14 Creative Balcony Ideas to Inspire Your Alfresco Sanctuary

Even if you’re living in a small space, you can still think big on chic balcony ideas if you’re fortunate enough to have your very own outdoor oasis. “Balconies present the opportunity to do something fun and think outside the box to create a unique space you typically wouldn’t find indoors,” says Bryan Yates, the founder of Yates Desygn in Dallas. Though they typically come with less square footage, a balcony can still function as a bite-size backyard, meaning everything from furniture to lighting to landscaping can still be incorporated tastefully and functionally. Below, we’re sharing 14 inspiring balcony decor ideas—including small balcony ideas—that will help you make the most of your personal retreat.

What are the best ways to decorate a small balcony on a budget?

By no means do you need to break the bank in order to design the balcony of your dreams. Take to secondhand stores and Facebook Marketplace in search of preloved yet high quality furnishings that speak to you, Yates suggests. You can also weave in some faux turf as well as plants that will last for many years on end, notes Courtnay Tartt Elias, the founder of Creative Tonic in Houston: “I love that faux turf gives you the illusion of an elevated yard in the sky!”

What are some multipurpose furniture pieces to include on a small balcony?

The less square footage your balcony has, the more important it is to select balcony furniture that can serve a variety of purposes. Many designers like to make use of daybeds when space allows. “Daybeds are great nap and reading spots and also allow guests to perch on both sides simultaneously for cocktail parties,” says Jeffry Weisman, the cofounder of Fisher Weisman in San Francisco.

What are the best colors to decorate with on a balcony?

While weighing various balcony decor ideas for your small outdoor space, look to your home’s interior design to determine what colors to bring out onto the balcony, instructs Keith Williams, the cofounder of Nievera Williams in Palm Beach—and don’t be afraid to go vibrant. “Color in fabrics is a great way to add color to outdoor spaces and not have to rely on plants,” he says.

Go big with greenery

Balcony with two brown chairs around small table plants woven through trellis walls potted plants

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Molly Torres Portnof, the founder of Date Interiors in Brooklyn, took advantage of the rarity that is a New York City balcony by adding lattice fencing and vines “to create a little oasis for our client that feels open, yet cozy,” she explains. Specific plants used in this outdoor area include ivy, clematis, and climbing hydrangea. An array of potted plants also add a luscious touch to the urban escape—Torres Portnof is a proponent of perennials such as milkweed, mountain laurel, rhododendron, and windflowers. She says, “I love how these plants are hearty, beautiful, and work for a variety of outdoor spaces.”

Design an outdoor living room

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When designing the balcony for a penthouse apartment overlooking Beverly Hills, designer Jeff Andrews, the founder of Jeff Andrews Design in Los Angeles, seamlessly fused together indoor and outdoor living. He was intentional about selecting outdoor furniture that is “cohesive with the interiors—nothing that screams ‘outdoors’ in shape, proportion, or materiality.” Andrews urges others to be mindful and consider their balcony an extension of their interiors as opposed to an outdoor afterthought. “It’s important to treat your outdoor space with the same care and attention to your indoor spaces aesthetically,” he says.

Use a settee to create a reading nook

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Lay down a durable outdoor rug

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Meredith Owen, the founder of Meredith Owen Interiors in Austin, cozied up this tiny balcony with the addition of an outdoor rug. “Using a rug on your balcony can help to soften the hard surfaces surrounding the space, it also adds texture and pattern to an area that usually lacks much interest,” she says, adding that the right piece has a unique power to elevate a balcony’s style. When shopping for balcony rug, be sure to purchase those made from synthetic, UV-friendly, durable materials like polypropylene or polyester—as Owen explains, this is the best way to prevent mold and mildew.

