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.’ 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 Random planting rarely looks good. Regular patterns of tall and short will feel and look better than a scattering of different sizes. So perhaps go for taller plants at the corners of the balcony and shorter along the front. This will give a balance and structure which will feel better. Homeowners might use temporary hanging panels or screens to stop the wind while these natural deflectors are expanding.

You’ll probably need to attach them to the railings of balconies. Of course, they will only be beneficial if climbing plants are grown up them; these plants can take many years to provide the necessary level of covering and not all of them are adapted to the cold weather climates.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. Installation depends on whether you make a screen or buy one. Grommets are the easiest installation method, as you can hang the screen up. Other than that, fashion some curtains instead. Pros 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. Covering your balcony with shade can provide shelter from the sun, protecting any outdoor furniture from sun damage and helping to keep your balcony cool. Natural elements like water features and plants can also help reduce heat as they have cooling properties, can filter the surrounding air and can soothe our spaces.’ Easy Clear is Maanta's entry level transparent drop awning, combining robustness and quality at an unbeatable price on the market. Ideal for those who are looking for a practical and safe solution to immediately insulate outdoor spaces in a functional and designer way.

Manual operation with a hand crank on the left side. The projection can be easily adjusted as desired. All solutions from the list below will provide optimal patio wind protection. They are either DIY or buyable, so choose the one that fits you best: 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.The fabric of this awning is made of polyester 300gsm, which is both waterproof and robust, ideal for long term use throughout the year. PU and UV stabilized, whilst being easy to clean with a sponge, a low maintenance way to create protected shade in your outdoor space. Other installation methods include using heavy-gauge exterior steel wire rope across the space to hang or thread curtains on to. Looking go up a level with your balcony awning? Thanks to advancing technology these sun shades can offer plenty more than protection from sun and showers. The latest life enhancing options include:

With 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. Patios are amazing spots of relaxation while watching your day disappear in front of the spectacular sunset. It’s fun on the patio at all hours.No matter how big or small your balcony, a few leafy shrubs or trees in pots can reap huge benefits. Creating visual interest, they can also help to soften ambient noise, attract birds and pollinators and create valuable shade. If you have a large balcony, it could be worth investing in a permanent structure, similar to a patio cover. A pergola-style design with a slatted roof can be both traditional or contemporary in design, depending on the materials you opt for.