Here’s How I Turned My Tiny Balcony Into a Beautiful Oasis on a Small Budget

The anchor piece of it all is this stunning patio set. I discovered that most outdoor love seats alone cost about $200, so when I stumbled upon this $154 deal that also includes a matching coffee table, I jumped. Walsunny’s two-piece set is as gorgeous in person as it looks in the photos, and the cushions are far more comfortable than I was expecting. Its sturdiness has surpassed my expectations, too. (There’s also a chair version, FYI!)

Living in small apartments for several years has taught me that double-duty furniture is a no-brainer — even when it comes to the patio. I could’ve gone with a regular bench, but why would I do that when I could opt for a storage bench like this one? Wayfair’s option is the most affordable I could find, and it offers ample room on the inside for pillows and blankets. It's wrapped in all-weather rattan, to boot!

Though the bench’s wooden top is perfectly fine to sit on, I wanted to create a more cohesive look with the rest of my patio furniture. Enter: this custom bench cushion from Amazon. For only a little over $50, I received a cushion that fits perfectly and securely on top of my Wayfair bench, and it makes long-term lounging way more comfortable, even with its 1-inch thickness. Totally worth it!

A rug will instantly bring a space together, and this boho-looking one is no exception. Thanks to this rug, my balcony feels cozier and visually warmer. The vibrant colors, paired with the intricate design, is drop dead gorgeous. As showstopping as it is, it also doesn’t overwhelm my small space, which I appreciate. I have no doubt that it’s durable enough to hold up for years.

My balcony, great as it is, lacks two important things: a light source and an outlet. Solar-powered lighting was the only way to go, but I probably would’ve chosen these adorable string lights even if my options weren’t limited. The Moroccan-style ball that encases the light enhances the aesthetic I have going on, and though the glow isn’t incredibly powerful, it’s just enough to allow me to see where I'm going. Plus, it creates ambience!

One of my most affordable finds has made the most impact. Not only has the space felt more secluded and homey ever since I put this privacy screen up, but it also blocks rain runoff — I don’t have to deal with water pooling on my balcony ever again! I also no longer have to worry about my downstairs neighbors peering up at me, which is a huge pro.

Last but certainly not least: pillows. In the Burlap Yellow hue, these 18x18-inch covers match the sand color of my privacy screen to a T. I snagged a waterproof insert set to go with them, and for maximum fluffiness, I selected the 20x20-inch size. That choice totally paid off, because they balance out the firmness of the love seat wonderfully. Now, propped up by my pillows, I can relax outside for hours!