For landlords looking to rent out their apartments, creating an attractive, functional balcony can be a significant selling point: a well-designed balcony not only enhances the visual appeal of a property, but also offers potential tenants additional living space. Here, we explore several renter-friendly makeover ideas that can make your apartment balconies more appealing to prospective tenants – without requiring major renovations.
TL;DR: 10 Renter-Friendly Makeover Ideas for Your Apartment Balcony
- Portable Greenery
- Weather-Resistant Furniture
- Removable Floor Coverings
- Privacy Screens
- Ambient Lighting
- Maintain Siding
- Decorative Touches
- Multi-functional Accessories
- Safety Measures for High-Rise Balconies
- Child and Pet Safety
1. Portable Greenery
Adding plants to a balcony can transform it into a vibrant, inviting space. Opt for portable planters and modular garden beds that tenants can easily rearrange or take with them when they move out. Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents, bamboo, or small shrubs, which are both attractive and easy to care for; this not only beautifies the balcony, but also offers flexibility for tenants to personalize their green space. Having artificial grass on your balcony is also a great low-maintenance option to brighten up the space.
2. Weather-Resistant Furniture
Furnishing a balcony with weather-resistant chairs and tables instantly increases its usability. Durable materials, such as treated wood, metal, and synthetic wicker, can withstand various weather conditions, making them an ideal choice for outdoor spaces. Ideally, offer a few pieces of basic, weather-resistant furniture from respected brands like lazysusanfurniture.co.uk, allowing tenants the option to add more if they wish, which can help make the space feel more like an extension of their living area.
3. Removable Floor Coverings
Investing in removable and easy-to-clean floor coverings such as outdoor rugs or interlocking deck tiles can significantly enhance the look of a balcony. These coverings can hide less attractive flooring, add warmth underfoot, and are easy for tenants to replace or remove according to their preferences. Ensure the materials are suitable for outdoor use to prevent mould and mildew growth.
4. Privacy Screens
Tenants appreciate having a sense of privacy, especially in densely populated areas. Lightweight, removable screens or roll-up blinds can provide privacy without the permanence of a built-in structure; they can also be easily installed and removed without damaging the structure, offering up flexibility for tenants to adjust them as needed.
5. Ambient Lighting
Outdoor-friendly string lights or solar-powered lamps can create a cozy, inviting atmosphere during the evening hours. These lighting options do not require permanent installation, so they can be put up and taken down easily. Providing ambient lighting can make the balcony a more appealing space for relaxation or entertaining in the evening.
6. Siding
Make sure your siding looks good. There’s no point in a beautiful balcony if it is damaged, so replace your siding if needed. It’s an important part of your exterior.
What is siding? Siding serves as a protective layer affixed to the outside of a residence or a comparable building like a multifamily unit. It shields the exterior from environmental conditions, physical impacts, and invasive elements like insects. Additionally, siding enhances the visual attractiveness of a home and allows homeowners to showcase their unique style preferences through a diverse selection of materials, textures, and colors available in different siding options.
7. Decorative Touches
Allow tenants the freedom to add personal touches, such as outdoor artwork, weather-resistant cushions, or decorative statues; these small additions can make a significant difference in the overall feel of the balcony. By setting guidelines on what can and cannot be added, you can help to ensure that the balcony maintains a neat appearance while still allowing for some personal expression.
8. Multi-functional Accessories
To further enhance the functionality and appeal of the balcony, incorporating multi-functional accessories can be a smart move. A lazy susan allows for easy sharing of meals and condiments, and is particularly useful for outdoor dining areas on balconies, where space is often limited. Opt for a weather-resistant lazy susan made from materials like teak or polyresin, which can handle the elements and require minimal upkeep.
Another excellent multifunctional accessory for apartment balconies is a storage bench; these benches provide not only a comfortable seating option, but also double as hidden storage space for cushions, gardening tools, or outdoor games. Opt for benches made from weather-resistant materials like teak, cedar, or high-quality plastics to ensure durability and maintenance ease. This addition is particularly appealing for tenants who value both functionality and aesthetics in their outdoor living spaces, allowing them to enjoy a clutter-free balcony that is both practical and inviting.
9. Easy High-Rise Balcony Safety Tips
When transforming a high-rise apartment balcony, safety is paramount. Here are some essential safety tips for balcony makeovers in high-rise buildings:
Securing Loose Items
Ensure all furniture, decorations, and planters are securely anchored. Use furniture that is heavy enough to withstand high winds, or consider tethering items to the balcony railing with weather-resistant cables or straps.
Proper Drainage in Planters
Water buildup in planters can be a hidden hazard, especially during heavy rain. Ensure all plant containers have adequate drainage to prevent overflow and the potential for structural issues due to water-logging. Adding pebbles or shards of pottery at the bottom of planters can improve drainage and help avoid stagnation.
Wind and Weight Considerations
Check the weight capacity of your balcony and choose decor that does not overload it. Avoid placing heavy items near the edge or on railings, as these can pose a risk of toppling over.
Regular Inspections
Regularly check the condition of balcony railings, floor tiles, and all attached fixtures. Ensure there are no loose parts or deterioration that could pose a risk.
Child and Pet Safety
If children or pets use the balcony, install safety netting or clear acrylic panels to prevent accidents. Ensure that furniture is positioned away from railings to discourage climbing.
Striking the Right Balance
It’s essential to strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality to achieve the best outcome for all; aesthetics matter, but so too does comfort and efficient use of space.
By implementing these renter-friendly makeover ideas, landlords can transform their apartment balconies into much more attractive, functional spaces; great for rental desirability as well as for potentially increasing the property’s rental value.
