Beautifully transformed balcony at dusk

for Leela (never Layla)

Your Balcony,
Reimagined

A step-by-step guide to transforming your marina-view balcony into a cozy, candlelit evening retreat — with every product linked directly to Amazon.

8items·~$538total

The Vision

From bare concrete
to evening sanctuary

Your current balcony
Before — Your balcony today
Your balcony transformed
After — The evening retreat

The Process

Three phases,
one weekend

You don't need to buy everything at once. Start with the foundation, add ambiance, then layer in the finishing touches whenever you're ready.

Phase 01

Foundation

Lay the groundwork with an outdoor rug, the statement egg chair, and a side table. This alone transforms the space.

Rug + Egg Chair + Side Table

$260

Phase 02

Ambiance

Create the magical evening glow with lanterns, candles, and Edison string lights overhead. This is what makes it special.

Lanterns + String Lights

$75

Phase 03

Finishing Touches

Layer in comfort and life with throw pillows, a faux plant, and optional bistro seating for dining.

Pillows + Plant + Bistro Set

$203

Your Shopping Guide

Everything you need,
nothing you don't

Check items off as you shop. Each product is ordered by installation priority — start from the top and work your way down.

0 of 8 items$0 selected
Phase 1Foundation
Dark Outdoor Area Rug
Phase 1 — Foundation
Essential

Dark Outdoor Area Rug

5×7 ft • Weather-Resistant Polypropylene

$45$40–$60

A dark grey, washable outdoor rug that anchors your entire balcony layout. This is the very first thing you should lay down — it defines the “room” and makes everything else feel intentional.

Why this one? Polypropylene dries fast after rain, resists mold near the marina, and the dark tone hides dirt while complementing the evening candlelit vibe.

Dimensions: 5’ x 7’ (also available in 4×6 for smaller balconies)

Hanging Egg Chair with Stand
Phase 1 — Foundation
Essential

Hanging Egg Chair with Stand

Black Wicker • 400 lb Capacity • Includes Cushion

$180$150–$300

The showpiece of your balcony transformation. This black wicker egg chair with a freestanding C-stand creates an instant statement. The included cream cushion adds comfort and contrast against the dark wicker.

Why this one? The freestanding stand means no ceiling drilling — perfect for renters. PE rattan is weather-resistant and the black color matches the inspiration photo exactly.

Dimensions: 47” L × 42” W × 78” H (stand included)

Round Black Metal Side Table
Phase 1 — Foundation
Essential

Round Black Metal Side Table

18” Diameter • Powder-Coated Steel • Rust-Resistant

$35$30–$50

A sleek 18-inch round metal side table that sits perfectly next to the egg chair. Just the right size for a glass of wine, a candle, and a book.

Why this one? Powder-coated steel resists rust from the salty marina air. The minimal design doesn’t compete with the egg chair for attention.

Dimensions: 18” diameter × 18” height

Phase 2Ambiance
Black Metal Lanterns with LED Candles
Phase 2 — Ambiance
Essential

Black Metal Lanterns with LED Candles

Set of 3 • Waterproof • 6-Hour Auto Timer

$45$35–$55

Three graduated black metal lanterns (23”, 20”, and 13”) with realistic flickering LED candles inside. The auto-timer turns them on for 6 hours every evening — completely hands-free ambiance.

Why this one? The 6-hour auto timer is the key feature — set it once and your balcony lights up every evening automatically. Waterproof design handles marina moisture.

Dimensions: 23.4”, 20”, and 13” tall

Edison Bulb String Lights
Phase 2 — Ambiance
Essential

Edison Bulb String Lights

50 ft • LED • Shatterproof • Dimmable

$30$25–$40

Warm 2700K Edison-style LED string lights that create an intimate “ceiling” of golden light overhead. Shatterproof bulbs mean no glass cleanup if one falls. 50 feet is enough for most balconies with a zigzag pattern.

