Get creative with these inspiring balcony ideas and ensure your compact space gets the attention it deserves
BY PIPPA BLENKINSOPPUBLISHED 28 APRIL 2021
The most successful balcony ideas are the ones that can transform a compact, uninspiring area into a welcoming space that makes the most its minimal square footage. As we’ve all come to learn during the last year, even the smallest of outdoor spaces is worth its weight in gold, offering us a place to escape from the stresses of everyday life.
From sitting outside in the morning with your cup of coffee or watching the sunset after a day’s work, having this little slice of outside space can work wonders to boost your mental health, which is vitally important right now.
With your gardening dreams often confined by walls and railings, however, it’s all about getting creative and thinking outside the box. Start by considering how you can really make the most of every surface. The floor, walls, railings and even the ceiling (if your balcony has one above) can be used to hang plants or made into a feature. Team plenty of greenery with carefully chosen multifunctional furniture and storage, along with plenty of color-pop pieces, and you’ll have an inspiring space to while away the hours.
If your garden balcony is uninspiring, these brilliant balcony ideas will help you create the perfect outdoor retreat. If you want even more ideas for your compact outside space, make sure you check out our small garden ideas too.
1. OPT FOR A FOLDING BALCONY BISTRO SET
Bistro set from Dobbies(opens in new tab)
(Image credit: Dobbies)
When buying garden furniture to suit your balcony ideas, it’s important to choose space-saving pieces. Not only does this bistro set fold neatly away to maximize floor space after eating, the cheery citrus yellow shade will really make your small space sing. Team with planters in similar citrus tones to bring the entire space to life.
Head over to our best bistro sets to find a new buy for your space or check out today’s best deals below.
2. SCREEN YOUR BALCONY IDEAS TO CREATE A PRIVATE SPACE
(Image credit: Ikea)
Does your balcony feel a bit exposed? Don’t fear, there are some clever balcony ideas that you can include in your space to make it feel more private. Try fixing water-resistant fabric panels around your railings like this – it will keep light coming in but help to screen the space from nosy neighbors.
Hanging planters over railings will help create that relaxed garden feeling, while a parasol will keep things shaded and feeling intimate. For a fun twist why not tile your patio with some statement floor tiles? Because who said feature floors were just for indoors? Find more great modern paving ideas in our gallery.
3. KEEP IT FLEXIBLE WITH FREESTANDING PLANTERS
Auckland Flower Box from Maisons du Monde(opens in new tab)
(Image credit: Maisons Du Monde)
A tall freestanding planter is a great way to create a mini high-level garden while freeing up valuable floor space for other balcony ideas. Slimline metal designs are widely available in many materials and different finishes, but this design scores extra points with its built-under shelving and nifty display upstand.
Find more ways to introduce greenery to your space in our garden planter ideas.
4. ADD A POP OF COLOR WITH VIBRANT FURNITURE
Outdoor furniture from Habitat(opens in new tab)
(Image credit: Habitat)
A slender garden bar set in an eye-catching shade will lend a chic yet cheery touch to the smallest space. Lightweight and with a compact footprint they can be pushed neatly into a corner when not needed.
Paint raised plant stands and a feature wall in the same bold shade to create a co-ordinated look that’s packed with designer flair.
5. CREATE A BALCONY KITCHEN AREA
This kitchen features a combination of Ikea’s Kolbjörn shelving unit(opens in new tab) on the base and Äpplarö outdoor wall panel(opens in new tab) on top
(Image credit: Ikea)
Outdoor kitchen ideas have become a must-have garden design feature and the trend for alfresco cooking has seen the rise of pizza ovens and built-in outdoor kitchens, but if you’re limited on space it doesn’t mean you have to miss out.
This fun kitchen station was built with inexpensive Ikea units, so why not give it a go for your balcony ideas and enjoy those summer suppers alfresco?
We think this is the perfect setup for combining with the best pizza oven too.
INCLUDE A LIVING WALL IN YOUR BALCONY IDEAS
Simply fixed to the wall with wooden batons, the Wonderwall vertical planting starter kit(opens in new tab) is from Waitrose Garden
(Image credit: Waitrose Garden)
If you’re short on floor space think vertically and learn how to make a living wall. Vertical planting systems are great for making the most of your balcony if you are a keen gardener with just a small patio and they can be a good way to hide unsightly walls. There are plenty of systems available to buy such as fabric hanging planters(opens in new tab) consisting of a series of angled individual pouches, to plastic plant pot systems.
If you are concerned about plastic consumption then Waitrose Garden has a system (pictured) which is made from 100 percent recyclable material. It includes an economical self-watering irrigation system with each pot draining into the one below, while retaining enough for its own reservoir.
Today’s best vertical planter deals
No price informationCHECK AMAZONWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices7. HANG A SUCCULENT WALL PANEL
Add interest to a blank wall with a succulent wall panel
(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)
If you don’t want an entire living wall, try a mini panel. Ideal for a sunny spot, succulent panels are an easy DIY project, but there are some kits you can buy online – try the Succulent Planter from The Urban Botanist(opens in new tab). Succulents are very low-maintenance – simply mist the board from time to time. If you want to give it a try and make these miniature works of art yourself, you can do it with timber, chicken wire and a waterproof backing. Your green living picture will change as it grows, can be redesigned easily by adding different plants, and is often portable.
Alternatively, if you have no time to care for the plants, get the look with this artificial succulent panel(opens in new tab) from Maisons du Monde.
