13 Balcony Ideas That Turn Cramped Spaces Into Dreamy Retreats

Apartment living doesn’t exactly come with outdoor space for luxuries like a swimming pool. But if your space comes with a balcony or patio, rejoice! And count yourself lucky — you have an opportunity to extend a beautiful lifestyle outside the four walls of your home. You’ve got your own little slice of the great outdoors to customize exactly how you’d like, after all.

From finding the perfect mood lighting to creating your own balcony garden, there are countless ways to make any outdoor space your own. A little attention to detail (and of course, some expert styling tips!) can turn a small, drab balcony into your very own outdoor oasis. 

By now, you’re probably realizing that there are tons of balcony ideas to incorporate, even for the tiniest space. Ready to get started? Check out our most charming examples below, all featured from real homes within the Apartment Therapy house tours archive.

If you’re looking for balcony ideas for an uber-small space, cafe seating might be the way to go. Check out this basic-turned-beautiful balcony: the facelift consisted of little more than a tiny cafe table and chairs, along with some beautiful flower boxes for a hint of added privacy. 

Come summer, you’ll be spending a lot of time on your balcony, so it’s important to design your outdoor space with comfort in mind. Designer Trent Hultgren’s has the coziest striped hammock, a great balcony idea for lounging outdoors in the warm-weather months.

This bright and sunny Brooklyn balcony looks like it was plucked from a tropical paradise, with lush green plants and a fun teal-colored patio table and chairs. Dress up your drab space with a fun color like teal, coral, or bright yellow for a dose of happiness every time you step outside. 

You love using a fresh coat of paint to spruce up your indoor space, so why should your balcony be any different? The light green accents featured on this Chicago apartment’s balcony are perfectly natural.

No, you don’t have to limit the fabrics on your balcony to durable canvas and vinyl. This Hollywood Hills home takes the texture up a notch by adding some sheepskin to the outdoor space. Just be sure to bring the more delicate fabrics inside before a big storm!

Not only will container gardening bring a sense of nature to your balcony, it can also help create a sense of solitude. This French balcony features stunning flower boxes that create a DIY privacy wall. 

As you can see, canopies aren’t only appropriate for the bedroom. In fact, they can exude a whimsical vibe when placed on your balcony. And when you consider the fact that this balcony idea also adds some much-needed privacy, it’s a clear win-win! Don’t forget to hang things like lighting or drapery from a covered overhang to complete a balcony’s look.

What’s black, white, and ridiculously chic all over? This posh balcony in Singapore. Not only is the polished black and white tile floor a sight for sore eyes, but we also love how the rest of the décor pairs with the flooring. There’s even peel-and-stick options for covered spaces like this one.

This just in: Adding a rug to your outdoor space is super cozy, and can stand in for full chairs or loungers when a patio is on the small side (or a true Juliette situation!). In this warm, welcoming Toronto apartment, the earth-toned rug anchors the outdoor space for lounging in sunny weather.

Plants make for the best décor on this colorful New Orleans balcony.  “I started with just a few plants here and there, but then had the grand idea to turn it into a solid plant-filled patio for a little privacy and an outdoor escape,” renter Danielle Lindsey says of her design. 

It’s no secret that a balcony is a wonderful place to put your green thumb on full display, but we dare you to get a little more creative than placing your petunias in a planter. In Elizabeth Tulipana’s Chicago space, she artfully hung plants from her balcony railing. Vertical gardening has never looked so chic!

When it comes to balcony ideas, could there possibly be a more popular one than string lights? They’re absolutely everywhere, from posh wedding venues to downtown apartment balconies. With rows upon rows of twinkling lights, as seen on this Brooklyn balcony, your outdoor space will look sharp any time of day. 

No lawn? No problem. Use artificial grass to make your suburban dreams come true with limited space. Removable astro turf adds welcome (and renter-friendly) greenery to this West Hollywood balcony. 

Whichever aesthetic you end up choosing, design pros have ground rules ot keeping your balcony as organizd

• Start with furniture: The first thing you’ll likely want to add is some furniture. But remember, anything you put on your balcony will be exposed to the elements. Materials like resin wicker, wrought iron, teak, and plastic can handle most of what Mother Nature throws at them.
• Decorate with plants: Next, it’s time to add some items that will help make your balcony shine. Plants are great for spicing up the space. Flowers like geraniums and begonias, sturdy plants like bamboo, and fresh herbs all thrive on a balcony garden. The list of outdoor plants is long—just be mindful of the hardiness zone you live in and how much light your balcony gets before making any decisions.
• Invest in privacy: Finally, consider whether you’re looking for privacy in your outdoor space, and how much of it you’d like. Tall plants, climbing vines, and shrubs can help you wave goodbye to nosy neighbors and claim more personal space. Weatherproof textiles and fabric hangings are excellent for closing off your space a bit and adding some much needed shade, too. You can even buy privacy screens made of everything from metal to bamboo.