When you live in an urban setting like New York, having your little slice of nature can feel like a far stretch. It does not have to be – more apartments have terraces and private outdoor space than you may expect. Moreover, this is also one of the home features New Yorkers are likely to pay extra for if you ever decide to sell your place.
We are sharing some balcony decor ideas for your NYC apartment so that you can make the most out of your little outdoor oasis.
Matching your home with your personal lifestyle is what having your own NYC apartment is all about. If you are looking for inspiration on how to do so, here are a few interesting suggestions.
Incorporate Accent Lighting
One of the perks of having a balcony in New York City is that you can arrange it as your own relaxing oasis. Some New Yorkers even have a secluded reading nook on their balconies where they can enjoy their favorite books in the evenings. And what better way to do this than with lots of lighting to set the mood? All you need to do is get a few strings of fairy lights at a nearby store to transform your balcony into a magical purple, blue, or red oasis. And if you already have a balcony garden, the shadowplay will be extraordinary.
Plant a Garden
Of course, the most natural way to decorate your NYC balcony is to bring in a lot of plants. There is this minimalistic tendency that has swept NYC balconies where people like to keep furniture at the bare minimum so that they can make way for their plants, pots, and vines. If the air quality in your neighborhood allows it, you can even grow your own food and herbs right there on your terrace. Tomatoes, peppers, and coriander thrive in urban conditions, which means you have no excuse not to green up your balcony.
Cozy seating
Ditch the uncomfortable metal chairs to make your balcony as inviting as possible. Treat your outdoor space as an extension of your indoor living space by bringing in some cozy patio furniture. A small sofa and padded armchairs will make your terrace much more enjoyable and cozy.
If you are just moving into your NYC home, consider reupholstering old furniture pieces you would otherwise throw away. It is much more affordable to relocate these pieces than buy new ones as it is a relatively hassle-free process when you hire professional residential movers to help you out. Also, our advice is to go for a synthetic material instead of natural ones to make the upholstering resistant to the sun and elements it will be exposed to on the balcony.
For those that want a more traditional outdoor feel, opt for a hammock or swing if your space permits. You will be able to untie the hammock whenever you please in case you ever need the space for something else.
Add a Small Outdoor Dining Area
A balcony can serve a practical purpose aside from being your favorite spot for unwinding. If your kitchen is connected to the outdoor area in your apartment, you can add a counter or countertop area that can serve as a makeshift bar or table where you can prepare and eat food or drink your morning coffee. So, you can host both unforgettable parties and moonlit dinners on your balcony overlooking New York City. You just need a few barstools, and voila - you have your own little NYC bar right on your terrace.
Protect your privacy
After you have finished decorating or repurposing your balcony area, it is time to think about your privacy. Curious gazes from the street might easily interrupt your fresh-air yoga session or morning stretch. So, no matter how much you get along with your neighbors, consider privacy screening.
If you have a green thumb, this is the perfect opportunity to do a little bit of gardening. You can place outdoor plants to keep your balcony out of sight. In addition, your little terrace jungle will also create shade in the summertime. Otherwise, you can opt for something such as bamboo fencing or a small hedge.
We hope you have drawn inspiration from our favorite balcony decor ideas for your NYC apartment. Enjoy beautifying your balcony!