Don't let a small balcony cramp your style! With these genius rental apartment balcony decorating ideas, you can transform your balcony into a cozy and stylish outdoor escape without breaking the bank or making you lose your security deposit!
Who says you need to be a home owner to enjoy the great outdoors? Even if you're living in a rental apartment, don't let all those restrictions hold you back from creating an outdoor paradise!
With some creative renter-friendly decorating ideas, you can transform your balcony into a stylish oasis perfect for relaxing, entertaining, or simply enjoying the view -without breaking the lease & losing your security deposit.
From trendy decor to budget-friendly hacks, we've got you covered with these rental apartment balcony decorating ideas. Let's add some fun and flair to your space together!
THE BEST RENTAL APARTMENT BALCONY DECORATING IDEAS
01. Honor your privacy
If you REALLY like your privacy -which most of us do!-, you need a privacy screen for your apartment balcony! But did you know a well-chosen privacy screen can be more than just a functional addition to your balcony?
Bamboo & rattan privacy screen also add to the aesthetics of your balcony! They can create such an inviting, cozy atmosphere, especially if you're looking to create a boho apartment balcony design!
Optionally accessorize your privacy screen with faux leaf garlands, some string lights or even paper lanterns for best results! Ta-da, you didn't have to drill or damage the property in other ways just to have a cute balcony decor!
02. Think about the hotter days
You'll probably be enjoying the view from your balcony during those hot summer days too, am I right? If so, you NEED to get an umbrella!
Just like your privacy screen, a well-chosen umbrella will not only provide you with a shady lounge area that lets you enjoy the fresh air all year round, BUT it also serves as a real focal point!
Choose a bold and colorful umbrella to make a statement, or opt for a more subtle look with a neutral color, and there you have another highly decorative item! Pair it with some comfy seating and add some pops of color with vibrant cushions and throws & throw the BEST balcony parties even on scorching hot days!
03. Add appropriate mood lighting
Did you know you can easily transform your rental apartment balcony into a dreamy and romantic oasis with the power of mood lighting? Adding proper mood lighting is one of my favourite rental apartment balcony decorating ideas, like EVER!
Why? Because not only are mood lighting options super versatile, but they also let you enhance your decor on a dime & without making you lose your security deposit!
Whether you choose string lights, lanterns, or candles, lighting can make all the difference in creating an enchanting outdoor space. Embrace your inner designer and play with different light sources to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a romantic dinner for two or a fun gathering with friends.
04. Try a renter-friendly wood plank wall
Have a boring, empty wall in your rental apartment balcony? Even though you think you can't play around much due to the restrictions of being a renter, I'm here to tell you that yes, you can!!
You can easily create a wood plank accent wall using renter friendly solutions, which is crazy!
You'll only need some wood planks & double sided tape to add some rustic charm to your outdoor space! It's totally renter friendly & won't damage the walls!
Use wood planks in different colors and patterns to create a one-of-a-kind feature wall that complements your balcony decor, but something simple will also do!
05. Get a statement rug
Make a bold statement on your rental apartment balcony with a statement rug! Decorating using rugs is such an underrated idea somehow.
But a colorful, patterned rug can add personality and style to your outdoor space without breaking the bank!
For a playful, fresh look, opt for patterned boho rugs in summer colors, like yellow, blue & orange! If you're looking to create something more evergreen, definitely choose a solid color fringed rug, a jute rug or a rattan rug!
06. DIY a cute wood pallet couch
Are you ready to take your rental apartment balcony decor to the next level? Get ready to roll up your sleeves and DIY a wood pallet couch! This is one of the most fun & stunning rental apartment balcony decorating ideas on this list, that's for sure!
With just a few simple materials and some basic tools, you can create a cozy & stylish lounge area on your balcony!
In a nutshell, you'll need some wood pallets, you can get these from any home improvement store, like Home Depot. For your couch to be super long-lasting, nail the pallets together in every possible place & sand the edges! And finally, get some cute cushions, throw pillows & throw blankets for a comfy seating area.
If you want custom dimensions or a custom shape, or generally just need more clear instructions, here's a detailed guide from Hunker on how to make a couch out of pallets!
07. Or get an outdoor furniture set
If you're not into that "Do It Yourself" stuff, don't worry! You can still customize your apartment balcony without spending too much, so don't worry!
With something as simple & affordable as a rattan or even bamboo outdoor furniture set, you can easily transform a boring rental apartment balcony into a coastal paradise!
The natural textures and materials of rattan and seagrass furniture create a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for lounging and entertaining. You'll love a nice set of sofa, armchair + coffee table, it'll last you a long long time!
One thing to be very mindful when choosing ready-made furniture sets however, is how much space you actually have for them! For a smaller apartment, I don't suggest a furniture set AT ALL! Rather, get furniture individually! This way, you'll avoid making your space feel overcrowded!
But if your apartment balcony boasts with space, you can absolutely invest in a nice outdoor furniture set! Just measure the space at hand first, so that you know exactly how big you can go!
08. Accessorize your walls without damaging them
One of the most useful rental apartment balcony decorating ideas on this list is most definitely to accessorize those naked will in a renter-friendly way!
