10 Space-Saving Seating Layouts for Compact Balconies
Explore these tiny balconies that are big on comfort and style, thanks to optimised seating layouts
Working a comfortable seating arrangement into a small balcony can be something of a challenge for most urban dwellers because, well, when a little space is all you have, why chip away at it? The truth is, small balconies can pack a punch if laid out well, but the secret lies in optimising the space available so that the floor isn’t entirely eaten up by seating. In this nifty ideabook, we show you 10 space-saving ways to turn your bijou balcony into a relaxing sit-out.
2. L-shaped layout
A small, deep balcony is an ideal home to an L-shaped layout. Both these L-shaped formats feature wood, and for good reason. Wood can add a touch of warmth to a classic light-toned balcony, and contrary to popular perception, is weather-hardy if done right. Have your local carpenter seal your wooden furniture with a water-based urethane or semi-gloss paint to increase its longevity.
Browse through images of more small balconies
A small, deep balcony is an ideal home to an L-shaped layout. Both these L-shaped formats feature wood, and for good reason. Wood can add a touch of warmth to a classic light-toned balcony, and contrary to popular perception, is weather-hardy if done right. Have your local carpenter seal your wooden furniture with a water-based urethane or semi-gloss paint to increase its longevity.
Browse through images of more small balconies
Pros:
- Channels free space towards the centre
- Makes use of wall space and otherwise unused corners
3. Freestanding bench
Frill-free and easygoing, freestanding furniture can be a great way to experiment with new pieces and formats. This understated balcony is a perfect example. The bench pressed against the railing offers a front-row seat to the sky, but come the rains, and you can easily nest it inside the taller bench laid against the wall. The two benches can be effortlessly rotated through the balcony to suit the occasion.
Pros:
Frill-free and easygoing, freestanding furniture can be a great way to experiment with new pieces and formats. This understated balcony is a perfect example. The bench pressed against the railing offers a front-row seat to the sky, but come the rains, and you can easily nest it inside the taller bench laid against the wall. The two benches can be effortlessly rotated through the balcony to suit the occasion.
Pros:
- Leaves room for easy modification
- Portable and lightweight
4. Lightweight layout
A set of beanbags can make a comfortable and attractive option for a balcony, especially if you’re averse to investing in big-ticket items. That said, look for memorable shapes and colours that will fit your decor. This monochrome balcony plays well with shapes to cut out the duality of colour. The square beanbag is an unusual find and adds a playful touch to the space.
Pros:
A set of beanbags can make a comfortable and attractive option for a balcony, especially if you’re averse to investing in big-ticket items. That said, look for memorable shapes and colours that will fit your decor. This monochrome balcony plays well with shapes to cut out the duality of colour. The square beanbag is an unusual find and adds a playful touch to the space.
Pros:
- Capable of creating a casual, informal ambience
- Portable and lightweight
5. Slimline seating
A balcony that looks like a runway calls for furniture that is spread out horizontally. With L-shaped seating on one end, this balcony makes use of the wall on the right by hosting fold-out beach chairs alongside a coffee table. A potted plant marks the centre of the space.
Pros:
A balcony that looks like a runway calls for furniture that is spread out horizontally. With L-shaped seating on one end, this balcony makes use of the wall on the right by hosting fold-out beach chairs alongside a coffee table. A potted plant marks the centre of the space.
Pros:
- More floor space available
- Allows various forms of seating within a stretched area
6. Swing chair
A swing chair offers the same comfort as a traditional jhoola but takes up far less space. Note how the circumference of this bubble swing is proportionate all the way down, preventing it from encroaching on additional floor space.
Pros:
A swing chair offers the same comfort as a traditional jhoola but takes up far less space. Note how the circumference of this bubble swing is proportionate all the way down, preventing it from encroaching on additional floor space.
Pros:
- Takes up minimal floor space
- Offers padded comfort and is big enough to snooze in
7. Built-in bench
A bench fused into the wall is a fabulous way to gain storage and comfortable seating. This layout grabs every inch available and makes good use of wall space. The wooden panels on this contemporary bench seat match those on the floor of the balcony, lending the zone a seamless appearance.
Pros:
A bench fused into the wall is a fabulous way to gain storage and comfortable seating. This layout grabs every inch available and makes good use of wall space. The wooden panels on this contemporary bench seat match those on the floor of the balcony, lending the zone a seamless appearance.
Pros:
- Provides ample seating
- Makes use of wall space and otherwise unused corners
8. Decorative hammock
A hammock is an ideal way to create a cosy resting place and still leave the entire floor free. A decorative design can add pizzazz, as showcased by these bohemian hammocks.
A hammock is an ideal way to create a cosy resting place and still leave the entire floor free. A decorative design can add pizzazz, as showcased by these bohemian hammocks.
Pros:
- Does not eat up floor space
- Serves as a pleasing ornament
9. Single-seater format
The easiest way to make over a balcony is to add a seat that also works as an accent. If your space is so narrow that any form of extended seating will entirely eliminate floor space, adding a single statement chair towards the farthest wall can be the solution. Seek inspiration from this minimalist balcony.
Pros:
The easiest way to make over a balcony is to add a seat that also works as an accent. If your space is so narrow that any form of extended seating will entirely eliminate floor space, adding a single statement chair towards the farthest wall can be the solution. Seek inspiration from this minimalist balcony.
Pros:
- Functional and stylish
10. Twin seating
Elegant, spaced out chairs can not only make for great coffee evenings, but also anchor the aesthetics of a balcony. See how the homeowners here have cloaked these acapulco chairs in sheepskin shawls to create a sensual tone.
Pros:
Read more:
10 Big Ideas for Small Balconies
How to Beautify Your Tiny Balcony Garden
Tell us:
Which balcony layout has you planning your next makeover? Tell us in Comments below.
Elegant, spaced out chairs can not only make for great coffee evenings, but also anchor the aesthetics of a balcony. See how the homeowners here have cloaked these acapulco chairs in sheepskin shawls to create a sensual tone.
Pros:
- Takes up minimal floor space
- Seating can always be switched or upgraded
Read more:
10 Big Ideas for Small Balconies
How to Beautify Your Tiny Balcony Garden
Tell us:
Which balcony layout has you planning your next makeover? Tell us in Comments below.
This narrow balcony flips the norm 90 degrees by layering elements sideways. See how the two-seater wood-frame sofa sits snugly between two walls, allowing enough room for a square-cut coffee table that is well within reach from both ends of the sofa. The layout even allows for a minimalist bamboo setup towards the rear wall.
Pros: