26 Small Balcony Ideas That Make a Big Impact
Limited space doesn’t mean limited options
Having a balcony provides a lot of benefits—increasing your interior’s natural light, providing additional outdoor space, and adding a visual point of interest to your exterior. Even if you have limited space on your balcony, that doesn’t mean you don’t have fewer options. Check out some small balcony ideas that will make a big statement and maximize your outdoor living space.
Small Balcony Flooring Ideas
Here are some different flooring options to consider that will upgrade the overall look of your small balcony.
1. Natural-Looking Turf
Bring the feeling of the great outdoors to your balcony—without all the upkeep. Artificial turf gives the illusion of real grass, but you’ll never have to mow or water it to keep it looking lush. You can find artificial grass in tile versions as well that simply click together securely in place.
2. Ceramic Tiles
For a more permanent option, you can replace the flooring on your balcony with tiling for a durable and outdoor-friendly option. Compared to pavers, tiles made from natural stone, granite, limestone, travertine, or marble tend to stay in place better while still providing a stylish look.
3. Interlocking Tiles
Instantly elevate the look of your balcony by placing interlocking floor tiles over the existing floor. The best part? No tools or removal of the prior flooring is required as these tiles can go directly on top of the surface. The dark gray composite tiles in this space look like wooden planks, but placing them in an alternating direction brings modernity to the balcony area.
4. Epoxy Floor Coating
Epoxy is a mixture composed of resin and a hardener that, when applied to an existing floor, bonds to the surface. Once cured, the epoxy flooring can withstand extreme temperatures, is easy to clean, and holds up well to wear and tear, making this a desirable option for an outdoor area.
Small Balcony Furniture
Even though you may have less square footage to work with, that doesn’t mean furniture choices have to be limited. Here are some different furniture ideas to dress up your balcony to equip the space with form and functionality.
5. Patio Moon Chairs
Bring some mid-century modern design to your outdoor living space for a chic, yet refined look. Mid-century modern furniture is sleek and space-saving, like these patio moon chairs—making this aesthetic a perfect fit for a small balcony. While these chairs are comfortable and trendy, you can also find them in fold-up versions to preserve even more square footage, as needed.
6. Corner Shelf
Add more storage options outside, without taking up a lot of floor space using a stand-up corner shelf. Simplistic in its design, this unit provides just enough space to store your favorite potted plants, succulents, or trinkets on, while accommodating even the smallest of areas.
7. Foldable Patio Set
Set up shop on your balcony with this trendy bistro set, then take it down when you’re finished. Whether you’re looking for an inspiring place to work from home or you just want to enjoy an afternoon cup of tea, a folding patio set is ideal for any space—especially a tiny balcony.
8. Plush Pouf
Try on the bohemian aesthetic and create a carefree atmosphere on your balcony. This weatherproof pouf adds more seating options, and can easily transition from indoors to outdoors. What’s more, because poufs are easy to move, you can position them around fixed features on your balcony to customize the seating arrangement based on the number of guests you have.
9. Laid-Back Hammock
Take in the views from your hammock to make your balcony feel like an outdoor oasis. Opt for a suspended version that can be hung from an overhang or posts. If you don’t have a covered balcony, look for a stand-up hammock to get the same effect. Tuck it in a corner to create an outdoor retreat that’s only a few steps away from your main living space.
Small Balcony Garden Ideas
Who says you have to have a large plot of land to enjoy the benefits of gardening? Here are some different ways to bring greenery and flowers into your balcony area.
10. Colorful Flower Boxes
Take advantage of the space on your balcony railing and use it as an anchor to suspend flower boxes from. Leave the boxes their original terracotta color, or paint them vivid shades of pink and yellow to provide a pop of color to enjoy while you’re sitting outside sipping on your morning cup of joe.
11. Vertical Herb Garden
An urban gardening solution to consider if you have an apartment balcony is to give hydroponic gardening a try. Hydroponic gardening eliminates soil from the equation, so you can grow nutrient-rich plants using water instead. This is an ideal way to yield fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits to enjoy from any setting, using minimal space.
