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Balconies.

They can be a bit drab, can't they? Just a few square feet of concrete or paving, sticking out of your main window. Balconies are a little bit of space that you're grateful to have, but you aren't sure how to use.

However, balconies can be a whole lot more than just a place to dry your clothes. Here are five ideas to spruce up your balcony, which are sure to even make your friends with backyards jealous.

Just because there's no grass, it doesn't mean you can't have a garden

One of the biggest mistakes people make when styling their balcony is running away from foliage, because trees and plants are for 'people with huge gardens' and will only draw attention to the fact that this is a tiny balcony and not, well, the grounds of Versailles. Wrong. Pot plants and creepers will help to bring a little bit of life to your outdoor space. Just be sure to check with your local nursery about plants that can live well without direct sunlight... and that won't grow to be so big they break out of their pots.

Every home could use an extra room

Turn your balcony into an alternative entertaining area. Purchase outdoor furniture that works with your size of balcony. For example, while larger balconies can cope with a full outdoor dining set outside, smaller balconies benefit from a thin table pushed up against the railing, with bar stools on the other side of the table that can easily be pushed underneath to maximise space.

Store those necessities somewhere stylish

There are some things that you might need to keep out on your balcony: your washing line, your bike etc. However, leaving these things strewn across the space can look messy. A wardrobe painted with weather resistant paint can be a great way to store these odds and ends that need to be kept outdoors.) For smaller spaces, hang hooks on the wall so that you can store these things without compromising floor space.

Accessories are the key

Treat your balcony like you would any other area of your house, and accessorise. Candles on tables, paintings on walls; these are the things that can help you to start viewing the balcony as a pleasant place to be. Just make sure that they are weather proof or, if that's not possible, keep a box handy out on the balcony and store them in there when you don't have guests over.