How do you style a small apartment balcony?

Start with furniture that is scaled down to fit the size of the balcony. Consider adding built-in furniture that will take up less floor space. You could skip the structured furniture completely and opt for pillows and bean bags on the floor. Add lighting that will create your desired mood. Spread a rug on the floor to make the balcony feel cozy. Add plants that fit the space. This could be something small like air plants or succulents or a tall potted plant.

How can I make my balcony look bigger?

Use open furniture that you can easily see through and beyond. This keeps the space feeling more open. A large area rug with a long-running pattern can create the illusion that the space is longer than it really is. Keep everything low so that there are minimal items blocking your view.

How do you make a small balcony private?

To make a balcony more private, you need to add elements that will block the view of other people. Cover an open railing with an outdoor fabric or allow a plant to grow and cover the space. A lattice can provide support for higher growth. A folding screen lets you move it around for portable privacy where you need it. A small waterfall or fountain feature will create a natural sound that will help drown out your voice.

11 Apartment Balcony Design Ideas

“On weekends, I sit in a lounge chair on my balcony. I love to be outside when the weather’s right. I can stay there pretty much all day.” – Sue Monk Kidd

Living in an apartment makes it difficult to make your space your own. You have a smaller space to work with, and many design elements are already chosen for you. Depending on your lease, you may not be able to make any major changes. This makes it tough to turn your small balcony into a pleasant place where you want to spend time.

Decorate your balcony with the right furniture, decor, plants, and lighting, and you will have your own piece of outdoor living paradise. Consider adding privacy elements to block your neighbor’s ability to see and hear what goes on in your balcony. These apartment balcony ideas will help you turn your balcony into a space that reflects who you are.

1. Transform Your Enclosed Balcony into a Cozy Retreat

Having an enclosed balcony gives you the most freedom because you can use interior furniture. The enclosure protects your balcony and anything on it from the elements. It feels like an outdoor living space but isn’t. Cover the ugly concrete flooring with a wooden floor. This gives your balcony a classier feel.

Cozy balcony with black metal chairs, a wooden table, string lights, plants, and a round jute rug underfoot. Trees visible outside — Source: @hillakatariina via Instagram

Cozy balcony corner with a chair, small tables, cushions, and a vase of flowers; buildings visible through glass windows — Source: @interior.by.d via Instagram

Cozy balcony with gray couches, a wooden table, wicker pendant lights, and lush green plants with a scenic view of rooftops in the background — Source: @zen_decor_ideas via Instagram

Try out other cool balcony ideas like stringing fairy lights from the ceiling. Add hanging lanterns for a soft ambient glow. Give your balcony an outdoor bar feel by adding a bar height skinny table with bar stools lined up facing out. Add vine plants in hanging planters that will drape down and give your enclosed balcony a touch of nature.

2. Selecting Space-Efficient Furniture

Apartment balconies tend to be smaller than a standard home deck or patio. Because of this, you need to buy balcony furniture and not generic outdoor furniture. These are pieces that are smaller and lighter. It’s also smart to look for decorative elements that can hang on the railing.

Cozy balcony with wicker chairs, a glass-top table, a potted plant, and a leaf-patterned rug, enclosed by glass railings — Source: @kibrma_home via Instagram

Patio with a wicker sofa, throw pillows, blanket, and string lights, overlooking a cityscape from a high-rise balcony — Source: @lindsaycarlisleyoga via Instagram

Cozy balcony with a wicker chair, red cushions, small table, potted plant, colorful rug, and hanging planters overlooking greenery — Source: @lovebugangel via Instagram

Most people are familiar with railing planters that look like boxes or pots. However, there are other options available to you. Hang lights along your railing for extra illumination. Hang a tabletop or long bar platform. This gives you a place to set down plates and drinks.

3. Cultivate a Thriving Balcony Garden

Turn your outdoor space into a balcony garden. Arrange potted plants on the floor and then mount a trellis behind them. The plants can then grow upward to create a vertical garden. This is perfect for growing tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers, squash, or melons. Another great idea is to cultivate an herb garden. Then you can easily pop out on the balcony while cooking and use fresh herbs in your dishes.

