In this episode, see how to decorate a small balcony to add livable square footage to your apartment by installing a reed fence, an outdoor rug and making a bench out of a few plastic storage containers and plywood.
There's even room to include a balcony garden with a raised planter. These balcony decorating ideas can also be used for small patios and decks and will inspire you to create your very own outdoor oasis!
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I love this idea so much! i have been looking for a cute way to store some outdoor items on my patio, in my apartment. Do you have any ideas for making this a tad easier to get in and out of the storage containers? Or I may have it wrong where these pretty easy to get into?
Thanks and love your ideas!!!
Thank you , glad you like this project! I only used the containers for things I didn’t need to get to often, because it was somewhat cumbersome to get to the containers. For my LA apartment, I built a simple lounging bench that has a top with a door to get to the containers. That might be a better solution for you. Here’s the link: https://www.engineeryourspace.com/how-to-decorate-a-balcony-la-edition-part-2/. Hope this helps and thanks for watching! Isabelle
I’m going to do this project this weekend! What size plastic storage bins did you use? I can’t tell from the video. Thanks!
Hi Mydria,
Here are the bins I used: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Sterilite-56-Qt-Storage-Box-in-Blue-Clear-Plastic-16591008/100671089
Good luck with your project and I hope you’ll send pics, I would love to see it!
Isabelle
I enjoyed your video. You explain the steps so clearly! How sturdy have you found your bench to be? I’m concerned for my guests. What alternatives do you suggest for an easy base of the bench? Thank you!
I found the bench sturdy enough for me and my guests but here’s a couple of other benches I’ve made that might work better for you:
https://www.engineeryourspace.com/diy-outdoor-wood-bench/
https://www.engineeryourspace.com/diy-outdoor-storage-bench/
Hope this helps!
Thank you for the 2 other links. They are more what I had in mind. I will let you know how the project goes.
You’re welcome and I wish you all the best with your project!
I have been watching your videos and l must say that they are truly inspiring. I am trying to create a beautiful patio space that will be functional and stand out. I absolutely love the other video you made with the wood panels but being that l am NOT the handiest person l have decided to try recreating this one Instead.
I would like to know if the container seating is able to hold a lot of weight?
Also if at all possible can you do another video or do a photo tag of ideas covering the bins without ususing the reed fencing.
I am personally thinking to use fabric and create a nail head trim.
I have some great ideas but execution is my problem. Things never turn out as l envision them.
Thank you Sasha! I found the bench made with the bins to be very sturdy but it’s hard to say exactly how much weight they can hold. You could use lattice (http://www.lowes.com/pd_602652-67197-148261_1z0wg4n__?productId=50280313&pl=1) to cover the bins instead of the reed fencing. Fabric and nail trim would look nice but they might not do so well in the rain over time. Good luck with your project and I hope you’ll share pics when you’re done! Isabelle
Is it easy to access the storage bins? I noticed you stapled/glued the side panels to the plywood. Do you just lift the plywood, with the side panels attached, to access the bins? Thank you!
Hi Karla,
Yes, you’re correct, the side panels are attached to the plywood so it is somewhat cumbersome to get to the items in the bins. I only stored things there that I rarely needed to access so this wasn’t a problem for me. If you want an idea for a storage bench with easier access to things, you can take a look at this bench that I built for my LA balcony: https://www.engineeryourspace.com/diy-outdoor-storage-bench/
The side panels are attached to the plywood so it is somewhat cumbersome to get to the items in the bins. I only stored things there that I rarely needed to access so this wasn’t a problem for me. If you want an idea for a storage bench with easier access to things, you can take a look at this bench that I built for my LA balcony: https://www.engineeryourspace.com/diy-outdoor-storage-bench/
BRILLIANT. Love this inexpensive creative idea. Going to build it this weekend if weather permits. Still snowing here today. Good ol Canada eyh…
Thanks! Oh boy, I certainly don’t miss the snow haha!
I live in western Canada and live in a rental apt. I want some privacy on my balcony
and have found a roll of plastic bamboo fencing to use. Do you know if this type of
fencing is difficult to cut? I just want to attach it to my railing.
Thank you
I haven’t used this type of fencing but I would think it could be easily cut with snips like these: https://amzn.to/2IRXrLQ
Love your creativity! I am totally inspired by your work. I really enjoyed reading this article. Thanks and keep sharing.
Thanks Amanda!
I love this balcony makeover. I’m thinking to do this for my own. I’m concerned, will the reed fence be able to withstand rain and snow?
I had the reed fencing up for 3 years in NYC so it had to endure rain and snow – it did get weathered a bit but for the price, I think it held up great.