Life if an apartment can be quite fulfilling and comfortable. You get neighbors to socialize with and a comfortable space to truly make your own.
However, something that apartments lack is outside space to enjoy.
People might insist that balconies offer that outside space, but the lack of privacy can make them unappealing.
Here is how you can make an apartment balcony more private to relax in.
How to Make Your Balcony Private
People living in apartments often struggle with not having outside space to breathe in some fresh air.
Opening windows causes all sorts of bugs and insects to come flying in. But, what about your balcony?
The main reason why people don’t make good use of their balconies is the lack of privacy. Nobody wants to make awkward eye contact with their neighbors as they try to get some sun or read a book.
Luckily for you, we have some great ideas for you to make your apartment balcony private. Find them below!
Install Privacy Screens
The most obvious way to make your balcony private is by installing privacy screens.
These screens come in a variety of styles, colors, and materials to fit your balcony aesthetics perfectly.
The best part about using privacy screens is that they are meant exactly for this purpose.
So, you can trust your privacy screen to have the right features to transform your balcony into a private space.
You can check out different kinds of privacy screens and go over their features before choosing one. Moreover, be sure to pick a screen that is well-suited to the weather conditions of your city.
If your area gets lots of rain, ensure that your privacy screen is waterproof. Similarly, if you get extensive amounts of sun, opt for a screen that prevents UV rays from entering your balcony.
The only downside to privacy screens is the cost, as they are one of the more expensive options on our list.
Get Some Outdoor Curtains
Draping outdoor curtains on the perimeter of your balcony is another great way to ensure some privacy.
Take some inspiration from resort-style balconies and transform your space into a tropical haven.
Outdoor curtains can be draped around the railing using curtain rods. You can easily find these rods at your local furniture and home decor stores.
The biggest advantage of outdoor curtains is the sheer variety of colors, lengths, and styles you can pick from.
Use them to create a cozy reading corner, a tropical-themed sitting area, etc.
Before picking out your curtains, make sure that they are specially made for outdoor spaces.
You should also ensure that they are mildew-resistant and won’t fade due to weather exposure.
Also read: 6 Tips to Hang Curtains in an Apartment (the right way)
Privacy Plants Look Gorgeous
Want to turn your balcony into a beautiful, relaxing space on a budget? Bring in some outdoor plants to it!
Outdoor plants are a wonderful, natural option for making your balcony more private. They add the perfect touch of green to your outdoor space, making it appear more inviting and fun.
There are numerous tall-growth plants that you can plant on your balcony for some privacy.
You can consider hanging plants, potted plants, or tall grasses for something easy and low maintenance.
Try to add different kinds of plants to your balcony for the ideal depth and visuals.
Plants are also the most subtle way of adding privacy to your balcony, so you wouldn’t be offending your neighbors.
Some great choices for outdoor plants are:
- Lemongrass plants
- Spartan juniper
- Hydrangea
- Golden Bamboo
- HollyHock
The only drawback is that plants can take some time to grow tall enough to make your balcony private.
However, you can easily overcome this by buying pre-grow, mature plants!
Fake Ivy Can Do the Trick
Are you worried about not being able to keep your balcony plants alive? That’s alright; not everyone can boast a green thumb! We have a great alternative for you.
Head to the home decor store and buy a bunch of fake ivy curtains and hangers.
Fake ivy adds that perfect touch of green to your balcony without the care and attention that living plants require.
Fake ivy can instantly make your balcony more private. You just need a supporting frame to place around your balcony so you can wrap the ivy around it. It is super easy to install; you’ll be done in minutes!
If you’re feeling particularly creative, you can hang up some LED strings and curtains around your fake ivy.
It adds charm and beauty to your balcony, and you’d end up wanting to spend all of your free time there!
The only thing to watch out for is aging. Fake plants usually don’t do too well in the long run, so you will need to replace your ivy in a few years.
Try Out Roll-Up Shades
Adjustable, roll-up outdoor shades are usually made of bamboo, which is a great material for outdoor furniture.
Bamboo is a weather-resistant and highly stable material. Its natural appearance makes it perfect for outdoor spaces, and the extreme hardness ensures a long life of use.
That is why roll-up shades for your balcony are a great way to create a private space for yourself.
These shades are on the less expensive side despite being highly functional.
Bamboo shades come in different sizes, so try to pick one that covers the entire height of your balcony.
You can then adjust the length of the shades to your liking using the fasteners.
Some other benefits of bamboo shades are that they add a tropical, relaxed feeling to your balcony.
They filter out just enough of the sunlight to make your space comfortable and offer you privacy.
Get a 2-in-1 Privacy and Storage Panel
People are often short on storage space in their apartments. This causes them to use the balcony as a storage area, and they miss out on any outdoor space to enjoy their evening tea.
But, what if you could use your balcony for storage and relaxation?
Storage panels make this dual functionality possible by making your balcony private while also offering you smart storage space.
You can invest in a storage panel or two and place them around your balcony. These panels have various hooks and shelves to store your balcony goods.
Some panels even come with an entire storage bench to place your stuff on!
The fact that they go around your balcony means that this outdoor space is covered. You can then spend time on your balcony without worrying about the prying eyes of your neighbors!
Final Words
At the end of the day, every apartment balcony is different and serves a different purpose.
Some people like creating little reading corners in their balconies, while others use them as storage spaces.
In either case, you need to ensure privacy on your balcony to be able to spend time there at ease.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to making your balcony more private.
Therefore, you should carefully consider your plans for this outside space and then choose a privacy measure accordingly.
Do remember to consider all the important factors like sun exposure, weather conditions, etc.
These will help you pick the right choice for making your balcony more private in the long run.
Hope you enjoy spending time on your now private balcony!
Other articles you may also like: