A balcony in a rental apartment: 5 steps to creating the perfect summer spot

A balcony in a rental apartment can be one of the biggest selling points of your listing – especially during the summer season. It’s a space that catches guests’ attention right from the photos, and once they arrive, it becomes a place for relaxation, morning coffee, and evening unwinding. For the apartment owner, it’s a simple way to stand out from the competition and increase the number of bookings. If you want your balcony to become a true highlight of your property, learn the five steps to creating the perfect summer relaxation zone.

Step 1. Define the balcony’s function in the rental apartment

The first step in designing a balcony is to define its role. Before you buy furniture or decorations, think about how you want guests to use it. It could be a spot for morning coffee with a view of the city, a quiet corner with a book, or a space to spend warm evenings with a glass of wine.

If the apartment’s balcony is small, a compact set – a table and two folding chairs in neutral colors – will suffice. For a larger space, you can opt for a more comfortable lounge set, wooden armchairs, or a trendy hanging cocoon chair. It’s important that the whole look is consistent with the interior style – an apartment decorated in a Scandinavian style will be perfectly complemented by a balcony featuring natural wood, light-colored textiles, and green accents.

Step 2. Choose weather-resistant balcony furniture

A stylish balcony in a vacation apartment should look good not only on a sunny day but also after heavy rain. That’s why, when choosing furniture, it’s worth opting for durable materials: synthetic rattan, aluminum, or treated wood. Such solutions are not only aesthetically pleasing but also easy to maintain, which is of great importance with frequent guest turnover.

It’s best to keep the colors of the textiles in a calm, summery palette – beiges, grays, and soft pastels will look light and fresh. You can store cushions and seating in a balcony storage box or inside the apartment, and for the photo shoot, arrange them to create a cozy, Instagram-worthy scene. This will make your listing more appealing at first glance.

Step 3. Add atmosphere – decorations, lighting, and plants

It’s the decorations that create that magical atmosphere, making guests eager to share photos of the space on social media. A few plants, a string of lights, and a soft throw can completely transform how the space is perceived. A balcony in a vacation apartment should be inviting but not cluttered – with attention to detail and color harmony.

Green accents will liven up every corner. Lavender or mint in pots will bring the scent of summer, and ornamental grasses will add a touch of lightness. If the balcony overlooks the street or neighboring buildings, you can easily improve its atmosphere with a bamboo screen, a mat, or tall plants in planters. Hang some mood-setting lights on the railing or wall; after dark, they’ll turn the balcony into a little oasis of relaxation.

When it comes to plants, it’s best to choose low-maintenance varieties that tolerate sun, wind, occasional drought, and a bit of neglect. Among others, the following work well in this role:

• Geranium – blooms from May until the first frost, tolerates dry conditions, and is highly resistant to balcony “abnormalities.”
• Narrow-leaved lavender – loves the sun, is drought- and wind-tolerant, overwinters in a large pot with light protection.
• Small juniper or other dwarf conifer – tolerates wind, frost, and urban pollution, provides year-round structure.
• Fortune’s euonymus (e.g., variegated varieties) – evergreen, tolerates urban and balcony conditions well, fills pots nicely all year round.
• Ornamental grasses such as:
  • ‘Karl Foerster’ feather grass – tall, slender, highly resistant to wind and frost, good for larger planters as a backdrop.
  • Japanese Pennisetum (Pennisetum alopecuroides) – decorative, “fluffy” flower heads, tolerates balcony conditions well in a large, insulated planter.
  • Chinese silver grass / various varieties – very striking, but requires a large planter and good winter protection on the balcony.

This selection has an added benefit – the plants not only decorate but also enhance the guest experience. They are fragrant, evoke summer, and emphasize the relaxing atmosphere that many travelers seek when making a reservation.

Step 4. Ensure guests’ comfort and privacy

Guests will appreciate a balcony if it is not only attractive but also functional. A rattan mat screen, awning, or pergola will provide shade on hot days, while outdoor curtains or tall plants will help maintain privacy. It’s also worth remembering to keep things clean – a dusted balcony, washed railings, and fresh linens make a huge difference in how the entire apartment is rated.

A common mistake is treating the balcony as a storage area or “back room” filled with a broom and flower pots from the previous season. Yet it is precisely this space that can leave guests with the most positive impressions. A comfortable and well-maintained balcony area makes the stay feel longer, more peaceful, and more like a vacation.

Step 5. Feature the balcony in your listing and highlight it in the description

To ensure your efforts pay off, make sure to present the balcony properly online. Take photos in natural light, preferably in the morning or during the golden hour just before sunset. In the frame, it’s worth showing how the balcony fits into the rhythm of the day: a cup of coffee on the table, a book, fresh herbs in the background -these are details that sell emotions, not just the space.

In the listing description, use natural phrases that will boost its visibility in search engines: apartment with a balcony, accommodation with a balcony, balcony in a rental apartment, comfortable relaxation area. These types of phrases sound friendly while also helping your listing appear higher in search results.

A balcony in an apartment as a competitive advantage

A balcony in a short-term rental apartment isn’t just a minor perk – it’s a real selling point that can translate into more bookings and better reviews. Guests are increasingly looking for places where they can relax not only indoors but also outdoors. And a balcony is the perfect blend of privacy and connection to the surroundings.

If you combine functionality, aesthetics, and effective marketing, an ordinary balcony will become your summer showcase. And that’s often enough to make a guest, while browsing through hundreds of listings, stop right at yours – the one that invites them to relax in the rays of the spring sun.

FAQ

Does a balcony in a rental apartment matter to guests?

Yes, a balcony can increase the appeal of a listing because it gives guests additional space to relax and improves the comfort of their stay. Especially in the summer, it is seen as a valuable amenity in a rental apartment.

How should you decorate a small balcony in a rental apartment?

It’s best to opt for compact furniture, a few cohesive accessories, and plants that won’t overwhelm the space. A small balcony should be simple, functional, and easy to maintain.

What kind of balcony furniture should you choose for a rental apartment?

Durable, weather-resistant, and easy-to-clean furniture works best. Small tables, folding chairs, and compact benches with storage are good choices.

What plants work well on a guest balcony?

It’s worth choosing easy-to-care-for varieties, such as geraniums, lavender, surfinias, ornamental grasses, and herbs. They make the balcony look fresher and more inviting, while requiring minimal maintenance.

How should you describe the balcony in an apartment listing?

It’s best to focus on the benefits for the guest and use vivid language. Instead of just writing about the balcony, it’s worth presenting it as a place for morning coffee, resting after sightseeing, or evening relaxation.