Small balcony? No problem: 5 stylish ways to maximize your outdoor space
Summer is finally here — and when it comes to making it the best summer ever, Everything Awaits you at Canadian Tire. From D.I.Y. projects you can do in a weekend to tips to create the ultimate patio setup for the smallest space, these ideas will have you counting down to the weekends.
For city dwellers, balconies are often the only personal outdoor space — but they can often be overlooked because of their small size. What’s the point in investing time and creative energy into the tiniest space?
We’re here to prove you wrong — because even the smallest balcony can be transformed into an outdoor urban oasis that will make even the biggest backyard owners jealous. It’s all in how you utilize the space and play with different decorative elements.
With a little planning, an open mind and the right decor, you can have your dream urban oasis even if you live smack dab in the middle of a bustling city. Try these easy and budget friendly decorating ideas that will breathe new life into your small outdoor space just in time for patio season.
Light it up
It’s incredible how even one set of string lights can liven up a small outdoor space and create a relaxing atmosphere. And there are endless ways to work with lights, depending on the vibe you want your balcony to have.
Depending on how much light you want, you can string some lights overhead or across your balcony ledge. We love the CANVAS Montmarte Heavy-Duty Outdoor String Lights, the CANVAS Vintage Edison String Lights or the CANVAS Luna String Lights, 25-count for this purpose.
Fairy lights are also popular lighting elements that bring a touch of whimsy to your space. Their small size means you can string them around your plants, hedges and shrubs and make it look like a million tiny fireflies are relaxing with you.
Add outdoor flooring or rugs
Cover your cold concrete floor with some warm and welcoming deck tiles. You’ll love the homey effect the Shantex Eco-Tiles will have on the overall look and feel of your outdoor space. If you want to add a little bit of texture or colour, a rug will do just the trick. The CANVAS Pure Plastics Wasaga Outdoor Rug will give you that pop of colour that any drab balcony so sorely needs.
If you really want to create an extraordinary space, cover that concrete floor with lush faux grass. The For Living Shag Turf Runner offers a realistic grass-like effect that might even fool a green thumb.
Greenery for the win
Everyone seems to have plant fever these days — and we certainly don’t blame them. Plants have a way of bringing a space to life. Let's not forget all the fun you can have with decorative planters, macrame hangers or a wall mounted trellis. If you don’t have a green thumb, you can still enjoy the look and feel with realistic faux plants. The CANVAS Decorative Artificial Plant offers a great artificial alternative for serial plant killers.
If you have an empty concrete wall on your balcony, why not fill it with greeny? A trellis like the Naturae Décor Expandable Artificial Leaf Trellis will give your space tons of character without the hassle of watering and nurturing a living organism.
Add a bistro set
Bistro tables are a must-have for small balconies. They’re functional, useful and don’t take up alot of real estate.
You can easily host a comfortable dinner for two on the For Living Nottingham Cast Bistro Set or opt for something colourful and minimalist like this 3-piece outdoor bistro set. Depending on your decor and colour theme, there are endless bistro sets to suit just about any design.
Furniture that does double duty
Decorating any small space can be a challenge, no doubt, but that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice storage. Modular furniture can serve multiple functions and your guests won’t even notice that your storage unit is also the bench they’re sitting on for brunch. Add some decorative pillows and seat cushions to the Keter XL Wood-Look Storage Deck Box and no one will ever know the difference. The Keter deck box is a great option because it boasts the TESTED Badge, which means that it's been put to the test by real Canadians. If that's not your style, Canadian Tire has tons of other deck boxes and benches that will help you maximize your space (and keep patio essentials on hand) without making things look cluttered.
Another great way to maximize a small space is to utilize stackable or foldable furniture. If you go with a sleek wooden folding chair, you can prop up multiples in the corner of your balcony and unfold as many as you need. And when in doubt — use vertical space. An unassuming storage shelf won't look out of place on your balcony, and can hold plants, outdoor dining must-haves and more.
