Got a tiny balcony? Don’t let that stop you from turning it into a dreamy little escape! Even the smallest outdoor space can feel stylish, cozy, and functional with the right layout and decor. I’ve been obsessed with making my small balcony work for years, and trust me—I’ve tried everything. Some ideas failed miserably (turns out, a full-sized couch doesn’t fit on a 3-foot-wide balcony), while others were total game-changers.
If you’re looking for ways to transform your small balcony into something special, here are my best tried-and-true ideas!
Decide On The Purpose Of The Space
The biggest mistake I made when decorating my first balcony? Buying furniture before measuring the space. The main thing you should do is to decide what kind of space it will be: a little bedroom, breakfast nook, a home bar, a garden, a home office or even a small living room. As soon as you choose, it will be much easier to decorate and style the space.
A black and white balcony with two comfy wicker seats, a coffee table, candles and a ladder for storage.
Featuring warm wooden paneling, this cozy oasis offers a natural and inviting atmosphere. The addition of a comfortable chair and soft lighting makes it the perfect nook for relaxation or reading. (@small.flat.ideas).
A vibrant and bold accent wall featuring tropical-inspired tiles transforms this balcony into a colorful retreat. Paired with a compact seating area and greenery, it offers a stylish escape with a lively touch. (@small.flat.ideas).
A boho summer balcony with a jute rug, rattan furniture, lamps, an artwork, macrame and potted plants is beautiful and welcoming.
A bright balcony with a coffee table and folding chairs, potted greenery and blooms is a cool and bold space.
This charming space is brimming with lush potted plants, creating a refreshing green oasis in a compact space. A small wooden table and chairs provide a cozy setting for enjoying nature within an urban environment. (@small.flat.ideas).
A bright summer balcony with a corner bench and yellow, black and white textiles, a shabby chic table and a potted plant.
A bright summer balcony with a corner bench, potted blooms and greenery, paper lamps and a small coffee table.
A chic and fun summer balcony with pink metal furniture, potted greenery and blooms is a simple and chic space to enjoy fresh air.
A Christmas balcony with lush bright blooms, greenery in pots, candle lanterns and faux fur here and there.
A cozy Scandi balcony, a rug, pillows, throws, potted plants and tiny coffee tables for winter.
A cozy small balcony with a pallet wall and sofa, some potted blooms and greenery and candle lanterns.
Light and airy, this balcony design includes flowing sheer curtains that provide privacy while keeping the space bright. A small seating area with soft cushions makes it an ideal retreat for morning coffee or evening relaxation. (@small.flat.ideas).
A sleek modern balcony features bamboo, neutral chairs, and a coffee table adorned with candle lanterns. This minimalist setup offers a cozy and stylish outdoor retreat.
A light-stained wooden folding table is a lovely idea for a tiny balcony, you may use it as a planter stand or to serve something.
This stylish space stands out with its intricate patterned tile flooring, adding a touch of personality. A simple lounge chair and a side table complete the setup, making it a great spot for unwinding. (@small.flat.ideas).
A bright balcony with an upholstered bench, a colorful rug and bright textiles, potted plants and blooms is fun.
A lovely summer balcony with wooden furniture, potted plants and blooms and printed textiles is a cool space to be.
A modern balcony with a wooden accent wall with potted plants, a wooden bench and a chair plus a round table is a cool and laconic space.
A monochromatic balcony with chairs and a lot of potted greenery is spruced up with a colorful mosaiic table.
A monochromatic balcony with dark furniture, printed textiles, sheer curtains and potted greenery.
A monochromatic balcony with wicker and wooden furniture, black and white textiles, potted plants and candle lanterns.
A monochromatic small balcony with black wicker furniture, candle lanterns, potted greenery and blooms and a grill.
A narrow balcony with a boho rug, a bamboo bench with a blanket, candle lanterns, string lights and lanterns.
A neutral balcony with metal furniture, neutral textiles, potted greenery and lots of pillows is very welcoming.
A Nordic balcony with a pallet loveseat with black upholstery, printed rugs and blankets, a black side table and a succulent.
A pretty small Nordic balcony with a smallbench, a folding chair, a black table and a jute rug plus potted greenery.
A balcony garden with potted greenery and blooms and a wooden lounger with upholstery and pillows is a gorgeous place to be.
If you manage to put a lot of greenery on your balcony you won't even notice that you live in a big city, it will feel like a garden.
Choose The Style Of Your Balcony
Continue the style you have inside and if you want, you may add features of other styles or other colors, this way your balcony will be seamless but with its own character. I don’t care how small your balcony is—plants belong there. Even if you’re not a plant person, trust me on this one.
Here are some space-saving ways to add greenery:
- Vertical gardens – Use wall-mounted planters or hanging pots to save floor space.
- Rail planters – Clip them onto the balcony railing to keep things off the ground.
- Herb garden – If you love cooking, growing herbs on your balcony is a game-changer. Basil, mint, and rosemary all thrive in small spaces.
