Big Style for Small Balconies

With spring upon us and summer mere months away, it’s time to rethink outdoor spaces, especially balconies, those under utilitized rooms suspended from high-rise apartment buildings all over Arlington.

Even if  your balcony is barely big enough to wave to neighbors, you can create a stylish outdoor living area.

First determine the purpose and function of the room.  Yes, that tiny space just beyond the sliding doors of your apartment is a room. 

Are you a foodie?  Transform your balcony into an elegant dining room with a pair of bistro chairs and table.  The Alfresco collection from Crate and Barrel offers folding bistro table and chairs with several options for cushions.   The Pottery Barn Potrero bistro chair was inspired by classic folding chairs found outside cafes in Paris.  Charming, this chair easily folds away and Pottery Barn carries cushions in the spectacular Sunbrella, outdoor fabric that retains its color for years.

Need more lounge space? Consider creating an outdoor den.  A small rectangular dining table can serve as a desk for your wireless laptop.  You can use it as a dining space when not working.   Lounge chairs with a colorful accent table, like the rustproof pedestal tables at Crate and Barrel, make a great space to read or relax.  Pile on the pillows, and add an outdoor jute or sisal rug for texture.

Go big in your small space.  Try an oversized love seat on a small balcony instead of two tiny chairs.  Just make sure you leave three feet of space to maneuver.   Get instant impact with a tall baker’s rack against one wall that runs from the floor to the ceiling.  Fill the rack with various plants to give your balcony that English courtyard atmosphere.

Avoid the drug store plastic chairs.  Spend a few extra bucks on wood-grain or wrought iron chairs at places like World Market, IKea or even Kmart.   Or splurge on stylish and colorful chairs like the Surf chairs from Crate and Barrel that come in neon green, magenta and caliente red.

Remember to accessorize.  Include lighting options such as candles, lanterns or lamps.  And don’t forget art.   Mount colorful tiles, wrought iron pieces or distressed outdoor clocks on a wall or wreath holder.

Be careful when purchasing pillows, tablecloths, cushions and other items with fabric.  There is a difference between indoor/outdoor fabric, outdoor fabric or just normal fabric.    If you purchase an indoor fabric or even some indoor/outdoor fabrics, mold and mildew may develop.  True outdoor fabrics, such as those made by Sunbrella, have an extra weather-resistant membrane.

Finally, use the space.   How sad it is to sit at Market Common in Clarendon and see all those balconies, most with two nondescript chairs with nobody in them.  N