Perhaps the simplest way to shade a balcony is to suspend, drape or fix up fabric panels. Think laterally – a flat bedsheet, throw or tablecloth will all work well as a cover overhead and are often decorative too, adding to the look. Alternatively try cut lengths of store-bought fabric or table runners laid in parallel strips to cover a wider area.

Robustness, design and craftsmanship: all profiles and components are created and designed entirely by the Maanta team to ensure maximum safety for you and your family. Our Clear PVC fabric is also free of harmful chemicals. Generally, they’re also more expensive but don’t look as artificial. This makes them a good choice for those who don’t want real foliage but still want it to look realistic. In terms of purchasing options, you can easily buy ready-made fencing like this roll of reed fencing or this roll of bamboo fencing. Pros Boxwood hedge panels ( such as these– featured in the above photo) are similar to the fake leaf screens above, as they’re basically panels of artificial leaves. However, the main difference is that they’re far denser because they’re designed to look like boxwood hedge foliage. The placement of fence panels may be done separately from other fences and away from the patio, where the wind is coming from.

The geranium is one of the best bedding and balcony plants. Sufficient light and water are all is needed for these plants to grow and flourish. Pelargonium Europe Integrated lighting Ranging from LED strips, spotlights and colored lighting, these outdoor lighting options can be programmed to dim, fade and cycle through ambient color. One thing that is often forgotten on balconies but is really important is fragrance. Scented plants so close to the house are really magical, not just in summer but in winter too. If you haven’t already considered it, outdoor shades are a good way to stop the winds that consistently blow everything off your patio and balcony. Homeowners might use temporary hanging panels or screens to stop the wind while these natural deflectors are expanding.

You can get different colors, but anything other than green will obviously take away some realism. That said, red looks quite good, and you can get options that include pink flowers. Finally, there are orange, blue and yellow versions, but these all look quite artificial (although that may not be a bad thing!). Pros To keep the curtains securely closed and to stop them from making a lot of noise, make sure they have extra grommets on the bottom. When done right, trees can grow exceptionally well in extra-large planters on a balcony,’ says Bert Stouffer, CEO, PolyStone Planters. ‘In fact, planting trees in containers has become popular for areas and homes that want to add greenery but have limited outside space. A little porch or balcony can easily be the home of your tree, just make sure that you choose a large and suitable planter for it.’ Most balconies are either in the sun or the shade, and that is a determining factor. Sunny balconies are really sunny, whilst on the shady side of a building there's no dappled shade or semi-shade – it's completely sunless. They can also be windy without catching passing rain. And one of the greatest problems is that everything is on view, there's no hidden corner to put things which aren't needed right now. But wood comes with plenty of benefits, too. It suits different design styles, is easy to work with, and comes in different color options. You must balance this against the sky-high cost of real wood, though. ProsWith so many beautiful hanging planters to choose from, why not create a living foliage curtain to cast shade on your balcony? The plants that will thrive happily depend on your US hardiness zone and the aspect of your plot. Do bear in mind though that many balconies are their very own mini microclimates so take a close note of how and when the sun hits and whether the area is exposed to sudden, cold winds. Heating Compact and discreet heating elements can be fitted into the mounting bar. Using infrared shortwave technology they heat efficiently and economically. Before you put in any plants think about watering. How will you get water to the plants and where will the water go afterwards? An outside tap is ideal but if you have to rely on watering cans think about how many trips you'll need to keep everything looking good throughout the summer. Don't put in more plants than you will happily water. Large and hefty outdoor furniture like sectional sofas, etc., other than its primary purpose, can also be a shield against strong wind gusts, thereby providing a double benefit. For good reason, many individuals choose large pieces of furniture like outdoor sectional couches.

Also try grasses, not only will these thrive in sunny dry conditions, they move beautifully in any breeze and bring a lovely gauziness. At an unbeatable price on the market, Maanta offers you an exclusive product! Easy Clear transparent drop-down blinds are available made-to-measure, to fit your space perfectly, with centimetre precision. The best aspect is that they are freestanding, can be set up almost anywhere, and can be stored when not in use. Adhesive gel

Elegant constructions

Remember to use the verticals on your balcony. Don't just use the floors to place pots and ornaments on, the walls are vital growing and decorating spaces. As much as you might love the idea of relaxing out in the sunshine at the height of summer, sometimes that heat can get a little too much. Adding an element of shade to your balcony will keep you cool as well as protecting you from the most harmful of the sun's rays. You may also choose tinted windows, but there will be no views that you can treasure. So, you can install exterior glass walls yourself. Fencing off the entire space is a wise choice if your patio or porch is located inside a bigger yard. If your balcony isn’t at ground level, it won’t function as a wind barrier. Balcony gardens don't have soil, so won't have weeds, they have fewer pests and, will usually have a great sense of openness – but there are challenges.

Balconies are relatively small, and so any changes you make will be easy to do and should be cheaper than doing up a whole garden. If the awning is not used, the fabric may be wrapped in a storage rain cover to protect it from the elements.

Maintain them at a height of three to four feet, so they don’t obstruct the view but yet provide protection for the patio from heavy winds. With transparent drop-down curtains, you can create a new space in your home. A few examples? You could create a chill-out corner where you can read your favourite books, or a fitness area where you can keep fit! Wind sensors Wired or wireless, these clever pieces of kit detect vibration as a sign of changing weather conditions and automatically close up the shade to protect it from possible damage.