Tips For The North, South, East And West Balconies
North, south, east or west? If you want to make the balcony of your house an absolute oasis of well-being in summer, you have to know which directions are involved. Otherwise, the outdoor fun quickly turns into nasty balcony frustration. We have already described here how to wake your balcony from hibernation and get it ready for spring. Today there are more tips on balcony design. This not only depends on personal preferences and the individual taste of the user but also the orientation. Anyone who has a south-facing balcony has to pay attention to completely different things than people with a north-facing balcony. Today our experts will share with you what grows best where and how every balcony can become the perfect place to feel good.
The design of the balcony
The balcony is much more than a storage room. It has become an additional room and increases your living space—especially in smaller city apartments. If you haven't designed your balcony yet or would like a change, we'll give you lots of tips. For example, do you know which plants tolerate south-facing balconies? Maybe you've had problems with your plants so far? Maybe you chose the wrong green for your balcony. But don't worry: We'll show you the right south balcony plants, east balcony plants as well as plants for north and west balconies. So first, you have to know whether you have a south-facing balcony or not and then you can get started. We hope you have fun designing your balcony.
You can find further read about how to improve the quality of life in your house.
The south balcony
A south-facing balcony is perfect for all sun worshipers for whom it can't be sunny and warm enough.
The plants:
By the way, the love of the sun must be present among those who use the balcony, as well as everything that is supposed to grow, bloom and thrive there. Not every plant feels comfortable in the blazing sun. Mediterranean plants such as olives, lavender, oleanders, lemon trees and succulents of all kinds are a safe choice. If you have a green thumb and are dedicated to watering and fertilizing the balcony flora, you can also easily plant geraniums, petunias or hibiscus on the south-facing balcony. Anyone who wants to grow their vegetables will soon be able to enjoy aromatic tomatoes, peppers and fragrant basil.
Furniture, floor and design:
Metal furniture is not a good idea for the sun-drenched south-facing balcony. They heat up and, in the worst case, lead to nasty burns that no one needs. The same applies to stone floors. Better: wooden and rattan furniture and wooden planks on the floor. A must for the south-facing balcony: parasol or awning as well as water storage boxes for the plants, because the blazing midday sun in midsummer is too much of a good thing, even for real sun worshipers—whether human or plant-based.
Herbs for the south-facing balcony
Herbs are particularly comfortable on the south balcony. A great set that also inspires children and teaches them important things is particularly worthwhile in this context.
The east balcony
Due to its location, the east balcony is the ideal breakfast spot. Anyone who enjoys the first rays of sunshine of the day with a delicious croissant and a cup of coffee will start the new day much more relaxed.
The plants:
All plants that thrive in partial shade, such as fuchsias, daisies or petunias, thrive on the east-facing balcony. Local herbs such as sage, mint, parsley and lemon balm also grow wonderfully in this environment.
Furniture, floor and design:
A tiled floor stores the warmth of the morning sun and gradually releases it later—the perfect solution for any east-facing balcony that only gets sun in the morning. With colour accents in yellow, orange and red, the sunny mood is maintained even in the shady afternoon hours. Plus a large table and comfortable chairs for a long breakfast in the morning sun—the oasis of well-being on the east balcony is ready!
The west balcony
The west-facing balcony offers working people the opportunity to enjoy the last rays of sunshine even after work. Here it is sunny from the early afternoon and romantic sunsets also create a very special atmosphere.
The plants:
As on the east-facing balcony, plants that like partial shade feel comfortable here too. Fragrant plants such as miracle flowers, evening primroses or angel trumpets only come to their best in the evening and exude a delicate summer scent.
Furniture, floor and design:
Adequate sun protection is essential because the late afternoon sun is still really intense, especially in midsummer. Otherwise, things can be casual on the west-facing balcony, as it offers the perfect place for a relaxed sundowner with friends and colleagues after work. Comfortable balcony furniture with cozy cushions as well as atmospheric lanterns and lanterns are a good idea. But be careful: it can get windy on the west balcony! Therefore, heavy furniture and planters are a safe choice.
The north balcony
When it comes to warming rays of sunshine, the north-facing balcony is a real stepchild. It gets little to no direct sun, but that doesn't mean it's cold and dark here. On the contrary: When people with south-facing balconies escape the midday heat indoors or bathe in their own sweat, north-facing balcony owners are at their best and are happy about a cool, shady spot outside.
The plants:
There are numerous plants that feel at home on the north-facing balcony because they cannot tolerate direct sunlight. These include begonias, coleus, ferns and hydrangeas. Climbing plants such as ivy ensure a green balcony all year round and many local herbs also thrive without direct sun.
Furniture, floor and design:
Furniture and decoration in light colors reflect the light and make the north balcony appear brighter. Since water only dries slowly here, tiled floors are ideal. Colorful planters, painted walls, colorful upholstery as well as pillows and blankets provide cheerful splashes of color, which at the same time bring cozy warmth when it gets cold.