A lush balcony garden with potted plants, a small table, and two chairs overlooks an urban apartment complex under a cloudy sky — Source: @gomes_hoeppner_balkon via Instagram

Cozy balcony with potted plants, two chairs, a small table, and a view of city buildings under a partly cloudy sky — Source: @mydwellingstories via Instagram

Rooftop terrace with potted trees and plants against a clear blue sky — Source: @pestibalcon via Instagram

Balcony with hanging potted plants, artificial grass floor, and a view of green fields and distant cityscape under a cloudy sky — Source: @shruti.bhatnagar.14 via Instagram

Cozy balcony with potted plants, colorful lanterns, a Buddha statue, and a striped rug. Wall quote: "Never let your memories be greater than your dreams — Source: @storyofherhouse via Instagram

Lush balcony garden with various potted plants, orange chairs, and a small table, creating a vibrant and inviting outdoor space — Source: @suranayaa via Instagram

Cozy balcony with a cushioned corner sofa, small table with flowers and a bottle, and a foldable white chair amid urban buildings — Source: @thehomeydecor via Instagram

Balcony with wooden decking, various potted plants, chairs, and a large white abstract sculpture, with buildings in the background — Source: @theimpatientplanter via Instagram

Balcony with vibrant pink and white flowers in pots, metal chair, and decorative black railing — Source: @theliafischer via Instagram

Cozy balcony with wooden table and chairs, pink flowers, and string lights overlooking a green area and buildings in the background — Source: @zen_decor_ideas via Instagram

If you aren’t interested in growing vegetables or herbs, another option is to turn your balcony into a flower garden. Place a flower pot on your table and others that hang on your railing. There are also vertical towers that let you grow several plants in one large planter. Place more arid plants at the top and tropical plants that require more water at the bottom.

4. Create a Relaxing Oasis with a Hammock

Hanging a hammock on your balcony gives you the perfect place to stretch out and relax. You could take a nap, read a book, or just gaze at the stars. A hammock creates a bohemian feel to your balcony.

Colorful hammock with pillows and blanket on a cozy balcony, surrounded by plants and a small table with mugs and a book — Source: @emmak_homestyling via Instagram

A red and orange hammock is hanging from a balcony railing on a sunny day, with a view of trees and residential buildings in the background — Source: @thebendyhygienist via Instagram

Colorful hammock with green cushions hanging in a sunlit balcony with brick walls and a window

Red hammock on a balcony with a book and sunglasses, overlooking urban buildings and greenery in the background

Sunny balcony with plants in terracotta pots and a cozy hammock chair with white and orange cushions, urban apartments in the background

While you may not be able to have a complete hammock stand if you have a small patio. You may not need one. You could hook one end to your balcony railing and another hook installed on the exterior of the building. A cocoon-style hammock will work best if you have limited space.

5. Embrace Minimalism

Using a minimalist design for your small apartment balcony is smart because it means you’ll have minimum furniture for a maximum amount of room for your small outdoor space. Choose metal furniture that has thin rails and minimal ornamentation. Lay down an area rug that doesn’t have an intricate design. Choose pots for your plants that are plain in design and white, black, or grey in color.

Balcony with a glass table, colorful flowers in a vase, two folding chairs on a patterned rug, overlooking a residential parking lot — Source: @loveittodeath via Instagram

Sunlit balcony with potted plants, hanging chair, and cityscape view through glass doors — Source: @mysmallworldofplants via Instagram

Sunny balcony with white table and chairs, potted plants, and a small white dog exploring the floor — Source: @paperpanduh via Instagram

Don’t have too many plants. One or two is plenty for this type of design. Don’t have too much furniture either. One or two chairs are all you need. Try to leave the balcony as open as possible. Don’t be afraid to use dark colors like black as the main color for your design.

