VERTICAL GREENERY: HOW TO USE PLANTERS TO CREATE PRIVACY ON SMALL BALCONIES
Having a balcony comes with pros and cons. While the view may be spectacular and you have an outdoor space to call your own, there tends to be very little to differentiate your private area from that of your neighbours. It can leave you feeling exposed, and your private retreat can suddenly feel far too public.
Rather than resorting to screens that can reduce the light and feel intrusive, think about how nature creates its own little enclaves in a forest. Embrace the concept of a balcony garden that uses vertical structure to give you that sense of privacy, and turn a concrete, glass, and metal structure into something much softer and more energising.
Small balcony ideas need to account for the limited space you have to work with. That makes vertical greenery a perfect solution that enriches your environment, gives you the privacy you want, and is softer, more harmonious, and more organic than a solid screen or partition.
Plant it up
Tall, structural plants in large containers are the easiest solution if you want to create a green barrier between your balcony and your neighbours. By placing a visually striking plant, such as clumping bamboo varieties suited to containers, in a free-standing pot, you can position it exactly where you want it. Plants that grow up rather than out also take up less floor space, creating a green screen without imposing on your balcony. Rather than large, round pots, use narrow trough-shaped planters. Again, these will take up less floor space and maximise the effectiveness of a green screen.
Stack it up
As well as creating a little privacy, a balcony garden reconnects you with nature, which can seem very far away when you’re living in an apartment block. If you have a low balcony rail, add visual interest and a more organic ambience with tiered planters. These help to elevate your plants to eye level and create a multi-layered vertical garden with greater visual depth. Ideas for small balcony gardens include ladder-style plant stands and stacked modular planters, which introduce a more contemporary look.
Climb up
Trellises are among the simplest and most effective small balcony ideas, providing plenty of privacy while keeping a minimal footprint that doesn’t take up the limited space of a small balcony garden. Plants such as jasmine add a beautiful fragrance to your space, too, while ivy creates a structured aesthetic that’s incredibly easy to grow and manage.
Drop it down
‘Green curtains’ are another addition to your balcony garden that introduces a new visual effect to balance your climbing or tiered balcony plants. You can achieve this wonderfully natural effect by attaching rail planters and filling them with trailing or cascading plants. Include fragrant herbs for a more rounded sensory experience. Greening your space also enhances your privacy and creates a softer, more natural atmosphere.
Split it up
If you have a long, narrow balcony, you can use planters and small balcony décor ideas to break up the space, creating smaller, private corners. Add some cosy seating, such as a hanging chair or lounger, and a side table, and you have your own private reading corner. Keep the look consistent by using large outdoor planters in similar designs and colourways.
Feeling inspired? Start your own balcony transformation today! Visit CB2's Outdoor section now to discover creative ideas and design tips, and turn your balcony into a private, green retreat.