16 Great Ideas for World-Class, Pocket-Sized Balconies
Get more from your compact outdoor space with the right plants, furniture and accessories
If you’ve ever lived in a high-rise with no access to outdoor space, you know the value of even the smallest of balconies. Letting a good balcony go to waste is a shame. If you have one but find you never go out there, ask yourself why. Uncomfortable furniture? Claustrophobic privacy wall? No privacy? Lack of plant life? If you still can’t put your finger on it, take a look at the following list – hopefully it will help you figure out what you need and inspire you to make the most of this coveted outdoor space.
2. Think of a balcony as an extension of the adjacent room
One of the most enviable places to have a balcony is off a bedroom. Here it adds a bedroom reading nook, a place upstairs for morning coffee and a breezy napping spot.
One of the most enviable places to have a balcony is off a bedroom. Here it adds a bedroom reading nook, a place upstairs for morning coffee and a breezy napping spot.
3. Use walls
Privacy walls along tight urban balconies can make the space feel confining. Here a privacy wall from the neighbouring balcony has been outfitted to add interest via shelves and plant boxes. Objects and plants can be added to bring in colour, shapes and pattern, making the wall a design asset.
Privacy walls along tight urban balconies can make the space feel confining. Here a privacy wall from the neighbouring balcony has been outfitted to add interest via shelves and plant boxes. Objects and plants can be added to bring in colour, shapes and pattern, making the wall a design asset.
4. Consider a vertical garden
Likewise, today’s vertical garden technology can allow you to bring in plants when there wouldn’t otherwise be room for them.
Learn more about vertical gardens
Likewise, today’s vertical garden technology can allow you to bring in plants when there wouldn’t otherwise be room for them.
Learn more about vertical gardens
5. Show off your personal style
You can still put your design stamp on even the smallest of spaces. This colourful balcony is full of eclectic touches, like a variety of bright pots, a boldly patterned tablecloth, a mix of chairs and even a pink flamingo.
You can still put your design stamp on even the smallest of spaces. This colourful balcony is full of eclectic touches, like a variety of bright pots, a boldly patterned tablecloth, a mix of chairs and even a pink flamingo.
6. Find a place for plants
Even if you have a microbalcony, you can make room for plants. Whether you’re looking for colour or a spot to pluck fresh rosemary, there is a way. If you have only a few inches on a Juliet balcony, consider securing pots to the outside of the railing or adding a window box.
These plants are suited for Indian homes
Even if you have a microbalcony, you can make room for plants. Whether you’re looking for colour or a spot to pluck fresh rosemary, there is a way. If you have only a few inches on a Juliet balcony, consider securing pots to the outside of the railing or adding a window box.
These plants are suited for Indian homes
Here a simple window box offers fresh basil and lettuce.
7. Keep balcony supplies and accessories handy
Cushions, throw pillows, tablecloths, extra folding chairs, vases and trays all stashed together somewhere close to the balcony can enable you to gussy it up for tea in a matter of minutes. Find a designated balcony cabinet or a spot in a closet, or place a trunk near the balcony door.
Find a designer to design your home
Cushions, throw pillows, tablecloths, extra folding chairs, vases and trays all stashed together somewhere close to the balcony can enable you to gussy it up for tea in a matter of minutes. Find a designated balcony cabinet or a spot in a closet, or place a trunk near the balcony door.
Find a designer to design your home
Here sheepskins stored in the adjacent bedroom can comfy up the Acapulco chairs with ease.
8. Use lightweight furniture
When space is tight, you may need to move chairs around just to slip by, or may want to turn them to enjoy different views. The Acapulco chairs seen here are a good option – they are comfy and easy to pick up and move around.
Check out these materials for patio furniture
When space is tight, you may need to move chairs around just to slip by, or may want to turn them to enjoy different views. The Acapulco chairs seen here are a good option – they are comfy and easy to pick up and move around.
Check out these materials for patio furniture
9. Look for potential built-in spots
On this balcony, a privacy wall doubles as the back of a long bench for gathering with friends or lounging in the sun.
On this balcony, a privacy wall doubles as the back of a long bench for gathering with friends or lounging in the sun.
This balcony’s minimalist built-ins fit right into the roofline and provide a wonderful spot for sunning.
10. Add pleasing aromas
Lavender provides a wonderful aroma on this urban balcony. Other plants like jasmine, honeysuckle, roses, clematis, thyme and many more balcony-friendly plants can fill the area with delightful scents.
Lavender provides a wonderful aroma on this urban balcony. Other plants like jasmine, honeysuckle, roses, clematis, thyme and many more balcony-friendly plants can fill the area with delightful scents.
11. Go beyond typical lighting options
You don’t have to stick with recessed lighting or outdoor sconces on a balcony. The outdoor-approved options are vast these days. Chandeliers, pendants, floor lamps, table lamps, portable glowing lanterns: Any of these choices can improve the ambience on a small balcony and encourage you to enjoy it after dark.
You don’t have to stick with recessed lighting or outdoor sconces on a balcony. The outdoor-approved options are vast these days. Chandeliers, pendants, floor lamps, table lamps, portable glowing lanterns: Any of these choices can improve the ambience on a small balcony and encourage you to enjoy it after dark.
12. Think about how the furnishings look from indoors
If another room has big views of the balcony, you want to enhance them rather than block them. Here an artful statement chair by Patricia Urquiola adds a sculptural touch, while low tables keep the main view open.
If another room has big views of the balcony, you want to enhance them rather than block them. Here an artful statement chair by Patricia Urquiola adds a sculptural touch, while low tables keep the main view open.
13. Conversely, think about the views from the balcony to the inside
The colourful glass bottles tucked along the window can be enjoyed from this balcony.
The colourful glass bottles tucked along the window can be enjoyed from this balcony.
14. Try clear railings
If you’re building new or renovating the balcony, consider railings that will maximise the views when you are seated. Glass panels or steel cable rails are good options for this.
If you’re building new or renovating the balcony, consider railings that will maximise the views when you are seated. Glass panels or steel cable rails are good options for this.
15. Consider a long, narrow console table
Designed to fit in the most slender of entryways, these tables can be a good spot for storing gardening supplies, can serve as a bar or can display decorative objects and plants on a balcony. You can also tuck seating underneath to keep a tight space uncluttered and organised.
Designed to fit in the most slender of entryways, these tables can be a good spot for storing gardening supplies, can serve as a bar or can display decorative objects and plants on a balcony. You can also tuck seating underneath to keep a tight space uncluttered and organised.
16. Find artful ways to create privacy
Intricate screens let in dappled light and air while creating a sense of intimacy on this urban balcony.
Intricate screens let in dappled light and air while creating a sense of intimacy on this urban balcony.
Read more:
10 Big Ideas for Small Balconies
Tell us:
What’s your favourite thing about your small balcony? Please let us know in the Comments below –we’d love to see photos.
10 Big Ideas for Small Balconies
Tell us:
What’s your favourite thing about your small balcony? Please let us know in the Comments below –we’d love to see photos.
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This Parisian balcony is picture-perfect – and, more importantly, functional – thanks to a small red cafe table and chairs. Modern grey planters keep the palette pleasingly simple.