Why this one? The addlon brand is commercial-grade with a weatherproof cord. LED bulbs last 15,000+ hours and the warm 2700K color temperature matches real candlelight perfectly.

Dimensions: 50 ft total length, 15 bulbs

Phase 3Finishing Touches
Outdoor Waterproof Throw Pillows
Phase 3 — Finishing Touches

Outdoor Waterproof Throw Pillows

Set of 4 • 18×18” • UV & Water Resistant

$28$20–$35

A set of four waterproof pillow covers in coordinating dark tones. Layer them on the egg chair, bistro chairs, or even on the floor for extra casual seating. The UV-resistant fabric won’t fade in direct sunlight.

Why this one? The waterproof polyester means you can leave them outside without worry. Mix charcoal solids with one subtle pattern for a curated, not matchy-matchy look.

Dimensions: 18” × 18” (covers only — inserts sold separately)

Artificial Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
Phase 3 — Finishing Touches

Artificial Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

5 ft Tall • Black Pot Included • UV Resistant

$55$40–$70

A realistic 5-foot artificial fiddle leaf fig in a sleek black pot. Adds height, greenery, and life to the corner of your balcony without any maintenance. No watering, no wilting, no bugs.

Why this one? Real plants struggle in salty marina air and inconsistent balcony conditions. This faux fiddle leaf looks incredibly realistic and the black pot matches the overall dark aesthetic.

Dimensions: 5’ tall including pot

3-Piece Folding Bistro Set
Phase 3 — Finishing Touches

3-Piece Folding Bistro Set

Steel Frame • Foldable • Weather Resistant

$120$80–$150

A compact 3-piece folding bistro set with two chairs and a small round table. Perfect for morning coffee or an intimate dinner for two. The folding design means you can tuck it away when you want more open space.

Why this one? The folding feature is crucial for balconies — you can store the chairs flat against the wall when not in use. Steel frame handles weather and the black finish ties everything together.

Dimensions: Table: 24” diameter • Chairs fold flat to 3”

Expert Advice

Setting it all up

Follow this order for the smoothest installation. The whole process takes about 2 hours.

01

Start with the rug — it anchors everything

Lay your outdoor rug first. This defines the "room" and makes it easier to position all other furniture. Center it in the main area of your balcony, leaving a walkway along one side.

02

Position the egg chair for the best view

Place the egg chair at one end of the rug, angled slightly toward the marina view. This becomes your primary relaxation spot. Make sure the stand has stable footing on the rug.

03

String lights create the ceiling

Use adhesive outdoor hooks (Command brand works great) on the ceiling or overhang. Run the lights in a zigzag pattern, spacing rows about 2–3 feet apart. This creates an intimate "ceiling" of warm light.

04

Lanterns go along the edges

Place lanterns in clusters of 2–3 along the railing side and near the glass doors. Varying heights (small in front, tall in back) creates depth. Set the LED candle timer for hassle-free ambiance every evening.

05

Layer textures for a curated feel

Add throw pillows to the egg chair and any extra seating. Drape a throw blanket over the chair for cooler evenings. Place a small potted plant on the side table and the tall faux fig in the corner.

06

Marina-specific care tips

Wipe metal surfaces monthly to prevent salt buildup. Bring cushions inside during storms. The salty air can accelerate rust — choose powder-coated finishes and rinse railings periodically.

Investment

Budget breakdown

Essentials Only

$335

5 core items that make the biggest impact

Dark Outdoor Area Rug$45
Hanging Egg Chair with Stand$180
Round Black Metal Side Table$35
Black Metal Lanterns with LED Candles$45
Edison Bulb String Lights$30
Full Transformation

$538

All 8 items for the complete look

Dark Outdoor Area Rug$45
Hanging Egg Chair with Stand$180
Round Black Metal Side Table$35
Black Metal Lanterns with LED Candles$45
Edison Bulb String Lights$30
Outdoor Waterproof Throw Pillows$28
Artificial Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree$55
3-Piece Folding Bistro Set$120