Make the Most of Your Outdoor Space: Apartment Edition

It’s summer, which means we’re outside and spending more time on our balconies and patios when we’re home at our apartments. In order to actually want to spend time outside in the warmer months we have to make sure our small outdoor spaces are inviting and comfortable! We’ve got a few simple tips to help you make the most of your outdoor space so that it feels like #Goals.

3 Ways to Make the Most of Your Outdoor Space

Save Space with Minimalistic Furniture

For patios in apartment communities, our biggest tip is to keep the scale of the furniture in mind. After all, you don’t want to overwhelm the space with large pieces. A set of chairs and a small side table are good essentials to have in your small space so that you can actually sit outside and enjoy it.

Luckily, these types of small tables and chairs are trendy and easily accessible! They are in all the European balcony photos you see online, so why overthink the charming simplicity? Foldable or stackable furniture is a plus — you may decide you want to use the space for something else, too.

This table and chairs set from Ikea folds up to save space.

Add Dimension with Patterns

Consider an outdoor rug to provide a base for your furniture and bring pattern and color into play. The right rug can be a great statement piece and can actually make your space feel larger.

You can use tie-down cushions to bring color to your seating. If wind isn’t an issue, you can also add colorful throw pillows to add a bit more of your personality to the mix. Consider a dual purpose storage bench where you can both sit and store your cushions and pillows when they are not in use.

Plant Vertically

Add a plant or succulent to make your outdoor space feel more natural. Or use a small raised planter to grow herbs or plants that smell nice like lavender, mint, rosemary, etc. Using raised planters can help you create a vertical garden so that decorations and plants don’t take up too much space. It’s easier than you think to grow a garden in an apartment — especially when you have the right tools.

Consider The Wind

Before you go on a shopping spree for new treasures to make the most of your outdoor space, examine the location of your balcony or patio. It’s important to determine whether wind gusts are present. You will want to make sure your furniture and accessories can withstand the level of wind your space endures and make sure the items are properly secured.