15 Creative Balcony Ideas to Inspire Your Alfresco Sanctuary
By Elizabeth Stamp and Sarah Lyon, March 10, 2025
Balcony ideas including potted plants, chic throws, and sectional seating can make your outdoor haven as cozy as your home’s interiors.
Balcony Decor Ideas to Take Your Outdoor Space to the Next Level
Living in a small space doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style or functionality when it comes to your balcony. Even the tiniest of outdoor spaces can be transformed into a luxurious oasis with the right design elements.
For design expert Bryan Yates, the key to creating a stunning balcony is to think outside the box and have fun with it. “Balconies present the opportunity to do something fun and think outside the box to create a unique space you typically wouldn’t find indoors,” he says.
Yates is not the only expert who believes that balconies offer endless possibilities for creativity and self-expression. Designers around the world are turning to innovative and functional design elements to elevate the humble balcony into an outdoor living space that’s both stylish and inviting.
Greenery is a great way to add life and color to your balcony, and it doesn’t have to be limited to a few potted plants. Molly Torres Portnof, the founder of Date Interiors in Brooklyn, New York, 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.
Short on space? Make use of folding chairs that you can easily tuck away indoors if you wish. “Folding chairs like the SUNDSÖ are a great choice for balconies because they are space-saving, portable, and easy to store when not in use, making them perfect for small spaces,” says Paul Anderson, IKEA U.S. home furnishing and retail design leader.
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The organic materials and earth tones of this living room flow from the indoors onto the balcony. 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.
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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.
A settee is the quintessentially versatile balcony furniture pick: it makes for a comfortable lounge seat for one but also provides ample room for more, if you plan to host alfresco soirees. 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.
Be sure to seek out durable, UV-friendly rugs for your balcony. Meredith Owen, the founder of Meredith Owen Interiors in Austin, Texas, 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.
Consider side tables that double as seating for smaller balcony spaces. 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.
Swinging seating provides a touch of whimsy. 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, California.
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 Jeffry Weisman, the cofounder of Fisher Weisman in San Francisco.
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 Keith Williams, the cofounder of Nievera Williams in Palm Beach, Florida, did here.
Bright colors and lively patterns can invigorate even the smallest of balcony spaces. 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.
Large throw pillows are a versatile, cost-effective alternative to more formal balcony seating. 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.
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.
If you’re looking for balcony decor ideas that allow you to flex those DIY skills, this is the project for you. Just purchase some faux turf, which Courtnay Tartt Elias, the founder of Creative Tonic in Houston, notes is excellent for a small apartment balcony.
A fire pit that comes complete with its own top covering provides a great centerpiece for any balcony, no matter the season. “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.
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.
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.
Designers agree that incorporating multipurpose furniture pieces can help save space and money. Consider incorporating daylight-friendly window treatments that can help filter natural light into your home.
Remember that the smaller the space, the fewer items it should have. Make a list of your balcony must-haves, and try to stick to it as closely as possible. Also, make the most of the room you have available by combining furniture, incorporating mirrors and adding lightweight materials such as cane or rattan.
From budget-friendly design ideas to stylish decorating tips, we asked the experts for their insights on how to create a truly unforgettable balcony space.
Don’t be afraid to use ornate lighting fixtures, especially those that are not normally used outdoors. However, do make sure they are weather-resistant first to avoid rust or metal oxidation.
Even if your balcony is small, there are many design elements and ideas that can make it a beautiful and functional space. From unique and functional balcony furniture pieces to vibrant textiles and lighting, there are countless design options for every taste and budget.
What are some creative ideas to make a small balcony seem larger?
Use folding chairs, maximize seating potential with side tables that double as seating, and consider inflatables. Adding mirrors can also help reflect light and make the space appear bigger.
How can I add greenery to a balcony without taking up too much space?
Hang flower boxes on the railing or use compact, low-maintenance plants in small containers to add color and life to the space without overcrowding it.
What types of lighting are recommended for a small balcony?
Ambient lighting such as glass spheres, metal mesh, or soft padded paper shades can create a warm and inviting atmosphere without taking up much space.
Which furniture pieces are ideal for small balconies?
Select compact dining tables and loveseats with space-saving features like foldable designs or removable backrests. Inflatable furniture is also a functional option for maximizing space.
How can I make a balcony feel more like an extension of my home’s interiors?
Use furniture and decor that complement your indoor spaces, and select weather-resistant textiles and materials that match your interior design palette.
What budget-friendly tips can I follow to create an elegant balcony?
Look for budget-friendly and multipurpose furniture, search for high-quality preloved items, and use DIY projects like faux turf to create a stylish outdoor space without spending too much.
How can I incorporate vibrant and stylish design into my balcony?
Use bright colors and patterns in textiles like drapery and throw pillows, and add a settee with ample space for lounging. Custom pieces that blend indoor and outdoor styles also make a statement.
What role does greenery play in balcony design?
Greenery adds life, color, and vitality to the space. It can range from low-maintenance plants in pots to larger installations like lattice fencing with vines, depending on the balcony size.
Why are reversible throw blankets useful for small spaces?
Throw blankets provide comfort, warmth, and style without taking up additional floor space, making them ideal for small balconies where storage and space are limited.
What are the benefits of using an awning or trellis on a balcony?
An awning enhances the usability of your balcony by providing shade and protection, while a trellis adds height and visual interest, transforming your outdoor space into a cozy and inviting retreat.
How can I make my balcony a comfortable reading nook?
Add a settee for lounging, include oversized throw pillows for comfort, and ensure there is ample seating space for reading books while enjoying the sunshine.
