Here are some DIY ideas on how to decorate a small 5 x 9 ft rental apartment balcony. In this balcony makeover, I installed a reed fence on the railing on both ends of the balcony for privacy, leaving the front open to take in the view of Manhattan. With summer in full swing, now is the time to beautify a balcony, grow herbs and vegetables near the kitchen or add colour to a lifeless wall.