6. Modernize Your Balcony with Contemporary Designs

Modern balcony decoration has a sleek and cool image. Look for ways you can add unexpected elements to your balcony space. Mount floating shelves and add LED strip lights underneath. This creates a series of glowing lights that can create a unique lighting feature.

A wooden patio set with chairs and a centerpiece overlooks lush green trees, with glimpses of blue sky and water in the background — Source: @istanbulda_tatli_bir_ev via Instagram

Cozy balcony with a gray sectional sofa, colorful cushions, a teal blanket, assorted potted plants, and a view of neighboring rooftops — Source: @kristinekval via Instagram

Sunny balcony with wicker chairs, plants, and a cushioned bench overlooking red-brick apartment buildings and lush greenery — Source: @wheretfisana via Instagram

Use a mixture of materials to add multiple textures and colors to your balcony. Use teak tiles in one area where you want to place a table and chair. Then use synthetic turf in another area where you arrange a few potted plants. Add metal planters with a sleek and smooth finish for a visual balance to the textures of the wood and grass.

7. Enhance Privacy on Your Balcony

One of the biggest deterrents to using your balcony is the lack of privacy. Living in an apartment building, complex, or urban area means there are several other people within close proximity. You could be observed by a number of people when sitting on your apartment patio. Enjoy your balcony more by adding elements that create privacy.

Cozy balcony with cushions, hanging paper lanterns, white flowers, and decorative shelves. Curtains sway in the sunlight — Source: @aundm_interior via Instagram

Cozy balcony with a pink cushioned couch, round wicker table, potted plants, and pampas grass in a white vase on wooden decking — Source: @een.huisje.in.dordt via Instagram

Cozy balcony with cushions, potted plants, a cat, and flowers. A small table holds teacups. Sunlight filters through white curtains — Source: @greycats_home via Instagram

Cozy balcony with wicker furniture, tulips in a vase, potted plants, and decorative wall baskets under bright sunlight — Source: @honeytnr via Instagram

Cozy balcony with a hanging wicker chair, cushions, a green plant on a table, and a decorative wall with bird silhouettes — Source: @natasa__diary via Instagram

Cozy balcony with a wooden stool, chair, and potted plants, string lights add warmth to the evening ambiance — Source: @ohlibeeshome via Instagram

Cozy nook with a wicker chair in enclosed balcony, cushioned bench, plants, and flowers in a vase beside a window with blinds and curtains — Source: @tamara.karovic via Instagram

Hang an outdoor curtain that you can open and close as needed. Sheer fabric allows filtered light through while also blocking sightlines. A trellis with a vine plant can have the same effect. Hanging plants that vine down won’t block your balcony completely but can obscure someone’s view. Don’t forget about sound privacy. Soft fabrics and textiles absorb sound and prevent your voice from echoing outward. A water fountain feature adds white noise to drown out your voice.

8. Maximize the Charm of a Small Balcony

A small balcony can be limiting because you don’t have enough space to do a whole lot. The best thing to do with a tiny balcony is to place a small table and chair. Cafe style is best because they feature a minimalist design that won’t feel too heavy in the space.

Balcony with artificial grass, a Buddha statue on a pedestal, vine decor, painted birdhouses, and hanging lanterns — Source: @abodeadornment via Instagram

A narrow balcony with pink table and chairs, a black and white rug, and hanging plants overlooks a street and grassy area — Source: @anoushkaloveshome via Instagram

Balcony with wicker furniture, cactus decorations, and a view of parked cars and garages — Source: @ganczha via Instagram

Cozy balcony with a hanging chair, blue cushions, overlooking a cityscape and tree under a blue sky with wispy clouds — Source: @intothemoooon via Instagram

Cozy balcony with chairs, colorful outdoor pillows, a small table with candles, potted flowers, and a turquoise blanket on a lounger — Source: @lyndeestyles via Instagram

Vertical wooden planter with lush green plants against a bright yellow wall, adjacent to a glass door — Source: @muddypotsonline via Instagram

A cozy balcony with a chair, red cushion, round table, plants, and colorful decor, creating a relaxing outdoor space — Source: @ratichaudhary via Instagram