From hanging planters to framed phots / printables, to hanging boho macrame or boho wall baskets, there are plenty of options to choose from if you wanna liven up those walls!
And if you're thinking "But how is this renter-friendly?", here's your answer: just use double-sided tape! It'll secure your decor to the walls, but it's super easy to remove & won't leave any marks!
09. Bring in storage for your plants
A balcony decor is incomplete without a mini garden! Plants & flowers add SO much to your space visually, so make sure you have as many as you can take care of!
And to store all your beautiful flowers & plants, I suggest that you get a tall plant stand! If you have the space, this is the best way to store & display your beloved plants & let them make their visual impact!
So whether you choose a sleek and modern design or a rustic and bohemian look, a standing plant holder will add a touch of style and freshness to your balcony decor.
10. Or plant them in balcony planters
Wanna have a little balcony garden, but don't have much space? Using hanging balcony planters is one of the most space-saving rental apartment balcony decorating ideas that'll let you have your own mini oasis!
Whether you prefer a bright and bold look or a more subdued and delicate vibe, flowers can add personality and style to your outdoor space! You can choose from a variety of plants that thrive in the sunlight and climate of your area, and mix and match different colors and textures to create a stunning display. From classic petunias to exotic orchids, the possibilities are endless.
11. Use pillows & blankets for decoration
You probably want to make your rental apartment balcony the most inviting & the coziest space in your apartment. If so, I'm here to tell you that you basically don't need anything else than a few throw pillows & blankets to achieve a warm ambience!
And don't feel restricted: not only your sofa & armchairs can be decorated using blankets & pillows! Scatter some pillows across the floor, place them in empty corners or under your outdoor table for maximum coziness!
Choose bold summer colors to lend your space a fresh, joyful personality, or abide by a neutral, yet impressive color palette of brown, black & white. But definitely make sure you incorpoate different textures & shapes into your apartment balcony design!
12. Don't forget to add mirrors!
Want to add some depth and dimension to your rental apartment balcony? Look no further than mirrors!
By strategically placing mirrors on your balcony, you can create the illusion of more space and light, making your outdoor area feel larger and brighter -and that's something you definitely wanna do!
So whether it's full-size mirrors, tiny boho mirrors or regular wall mirrors you swear by, make sure you use them in your design because with the added bonus of reflecting the natural beauty of your surroundings, mirrors are a stylish and functional addition to any rental apartment balcony!
13. Try a balcony bar table
Not all of us are so lucky to have plenty of space in our apartment balcony, BUT I guarantee you that ALL of us need a place to enjoy our meals!
If you're positive that you can't fit a table & two chairs on your balcony, fear not! Because a balcony bar table will solve all your problems in a very cost-effective & renter-friendly way!
And you'll also be able to save TONS of space!!
So grab your favourite style & color, and install them on the rails. And don't worry, it's renter-friendly, you won't have to start drilling to get it up! The results are so worth it!
14. Outdoor decking is a great way to freshen up the space!
One of the BEST & most impactful rental apartment balcony decorating ideas is to install outdoor decking on your bare floors! You can easily substitute the decking with peel & stick floor tiles, but the results will not be AS astonishing.
But beauty is not everything, as they say! Your outdoor decking knows much more than just that! With a variety of materials and styles to choose from, outdoor decking can add functionalityand durability to your balcony decor as well!
Furthermore, not only does outdoor decking provide a stylish foundation for your outdoor furniture and decor, but it also helps protect your balcony from wear and tear, and it can also cover up stains & marks from previous tenants!
So get ready to elevate your rental apartment balcony decor to the next level without breaking the bank or losing your security deposit!
15. Switch out the lampshades of pendant lights
I know that you can be super restricted as a renter. However, just know that there are actually TONS of tools for you to make your rental apartment balcony look better. One of which is to change ALL the lampshades!
No, not the whole light fixtures, just the lampshades! This way, you can easily lend your balcony a fresh new look without having to consult with your landlord beforehand.
And yes, such a subtle change might seem futile at first, but it really DOES make a huge impact! With a cute rattan lampshade or a brand new tinted glass lampshade, you can add such charm to your space!
16. Add extra seating
Are you a social butterfly by chance? You'll probably need more seating on your rental apartment balcony for hosting outdoor parties or lounging with friends!
You can choose from a variety of seating options, such as floor cushions, bean bags, armchair, benches, ottomans, or even hanging chairs. To really maximize your space, consider adding a built-in bench or storage ottoman that doubles as seating!
Don't be afraid to mix and match different styles and colors to create a playful and inviting atmosphere that reflects your personal taste!
17. Use curtains for a coastal look
Transform your rental apartment balcony into a chic and sophisticated outdoor oasis that's perfect for relaxing, entertaining, and everything in between using curtains!
Curtains are actually super versatile & will instantly elevate your design without breaking the bank!
Whether you opt for sheer, flowy drapes or bold, patterned fabrics, curtains are a versatile and stylish addition to your balcony decor. Not only do they provide privacy and shade, but they can also help create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. You can even add some twinkling string lights or lanterns for an extra touch of ambiance!
And that's exactly how you decorate a rental balcony without having to invest in costly renovations, violating the lease or overcrowding your space with tiny decorative items.
This post was all about the best rental apartment balcony decorating ideas.
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