Renovating your balcony or terrace - create a charming outdoor corner for enjoying the nature

As summer slowly draws to an end and the sun rays become more and more pleasant, we often feel the urge to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Why not transform your balcony or terrace into a functional outdoor corner where you can enjoy nature and fresh air? We've put together five useful tips to help you freshen up the look of your balcony.

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1. Choosing the right furniture for the perfect outdoor experience

Many people love to enjoy meals outside in the fresh air, so choosing chairs and a table is often the first thing we do when furnishing a balcony. If you like to make barbecue dishes, the balcony can be your ideal kitchen corner, especially if you don't have a garden or patio at your disposal. So consider putting a grill on your balcony and enjoy cooking outdoors.

If space is limited, it makes sense to choose folding furniture that can be easily stowed away when you don't need it. You can add a touch of comfort to terraces or larger balconies with seating, deck chairs, a hammock or a garden swing. Add soft cushions and blankets to create a place to relax, read and enjoy the outdoors. If garden furniture is too expensive, you can make it yourself. Use wooden pallets, which you paint with a protective coating in any colour, and equip them with soft cushions.

Especially on open balconies, consider additional storage space, such as an outdoor closet or drawer. That way, you can quickly store items in case of bad weather or when you do not need them, and also protect them from the effects of moisture. For balconies that are exposed to the sun, it is recommended to install a patio shade or sunshade to protect you from strong sunlight.

 

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2. Renovation of outdoor surfaces - let your furniture shine again

We often use wooden or metal furniture for outdoor surfaces, which over time needs to be restored due to external influences. Summer is perfect for refreshing the look of wooden or metal tables, chairs, sets, decorative elements and railings.

The biggest enemies of metal objects are water and air. Metal fences and other iron-based elements can be attacked by rust over time if not properly protected, so it is recommended to protect iron objects on balconies in the first stage with anti-corrosion coatings, such as TESSAROL EGALIN QUICK-DRYING PRIMER FOR METAL, which prevents rusting and improves adhesion between the substrate and top coating. After the surface is protected from rusting, cover colours or enamels are applied, which give the metal the desired decorative effect.

However, we can choose an anti-corrosion primer such as TESSAROL DIRECT 3in1, which is applied directly to the surface without the use of a primer, or TESSAROL ANTIK 3in1, which gives the appearance of old wrought iron with its metallic shine. You can read more tips on how to properly protect metal here.

We must pay even more attention to wooden surfaces, as moisture from the surrounding area can cause rotting, cracking and deformation of the wood, while ultraviolet rays cause colour fading and degradation of the surface layer. If we want to keep the natural colour of the wood, it must be regularly maintained with coatings that protect the wood from the effects of the weather, extend its life and preserve its beautiful natural appearance.

With well-maintained and well-preserved wood, it is enough to just protect it with a woodstain - a colourless coating that forms a thin protective layer on the surface. For additional protection of outdoor equipment from various pests, we recommend the use of impregnation coatings, such as BORI IMPREGNATION WITH BIOCIDE W, which protects wood against bluing, mould, wood fungus and various insects. After applying the impregnation, a coating for long-term wood protection is applied, such as BORI THIN-LAYER WOODSTAIN, which not only emphasizes the natural appearance of the wood but also deeply protects it from environmental influences. It is available in as many as 12 shades of wood colour, so you can choose the one that best suits your space.

For wood that is in a visibly poor condition, we use coloured top coats that completely cover the irregularities and give the element a new look. We recommend the use of acrylic paints that are water-based, environmentally friendly and suitable for painting both exterior and interior elements. Before applying the top coat, it makes sense to use a base protection, such as TESSAROL ACRYLIC PRIMER FOR WOOD, which dries quickly and does not leave an unpleasant smell. For flawless coverage of imperfections, we use top coatings, such as TESSAROL ACRYLIC ENAMEL, which ensures long-lasting durability and does not yellow. It is available in glossy or satin version, and you can choose from a wide range of colour shades that can be found on our HGMIX colour chart.

 

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3. Create warmth with wooden panels

If you notice that the balcony tiles have started to show signs of wear, the solution can be quick and easy. Instead of replacing them, you can simply cover the surface with wooden panels. Wood creates a feeling of warmth and a natural look, and therefore fits well with the external environment. It is also more comfortable to walk or sit on and maintains the temperature better and does not heat up as much as other materials. You can combine wood with colourful furniture and colourful flower pots and other decorative elements to create a lively atmosphere.

In addition, wooden floors offer an opportunity for creative expression. They can be processed and painted in different shades, which allows you to adapt the appearance of your balcony to your aesthetic preferences and create a unique space that perfectly fits your style. Whether you opt for a classic natural aesthetic or a vibrant colour palette, wood flooring is sure to elevate your balcony look to the next level. 

 

4. A green oasis that will bring you closer to nature

In the urban environment, many people do not have the opportunity to enjoy their own garden, so we suggest that you create your own green corner right on the balcony or terrace. In addition to the usual green and flowering plants, you can also grow herbs and vegetables, and even smaller fruit trees in larger pots. Even if space is limited you can hang the pots on the fence, install wall shelves or use a variety of stands. You can creatively use, for example, an ordinary wooden ladder, where you can place flower pots, thereby brightening up the look of the balcony. For covered balconies, there are special plant hangers that can be attached to the ceiling or roof and come in a variety of designs to suit any style.

Not only can plants on your balcony improve the overall look of your outdoor space, but they also have a positive effect on our mood, improve air quality, reduce stress, and provide more privacy by blocking out the view from neighbours.

 

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5. Decorative elements for a lively outdoor space

How you furnish your balcony largely depends on your personal style, preferences and the aesthetic look you want to achieve. In fact, you can treat your balcony as a kind of small outdoor room and, like the interior spaces, furnish it according to your unique style. When choosing elements, it is important to take into account the size of the balcony and its exposure to the weather. It is recommended to choose elements that are resistant to external influences and easy to maintain.

In addition to the already mentioned plants, which in themselves represent a major decorative element, you can also add an outdoor carpet that provides comfort and connects the appearance of your balcony with the other elements. You can also decorate the walls with various works of art and place decorative objects, candles and lights on shelves or tables, which will create a pleasant romantic atmosphere in the evenings. Flashing lights on strings, which can be easily installed along the fence or hung on the wall or ceiling, can also provide a feeling touch in the evenings. You can also hang dream catchers or wind chimes on the balcony, which will sway in the gentle breeze and make pleasant sounds. In this way, you will create a real little oasis of peace on the balcony, which will invite you to relax and enjoy every moment.

 

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A well-executed balcony or terrace renovation can expand your living space and enrich your lifestyle. With a thoughtful renovation, you can turn your balcony or terrace into a pleasant corner for relaxation, a place for socializing and entertainment, or a small green oasis that will improve your living experience and bring you closer to nature. Summer offers you the opportunity to take the first step towards renovation and thus fully exploit the potential of your outdoor space.