It’s that time of year when we’re all starting to get tired of grey skies, layers of thermals, runny noses, dry skin, shoveling ourselves out of the house, de-icing our cars, and slipping on icy streets. Even here, in Florida, we got a small taste of winter this year and couldn’t wait for it to finally pass. Yes, we’re all ready to welcome the warm temps, blooming flowers, and endless BBQ evenings back into our lives. And although our March to-dos never truly manage to make those pleasures arrive sooner, they’ll certainly help your unloved balcony look its best again by the time of its big reveal. Here are six spring projects for your balcony.

Welcome the spring with these spring projects for your balcony.

Clean

Your balcony is your place of refuge – your little corner of the world where you can take in a breath of fresh air, unwind, and gather your thoughts at the end of the daily grind – especially for apartment renters. Sadly, these little pieces of heaven are challenging to keep clean. So, they can also quickly turn into a refuge for dirt, grime, and bird droppings. So, as the weather starts turning the corner, that all-important spring clean is in order. Here are the steps:

  1. Clear the balcony of any furniture, potted plants, etc.
  2. Knock off any cobwebs or clingers, scrub the walls and/or railings, clean any exterior windows or glass
  3. Wash, vacuum, or sweep your floors, depending on your setup. Most likely, it will take the combination of all of the above.
  4. Clean and prep any furniture that had been on the balcony.
  5. Keep your space looking spick-and-span by implementing a regular cleaning and tidying regime.

Add more lighting

Can you think of anything cozier than the soft, warm glow of string lights and lanterns at night? Now that you have this breathtaking image engraved into your mind, it’s time you turn it into reality. With a bit of creativity and less than $100, the nights on the balcony of your Florida apartment will become magical! One key ingredient? You guessed it – string lights!

Splash out a little on some higher-quality set of fairy lights, icicle lights, Edison bulbs, or globe lights, and wrap them around the fence posts or railings. You can also drape them from the roof above, and the ambiance instantly becomes surreal! Finally, add a major air of sophistication and drama to your alfresco setup with a charming display of tealights and lanterns.

Choose the styles and designs so that everything matches and blends into the surroundings and ties a space together to avoid crossing over into kitschy territory.

Create a hangout area

Calling all the party-folks, lovers of fun dinner parties, casual get-togethers, lively weekends, simple pleasures, and great conversations! Creating the spring and summer hangout area of your dreams is next on our list of spring projects for your balcony, and all you need to mold your space towards a social one is some furniture.

  • Beautify with a bistro set. If you love to start your day with a cup of your morning coffee on the balcony with your favorite person, then you only need a foldable café table and chairs to take you to your happy place. They’re perfect if you’re short on space. And after a day of ticking off items on your busy schedules, you can meet up there again to share a romantic meal and a glass of bubbly wine.
  • Add a spot for both dining and lounging. If you have enough room, upgrade from a folding chair to a comfy lounge chair. The rest is up to you! You can go from a minimalist look to a full outdoor living room where you can kick back with the crew. Once you’re all set, let the ambiance light you’ve put up do the rest.
  • Introduce a bar unit. A bite-size balcony combined with your love for cocktails and entertaining guests? Say no more, and start converting your apartment balcony into an outdoor social oasis. When there’s no room for a table, you can either DIY or purchase a simple railing bar unit.
  • Add a spot to recline. And, if you’re looking for a casual space to soak up the sun, sit with your thoughts, or curl up with a good read, consider adding an outdoor daybed or putting up a hammock or a hanging chair. Some outdoor throws and blankets will make things extra comfy. You’ll feel like you’re on vacation.
  • Forego furniture altogether. Not enough space for chunky furniture? Then, consider investing in some large cushions made from weather-resistant fabrics.
Enjoy your morning cup of coffee on your spruced-up balcony.

Get creative with colorful décor

Relying on a neutral color palette for your balcony might feel like the easy solution, but don’t feel shy to dive headfirst into color. Going for a few strategic pops of coordinating colors is one of those projects that pay off because spring home improvement is bound to transform a cookie-cutter balcony into the coolest part of your home. And all it takes is some imagination and Pinterest stalking to figure out your style and create a balcony that begs to be used throughout the year, no matter its size.

  • A statement umbrella. This is an ideal solution when you’re looking to add not only a splash of color to your outdoor space but some extra shade as well. Take time to find one that suits your needs and balances with your balcony furniture.
  • Inviting accessories. Few things can enliven even the most laconic spaces like flowers. Head outside for some picking of the first springtime blooms. Then, arrange them in a mixed flower garland that hugs your balcony railings, hang a colorful wreath on an empty wall, or make a beautiful flower arrangement that fits snugly into a vase of your favorite bright color.
  • Layer throws and pillows. Looking for a simple way to add visual interest to your outdoor lounge area? Combine decorative cushions and throw blankets in different colors, shapes, and sizes to create an eye-catching look.
  • Choose bright furniture. Brighten up even the smallest of patios with a comfy set of furniture in your favorite color. You can never go wrong with pops of orange, green, or pink. They’re perfect for bringing that spring feel into your home.
Play with colors and patterns to brighten up your outdoor space.

Plant an herb garden

Another of our balcony projects suited for the warm weather is starting your own herb garden. Balconies may not be your first choice of place to give your green thumb a workout. However, if your available square footage allows it, you might like to give it a try. Herbs won’t take up much of your space or time. Plus, when you think about how much it costs to purchase a small starter pack of fresh herbs at the grocery store, you’ll be all out of excuses. So, choose your display and grab the gear to get started. The best herbs to grow are basil, marjoram, parsley, cilantro, fennel, dill, and chive. You may also like to go for perennials like – sage, lavender, thyme, mint, oregano, and rosemary.

Greenify the space

If you happen to be a plant person in any shape or form, celebrate the spring by refreshing your balcony with fresh plants and flowers. Mixing your favorites to display is one of the best spring projects for your balcony as you get to create a cool stylistic décor and enjoy all these beautiful plants that populate your outdoor space. There are countless creative ways to get started. For example, if you’re working with limited space, you can always install hanging glower boxes along the railings, put up some hanging baskets, or mount a climbing garden to a bare exterior wall.