I live in Washington, DC. How can I make a small balcony with seating

Deborah.henning
by Deborah.henning
I want the area to have multiple plants and herbs. I wanted to dress it up with a rug because it is covered. I really need help. Please!!!
  6 answers
  • Gina Maylone Gina Maylone on May 27, 2017

    ut the plants on the railing or create a vertical garden. Then you will have room for seating.

    • Deborah.henning Deborah.henning on May 27, 2017

      That's a great idea. I think a vertical garden would also provide privacy since I'm on the first floor. Thanks so much!

  • Jill Jill on May 27, 2017

    Attach window boxes on the railing with braces, or use planters at the bottom and the railing for climbing plants.

    • Deborah.henning Deborah.henning on May 27, 2017

      That is also a great idea. It would allow for seating to utilize the space efficiently. Thanks

  • Melissa Melissa on May 27, 2017

    Okay, a vertical garden or getting a way to put your plants on the railing will free up floor space. What about brightening up the space by painting the rug? Just an idea. Another idea for seating would be to construct stools from oversize pots with circles of wood covered with outdoor fabric and batting- you could staple it into the underside of the wood circle, which would then be hidden when used as a seat- and then it would be no-sew. I have also seen patio tables made that way using bigger circles of glass and then the top of the pot is fashioned with a terra cotta saucer filled with decorative items that you wouldn't mind seeing. You do not have to fill the pot full, part with packing peanuts and the other part with rocks to give it some stability, without too much weight. Then, there have been plenty of posts on here on how to make a bench using three wood crates from Walmart and then some lumber and some casters so you can move the seating as you might need. Have fun!

    • Deborah.henning Deborah.henning on May 27, 2017

      I love the idea of making easy seats. Never thought about painting a rug. How would you do that project ?Thanks so much. Wish you lived with me.

  • TJ Christie TJ Christie on May 27, 2017

    You can use wire or heavy string with climbing plants to offer privacy and color even up and over the railing. Think morning glories, sweet pea, clematis... attach clear mason jars to the railing (you can see through glass which adds an illusion of space) and you can root ivy and philadendrons in the water in the jars. If you put long, narrow boxes atop the railing, you can lean towards hanging herbs, like rosemary and thyme. The scent is great!

  • Pat Ruge Pat Ruge on May 27, 2017

    One of the best ideas I've seen was presented here on Hometalk by "Engineer Your Space". It appears she did the entire space herself which offers, comfortable seating, storage, plants, privacy and a small eating area. Check it out.


    http://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/benches/diy-outdoor-storage-bench-7098355?se=fol_new-20150215&date=20150215

  • Melissa Melissa on May 28, 2017

    Okay, truth be told...I have never painted a rug before either. But, there is a lot of great information on this website and I bet Pinterest has some cool ideas too. Generally, I think you could either paint it one color and then stencil a tile or other pattern on it. Or, I think I have seen random color-blocking using painter's tape to ensure crisp lines. I am thinking of attempting to paint my walkway and front porch, plus I have some basement cement floor that I plan to try to paint and then use a stencil to make it look like tile. I will post pictures, if I am successful. Have fun on you Lanai this summer. Hope it helps.