Balconies that Bang

So I’ve relocated… again. Yes, it’s true. Your girl has left NYC (and my hometown of the DC where I spent the the last 8 months care-giving for a friend) for the sunny, southern life of Charlotte, NC. And while we can discuss the dynamics of my perceived nomad-ism in another post (or not), you will be happy to know that lalovelee.com is the new home of, well, my new home antics. More specifically, I will be sharing all of my home decor tips, ticks, and bloopers while I turn this empty shell into my latest cozy oasis. You’re welcome. First up? How to create balconies that bang!

What are balconies that bang?

So what exactly are balconies that bang? Well, they need to comfortable, inviting, un-cluttered, and functional. I could add a few other items like a live plant and an electrical outlet, but those aren’t necessarily must-have’s. But they’re a great addition. What you need to ask yourself, though, is aside from just being a beautiful space – how will you use it? Will it be your spot for morning coffee? Are you reading a new book? Do you have kids who will gather and play? What about the weather? Do you need a heat lamp, or a fan? If you’re super close to neighbors, will outdoor curtains or sheers help add privacy? Once you can clearly define for what and how you want to use the space, you can determine just what you’ll need to make it come to life (and make sense) for you and your family.

Now that we have the initial questions out of the way, let’s talk some balcony basics and where to find them.

Balconies that bang: the rug

In my charming new apartment right outside of Charlotte, NC, I have a cute 3rd floor balcony that gives me my own little outdoor space to enjoy the world. I find myself going out there in the mornings – thankfully it’s facing east so I get that morning light – and then enjoying the evening breezes at night. So basically, I like to start and end my days out there which means I knew I’d probably design it first. Plus, because of it’s small square footage, I could keep the budget lower and use a few pieces I already have, like that luxuriously fabulous orange and creme rug. Balconies that bang require a nice rug.

Now I’m not country, country… but I do like to go outside barefeet. Well, on my balcony I mean. I don’t really wear shoes in the house so I’m not going to put them on to step onto the baclony (unless they are those cute UGg slippers I’ve had my eye on!) But anyway, currently, my balcony is a no shoes zone. So a rug is essential. One that not only looks great, but feels great under my feet.

I would love to tell you where I specifically got mine from, but it’s so old that the tag has literally worn off. It’s been in storage for a few years, and it feels great to be reunited. I think it was Target, but since I can’t confirm, I did find some similar options at amazon.com like this colorful floral option and this beautifully reversible striped option.

Balconies that bang: the lights

Let’s talk lighting! Get you some. That’s pretty much an order. Balconies that bang must have proper lighting.

What’s a show without the lights? They can both set the mood and keep the bugs away! Which for me is major as I really, really, really don’t do the buggy thing. So I like to have a mix of lights such as string lights and citronella candles. I got my version of string lights from Hobby Lobby for a whopping 10.99 a box, and I ended up using 3 boxes of lights. But if there’s no Hobby Lobby near you, no worries! You know I got you covered with the Amazon links! Why not try the Lampat 25ft string lights or the CMYK Crystal Balls Waterproof LED Fairy Lights for only $9.99!

And remember I said electricity was a bonus? Yes, without that little luxury, your lights may be a bigger ask. Thankfully, I did have an outlet in the corner which worked out perfectly so I ended up purchasing an inexpensive outdoor extender to have my string lights begin exactly where I wanted. If you don’t have an outlet nearby, check out your local Home Depot or Lowes to see about option to run a cord from your indoors out. I also found a 10ft cord option for $9.99 online.

Balconies that bang: seating & furniture

Excuse the ring light, I was setting up for a shoot 🙂 But here are the deets on the ring light just in case you’re interested (I’m always looking out!) Now… on to these fabulous chairs. Remember at the beginning of the article I was explaining that I was doing this balcony on a budget? Well these chairs are a prime example. I’m not going to lie to you – balcony furniture can get a little pricey! I found these Skarpo armchairs at Ikea near the registers. The price wasn’t even listed – I had to go on a search! But they ended up being about $39 a pop. I bought them expeditiously.

But even if you don’t catch a last minute sale, the good news we are currently at the end of the Summer season so now is when you will find the deals, even if you have to do most of your searching online. I did go in store, looking in places like Home Depot and my beloved Homegoods, but I didn’t find much in the way of seating. However, I did find my two side tables for about $25 and $35 respectively. So that was a pretty good find! I found a similar small, round, black metal side table for you as well as a pretty blue one, for a pop of color! They also had other colors, too. I’m all for adding pops of color.

Seating & furniture options

So you know I went online to find you options for seating as well! I was looking at this 3 piece Rattan Wicker set at first, which I still think is an amazing deal and currently on clearance. It’s perfect for a smaller space. Have a larger space? Consider the 5 piece set! The seating you choose will depend largely on your space. The goal is to be comfortable and provide enough seating to make sense, but not to overwhelm the space.

Personally, I would have loved to have more chairs, but my space simply would’t allow it. But adding options like an ottoman allow you to have additional seating and/or a small table or footrest! I bought this ottoman which was cool because I store additional sheets and blankets inside since it comes un-stuffed! Also, because you are not paying for the stuffing inside, it is less expensive and ships lighter.

Ready to shop?

I know I was! And I’m actually still not done. I currently have these white patio sheer curtains in my amazon cart. Once I figure out the length I need and how I’ll hang them, either a tension rod or a PVC pipe, I think they’ll be a great addition. I’ll keep you posted. And… even though I literally just said I didn’t have any more room on my balcony for a chair – my egg chair swing just arrived today. Don’t judge me. I haven’t decided if it’s going in the apartment, or on the balcony. Either way – you know I’ll let you know once it’s put together and up 🙂

And that’s it! Even though Summer is winding down, let me know what you are planning to do with your outdoor space. Cooler weather just means blankets and slippers! If it’s not snowing, you can still sit out 🙂 And if you use any of the ideas I shared in this blog post, tell me about it in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.

PS – My latest book release, “Banter & Bourbon” is still available for immediate download! If you haven’t gotten your copy, what are you waiting for? 🙂

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