9 Ideas for a Veranda and Balcony Inspired by Parisian Cafes

Perhaps there is nothing more romantic than welcoming or seeing off the day sitting on a cozy veranda in a cafe. But not always that perfect café of your dreams is within walking distance. Wanting to spend sunset with a cup of something wonderful... (insert your favorite word) every summer evening. There is a solution: decorate a garden veranda or balcony, taking the best ideas from urban cafes.1

If the space is open, you need to take care of emergency "evacuation" of interior during rain. A solution is foldable furniture that can be quickly moved away, or that made from metal: you only need to remove textile elements such as cushions and throws.

2

The floor will become cozier if you lay out a nice mat. You can also make a wooden deck or use artificial grass.

3

Don't forget the main rule of comfort, which every good cafe follows: light! Adorn the corners of the space with large floor candles or lanterns. And, of course, fairy lights will create magic in any room (especially convenient when powered by batteries).

4

If you plan to use a tablecloth, make sure to buy special clips/pins that are often used in cafes to prevent the wind from lifting the fabric.

5

Plants on the floor or hanging from the ceiling — always a winning option that revives any interior. Pay attention to how cafes often accentuate planters and pots. This detail can particularly highlight the style of the space.

6

If we are talking not about a garden veranda but rather about a balcony, it is usually small in a standard apartment. You can only put a small table on the balcony that holds not much dishes. An idea from cafes: remember those tiny stools where they offer to put your bag? Such a stool can serve as a serving table on your balcony. Or a footrest/pet seat.

7

Continuing the topic of the balcony, it should be mentioned that a table (or countertop) can be placed along its entire length similar to a bar counter. High chairs will complete the atmosphere. But only if you don’t have pets and children.

8

A big plus of a personal "cafe" on the balcony is that you choose the music for your evening yourself. A small portable speaker will come in handy.

9

If space allows, let your dream come true and install a hanging chair!