Designing a balcony without drilling: ideas and tips

You've decided to turn your balcony into a little summer paradise. Then the question quickly arises: How can I decorate here if my landlord prohibits drilling into walls? Because it only becomes cozy with beautiful plants, maybe even a small vegetable garden, suitable lighting and of course comfortable seating. And the neighbors may be nice, but so does a little privacy.

Can I drill into walls and ceilings on the balcony?

To clarify this, it helps to take a look at the rental agreement - this usually states exactly whether drilling into the balcony wall and ceiling is permitted. Unfortunately, the answer is often no, as changes to the facade not only affect the appearance, but can also damage the masonry. In theory, the landlord is then even entitled to compensation, and nobody really wants to pay.

But that's no reason to abandon your plans: There are plenty of ways to make your balcony practical and beautiful without drilling holes. And there are some advantages to leaving the drill in the basement:

• When it's time to move out, you'll already have enough to do. You won't have to worry about repairing the balcony walls.
• Feel like redecorating? It's quick and easy with these solutions, and you don't have to remove any unsightly marks.
• Are you more likely to hit your thumb than a nail and are you terrified of hammer drills? Then fastening without drilling is the better alternative for you anyway.

If you still have no idea how to decorate your balcony – we have put together some ideas for you: “ Decorate your balcony – tips and inspiration ”

Flowers and trellises: Beautify the balcony wall

If there is one thing that shouldn't be missing on your balcony, it's flowers and plants. Maybe you're a vegetable gardener? If you have space problems on small balconies, it's worth incorporating the walls: vertical gardening also serves as wall decoration.

But what if you are not allowed to drill into the walls for shelves, trellises and plant bags? This is one of the easier exercises, because there are a variety of options:

Relaxing cleverly: ideas for comfortable balcony furniture

We relax particularly well when we are dangling in the air. The hammock is the epitome of vacation and hanging chairs make perfect reading corners.

Admittedly, this is not an option for very small balconies, but it works for many. Just measure it before you abandon the idea. The good news: You don't need any heavy tools or load tests.

hammock for the balcony

We want it to be comfortable! An after-work drink in a hammock can quickly become a reality. There are two options: a hammock with a classic suspension or with a frame.

Both transform your balcony into a vacation spot in no time at all and can be dismantled just as quickly if necessary. There are also folding frames available and you can even align them with the sun during the day. But there are a few things you should consider when choosing:

Hanging hammocks correctly

1. Length : The distance between the floor and the hammock should be about half the distance between the two attachment points. In most cases, this works out to 35-45 centimeters. Otherwise, you won't be floating, but will be scraping slightly and inelegantly across the balcony floor.
2. Check the stability of your suspension . If you want to hang the hammock on the ground or struts, these must not be too thin and definitely not porous.
3. Think about a clever placement . Hanging it in a corner is a tried and tested option. But also include plants and other decorations in your considerations, you don't want them to swing over.

hammocks with frames

1. Which material is ideal for the frame? If it is exposed to wind and weather, you should choose either a metal frame or a collapsible model. If you want to leave it outside all the time, the material of the chair should be waterproof.
2. How much space do you have available? Before you order a model, you should grab a ruler or tape measure, because there are both very spacious and space-saving frames.
3. If you have the choice, choose a model that takes the rest of your decor into consideration. For the boho style, a wooden one is more suitable, for a minimalist style, a simple metal frame with a plain mat, and for a colorful balcony, you will find countless colors and patterns among the cotton hammocks.

And for both options, load-bearing capacity is a criterion. Should the mat be able to support just you, two people or half the family? Pay attention to this when making your selection.

hanging chair for the balcony

Hanging chairs are known to have sturdy hooks screwed into the ceiling or ropes wrapped around beams. After all, they have to support not only the weight of the chair at one point, but also the weight of the person sitting on it, as well as slight rocking.

But for the balcony, there is also the alternative of frames. However, most of them need a little more space and are more suitable for larger balconies. If you have the space, a frame has unbeatable advantages: you can use the chair inside and outside and always turn it towards the sun.

Safety comes first here too: the chair should be stable. Some versions have anti-tip devices, but you can also DIY and secure the chair yourself as discreetly as possible with ropes or cable ties against the next storm.

Ideas for sun protection on the balcony

We like sunny balconies, but we don't like sunburn. The umbrella is the classic way to protect yourself, so you're spoilt for choice. And have you ever thought about a stylish sun sail?

parasol

The large beach umbrella is rather out of place on your balcony. Look for balcony umbrellas, which are also available in different materials such as beautiful fabrics, colors and styles. Tilting parasols are particularly practical for protecting you even better from the sun. Just make sure that they are weatherproof or can be taken down quickly. Either with a base or, to save space, by attaching them to the balcony railing with adjusting screws.

awnings

Looks elegant, creates a great atmosphere and is effective: sun sails really enhance your balcony. Depending on the variant, they are simply fixed at different points with ropes, but there are also fastening options with poles or cords, so they don't take up any space. Take a look at your balcony and consider whether you have enough fixing points for a sun sail - depending on the size and shape, three fastening options are sufficient.

Tip: To ensure that nothing flies around your ears, you should not leave the umbrellas or sails open.

wind and privacy protection for the balcony

A fresh breeze is good in summer, but we prefer to protect ourselves from strong winds on the balcony. Just like from the neighbors' curious glances. Fortunately, you have various options that can be secured without drilling holes:

Plant

Sustainable, pretty to look at and bring nature to your balcony. The best solution for privacy is to plant larger plants in pots. Bamboo is ideal for this: it grows quickly and tall.

Material

Just like with sun sails, you can also use fabric for decorative purposes in front of the parapet or balcony wall or as a privacy screen. As a DIY project, you can cut any fabric to size and press eyelets into it for fastening with ropes. Just don't underestimate the sun! If you want UV protection, you should go for proper sun sails or a suitably tightly woven material.

awnings

Side awnings, clamp awnings... who would have thought that the world of awnings is so diverse? Even if it sounds stuffy at first, it's worth taking a look. Perhaps there is a suitable variant among the drill-free awnings for your balcony.

walls for setting up

Partition walls that do not require side supports are ideal for use as decoration in front of the actual balcony wall, for dividing up the space or for providing privacy on larger balconies. You can also check whether they are suitable for planting - that looks even better.

Our tip: When discreetly attached, Velcro or cable ties are the magic weapon for securing all of the options mentioned here. Telescopic rods and coated floral wire are also a practical option for hanging up without causing damage.

Installing a cat net without drilling

Cat owners often ask themselves the question: How can you let your beloved four-legged friends out into the fresh air safely? They are actually quite inventive when it comes to trying to escape, but unfortunately they can neither judge heights nor think properly in terms of space. It's hard to believe that these climbing artists are such good climbers, but high balconies can be dangerous.

Cat nets can help. If you don't want to drill, you can use constructions made of telescopic rods that are attached to the balcony with railing clamps when the parapet is closed. The following always applies: The net should be well stretched and of course there should be no gap between it and the balcony wall.