For this reason, balconies and terraces are gradually losing their former role as auxiliary spaces and are becoming a full-fledged part of the home, intended for relaxation, work, or daily outdoor moments. However, for this space to truly create comfort and help escape the city rhythm, it is important to avoid common mistakes in its arrangement.
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„The purpose of balconies has changed many times over the centuries. During the Renaissance, they were a status symbol, later becoming a space to get more light and air, and in the 20th century, especially in apartment buildings, they often turned into a storage place for items. Today, we are observing another change – as the importance of quality of life grows, the balcony is once again becoming an active part of daily life. Only now it is intended not for representation, but for relaxation, work, and the opportunity to maintain daily connection with the environment,“ says Renata Lekavičienė, interior designer at the real estate project development company „NTligence“.
According to her, this is why outdoor spaces today are becoming one of the most important criteria when choosing a home. Buyers increasingly value not only the apartment’s area but also whether a comfortable relaxation zone can be set up on the balcony, whether it provides privacy, how much natural light it receives, and what kind of connection with the environment it allows to create.
This trend is particularly evident in projects developed near green spaces or bodies of water. In such locations, the balcony becomes a natural intermediary between the home and the environment, allowing one to enjoy views and the proximity of nature daily without leaving the city.
More than a storage room
According to R.Lekavičienė, one of the most common mistakes when furnishing a balcony is turning it into a storage place and not utilizing the space’s potential.
„The biggest aesthetic and functional mistake is when balconies are filled with unnecessary items, covered with straw fences or artificial plant imitations. Such solutions visually clutter the space and reduce its coziness. Furthermore, it is essential to choose materials for outdoor spaces that are resistant to cold, moisture, and UV rays. Otherwise, they quickly lose their aesthetic appearance,“ says the designer.
According to her, the function of a balcony today is not limited to aesthetics alone. More and more attention is paid to how the living environment affects a person’s emotional well-being and daily quality of life.
„Even a small outdoor space can become a place to briefly escape from screens, city noise, or daily stresses. Therefore, it is important that the balcony is not a storage room, but a space where one wants to be,“ states R.Lekavičienė.
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Systematic reviews conducted by an expert group supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) have shown a consistent positive relationship between green and blue spaces (parks, trees, bodies of water) and people’s psychological well-being. Researchers emphasize that regular contact with the natural environment is associated with lower stress levels, better emotional state, and a higher overall assessment of quality of life.
A functional balcony does not start with furniture
According to the designer, as residents’ expectations change, so does the attitude towards outdoor spaces. Today, it is not the mere fact of having a balcony that is valued, but how much it contributes to the quality of daily life.
„In new construction projects, the balcony is no longer a formal addition to the home, but one of its functional zones. It is important for residents that the outdoor space can be used not only to place a chair or a pot, but also to spend time comfortably. Therefore, the width, privacy, orientation, and adaptability of balconies to different needs are gaining increasing importance,“ states R.Lekavičienė.
Precisely for this reason, when designing homes, more spacious outdoor areas, wider balconies, and solutions providing more privacy are increasingly being planned.
Choose compact solutions
According to R.Lekavičienė, it is worth planning a balcony according to its size and location.
„If the balcony is narrow and long, it is better to choose folding furniture and vertical landscaping. In square-shaped balconies, a small relaxation area with two chairs and a table can be created. And in more spacious balconies, there is room not only for relaxation but also for an outdoor workspace or dining area,“ she says.
Balconies on the south side can get very hot in summer, so it is worth planning for shade-providing plants, awnings, or umbrellas. Meanwhile, on the north side, it is more important to ensure cozy lighting and more moisture-resistant plants. However, the specialist recommends planning the balcony not just for the summer season.
„Often, outdoor spaces are used only for a few warm months, although properly selected lighting, textiles, and cold-resistant plants allow enjoying the balcony or terrace even in autumn or early spring. In such a case, the space becomes a true extension of the home all year round,“ says R.Lekavičienė.
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