Sunday, October 29, 2017

Neighbor-Friendly Budget Balcony Wind Chimes

Beautiful chimes by Blue Handworks
Oh how I enjoy distinctive, large, booming wind chimes. Unfortunately, apartment balcony life does Budget Balcony Living sometimes requires compromises; such as more subdued wind chime tinkling. The excellent news is that there are wind chimes that are visually beautiful while producing more subdued sounds.
not always allow for the type of wind chimes some of us enjoy most.

Beach Glass and Driftwood Wind Chimes by Blue Handworks


Blue Handworks offers a variety of wind chimes that are made of beach glass. Using beach glass as a chime is a brilliant idea as it acts as both a suncatcher and a chime. The tinkling sounds of beach glass is also less noticeable to the neighbors than the large metal tube and brass bell types of wind chimes. The beach glass pieces are hung from a piece of driftwood creating a natural piece of art.

Fortunately, Blue Handworks provides videos of their chimes so you get an idea of the sound and appearance before you make your purchase. Clearly, the exposure to wind makes a difference in how individual wind chimes sound. In the video, the wind is much stronger than I experience on my covered balcony so the sounds produced by the beach glass would be even more subdued.



Capiz Shell Wind Chimes


Capiz shells are also visually pleasing as they are translucent and allow light to pass through. The sounds the shells make are also more subdued than metal and brass wind chimes yet have a very pretty and natural tone.

Capiz shell wind chimes can be found in very small groupings with small 1" shells to very large and intricate groupings with larger Capiz shells. They are also offered in a variety of colors.

The Woodstock brand offers not only capiz shell wind chimes, but they also offer a solar-lighted capiz shell wind chime. You could combine both the sound of a wind chime and a tiny bit of light at night. Imagine what a nice touch that would be on your balcony.



Whether you are looking for your own balcony decor or a gift for someone who loves balcony living, consider these items. If your neighbors are not wind chime fans, they will thank you for refraining from hanging those large metal chimes.

*This article may contain affiliate links. If you shop via one of the affiliate links, I may earn a small commission - at no additional cost to you. I am very appreciative of every reader who visits my articles. Thank you. 

Sunday, October 8, 2017

Autumn Garland and Lights for Your Balcony

Indoor/Outdoor lighted garland
Why should seasonal decor be limited to the insides of our homes? As summer drifts into fall, and the days become shorter, it is the perfect time to decorate your balcony with autumn themed garland and lights. Bring the colors of the changing leaves to your outdoor space. Enjoy unique lights wrapped around your rails. With minimal cost and effort, your balcony can reflect the beauty of the changing seasons. A quick internet search for autumn decor shows many photos of garland used on fireplace mantels, indoor staircases, and around windows and doors. But why not bring that beauty and decoration to your outdoor space?

Simple Autumn Garlands for Balcony Rails


No fuss, no muss simple garlands can bring a touch of seasonal flair to your balcony. Choose from "silk" autumn leaves or more rustic berries and pine cones - depending on your preference or your usual balcony decor.

Rustic pine cones, felted balls & wooden leaves
Simply wrap the garland of your choice around the top rail and voila, decor that has changed wit the season. Some garland is "wired" and wraps securely around the rails. Other garland is not. Simple zip ties or floral wire can attach your garland more securely to the rails.

Lighted Autumn Leaves Garlands


I am partial to the lighted strings of autumn leaves. I like to see the colors of the leaves spotlighted by the lights or glowing with the lights hidden behind the leaves. Imagine the lighted garland in the intro photo on your rail, outside, in the dark.

If your balcony is exposed to the weather, like mine is, make sure you choose a string of lighted garland that is rated for indoor/outdoor use. And pay attention to the wording "protected outdoor use".

Autumn Light Strings


While searching for a lighted leafy garland, I found a fun variety of autumn themed strings of lights. From pumpkins, to leaves, to lights that come in shades of oranges/yellows/greens, there are several choices that celebrate the season.

You also have choices whether the lights are battery-operated or solar powered.

Whether you lean toward shaped bulbs or lights that hint at the season through the use of the color of the bulbs, there is a string of lights that reflects you and how you celebrate the change of the seasons.

*This article may contain affiliate links. If you shop via one of the affiliate links, I may earn a small commission - at no additional cost to you.  I am very appreciative of every reader who visits my articles. Thank you