5 Clever Balcony Design Solutions to Make the Most of the Monsoon
If the onset of rains means that your outdoor space shuts down for the season, then you need to read on
The monsoon is upon us and if you’ve been smart about it, you would have had a head start getting your outdoor ‘room’ ready for the rains. But, if you happen to have put things off till the last moment, fear not – read up these tips and get cracking, so you can still enjoy chai and pakora sessions in the cosy confines of your balcony whilst watching the rains beat down.
Transparent blinds for the balcony such as this, designed by Shabnam Gupta, which look like thick sheets of plastic but are made from scratch-resistant PVC, would be ideal to deal with torrential rains. They not only safeguard against all weather elements but allow light to pass freely.
Find a designer to help you weather-proof your balcony
Find a designer to help you weather-proof your balcony
2. Go under cover
If your balcony is exposed, you have a variety of choices to cover it, from awnings to lean-tos to full-roof covers.
Retractable all-weather awnings are mostly made of acrylic-coated synthetic fabrics. The advantage of an awning – apart from the fact that it is retractable, like in this space by dream design sthlm – is that it is available in many different colours and materials.
If your balcony is exposed, you have a variety of choices to cover it, from awnings to lean-tos to full-roof covers.
Retractable all-weather awnings are mostly made of acrylic-coated synthetic fabrics. The advantage of an awning – apart from the fact that it is retractable, like in this space by dream design sthlm – is that it is available in many different colours and materials.
Light roof structures of the lean-to type are a good choice if you would prefer something more permanent. They can be made of either fabric or PVC sheets, both of which are affordable to replace. The advantage of PVC sheets over fabric is that unlike fabric, PVC sheets can filter in sunlight.
Tempered glass roofs cost a pretty penny. Not to be taken up as a last-minute project but one definitely worth considering for the long run, as it is highly durable and will last for years. You can choose between clear glass (as in this home by Bryant Alsop Architects) or tinted – the only deterrent would be to find someone to clean those panes occasionally.
Tip: Choose your balcony roofing material as per the climatic conditions you live in. For instance, a fabric awning can withstand light showers but might not be able to bear up against torrential rains.
Tip: Choose your balcony roofing material as per the climatic conditions you live in. For instance, a fabric awning can withstand light showers but might not be able to bear up against torrential rains.
3. Invest in good-quality outdoor furniture
Investing in furniture made from weatherproof materials can make a big difference in how it holds up over time or what maintenance is required to keep it looking good. Aangan Architects made the right call.
Investing in furniture made from weatherproof materials can make a big difference in how it holds up over time or what maintenance is required to keep it looking good. Aangan Architects made the right call.
Pro tip: If using wood, make sure to apply weatherproof polish to the furniture. Or paint them in bright colours like in this space by David Charles Klein Design for a vibrant look (use durable paints meant for exteriors).
In this space by Savio & Rupa Interior Concepts, synthetic rattan furniture has been used. It is usually made with resin or PVC, and is one of the most common materials for outdoor furniture. It is hardy in all weather conditions, and is light-weight, long-wearing, weather-resistant and rust-proof.
Budget tip: Colourful waterproof beanbags can look fabulous and are cosy, too.
Budget tip: Colourful waterproof beanbags can look fabulous and are cosy, too.
Wrought-iron furniture is supremely hardy, unshakeable in the face of the strongest gales and can withstand harsh climatic conditions. Lighter designs, like this in the space by Studio Earthbox are a good option for a condo balcony – wrought iron can be very heavy, so choose your pieces carefully. While iron is prone to rust, it’s nothing that a good lick of paint won’t take care of.
Find out what are the best materials for patio furniture
Find out what are the best materials for patio furniture
4. Opt for weather-proof fabrics
Here, designer Moriq chose outdoor upholstery fabric that would stand the test of time (and the elements). Fabrics must be mildew-resistant and even water-resistant or waterproof. Cushions made of polyurethane foam allow water to flow through. Also, make sure that the fabrics used for upholstery and cushion covers are solution-dyed acrylic fabrics, which are moisture-proof.
Here, designer Moriq chose outdoor upholstery fabric that would stand the test of time (and the elements). Fabrics must be mildew-resistant and even water-resistant or waterproof. Cushions made of polyurethane foam allow water to flow through. Also, make sure that the fabrics used for upholstery and cushion covers are solution-dyed acrylic fabrics, which are moisture-proof.
An outdoor rug has been used in this space by Lotus Gardenscapes & Bloom Garden Center. If you wish to do the same, do ensure it’s made of engineered materials such as nylon, polyester and polypropylene (often from recycled sources), which are particularly durable and resistant to moisture. These rugs are also low-maintenance – a quick hose-down is enough to get them cleaned up.
See the many tricks to cosy up the outdoors with rugs
See the many tricks to cosy up the outdoors with rugs
5. Ensure storage
To avoid sitting down on wet cushions, keep a storage trunk to toss in cushions when not in use and to avoid collecting moisture. A storage trunk would also come in handy to store blankets, candle lights, and so on, without fear of spiders or mildew getting inside.
Since your trunk will be under shelter, you don’t need to worry too much about it being rain-proof. But it might be useful to know that wood types like cedar and teak withstand high-humidity conditions and are also pest-proof, making them perfect for outdoor areas.
To avoid sitting down on wet cushions, keep a storage trunk to toss in cushions when not in use and to avoid collecting moisture. A storage trunk would also come in handy to store blankets, candle lights, and so on, without fear of spiders or mildew getting inside.
Since your trunk will be under shelter, you don’t need to worry too much about it being rain-proof. But it might be useful to know that wood types like cedar and teak withstand high-humidity conditions and are also pest-proof, making them perfect for outdoor areas.
You could also create storage inside banquette seating like done here by Harrison’s Landscaping – it can both give loads of useful storage and make a space feel more cosy. Access the space within by lifting up the seats like trunk lids or from doors or drawers in the front face.
Last but not least, give your drain pipes a once-over as ensured in this balcony by Studio Earthbox. You want a balcony, not a pool.
And, finally, before you put your feet up to enjoy a hot cuppa, don’t forget to bring your plants out, so they can enjoy the rains as much as you will.
Read more:
8 Ways to Make Your Outdoor Deck Ready for Guests
What to Do With the Balcony?
10 Big Ideas for Small Balconies
Monsoon Alert: How to Waterproof your Windows
Tell us:
If you live in a wet region, what is your outdoor space like? Do tell us in the Comments section.
And, finally, before you put your feet up to enjoy a hot cuppa, don’t forget to bring your plants out, so they can enjoy the rains as much as you will.
Read more:
8 Ways to Make Your Outdoor Deck Ready for Guests
What to Do With the Balcony?
10 Big Ideas for Small Balconies
Monsoon Alert: How to Waterproof your Windows
Tell us:
If you live in a wet region, what is your outdoor space like? Do tell us in the Comments section.
Even if your balcony is covered on the top, rain will find a way in sideways.
PVC blinds are the answer, like these in the home by Panageries, unless you want to shut yourself up in a glass cage. Outdoor PVC blinds are designed to be sturdy and long-lasting in a variety of climatic conditions, including rain. Additionally, they come in an array of finishes to suit your tastes.
PVC imitation-bamboo blinds are a good choice for those looking for a look-alike alternative to the real deal – the old-school bamboo chik – sans its drawbacks. They give you the same natural-looking, tropical vibe, last longer and do a much better job of blocking rain than the original. The downside is that these also block out light, which is great on a bright, sunny day but not so much when you are rained in.