10 Apartment patio ideas to enjoy your view in comfort.

By Jared McKinney

If you're renting an apartment with a patio or balcony, it's a great way to enjoy a beautiful view, entertain friends, and relax.

This awesome feature can make apartment living seem a lot less stuffy and a whole lot more liberating.

Not sure where to begin? Check out this list of 10 apartment patio ideas that will inspire you to create your very own oasis.

1. Add an Area Rug to Set the Tone

Area rugs work great for defining spaces indoors, but they're also excellent for the outside, too. Look for a durable, weather-resistant outdoor area rug that will give your patio a pop of color and style.

Your new area rug is a great way to create a foundation for the rest of the patio. Whether you choose something in a nice solid neutral color, or you go all out with a bold pattern, this is a perfect base piece to start with.

While most outdoor rugs are made to handle almost any type of weather, yours could fade if it sits in direct sunlight for a long period of time. Look for rugs that are fade-resistant so that it keeps its gorgeous color throughout the seasons.

2. Apartment Patio Ideas: Liven Things up with Plants

Plantlife adds a gorgeous, lively component to any patio, big or small. You don't have to be an experienced professional or even have a green thumb if you want to enjoy the beauty of plants on your apartment patio.

Look for plants that are easy to care for and that can handle a lot or a little direct sunlight, depending on how your apartment patio is facing. Most plants are able to handle occasional watering, so check the instructions to make sure you choose a few that are easy to care for.

Low-maintenance vines, flowers, and greenery can add a lush look and feel to your patio. Choose some gorgeous planters or a trellis, and get ready to turn your outdoor patio into a tropical oasis.

3. Get Privacy with a Screen

Apartment living can be tough if you're constantly surrounded by neighbors, and that goes for the patio, too. If you're concerned about privacy, consider adding a screen that will shade you from the sun and give you a bit of extra privacy between yourself and your neighbors.

Your screen can be completely opaque, or you can choose something like a mesh fabric that allows a little air to flow between it. Whatever you choose, this is an easy way to put up a temporary barrier so that you have that privacy you're looking for.

Screens can be made of metal, wood, bamboo, or even a nice fabric. Just make sure that you secure your privacy screen so it doesn't accidentally come loose or fall off. You can also simply take it down and store it whenever you're done hanging out on the patio.

4. Choose Comfy Furnitur

Hanging out in the great outdoors should be a comfortable experience, so choose furniture for your apartment balcony that will make you want to spend lots of time there. A nice outdoor sofa with thick cushions is a perfect companion to larger apartment patios.

If your apartment patio is on the small side, look for a nice comfortable chair and a matching ottoman. Whatever you choose, the key is to ensure that it's supportive and durable while still be as comfortable as possible. Good furniture makes the cost of renting well worth it since it makes your apartment feel like home.

You might be tempted to buy new patio furniture online, but you'll never really know how comfy it is until you actually sit on it. Shop a few local stores and try different pieces out before you commit so you're sure it's the right furniture for you.

5. Make it a Bistro

One of the best apartment patio ideas is to create a space where you can sit outside and enjoy a morning cup of coffee or an evening glass of wine. A bistro set is a perfect way to sit down and relax while you gaze out at the view from your patio or balcony.

Bistro sets consist of a small table and two matching chairs, making it a great option for quick meals and casual beverages. This furniture also tends to have a smaller footprint, which is perfect for a balcony that lacks square footage.

Top your bistro chairs with soft, weatherproof cushions to make them more comfortable. This furniture is affordable, compact, and an easy way to add style and functionality to an apartment balcony area.

6. Brighten Things up with Lights

There's no reason why you can't enjoy your apartment patio or balcony after the sun goes down. Add a few lights to make this space a fun place to hang out under the stars.

Solar string lights or an LED light strip are just two of many easy ways you can bring more brightness and illumination to this space. You can find this type of lighting at most home improvement stores or online for an affordable way to brighten up your patio.

A solar-powered lantern is another great way to brighten up this part of your apartment. Place the lantern in the middle of a table and kick back on your patio long after the sun has set. Candles are a nice touch, but they're not recommended for apartment balconies unless you choose a battery-powered flameless option.

7. Keep Cool with Shade

If your apartment patio or balcony isn't covered, it can be brutally hot during the spring and summer months. Make your patio a cool and comfy place to be by adding some kind of cover for shade.

A fabric awning is an easy, attractive way to shade your apartment balcony. Just make sure you ask your landlord if this is something you can add before you make the investment.

For a more budget-friendly option, consider adding a nice patio umbrella to your apartment balcony if you have the room. You can use a freestanding umbrella or add a patio table with a hole that you can insert the umbrella pole in to keep you cool and comfortable outdoors any time of the year.

8. Add a Custom Floor

A concrete patio floor can be cold and impersonal. Elevate your patio balcony floor by adding your own material to give it a touch of texture, color, and personality.

Fake grass is a fun choice for a small balcony, and it feels nice and soft under your feet. Rubber tiles are inexpensive and can give the patio area a nice, updated aesthetic. They're also very easy to install and remove whenever you need to change things up.

Even something like simple stone pavers will bring a new look and feel to your patio floor. Making simple updates to the floor will help to make this part of your apartment seem much more welcoming and unique.

9. Pops of Color

Create your very own custom oasis by adding some fun decorative touches to your patio. A few soft, vibrant throw pillows on a patio sofa or chair is an easy way to incorporate color into this space.

Hang a piece of artwork on the wall to give your patio a fresh, colorful touch. Trays featured in bright hues make it easy to serve drinks and snacks, and they're a quick way to give the patio a dose of color and style.

Get creative and come up with a variety of items for patio decoration that will give this part of your apartment a lively look. From colorful ceramic planters to a cheerful outdoor wall clock, it's easy to make your balcony a colorful place to hang out.

10. Get More Storage

Make the most of your patio furniture by choosing storage pieces. A nice bench with a seat that flips open is a perfect spot for extra throw pillows and accessories.

Ottomans that feature hidden storage not only serve as a place to organize your stuff, but they also make great seats if you have an extra guest. The more storage you can get on your patio, the more relaxing it will look and feel.

Depending on the size of your balcony or patio, you'll want to incorporate as much functional storage as possible to keep everything in its place. Shop for patio furniture that's beautiful, comfortable, and multifunctional in one to get the most from your investment.

Make Your Apartment Patio the Place to Be

No matter where you live, consider these apartment patio ideas to help make your space a relaxing oasis you'll love. From privacy screens and comfortable furniture to plants and colorful pillows, every detail can elevate your apartment balcony and give it a fun, personal touch.

For more great tips on renting, or to find apartments near you, explore the rest of our website and be sure to check out our other helpful resources today.

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