Maximize your seating potential

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Take a cue from Drake Interiors designer and founder Elizabeth Drake and incorporate some recliners to take your balcony design scheme to the next level. “Once seated, being able to put your feet up gives that resort feel—you automatically shift into relaxed mode,” notes the the Winnetka, Illinois–based expert. “A truly comfortable chaise will invite lingering over a drink, slowing down to take in the view.” Plus, she adds, a chaise is long enough for two people to sit on it together side-by-side. When selecting side tables for the balcony, consider going with classic garden stools instead of your typical small table. “They’re drag-able, durable, and decorative,” Drake notes. Plus, she says, they can double as extra seating. And if you opt for ceramic or metal material, you can easily forgo the coasters too.

Skip the hammock in favor of a swing

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Why settle for an ordinary bench when you can opt for a swinging one? “The feeling of being suspended in the air with a gentle sway creates a wonderful zen moment,” says Tiffani Baumgart, the founder of Tiffani Baumgart Interiors in San Diego. If your balcony offers a bit more space, you can even consider a suspended daybed, which the designer notes is full of all kinds of possibilities: “Read a book, enjoy a cocktail, or go into full siesta mode!” Pro design tip: Place a throw on your swing or daybed to stay cozy on chillier evenings.

Look to your home’s interior design for color inspo

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When selecting textiles for outdoor use, you will, of course, want to opt for weather-resilient fabric, but you should also look to the interior design of your home for cues. “We aim to keep the feeling of the inside of the house…with fabrics that have a similar feel and palette,” says Weisman.

Add an awning or a trellis to create a cozy indoor vibe outside

balcony with green turf dining area potted plants

An awning can make your balcony feel more like a true piece of your home when it’s available for lounging regardless of rainy weather. Add height and visual interest to the balcony with a trellis, as Williams did here. “They provide the feeling of an outdoor room, while still allowing light and breezes to enter the space,” the designer says. He advises looking to the architectural style of your home to select a trellis but also encourages a bit of experimentation. “Adding a hint of whimsy can enhance a not-so-interesting area,” Williams says.

Go vibrant

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Custom drapery in a peppy “Palm Springs–meets–psychedelic rainbow” print is “a playful illustration of a whimsical threshold between indoor and outdoor,” Yates says. This balcony is located right off an entertaining area, so it was important to play to that room’s design aesthetic in order to naturally fuse the spaces together.

Make use of oversized throw pillows

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If you prefer a relaxed, minimalist style and don’t wish to spend much on outdoor furnishings, consider laying down some oversized throw pillows for a streamlined yet welcoming look. Opt for fabric with a bit of texture to it, drawing from whatever furniture pieces you have present to create a cohesive looking outdoor space.

Adorn your balcony railings with flower boxes

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Even if you don’t have room for a full-on balcony garden in your small space, hanging some planters on the railing of your balcony will instantly bring life and color to your outdoor retreat. As a bonus, your neighbors will enjoy admiring this setup from across the way too.

Put down some faux turf

brick walls two rattanframed graycushioned matching chairs on balcony lined with green turf

If you’re looking for balcony decor ideas that allow you flex those DIY skills, this is the project for you. Just purchase some faux turf, which Elias notes is excellent for a small apartment balcony. “You can easily cut it to fit the patio or around any stairs or railings, and the installation is seamless,” she explains. It’ll stay looking good for quite some time, too, she adds, as faux turf is fairly resistant to the elements.

Warm up to a fire pit

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So that you can better enjoy your balcony space year round, add a fire pit. “It creates ambiance on a cool fall evening and provides cozy heat into the winter,” says Linda Eyles, the founder of Linda Eyles Design in Houston. In this instance, she added a custom top to the fire pit, allowing it to also function as a coffee table in the summer months. “It’s easy to turn on and off, which ensures that it gets a lot of use,” she adds.

Don’t forget the wall decor

three white life vests hanging on gray siding above sofa lined with gray mauve and yellow cushions ottomans with yellow...

Just as you would in your actual living room, don’t forget to give the walls some attention when it comes to your balcony design. Here, an artful display of life vests adds a nautical touch to this outdoor space by Houston’s Lucas Eilers Design Associates, but if the maritime aesthetic doesn’t float your boat, worry not—you can truly go in any direction with your balcony wall decor.

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