Preparing the Balcony for Summer: Ideas for Comfort and Order

April is the perfect time to breathe life into your balcony. After winter, it probably looks like a storage for unnecessary items: old jars, skis you haven't touched in three years, and a layer of dust on the windowsill. But imagine this: a warm summer evening, you're sitting comfortably on your balcony with a cup of tea, surrounded by flowers, and everything you need is neatly arranged. Sounds like a dream? It's reality that can be created over the weekend. Let's see how to turn your balcony into a place for rest and order so that it becomes your personal comfort zone in summer.

Main points from the article:

• Cleaning the balcony in 5 steps takes just one day;
• Simple ideas will help organize storage without extra expenses;
• Cosy decor will make your balcony your favorite spot;
• You'll learn how to maintain order all summer long;
• A balcony can be an oasis even in a small apartment.

Where to start: cleaning without extra effort

The first step toward your dream balcony is cleaning. Begin in the morning before it gets hot: play some music, put on comfortable clothes and get ready for change. Take out everything that's on the balcony: old boxes, tools, forgotten jars of pickles. Sort items into three piles: keep, throw away, give away. If something hasn't been used for over a year — say goodbye without regret. Skis you haven't touched since 2020, or a broken chair 'just in case' — go to the dump or donate them.

Now grab a broom and a damp cloth. Sweep the floor, wipe the windowsills and railings. If there are stains, add a little vinegar to the water — it will clean dirt without leaving any smell. Wash the glass from both sides: use a long-handled duster from outside to avoid risks. A clean balcony is the foundation on which comfort begins.

Organizing storage: order that works

After cleaning, it's time to organize what remains. Balconies often become storage spaces, but this can be fixed. Start by assessing the space: if your balcony is small (2–3 sq m), use vertical storage. If it's bigger, add shelves or boxes. Here are some ideas:

• A shelf for small items.
  A metal shelf with 3–4 shelves (from 2000 rubles) can hold everything: from tools to flower pots.
• Boxes with lids.
  Put rarely used items in them: Christmas lights, spare jars. Label the boxes so you don't have to search.
• Wall hooks.
  Hang your bike, garden tools or folding chairs — this will free up floor space.

If you store canned goods, check the expiration dates: throw away jars with expired dates and arrange the rest neatly to avoid cluttering. The main thing is to leave room for life: your balcony should not be a storage, but a relaxation zone.

Creating comfort: decor that delights the eye

Now that order is established, it's time to add comfort. A balcony can become your relaxation corner, even if it's tiny. Start with furniture: for a small balcony, a folding table and chair (from 1500 rubles per set) will do. If there's more space, place a small sofa or bean bag chair. Add pillows with bright covers — yellow, green, or blue tones will create a summer vibe.

Flowers are an essential element for a spring balcony. Petunias, geraniums or even greens (basil, mint) in pots will add freshness. If you don't have time for care, choose low-maintenance succulents. Lighting is also important: a string of warm light or solar lanterns (from 500 rubles) will make evenings cozy. To protect from the sun, hang light curtains or bamboo blinds — they're cheap and stylish. Decor is not about expensive things but about an atmosphere that delights you.

Design: Alexandra Mozgovaya

How to protect the balcony from bad weather: practical solutions

April weather in Russia is unpredictable: today sunshine, tomorrow rain. To make sure your balcony is ready for summer, think about protection. If it's open, install a polycarbonate canopy — costs from 3000 rubles and will protect against precipitation. For furniture, use covers: they're cheap (from 500 rubles) and protect sofas or chairs from moisture.

The floor is also important: if it's concrete, lay a waterproof mat or PVC tiles (from 1000 rubles per sq m) — it's not only practical but also beautiful. For plants, choose pots with trays so water doesn't drip onto the floor after watering. Preparing for bad weather is about comfort that extends your balcony's life.

Pro tips: how to maintain order all summer

A cozy balcony is not a one-time event, but a habit. Here are some tricks to keep things tidy:

• Sweep the floor and wipe the windowsill once a week — it will take only 10 minutes.
• Don't clutter: if you bring something new, get rid of something old.
• Keep a small trash bin for small waste on the balcony — this way it won't accumulate.

Another trick: if you love coffee or breakfast on the balcony, place a small tray for dishes — this will protect from crumbs and stains. For flowers, set up a watering schedule so they don't wilt. Order on the balcony is about small things that make life easier.

Design: Alena Matiso

Why it's worth it: your personal oasis

Design: Anastasia Kashiroskaya

You're no longer a prisoner of a cluttered balcony. Simple steps, hacks and a little time will help you tidy up, create comfort and prepare for summer. Try this weekend — by May your balcony will become your favorite place in the house. April is a time for change. Start small, and you'll be surprised by the results.

Cover: Design project by Max Zhukov and Viktor Stepan