12. Easy-to-Reach Wall Garden
If you’re short on horizontal space, use up vertical space instead. This gardening system features containers attached to a pallet in an easy-to-reach location, without taking away from the space on the balcony.
13. Small Greenhouse
Calling all green thumbs—use your balcony to capitalize on your love for gardening by turning the area into a small greenhouse. You can purchase a unit specifically designed for urban gardening. Or, get creative and look for other ways to create a greenhouse by looking for any piece of furniture with shelves and a see-through enclosure that traps the heat in.
14. Container Garden
Another way to harvest your love of gardening, despite limited outdoor space, is to start a container garden. Rather than growing plants directly in the ground, this gardening system uses individual pots, planters, buckets—or anything else that can hold soil and plants.
Small Balcony Railing Ideas and Awnings
Whether you’re building a new balcony, or looking to update an existing space, check out some different balcony railing and awning ideas to make your outdoor living space more usable.
15. Glass Panel Railing
Enclose your small balcony—without compromising the view—using a glass panel railing. Compared to other materials, glass is easy to clean and maintain, making this an optimal choice for spaces exposed to outdoor elements.
16. Classic White Vinyl Balcony Railing
Give a clean white finish to your outdoor space by opting for a classic white vinyl balcony railing. The light color of the railing creates the illusion that the small balcony is larger than it actually is, and the vertical posts add sturdiness to the railing system.
17. Pergola-Style Covering
Add some shade to your balcony area by covering it with a pergola. The overhead wooden slats cast just enough of a shadow to make a particularly sunny day more comfortable, encouraging you to spend more time on your balcony.
18. Retractable Awning
Add instant shade and protection to your balcony area, so you can enjoy the space more often. Compared to a fixed awning, retractable awnings cost more, but they last longer because you can roll them up during harsh weather conditions to extend its lifespan. Opt for a striped version to make you feel like you’re dining al fresco at your favorite bistro.
19. Privacy Railing Screen
Increase the privacy of your small balcony by installing a privacy screen over your existing railing. This addition can help your outdoor living space feel more secluded, which is a particularly desirable option if you live in an area with high foot traffic or live on a busy street.
20. Fully Enclosed Balcony
Make your balcony an extension of your home by fully enclosing it. This gives you four-season access to be immersed in the outdoors—without being exposed to pesky outdoor elements like bugs, rain, or snow. Opt for an enclosure with a lot of windows, so you can enjoy the fresh air and take in the views of your neighborhood.
Small Balcony Decorating Ideas and Accents
Check out some ways to put your own personal touches on your balcony area with different home decor and accents.
21. Illuminated String Lights
Illuminate the area by hanging string lights around the balcony space. This adds a comfy and relaxing feel to the balcony, and can help you take your outdoor gathering from daytime to nighttime. Compared to installing a permanent light fixture, this is an easy way to light up the balcony, as you just need an outlet to plug them into.
22. Portable Fire PIt
A fire pit doesn’t need to be expansive to enjoy warmth and comfort outdoors. This tabletop gas fire pit sets the ambiance for a relaxing evening with friends and family—just the right size for toasting a marshmallow or two over.
23. Welcoming Bird Feeder
Invite wildlife into your balcony space by providing them with food and shelter. This small bird feeder can be set up anywhere on your balcony, as it doesn’t take up any floor space and can be set on a post or railing.
24. Decorative Flower Pots
If you’re short on space, it can be a challenge to find ways to personalize your balcony without interfering with the usability of the area. Using different sizes, styles, and colors of flower pots as home decor on your balcony to bring depth and dimension to the outdoor living area.
25. Suspended Deck Table
Sometimes all you need on your balcony is enough space to set a few mugs. This deck table is suspended from the balcony railing to serve as a ledge to set a few drinks. Even on a tiny balcony, this portable table is a smart use of space, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor get together without worrying about spills.
26. Outdoor Rug
Protect your balcony’s flooring by equipping the area with an outdoor rug. Opt for a rug that brings patterns and colors into the space to add to the overall balcony design. What’s more, this piece of decor ties the conversation set together to promote more cohesion in the outdoor living area.