No, we are not mad to recommend balcony decor ideas and makeovers for outdoors areas when the temperature is set to hit 50⁰C. You see, after the afternoon comes the evening when sitting outside, spending time with loves ones or just with a book will seem like the best thing to do at the end of a sweltering day, week, or month. And we want you to be ready, in style.
Even if you’re living in a small space, you can still think big on chic balcony decor 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 colours 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. “Colour in fabrics is a great way to add colour to outdoor spaces and not have to rely on plants,” he says.
Go big with greenery
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
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
The balcony is a perfect place to curl up and read while bathing in the sunshine, so think about incorporating a small settee that’s comfortable for lounging, as designer Linda Hayslett did in this apartment balcony space. Hayslett, who is the founder of LH.Designs in Los Angeles, suggests working with outdoor-friendly fabrics that are water-resistant and easy to clean. And these days, you don’t have to worry about sacrificing style in the process: “Outdoor fabrics have come a long way,” Hayslett says. “They have advanced to look and feel like indoor fabric, so stiff outdoor furniture fabric is a has-been.”
Lay down a durable outdoor rug
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.
Skip the hammock in favour of a swing
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 colour inspo
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
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
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
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
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 colour to your outdoor retreat. As a bonus, your neighbours will enjoy admiring this setup from across the way too.
Don’t forget the wall decor
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.