Sunny balcony with chairs, a table, potted plants, and a colorful vertical planter on the wall — Source: @renovating.adelaide via Instagram

Cozy balcony with cushioned chair, blanket, plants, string lights, and table holding wine, glasses, and candle against an urban building backdrop — Source: @sannahermine via Instagram

Small balcony with potted succulents, wooden table, geometric rug, and glass railing overlooking modern buildings and greenery — Source: @timberwharfhome via Instagram

Another smart idea for a small space is to build the furniture into the side of the balcony. This reduces the amount of floor space required for the maximum amount of seating. Hanging as much as you can on the exterior walls is also helpful for reducing the amount of furniture and decor taking up floor space.

9. Elevate Your Balcony’s Style Quotient Effortlessly

You don’t have to have a lot of decor to have a stylish balcony design. Look for a simple yet chic design that appeals to your personal style tastes. You could take a simple approach to balcony decor and hang a single piece of art on the wall. Or you could get elaborate and have decorative lighting, furniture, tabletop arrangements, and railing planters.

Cozy balcony with hanging plants, star-shaped fairy lights, bamboo blinds, and colorful lanterns. Chairs and potted plants complete the scene — Source: @tanushree.ghosh via Instagram

Cozy balcony with a gray sofa, pillows, and throw blankets, surrounded by green plants on a sunny day with an urban backdrop — Source: @decobyblom via Instagram

The best way to create a stylish design is to pay attention to the details and create balance. Add a natural green element with plants. Arrange furniture to have it facing the view. Additional lighting is nice if you only have a simple overhead light.

10. Turn Your Balcony into a Tropical Paradise

Just because you live in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t have your own little slice of tropical paradise. Add plenty of greenery and flowering plants. Choose plants that have large leaves to create a lush feeling. Install hanging planters that can create a natural plant life wall and surround your balcony. Add a small water feature that will create a natural soundtrack, drowning out the sounds of life beyond.

Cozy balcony with cushions, tropical-themed pillows, and a palm plant. A backdrop of a palm beach scene enhances the tropical vibe — Source: @brenniefromtheblock via Instagram

Cozy balcony with red chairs, small table, patterned rug, and potted plants overlooking greenery — Source: @casaderami via Instagram

Cozy balcony setup with dinner plates, candles, string lights, and cushions; cityscape and hills in the background at dusk — Source: @diy.homestyling via Instagram

A sunny balcony garden with vibrant flowers and lush plants, featuring two blue wire chairs with cushions arranged on the wooden floor — Source: @tropical_terrace_paris via Instagram

Cover the exterior walls of your apartment or condo with bamboo sheeting. This will hide the plain old boring building exterior and transform it into a tropical backdrop. Add decorative string lights for a festive feel. Choose a colorful fabric for your furniture cushions.

11. Enjoy Your Balcony in Winter: Cozy Design Tips

A small apartment balcony is a perfect spot for creating a cozy nook. Layer rugs, add multiple throw pillows and hang heavy weight curtains. While you may be tempted to use throw pillows that feature cozy materials, make sure your outdoor pillows are durable enough to stay outside. If this isn’t the case, you will need to bring them in when you are not using them. Cozy fabrics tend to be the perfect place for moisture to gather, which leads to mold, mildew, and bugs.

Cozy balcony with a white dog on a chair, surrounded by lit candles, lanterns, tea set, and soft textures — Source: @boro.kosa via Instagram

Cozy balcony with cushions, lanterns, and stacked crates. Decor includes fairy lights, star lanterns, and textured pillows on rugs — Source: @imperfect.home via Instagram

Cozy balcony with chairs, a small table holding a pumpkin, decorative plants, and string lights, with a heater standing nearby — Source: @ziggyvili via Instagram

Cold temperatures can prevent you from hanging outside on your balcony. With a small balcony, it’s easy to add warmth. You could have a small fire feature, but your landlord or building manager may not like that. A small space heater may be a better and safer option.

11 Apartment Balcony Ideas