7 Ways to Turn Your Balcony Into a Spiffy Storage Haven
Put your balcony to good use with storage solutions that straddle form and function
Are you constantly lamenting the lack of storage space inside your home? If you are, it’s likely that the solution to your problem is staring you straight in the face. All you need to do is look outside (and into your balcony). With a few clever tips and tricks, you can turn your balcony into a delightful storage haven without compromising on style. Fuel your imagination with this trusty guide.
2. Bring in wall storage
The wall is often the most underused part of the balcony. Have it pull some heavy duty by installing a storage device. An open shelving display, like the one pictured, can be a great way to elevate your balcony aesthetic. If you do resort to an open storage system, however, make sure to reserve it for sturdy, wind-proof items that aren’t susceptible to weather damage.
The wall is often the most underused part of the balcony. Have it pull some heavy duty by installing a storage device. An open shelving display, like the one pictured, can be a great way to elevate your balcony aesthetic. If you do resort to an open storage system, however, make sure to reserve it for sturdy, wind-proof items that aren’t susceptible to weather damage.
If space is at a premium, go for floating shelves instead. These can act as valuable surfaces for storage and will not eat into your floor space.
Tip: Protect wooden furniture from the elements by having it coated in latex paint and water sealant. This will serve to preserve the longevity of your furniture.
Find outdoor furniture for your balcony here
Tip: Protect wooden furniture from the elements by having it coated in latex paint and water sealant. This will serve to preserve the longevity of your furniture.
Find outdoor furniture for your balcony here
3. Consider a storage chest
Give your balcony a whimsical flourish with a dedicated storage chest that brims with colour and character. It’s important to pick a material that stands the test of time in an outdoor environment. Wood, rattan, wicker, aluminium, stainless steel, metal, wrought iron and cast iron are some materials that can weather the Indian climate, although they each require a certain amount of upkeep.
Learn the pros and cons of different types of outdoor furniture materials before you plan your balcony storage
Give your balcony a whimsical flourish with a dedicated storage chest that brims with colour and character. It’s important to pick a material that stands the test of time in an outdoor environment. Wood, rattan, wicker, aluminium, stainless steel, metal, wrought iron and cast iron are some materials that can weather the Indian climate, although they each require a certain amount of upkeep.
Learn the pros and cons of different types of outdoor furniture materials before you plan your balcony storage
4. Get freestanding benches
Freestanding benches can masquerade as charming open storage surfaces when positioned correctly. Create a pared-back, inward-facing storage-cum-seating layout by placing benches along two adjacent walls of your balcony. This will not only give you multipurpose surfaces that morph to suit the occasion, but also allow you to channel plenty of negative space towards the centre of your balcony.
Freestanding benches can masquerade as charming open storage surfaces when positioned correctly. Create a pared-back, inward-facing storage-cum-seating layout by placing benches along two adjacent walls of your balcony. This will not only give you multipurpose surfaces that morph to suit the occasion, but also allow you to channel plenty of negative space towards the centre of your balcony.
If you want a more restrained storage option, place a single bench towards one wall to create a pleasing storage vignette.
5. Add wall alcoves
Spotlit wall alcoves can give your balcony an elegant edge while adding to your storage options. Use these recesses to store gardening equipment, tools and other knick-knacks, or to display potted plants.
Spotlit wall alcoves can give your balcony an elegant edge while adding to your storage options. Use these recesses to store gardening equipment, tools and other knick-knacks, or to display potted plants.
6. Install wooden cladding
Wooden cladding along one wall of your balcony is an excellent way to switch up your shelving display to match the need of the hour. Go for shelves with hooks that can be easily slid in and out between each panel, allowing you to adjust the location and height of each shelf. Or, if you prefer a more permanent solution, nail your shelves to your cladding, as shown here.
Wooden cladding along one wall of your balcony is an excellent way to switch up your shelving display to match the need of the hour. Go for shelves with hooks that can be easily slid in and out between each panel, allowing you to adjust the location and height of each shelf. Or, if you prefer a more permanent solution, nail your shelves to your cladding, as shown here.
7. Go for cupboards
A row of low cupboards can be the perfect addition to any balcony, balancing unfussy charm with optimum utility. As with any outdoor furniture, make sure to consult your carpenter first on the best materials to use to weather-proof your cupboards.
Read more:
10 Space-Saving Seating Layouts for Compact Balconies
How to Decorate Balconies
Tell us:
Which of these balcony storage ideas would work best in your home? Tell us in Comments below.
A row of low cupboards can be the perfect addition to any balcony, balancing unfussy charm with optimum utility. As with any outdoor furniture, make sure to consult your carpenter first on the best materials to use to weather-proof your cupboards.
Read more:
10 Space-Saving Seating Layouts for Compact Balconies
How to Decorate Balconies
Tell us:
Which of these balcony storage ideas would work best in your home? Tell us in Comments below.
Multifunctional furniture is a golden solution for space-starved homes, and the balcony is no exception to the rule. Consider investing in balcony seating with built-in storage (with drawers or cupboards) to make the most of each nook and corner. Slimline wall seating, as shown here, can offer deep storage while also serving as cosy seating for lazy coffee evenings.