunrise. I found this adorable two-chair-table set at Home Goods and have been obsessed with it ever since.
When you’re setting up your balcony, find a spot to center the focus point. It may be a plant you put in the corner, an epic view of a tree, or even a grill that is going to get a ton of use. Whatever it may be, make it yours!



Balcony to Table: A New Meaning
If you’re read a few posts on my blog (like this one), then you might know that I’m obsessed with plants. This balcony provided me with a new opportunity: to plant outdoor plants. Starting from the railings, I was excited to fill three baskets I found at Lowe’s with fresh herbs. I quickly filled them up with two types of basil for my caprese obsession, cilantro for my taco-loving heart, scallions for…. everything, kale for #health, and arugula that did not survive the hash summer heat. Since obviously that wasn’t enough plants for the balcony, I also put a few pots in a corner hosting lavender for the bees, mint for my cocktails, rosemary for my taters, and a big ole’ tomato plant to fill my happy heart. Oh, I can’t forget my college plant – 9 years later and this freshman year plant is still going strong!
But back to my main point, you can grown anything on a little balcony if you have a little bit of elbow grease and a whole lot of water. Since my balcony is facing east, I get a ton of sun early in the morning (yes, we’re talking 5 am sunrises) to about 1 pm. Now although this was too much for my arugula, my other plants are loving all the attention from the sun. My biggest tip is to do your research, read the plant tags, and just throw some dirt around.



Summer Nights: Time Well Spent
You know what makes a dinner go from meh to woo real quick? A soft light and some mood music. The reason why restaurants are so inviting is because of the ambiance. They throw on some vibey music and light a fresh candle… BAM you’re hooked and are now nose deep in some cannolis. Make your space feel the same way when you have a meal outside. Light a fresh candle and play some of your favorite tunes. As a self-declared spotify playlist guru, I’ve even made this fun “Vibey Chef” playlist that you can jam out to on your balcony (songs added weekly). Also, fresh flowers definitely don’t hurt to liven up the place!


When in Doubt: Add Fairy Lights
I’m not sure if it’s my inner child coming out, but something about fairy lights bring a big smile to my face. They just make everything look so damn romantic. So if you’re not loving you’re outdoor space or if if seems like the balcony is missing something, throw some fairy lights on the railing! I got these from Target and they’ve been getting a whole lot of use!



Do you have a balcony or an outdoor space you love? Tell me all about it in the comments down below!
Other Posts You May Like:
- 8 Apartment Plants That You Won’t Kill
- 3 Easy Macrame Home Decor Projects
- Our Apartment Living Room Tour (Old Apartment)
- Hudson County Bedroom Tour (Old Bedroom)
As always,

17 Comments
Shauna
Love this! Summer is the perfect time to get out there and enjoy our outdoor spaces.
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
PeculiarPorter
Thank you, Shauna! The best part about the summer is enjoying the weather!
Ashley
Your balcony is so cute- and that VIEW! You are winning, for sure.
We approach it the same way with our deck- even though we’re in a neighborhood, we have big trees that make the deck feel like a treehouse in the spring and summer when the leaves come in. We’ve got furniture, lights, and a ton of plants to make it feel comfy and colorful!
-Ashley
https://lestylorouge.com
PeculiarPorter
Thank you so much Ashley! I’m obsessed with this view so I’m glad you like it too!
You must love sitting out on the deck! I would love to see pictures with all the lights and furniture!
Janet
Your balcony is so beautiful, such a lovely place to sit and enjoy the world xx
Janet
http://www.rediscoveringmystyle.com
PeculiarPorter
Thank you so much Janet! I love watching the world go by on there!
Heather Noire
Love this advice. It takes it to a whole other level and really gives it such a magical look.
https://www.bauchlefashion.com/2022/07/how-can-you-transform-your-day-outfit.html?m=1
PeculiarPorter
Thank you so much Heather! Something about outdoor spaces are the absolute best!
Lovely
Excellent tips! I love having a cup of tea and relaxing on the balcony while breathing in the fresh air and enjoying my surroundings.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
The Blog Social
This is amazing! Summer nights are perfect for spending time on the balcony.
Candice x
theblogsocial.com
thebeautysociety.co.za
alimackin2013
Oh wow what a GREAT balcony and an even better view. You are doing a wonderful job with it, and making the most of it. Just lovely.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Nina
Love your balcony space!!
-Nina
http://www.stylingwithnina.com/2022/07/how-to-style-blazer-in-summer.html
Heather Noire
This is such great advice and I love the style ideas. You can really create a mood just by the way the atmosphere feels overall. Hope you are having a great week and start to fall season.
https://www.bauchlefashion.com/2022/08/first-taste-of-fall-cashmere-in-question.html
https://www.instagram.com/heathernoire89
zoeyolivia
What a fab idea – and lovely view you have. xx
Zoey | http://www.zoeyolivia.com
George Egbuonu
Awesome tips. Your balcony is so beautiful.
Gemma
Great tips! Your balcony looks lovely!
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
krissisophie
Omg I wish I had a balcony 😀 I love the fairy lights idea and would definitely do that!
Lots of love,
Krissi of the marquise diamond
https://themarquisediamond.de/