A balcony garden with potted greenery and blooms and a wooden lounger with upholstery and pillows is a gorgeous place to be.
If you manage to put a lot of greenery on your balcony you won't even notice that you live in a big city, it will feel like a garden.
A tiny balcony with a living wall and potted plants, IKEA outdoor furniture and some printed pillows and lights.
A black balcony done with a couple of folding chairs and a small coffee table plus a lot of greenery around.
A small sofa, a coffee table and a bamboo wall would make a balcony a perfect place for an afternoon tea. (Zulufish).
A rug can help yo make your balcony appear roomier and with the right print it could create the illusion of bigger space. A living wall is a perfect way to get a small garden without occupying any floor space.
Window-box planters should be on every urban balcony because they are perfect to surround yourself with fresh flowers and greenery.
A summer balcony with potted greenery and blooms, a chair, a rug and candles.
For a more inviting look you can bright it up with colorful planters and cozy patterns on upholstered furniture.
Cozy Up with Textiles & Lighting
Let’s be honest—outdoor furniture can be pretty uncomfortable. Adding soft textiles is what makes a balcony feel like an actual living space instead of just an awkward outdoor corner.
- Outdoor rugs – A good rug defines the space and makes it feel like an extra room. Go for something weatherproof!
- Throw pillows & blankets – The easiest way to make seating extra cozy. I keep mine inside when I’m not using them to avoid them getting gross from rain.
- Fairy lights & lanterns – Nothing beats the glow of string lights at night. Battery-operated lanterns are also a great option if you don’t have an outlet outside.
- Sheer curtains or outdoor blinds – If you want some privacy (or just to block out your neighbor’s weird stares), lightweight curtains make a balcony feel like a little cocoon.
A small and colorful balcony with bright blue furniture, a ladder, candle lanterns and rugs.
A tiny narrow balcony with pastel textiles and pillows, potted greenery and blooms, candle lanterns and wooden furniture.
A small and chic balcony with wicker chairs, a round coffee table, potted blooms and plants and candle lanterns.
A small and cool balcony with a built-in bench with pillows, a shelf, a folding table, potted plants and blooms and some lights.
A small and cozy balcony with a pallet L-shaped sofa, printed pillows, plants in pots, lights and candle lanterns.
A relaxed Scandinavian balcony with white metal chairs and a metal table, potted greenery and blooms, faux fur covers is cool.
A charming summer balcony includes a couple of chairs, a delightful coffee table, a rattan candle lantern, and some plants. This inviting space is perfect for enjoying warm days.
A small Scandinavian balcony with a black egg-shaped chair, candle lanterns and string lights, potted greenery.
A small balcony with a daybed, a tiny table and stool, paper lanterns and sheer curtains is very welcoming.
A round table, comfy forged chairs, a stand with plants and dishes on top, a jute hanging on the wall.
Go For Maximal Functionality
Having a small space, you have to choose the most practical and functional pieces and organize it as its best. Choose benches and sofas with storage, use chests as coffee tables, go for folding furniture that can be hidden any time. If it’s a garden or orangery, you may style it with vertical and windowsill planters to save some space. Use string lights instead of floor and table lamps, that will also save a bit of space. Don’t clutter your balcony as it will look smaller. Prefer large scale pieces, they will be comfy and won’t make your space look tiny. Get inspired!
A Scandinavian balcony with a jute rug, a built-in bench, a black table and chair, greenery, lavender and string lights.
A Scandinavian balcony with a striped rug, white chairs and a black coffee table, potted greenery and fantastic views of Vienna.
A Scandinavian balcony with black folding chairs and a table, black candle lanterns, potted greenery and blooms.
A small balcony with potted plants and a grey loveseat offers cool views and a relaxing atmosphere. This lovely space is perfect for unwinding after a long day.
A small and stylish balcony with mint blue folding furniture, potted blooms and plants and a cool view.
A welcoming balcony showcases upholstered furniture, a wooden table, and greenery. Woven pendant lamps and candle lanterns enhance the cozy ambiance.
A small balcony includes a daybed with bright pillows, potted greenery, and a chair. The addition of baskets makes this space both stylish and functional.
A small balcony with a daybed, folding table and chair, potted blooms and greenery is a welcoming space.
A small balcony with an IKEA chair, a plant stand, lots of potted plants and blooms and a side table is welcoming.
A small balcony with folding metal furniture and potted geenery and blooms is a simple and cozy space to enjoy fresh air.
A cozy small balcony is adorned with sheer curtains, lights, a wicker lamp, and rattan furniture. Statement plants and baskets complete this inviting space.
A small boho balcony with a rattan chair, potted greenery and plants, macrame, a jute rug is a cool space.
A small boho balcony with lots of potted plants, woven chairs and a table, string lighs and a boho rug.
A small bright balcony with a pink loveseat, a small table, a white bench with storage, potted greenery and bright pillows.
