Given the increasing pressure of inner-city dwelling caused by the need to, y’know, have a job, odds are you currently have / will have a balcony attached to your home.

But as we all know, these balconies aren’t exactly show-stopping. If you’re in an apartment, you’re usually working with a pretty fugly facade (damn you 70s-style architecture, DAMN YOU TO HELL). If you’re in a terrace, then the size of the damn thing isn’t what most would consider ideal (damn you Federation-style architecture, DAMN YOU TO HELL). Much like the rest of life, you’ve gotta work with the cards you’ve been dealt. So on that note, here a few fire ways of creating a space-conscious outdoor oasis.

SUSS SOME SEATING SOLUTIONS

Yes, in an ideal world you’d have a sweeping balcony with ample space for several seating situations. The reality? You probably have enough for one chair (if that). But hey, that’s all good. You won’t be hosting a huge blowout on it anyway. You can suss some great small-space-friendly seating from Freedom HERE, Zanui HERE and Outdoors Domain HERE.

For some of you, even having the one chair is going to be a stretch. In this instance, turn to some outdoor cushions or chair toppers and fang ’em on top of existing ledges. Most of my own balcony’s space is taken up with wooden boxes hiding those offensively ugly, but obviously practical, air conditioners. The frame is sturdy enough to hold the weight of someone like me, so I’ve whacked some chair toppers on top and they work a treat. You can suss ass-accommodating chair toppers fromTemple & Webster HERE.

Oh, and on the off chance you have a huge balc (*gives jealous look*), you can check out some bigger seating options from Zanui HERE.

LIGHT THAT SPACE THE HELL UP

Look, some folks are of the “let’s just go HAM with fairy lights” persuasion. Personally, I think a more nuanced approach should be taken. Ain’t nothing worse than walking past a crib that’s lit up like a bloody Christmas tree. Whatever your vibe is, mood-lighting is essential for making your balcony feel like a lil’ oasis. You can suss some great options HERE.

You can also incorporate lighting into the mix as more of a statement, like running them through plants. The below firepit idea is undeniably chic as shit, and seeing as you’d be a damn fool to literally use a firepit for its intended purpose in such a confined space, extremely practical too.

If you’re keen to recreate the above, then head to Milkcan HERE.

Lastly, it wouldn’t be a bitchin’ balcony without a heap of candles. Make sure you purchase ones (like those from Temple & Webster HERE) that are suited to the outdoors so they don’t get buggered in the elements.

START GROWING A SMALL JUNGLE

Seriously, how could you build an outdoor oasis without growing a ridiculous amount of greenery? We’re talking enough to entice Tarzan to come out of the fictional woodwork to occupy the space, people.

To begin with, you’ll want to occupy whatever floor space you have left with some happening pots. Given that pot plants are having a real moment RN (both of the indoor and outdoor crop), your options are endless. This means you should easily be able to pair them with whatever colour scheme you’ve developed from your seating / cushion selection. Lustere Living and hardtofind have a heap of pots for you to lose hours browsing through.

Then, you should explore your hanging options + plants in the vine family.

These aren’t ruled out just because you’re in a rental, folks. There’s plenty of ways to utilise these without doing damage to your property. Just keep in mind your spot’s exposure to weather, ‘cos the last thing you want is a viscus smashing through your window at 2AM during a storm.

For those of you who don’t possess a green thumb, you can suss plants of the faux kind from Freedom HERE.

Once you’ve thrown seating, lighting and plants into the mix, you should have one damn-fine balcony on your hands. But why stop there?

eBay has a heap of suppliers who can hook you up with even more options for turning your space into an outdoor oasis. And they’ve got a tight money back guarantee policy and free shipping on millions of items to boot. Take it up ANOTHER notch by heading HERE.