In our little red dot, space is extremely limited, and with a relatively large population, Singapore is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. From rainproof awnings to soft flooring, discover 4 essential Balcony Upgrades that make every square foot of your home count.

Unfortunately, with limited land space and such a large demand, this inevitably leads to high housing prices.

As a result, on average, the space that the average Singaporean home has is relatively modest. This means every bit of space needs to be maximised to its full potential.

With that said, even a balcony is generally considered somewhat of a luxury in Singapore. So if you have one, you should definitely make the most of it.

Of course, in Singapore’s extremely hot weather, it’s totally understandable if you would rather stay indoors than stay out on your balcony while you’re slowly being cooked alive.

But don’t forget, your balcony is a part of your home too. So rather than just using it as a space to dry your wet clothes, why not make full use of this space that you have and turn it into a space that your family can enjoy?

Whether you’re in an HDB or a condo unit, that little outdoor space has the potential to be turned into a fun or relaxing retreat for the fam. With the right additions, you can turn that once-barren balcony into a place to unwind, play, dine, or even a mini garden.

Here are four ways to turn your balcony into a space your family will love.

1. Install An Awning

Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Why would I need an awning when I already have shelter?”.

Installing an awning might seem like an unnecessary cost, but ask yourself this: Does your balcony get wet when it rains?

Chances are, your answer’s probably yes. And the reason for that is because while your balcony may be fully sheltered overhead, the sides aren’t.

As such, when it rains, rain gets in easily, making your space virtually unusable when there’s heavy or even moderate rain.

This also means that the sun can reach inside easily too, making not just your outdoor space, but also your indoor space warmer.

With an awning, you can stay outside on your balcony even when it’s raining cats and dogs without having to worry about getting wet, and you can actually enjoy the cool, refreshing rain breeze, which most Singaporeans would really appreciate.

During sunny days, an awning also keeps the sun further away from your balcony, keeping your balcony and home cooler and making your balcony much more usable and comfortable.

In short, get an awning — you’ll have a much more comfortable and enjoyable balcony. And make sure to engage an established Singapore awning contractor like Uni Shades to make sure that everything is done right.

2. Use Soft Flooring

We’ve got nothing against normal floor tiles, but they’re not exactly ideal for kids. Kids are more clumsy and have less refined motor skills, so they fall more often.

As such, to make your outdoor balcony more forgiving and suitable for your kids, opt for soft flooring options.

Soft flooring options are not only less dangerous and painful when kids fall, but they’re also more slip-resistant.

It’s not just for kids either. If you have elderly persons living with you, soft flooring also makes your balcony safer for them.

For yourself and other fully mobile adults, soft flooring may not be as essential, but it still adds warmth and personality to your balcony, so you should still give it some thought. After all, there’s no rule that says healthy adults can’t make their outdoor space more inviting and comfortable underfoot right?

If it’s kids that you have in mind, your best option will be foam tiles. Foam tiles are very forgiving to falls, and they’re perfect for crawling or even lying down on.

For a less soft but more aesthetic option, you can use either artificial turf or wood deck tiles.

Just be careful not to let your foam tiles get wet, as foam tiles can be pretty disgusting when exposed to moisture. If you’re using foam tiles, an awning is pretty much a must-have.

3. Vertical Greenery & Potted Plants

Your balcony may not have an abundance of space, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add some color and life to it with some plants.

Plants don’t even have to take up floor space. Vertical gardens and hanging baskets utilise vertical space so that you don’t have to sacrifice any of your floor space.

And if your space can afford it, you can also include a potted plant or two.

Either way, plants have many benefits, such as purifying air and cooling down the surroundings. They also add life and warmth to your space.

Whatever your aesthetics, there’s guaranteed to be a suitable plant for it.

If you’re not sure how to make your balcony feel more inviting and less dull, add a plant or two. Trust us, you won’t regret it.

4. Know Your Purpose ( Balcony Upgrades )

Knowing your purpose is something that almost everyone struggles with, but thankfully, we’re not asking you to confront your mid-life crisis. We’re referring to knowing what your balcony is supposed to do.

You can have a general-purpose balcony with a table and some chairs, but it’s going to serve your needs much better if you actually consider your needs beforehand and tailor your balcony to them.

For example, is it supposed to be a quiet space for reading? If so, a beanbag, cushioned bench, and even a bookshelf might be in line.

Or if it’s meant to be a play corner for your kids, you’ll want to include fun elements like pop-up tunnels or tents.

Your balcony doesn’t have to only suit one purpose either. It can function as a dining area with a beanbag at the side for quiet reading sessions, or you can have a foldable table for dining that can fold up and create more space for playtime.

Before you start making any changes to your balcony, take your time and think carefully about what you’re going to be using it for. Don’t just throw random furniture onto your balcony.

Conclusion

It may take some effort and money to customise your balcony, but it’s worth the investment.

By investing this time, effort, and money, you’re almost adding more space to your home, because this space that was previously pretty much useless would become an enjoyable space, serving as an extension of your home.

In Singapore, where every bit of space counts, you definitely don’t want to waste this opportunity to increase your living space.