Our guide on how to grow succulents is packed with expert tips on growing them indoors and out.
8. CREATE A MINI GARDEN
Shades of Venice garden screen from Chaplins(opens in new tab)
(Image credit: Chaplins)
Treat your balcony like a mini garden and invest in different shaped pots and planters to create variety and interest whatever the time of year. Adding plenty of greenery can be a great way to screen your balcony from passers-by too, creating a more private outdoor space for you to enjoy.
Pots and containers don’t just have to be reserved for plants either – why not use them for growing veg such as tomatoes or even turn them into a mini herb garden? Head over to our guide to growing vegetables in pots for practical hints and tips on how to grow your own in compact spaces.
9. MAKE YOUR BALCONY GARDEN INTO AN OUTDOOR LIVING ROOM
Metal Brusen sofa from Ikea(opens in new tab)
(Image credit: Ikea)
Make your balcony feel like an extension of your living area by kitting it out with a sofa, armchair, coffee table, rug and even a standing lamp. We love this mix of an on-trend cane armchair and a sleek metal sofa in a vibrant red. Ramp up the comfort factor with plenty of textiles and accessories and you’ll soon be curling up outdoors.
Now all you need is the best outdoor projector and you’re ready for a great night in… or should we say out?
Today’s best outdoor sofas dealsNo price informationCHECK AMAZONWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices10. JAZZ UP YOUR FLOORING…
Parisienne Butterfly Tile from Stone & Ceramic Warehouse(opens in new tab)
(Image credit: Stone & Ceramic Warehouse)
Jazz up your balcony space in an instant by investing in some decorative tiles to add pattern and color underfoot. A bold approach can look fabulous, but in a small space like this it’s a good idea to keep the rest of the scheme plain so the tiles become the focal point. Choose accessories in similar tones to tie the whole look together. You’ll find more brilliant paving ideas in our gallery.
11. …OR KEEP IT CHIC IN BLACK AND WHITE
Monogeo Shard tile from Topps Tiles(opens in new tab)
(Image credit: Topp Tiles)
Simple garden color schemes can work wonders in a small space, and you can’t beat classic black and white for a timeless look. Team monochrome flooring with matching accessories for a chic space that will always look on trend.
Porcelain floor tiles are brilliant choice for sprucing up your outside space. Durable, non-slip and easy to maintain they can inject a burst of color or pattern in a jiffy. Choose a design that suits your style. Vintage floral designs add movement and touch of traditional elegance while mono geometrics strike a bolder, city-smart note that works perfectly alongside lush foliage and cool metallics.
12. FILL YOUR BALCONY GARDEN WITH PLANTS
Ferm Living flower boxes(opens in new tab), available from Amazon
(Image credit: Ferm Living)
Just because you don’t have borders it doesn’t mean your balcony can’t be a green and verdant plant haven. To maximize floor space, opt for hanging planters and plant pot holders which can be fitted over the railings.
There’s more inspiration for adding scent and color to compact spaces in our window box ideas feature.
13. MAXIMIZE THE VIEW FROM A BALCONY WITH A GLASS RAILING
A glazed balcony will help to enhance the feeling of space
(Image credit: Love The Garden)
If you’re lucky enough to have a beautiful view, ensure you get to enjoy it in all in its glory by opting for a glass safety balustrade to complete your balcony ideas in style. It means the trees and planting beyond your balcony will be drawn into your space, creating a true indoor/outdoor feel.
This living wall is bang on trend and makes a dramatic outdoor feature. The aim is to create a close-knit tapestry with the best foliage plants, so consider including tactile and shade-tolerant varieties such as Maidenhair Fern, Sedge grass, Heuchera and Tiarella. Add even more depth to the look by nestling a few large planters up close to the wall, to blur floor and wall together.
We also love the way in which these oversized floor cushions and low-level table give this balcony a relaxed vibe that would work well with our other small Japanese garden ideas.
14. CHOOSE SLIM BUT COLORFUL OUTDOOR SEATING
Outdoor furniture from Maisons du Monde(opens in new tab)
(Image credit: Maisons du Monde)
When you’re limited on floorspace, consider what style of furniture you choose. Opting for lightweight furniture with slim profile tubular metal legs will help make the space feel airy and spacious and won’t obscure the view. These string designs create a contemporary look and add a cheery splash of color to the space.
Find more outdoor seating ideas in our edit of the latest looks.
15. PAINT YOUR WALLS…
Wall painted in Dulux’s Weathershield all weather masonry paint(opens in new tab) in Concrete Grey
(Image credit: Dulux)
The best balcony ideas mean considering every surface, so don’t forget about giving your walls a makeover to improve the overall look of the space. If you’ve got a brick wall as your backdrop, it’s easy to paint over the dark bricks in a colored masonry paint of your choice to lighten the feel of your scheme. What’s more, masonry paint will protect the bricks from the winter weather too – it’s a win win right?
Opting for a good neutral shade will provide you with a blank canvas for the rest of your scheme.
16. …OR ADD A FUN PAINT EFFECT
Bistro set from John Lewis(opens in new tab)
(Image credit: John Lewis)
Make the most of limited walls by treating them to a dash of color. While a plain color wall can reflect light or create a particular mood, a simple design in your favorite shades will instantly personalize your balcony ideas.
Here, three vertical bands of vibrant color inject energy into a tiny space and strike a contemporary note against the smart steel bistro set.
Head over to our best bistro sets to find a new buy for your space or check out today’s best deals below.
Today’s best Bistro sets deals
