An open patio door reveals an apartment balcony with a chair, side table, and string lights.

If you have a patio or balcony in your apartment, you may find that you don’t use it as much as you could. But an apartment balcony can be a great way to spend the summer; you just need to set the mood. If your summer plans consist of checking books off your TBR list, turn your patio into an adorable reading nook!

Get a Comfy Chair

A rattan egg chair on a balcony is surrounded by plants.

Every good reading nook, indoor or outdoor, starts with a comfy chair. Outdoor chairs come in every shape, size, and color to match your personal style and how you prefer to curl up with a good book.

Add Mood Lighting

A young woman reads on a porch with string lights.

Mood lighting not only helps you read your latest book but also creates a soothing ambiance for reading. To set the vibe easily, wrap waterproof string lights around the balusters and place outdoor lanterns around the patio. This is rental-friendly and will not require you to fill holes when you move out!

Add a Side Table

A view of an open book on a patio table.

A patio table is a must to hold refreshments and the next book in a series. Whether you choose to add a small side table or a bistro set for al fresco dining, make sure you have somewhere to hold your stack of books.

Accessorize

Take your coziness to the next level with throw pillows, soft blankets, and a colorful rug. Citronella candles are pretty and practical, keeping mosquitoes away while giving off a citrusy aroma and gentle glow.

Whatever you decide to add to your patio, make sure all your accessories are suited for outdoors so your reading nook doesn’t get wrecked by the elements!

Adopt Some Plants

A young woman reads on a porch surrounded with plants.

An apartment patio is a great place for a mini garden. Find plants that are easy to care for and need direct sunlight and plant them in colorful pots on your patio. Being surrounded by flowers and foliage can take your reading experience to the next level!

Install Waterproof Blinds

Once you’ve set up your reading nook, protect it from the elements with clear roll-up blinds. Clear blinds for patios are waterproof and allow you to enjoy your nook when it rains. Roll-up blinds typically need to be installed with a drill, so check with your property manager before you install them to avoid damage fees.

The summer breeze and chirping birds can be the perfect backdrop for a bookworm. With a little TLC, you can turn your apartment patio into the perfect place to dive into your latest read.

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Chloe Savan

Hi! I'm Chloe, a content writer for Apartments.com. I've lived in three apartments in the past four years, so I know the ropes of renting. When I'm not at my desk writing, I can be found curled up on my couch with a craft in my hands or catching up with my friends over tacos!

Chloe Savan smiling in graduation pictures.
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