A well-ventilated balcony can be an excellent choice for sipping a cup of coffee in the morning or relaxing after spending the entire day at the office, but you will have to take into account how things might affect your furniture and decor. From the gradual fading of colours as a result of sunlight exposure to damage due to rain in the form of rust or even wood deterioration, the outdoor design will need proper protection. But this doesn’t mean you will have to build a closed space on your own. All you need is a couple of modifications, and here are seven of them.

7 Ways to Protect Your Balcony Furniture and Decor

1. Invest in Weatherproof Covers

If your balcony is not being used by you, then you will need to have furniture covers for protection from the elements. Don’t use poor quality plastic tarps as they retain moisture and are vulnerable to tearing. Choose good quality materials like Oxford Polyester or Solution Dyed Acrylic that have waterproof linings of PVC or Polyurethane.

2. Guard Fabrics with UV and Water-Repellent Sprays

Light degrades the chemical composition in conventional fabrics, thus causing discolouration. If the sun’s rays are very strong on your balcony, use an exterior fabric protector spray on your cushions, pillows, and privacy screens. The spray will function as a sunscreen, forming a hydrophobic layer that protects the fabric from staining and UV degradation.

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3. Add Smart Structural Shade Options

Use retractable awnings; it’s a great way to add shade cover when it is sunny, or it starts raining unexpectedly. You can also opt for cantilever umbrellas; they are light, UV-resistant freestanding umbrellas that can be adjusted or retracted depending upon the approaching storm

4. Seal Wood and Wax Metal Surfaces

Use an excellent exterior wood sealer or penetrating oil one or two times a year. It replaces the natural oils in the wood so that it does not dry, warp, or crack. Also, clean the frames properly and coat them with a light coat of car paste wax.

5. Utilise Weatherproof Deck Storage Boxes

Make sure that you have either an all-purpose resin storage bench or a watertight deck box on your balcony. Put your throw rugs, books, candles, fairy lights, and decorative cushions into these when you’re not using them.

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6. Lay Down a Lighter Outdoor Rug

The floor that is not covered can transfer too much heat or cold to the bottom of the legs of your furniture and result in the brittleness of plastic or swelling of the wooden furniture. To stabilise your area, use a patio rug of 100% polypropylene.

7. Anchor Light Decor Against High Winds

Balconies, particularly those situated at elevated positions within an apartment, have a problem with gusting winds. It is necessary for you to properly anchor your setup to keep your possessions from being blown away or falling down. You should attach your small lanterns, trays, and figurines to tables using museum gel and mounting tapes.

Image credits: Freepik

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