If your luxury real estate is fortunate enough to have a balcony, make sure you maximise the space to its full potential.

It is all too easy to think the area is too small to do anything with, but through some careful planning you could find yourself enjoying the space more than you ever thought was possible.

Here are some ideas to help you on your way to creating a balcony that’s the envy of all your neighbours – and not to mention a space you can use on a daily basis.

Hanging baskets

Many balconies don’t have space for extensive flower displays, which is where hanging baskets really come into their own. All they need is a wall bracket and they can liven up any home – the best part is you won’t lose any of your valuable floor space.

Remember to keep them watered and opt for plants that are going to thrive in the local conditions. You’ll also have plenty of fun experimenting if you’re putting them together yourself.

Solar lighting

Having wires traipsing in and out of your property isn’t great, so think about investing in some solar-powered lighting. It’s come a long way over the years and you will find all sorts of colours and styles are available.

Wrap the lights around the front of the balcony for an eye-catching display, or perhaps string them up close to your patio doors so you can see them from the inside as well.

Go al fresco

Al fresco dining is all the rage, so why not make the most of it on your balcony? Even if you’ve only got space for a small bistro set, you’ll soon find yourself enjoying your morning coffee in the sunshine every morning, or perhaps sharing outdoor breakfast with your loved ones.

You don’t even have to go for conventional seating. A bench with a few carefully selected cushions can be just as cosy if space really is at a premium.

Storage solutions

There are plenty of clever ways to integrate storage into your balcony, which is great if the space inside your luxury property is also limited. Some seating options will double up as storage – think blanket boxes and benches with drawers tucked underneath.

Alternatively, why not install a sheltered bookshelf on one of the walls? This will keep your belongings out of the way, while also adding a quirky feature to your balcony.