A small cozy balcony with an L-shaped upholstered bench, a small coffee table and potted plants.
A small modern balcony includes a jute rug, black chairs, and pillows. Potted tropical plants add a touch of greenery to this sleek outdoor area.
A small modern balcony with a tropical feel, with a lounger and printed pillows, a wooden coffee table and potted plants.
A small Scandinavian balcony with a printed rug, a wicker corner sofa, potted plants and blooms and some lights.
A small white metal folding table attached to the balustrade is a lovely solution to save floor space and serve whatever you want.
A small winter balcony with lots of lights, star decor, faux fur, pastel pillows, candles, pinecones and evergreens.
A small yet chic balcony with a pallet seat, colorful pillows, a table, a cactus and a candle in a concrete candleholder.
A tiny and lovely balcony with folding furniture, potted plants and blooms and a basket is a gorgeous space.
A tiny balcony with a built-in storage bench, a folding table and a chair, potted greenery and printed boho textiles.
A tiny balcony with a pallet seat, a trellis with lights and potted greenery, a glass coffee table and a candle lantern.
A tiny cozy balcony with a wooden floor, pallet furniture and pots, potted greenery and blooms and lights and candles.
A tiny monochromatic balcony with black and white walls, blakc furniture, potted greenery and blooms and various pillows and rugs.
A tiny space with a bench, a coffee table and a chair with some pillows as a comfy eating space.
A tiny summer balcony with lots of potted blooms, wooden and metal furniture and pretty accessories.
A tropical balcony with a corner bench, potted plants, tropical print pillows, candle lanterns is small yet welcoming.
A vibrant summer balcony showcases blue furniture, colorful pillows, and textiles. Potted blooms add a welcoming touch to this lively outdoor space.
Blue metal furniture, colorful printed textiles, lots of greenery here and there for a bold and bright space.
Light blue pillows and a basket, potted pink flowers and some lights and lanterns will make your balcony tender and spring-like.
Light blue printed pillows and a rug and potted pink flowers turn this balcony in a light inviting space.
Potted greenery and blooms and some usual garden chairs with cushions are nice for a spring outdoor space.
Spring bulbs in a basket and some pillows with botanical prints are perfect to make your balcony feel spring-like.
An outdoor day bed could even be placed on a tiny balcony. Just add some cute throw pillows and you'd get yourself a gorgeous place to relax. (Barbara Cannizzaro).
Stripe patterns could visually enlarge the space so a simple rug could change the look of a whole balcony.
A storage bench with a wall panel is a great outdoor space saving solution that also could help to create a living wall there. (sususu).
A comfy lounge chair is the best addition to a small balcony so you could relax there. Hanging planters is the best way to add some greenery there without occupying much space. (Jours & Nuits).
A tiny balcony with a cushion on the floor and some pillows, potted greenery and blooms and a blanket to have a cup of tea.
An artificial grass rug and several window box planters with little flowers in them would make your balcony a small urban garden.
Chairs should be lightweight so you can move them around but comfy enough to sit in them for a while.
Here is a cool idea - create a home bar on your balcony! A wine cooler could become a mixing station and several shelves could hold all those glasses.
String up some lights to turn your balcony into a magical hideaway. A comfy daybed or a bunch of floor pillows would help to take the romance to the next level.
Brighten up your balcony colorful rugs and accessories like here - a bold rug, placemat and a pillow.
Concrete planters look modern and can survive harsh weather on a balcony. (A+B KASHA Designs).
By choosing right materials you can make your balcony looks like a deck of some suburban house.
To enjoy the view you don't need anything besides a comfy chair and a small table.
A small balcony with a suspended egg-shaped chair, potted plants and pillows is a welcoming nook to spend some time.
A small and bright balcony with an orange chair, a pillow, bold planters with bright blooms and a stack of books.
A small balcony with potted plants and a chair plus a kid's easel to inspire your child to be creative.
A small and cozy balcony with a shelf, a windowsill table, a couple of chairs and some potted plants.
A small balcony with curtains, potted plants and some folding furniture is a cool space to have a meal, a drink or do some work.
Even if you're living in a house, a small balcony on the 2nd or 3rd floor could be a perfect place to enjoy the view.
A small and welcoming balcony with a white loveseat, a folding table, potted greenery and shutters on the window.
A small balcony finished off with elegant modern furniture - a sofa and a folding chair - is a great nook to spend some time in.
A small balcony with greenery, a folding table and chairs, bright cushions, is a great and cool space to be in.
A small and cozy balcony with a white seat on IKEA Hol table, a small stool and some decor is a lovely space.
A small blacony with a storage daybed and bold pillows, potted greenery and a coffee table - choose durable outdoor fabric.
A small balcony with a folding table and a couple of chairs with potted greenery is a lovely space to have breakfast in.
A tiny balcony with a folding table and a chair, some greenery and a blanket that will make your feel comfy and cozy in fall and winter.