Many of our apartment homes feature patios and balconies. If you’ve never had one before, now’s your chance to extend your living space beyond the patio doors. If you think about it as a bonus living space, chances are you’ll come up with ideas that will make you want to spend as much time as you want to outside your apartment.

There are a few rules to follow, since we’re talking about a limited space and you’ll want to maximize each inch. 

First, remember that less is generally more. You don’t have to fill each inch with stuff. Start by selecting one eye-catching piece, whether it’s seating or thoughtful accent pillows. This is where yard sales and thrift stores can come in handy, to seek affordable yet quirky furniture pieces or decorations that will set your patio or balcony apart from your neighbors’.

Second, depending on the size, all you need to create a comfy space is a comfortable chair or two, a few plush pillows and a small table. 

Third, keep an eye to detail. Want to give your balcony or patio the touch of a luxury resort? Drape a crisp, white towel on a chaise longue and coordinate flower boxes to either add a pop of color or carry over the luxury theme with white blooms.

Fourth, if you’re lucky enough to have a great view from your patio or balcony, be sure not to block it! Consider the view from inside your apartment home, drawing inspiration from your inside decor to draw the eye to the fabulous scenery. 

Fifth, have fun! Infuse your patio or balcony with your distinctive personality. Keep in mind you need to consider weather-resistant (and, especially in Arizona, sun-resistant) materials and you don’t want to have everything swept away in a summer rainstorm. Just be sure to check with apartment management for what you can and can’t do.

Here are some other ideas for decorating balconies and patios:

• In the fold: There are many folding chairs and tables that you can get to add style and function to your patio or balcony. When they’re not in use, of course, you can easily store them to free up space.
• Green thumb: Do you like to garden? Create your own garden, whether it’s flowers, cactus, herbs or small shrubs. 
• Budget shopping: Maybe you don’t have the cash to buy the outdoor furniture you want, so for now, get some comfortable and colorful floor pillows to relax on.
• Floor your guests: Consider buying an outdoor rug in a complimentary pattern or color.
• Don’t forget walls: You may be able to hang weather-proofed artwork to class up your balcony or patio and make it feel like it really is an extension of your apartment.
• Be enlightened: Use string lights or outdoor lanterns to set the mood at night.
• Private or public: You may be the kind of person who wants to sit on your balcony or patio and chat with your neighbors. But if you’re looking for more of a private sanctuary where you want to shut out the world, there are many options, from using tall potted plants to privacy curtains, that you can use to create a more exclusive space.