19 Dollar Store DIYs for Balcony Glow-Ups
Balconies are more than just tiny outdoor spaces—they’re little sanctuaries where fresh air meets creativity. You don’t need a hefty budget to transform your balcony into a cozy, Instagram-worthy nook. With Dollar Store DIYs for Balcony Glow-Ups, you can add charm, functionality, and a sprinkle of magic without breaking the bank. From ambient lighting to chic planters, every corner can shine with a personal touch. These projects are easy, budget-friendly, and perfect for anyone, whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just dipping your toes into home crafting.
In this article, we’ll explore 19 inventive and simple ideas to turn your balcony into a glow-up haven. Each project focuses on accessibility, affordability, and style—most items can be found at your local dollar store. Get ready to fall in love with your balcony all over again.
1. Fairy Light Mason Jar Lanterns
Nothing says cozy like soft, twinkling lights. Grab some mason jars, battery-operated fairy lights, and a few decorative accents from the dollar store. Place the lights inside the jars, and you instantly have magical lanterns that add warmth to your balcony evenings. These jars are lightweight, portable, and can be arranged in clusters for a dramatic effect. For an extra touch, wrap the jars with burlap or twine to enhance a rustic vibe.
2. Painted Terra Cotta Planters
A little paint goes a long way. Buy plain terra cotta pots and dollar store acrylic paints. You can create patterns, stripes, or even abstract designs. These planters brighten up your greenery while reflecting your personal style. Pair bold colors with neutral balcony furniture to strike a perfect balance. Plus, painting them is relaxing and gives a sense of accomplishment, adding both aesthetic and emotional value to your balcony.
3. DIY Hanging Herb Garden
Fresh herbs at your fingertips make cooking feel luxurious. Use small pots, twine, and hooks from the dollar store to build a hanging garden. Herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary thrive in these setups. Hanging your garden saves space and adds vertical interest to a plain balcony wall. The greenery doubles as natural aromatherapy, giving your balcony a fresh, inviting scent.
4. Rope-Wrapped Candle Holders
Transform ordinary glass candle holders with dollar store rope. Wrap the rope tightly around the holder using hot glue, leaving the top open for a tealight. The texture instantly elevates plain glass into a rustic, boho piece. Place multiple holders at varying heights to create a cozy glow. This simple DIY feels luxurious without spending a fortune and adds a tactile element that softens metal or concrete furniture.
5. Mini Pallet Side Table
Pallets aren’t just for big projects—they make fantastic miniature side tables. Grab small wooden pallets or crate-style trays and sand them down. Paint or stain to match your balcony decor. These tables are perfect for drinks, books, or plant arrangements. Lightweight and movable, they allow you to experiment with layouts without committing to permanent furniture. A dollar store stash of wheels can even turn it into a rolling cart for versatility.
6. Colorful Outdoor Rug
A splash of color underfoot transforms any balcony. Buy a plain outdoor rug or old fabric and fabric paint from the dollar store. Stencils or freehand patterns add a personal touch. Rugs not only define the space but also make it feel warm and inviting. Bonus: they protect bare floors from scratches and dirt, making them practical as well as stylish.
7. Decorative Metal Tray Organizer
Metal trays can double as decor and storage. Spray paint them in gold, bronze, or white from the dollar store, then use them for holding candles, small planters, or your coffee setup. They create a clean, organized look while adding a layer of sophistication. Grouping multiple trays of different sizes creates visual interest and a layered design aesthetic.
8. Upcycled Wine Bottle Vases
Wine bottles are blank canvases waiting to shine. Paint them, wrap them with jute, or glue beads for added flair. Fill them with fresh flowers or faux stems from the dollar store. These vases are elegant and cost-effective. Plus, they give a sustainable spin to your decor by repurposing glass bottles that would otherwise be discarded.
9. DIY String Art Wall Hanging
String art is surprisingly simple yet eye-catching. Buy a small wooden board, nails, and colorful string. Sketch a simple shape, like a heart, leaf, or geometric design, and wrap the string around the nails. Hang it on your balcony wall to add a pop of personality. It’s a fun project that’s easy to change out with seasons or moods, keeping your balcony fresh and dynamic.
10. Hanging Lanterns with Tealights
Dollar store lanterns don’t have to sit unused. Paint them, add battery-operated tealights, and hang them with hooks or tree branches if your balcony has overhead space. The soft illumination creates ambiance without overpowering the space. Mixing lantern sizes and colors provides a whimsical, layered look.
11. Painted Rock Garden Markers
If you’re growing plants or herbs, labeling them with painted rocks is charming and practical. Collect small rocks, paint them with plant names or cute designs, and place them in your pots. It’s a delightful way to personalize your garden and gives your balcony a playful, handmade touch. Kids and guests alike will love noticing these little details.
12. DIY Macramé Plant Hangers
Macramé isn’t intimidating—it’s fun and forgiving. Dollar store twine or rope is all you need to craft hanging plant holders. These add height to your balcony decor and free up floor space. Pair with small potted plants to create a layered, bohemian vibe. It’s also a relaxing craft that can double as a meditative activity while enjoying your balcony retreat.
13. Cork Coaster Décor
Wine corks can become functional art. Glue them together in fun shapes to create coasters or trivets for your balcony table. You can even paint or stamp them for a customized look. They’re practical, inexpensive, and a creative way to recycle corks that might otherwise be thrown away. Coasters like these elevate your balcony coffee experience with minimal effort.
14. Mason Jar Herb Lights
Take the mason jar concept further by combining herbs and lights. Place small potted herbs inside clear jars with fairy lights wrapped around them. Not only do you get a glow-up, but the herbs provide a refreshing scent. It’s an all-in-one sensory upgrade, blending lighting, aroma, and greenery. Perfect for evening relaxation or small balcony dinners.
15. DIY Chalkboard Sign
A chalkboard sign adds charm and function. Use dollar store chalkboards or frames, paint the board, and decorate it with inspirational quotes, menus, or daily greetings. Swap the messages whenever you like, giving your balcony personality and flexibility. It’s also a great conversation starter for guests and makes the space feel curated and lively.
16. Floating Shelf Display
Small floating shelves from the dollar store can be mounted to display plants, lanterns, or decorative objects. Paint or stain them to match your theme. Shelves create vertical interest and keep your balcony organized. Strategically placing shelves at different heights adds depth, dimension, and a gallery-like feel without overcrowding your small space.
17. Twine-Wrapped Hanging Orbs
Create ambient hanging orbs using styrofoam balls, twine, and glue. Wrap the balls with twine and hang them with fishing line or hooks. They catch the light beautifully during the day and can be paired with fairy lights for evening sparkle. The texture and shape add whimsy and movement to your balcony decor, making it feel like a curated outdoor gallery.
18. DIY Mini Water Fountain
A small tabletop fountain can bring serenity with the gentle sound of flowing water. Dollar store supplies like bowls, pebbles, and small submersible pumps are all you need. Arrange rocks and pebbles creatively, and let the pump circulate water. This DIY adds a spa-like feel to your balcony, perfect for meditative mornings or relaxing evenings.
19. Seasonal Décor Swap Boxes
Keep your balcony fresh by rotating seasonal decor. Use inexpensive storage boxes to store items for each season. Dollar store decor like mini pumpkins, faux leaves, or spring flowers can be swapped in as needed. This approach keeps your space dynamic without clutter, giving you a balcony that evolves with the seasons and always feels lively and inviting.
