27 Apartment Balcony Ideas: Transform Your Outdoor Space

If you are looking for small balcony ideas to maximize your outdoor space, be sure to consider both style and functionality.

You can decorate your apartment balcony as an extension of your main living space to give it the feel of a bonus room, or treat it like a secret oasis and give it a personality all its own.

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From functional small-scale furniture to plants, privacy screens, decor, and ambient lighting, check out these small balcony ideas in a range of styles and budgets that will help you elevate your own private outdoor space.

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Add Affordable Decking

Pin @igorjosif / Instagram

The typical apartment balcony has a concrete floor that is devoid of personality.

Fortunately, you can spruce up a boring slab with interlocking deck tiles, the way Igor Josif did with here.

They are very easy to install by simply snapping the pieces together.

And if you are a renter, you should know they are a cinch to remove.

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Hang Some Fabric

Pin @S.U.S.A.P / Instagram

Shield yourself from wind, sun, and prying eyes with a solid privacy screen such as this red one seen on this balcony from S.U.S.A.P.

A simple cloth draped over the structure can ensure some extra privacy without having to break the bank.

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Channel Palm Beach Style

Pin Design by Caitlin Higgins for EHD / Photo by Sara Liggoria-Tramp

Caitlin Higgins wasn’t a massive fan of her tiny outdoor space, so she decided to revamp it—and the results are stunning.

She added a set of pinstripe curtains that provide just the right amount of lighting—not too sheer, but not blackout either.

The reflective brass table adds a layer of elegance, while the set of black chairs helps ground the space and adds some serious contrast.

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Accent With Plants

Pin @tanjasovulj / Instagram

Tanja Sovulj knows how to strategically place plants in her balcony space.

The hanging plant boxes on the wrought iron fence, small potted plants on the table and in the corner, and a simple hanging structure that looks stylish and functional to showcase even more greenery.

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Add a Planter Wall

Pin @coffee_home_bea / Instagram

A planter wall sets the tone for this lovely balcony by Coffee Home Bea.

Vibrant florals add a festive touch.

Wicker furniture and green astroturf create a decorative haven to retreat to when you want to unwind and relax.

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Erect a Privacy Screen

Pin @_allezeitderwelt_ / Instagram

Who doesn’t love simple projects that add function and style to spaces?

Case in point: this super affordable privacy screen idea by Yeri at Allezeitderwelt.

A simple addition of a half-privacy screen made of thin bamboo strands still allows for a view without giving onlookers a full view of the space.

The cozy fabric palette on the ground is nestled in the perfect spot for some relaxation in a refreshing atmosphere.

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Add Style and Function

Pin @vidyaamberkerinteriors / Instagram

It’s important to incorporate options that are both stylish and functional—like these plant stands on this balcony from Vidya Amberker Interiors.

The various heights allow all the different plants to be seen, and it adds a decorative aspect as opposed to solely keeping the plants on the ground.

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Channel Parisian Style

Pin Design by Jessica Bunge for EHD / Photo by Sara Liggoria-Tramp

Jessica Bunge from Emily Henderson Design took her extremely narrow balcony and turned it into a Parisian-style dream.

The alternating deck tiles from IKEA were the result of a DIY project she took on to turn a concrete floor into something much more aesthetic.

The vintage dining set was initially a set of four that she split with a friend—also known as friendship furniture.

This concept works remarkably well for small apartment balconies that don’t have the space to accommodate a larger number of chairs.

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Try an Egg-Shaped Chair

Pin @kodikkaasti / Instagram

Rather than sticking with an average set of chairs, it doesn’t hurt to add in something a bit more whimsical—like an egg-shaped chair.

This chair takes up the perfect amount of space—without being too overwhelming— on this balcony from Kodikkaasti.

The stacked flower baskets in the corner and the paper lantern above add a stunning decorative element that ties things together.

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Thrift and Repurpose

Pin @forgottencharmthrift / Instagram

Adriana from Forgotten Charm Thrift on Instagram found a wood pallet sectional frame on the side of the road and repurposed it for her balcony.

She knew she would need some cushion to make this a viable seating option, so she turned to Etsy and ordered cushions that were specifically made to fit wood pallets, adding in some thrifted pillows.

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Make It an Extension

Pin @myhousemydecor10 / Instagram

To create your perfect balcony with a limited footprint, consider treating the balcony like an extension of your home.

Opening up the doors and windows—like My House My Decor 10 did here—and keeping a similar theme between rooms can help make a smaller balcony feel more expansive.

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A Little Urban Jungle

Pin @gomes_höeppner_balkon / Instagram

Indulge your green thumb by turning your balcony into a little urban jungle.

This lovely outdoor space from F.R. Gomes-Hoppner is covered with beautiful greenery and seasonal flowers.

Covering the railing are flower boxes.

The tiny accent table and chair is a perfect space for one, overlooking the view of the city.

The large umbrella brings the perfect amount of shade to protect from the sun’s harsh rays.

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Make It Pet-Friendly

Pin @sad.fat.cat / Instagram

Got a pet?

Then take note of this balcony setup from Sad Fat Cat on Instagram on how to turn your balcony into a pet-friendly space.

The typical white fence wouldn’t be quite enough to keep your furry friend inside, but adding a surround of thin wire mesh can do this trick.

To keep things from feeling too contained, use that added mesh to help support more decor—like these whimsical and colorful paper lanterns of various shapes and sizes.

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Add Personal Touches

Pin @mishys_arrtsy_home / Instagram

When designing a balcony, naturally there will be common factors between your and others’ spaces—a table and chairs, plants, and lighting.

However, you shouldn’t feel as though you have to make a carbon copy of other spaces to have a stylish balcony—it should reflect some of your personal taste as well.

This balcony from Mishy’s Arrtsy Home is a great example. The small table is draped with a vintage-style tablecloth, and there are plenty of plants and string lights for atmosphere.

The wall is styled with colorful decorative plates, a mirror, and other small decor items that she hand-picked herself to create an eclectic, tasteful space.

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Keep Things Simple

Pin Design by Caitlin Higgins for EHD / Photograph by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

When decorating a space, sometimes the best results can come from keeping things simple.

This portion of Caitlin Higgin’s balcony is absolutely charming.

A two-seat rattan bench she found online is covered with a comfy white cushion and decorative pillows for personality.

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Work With a Color Scheme

Pin Dazey Den

Trying to discover how to decorate any space—particularly smaller ones—can start by figuring out a color scheme to work with.

This peachy dream from Dazey Den uses the pinkish hue on the surrounding fence, as well as the table and chairs.

Small pops of blue on the table create a nice contrast that is welcoming and vibrant.

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Tile the Floor

Pin @diydoctorat49 / Instagram

If you are looking for a permanent way to cover up an unattractive balcony floor, consider tile suited for outdoor use. 

Sophia of DIY Doctorat 49 realized the previous owner of her place had used indoor tiles on the outdoor balcony—so she decided to give the terrace a refresh with new, outdoor tiles.

The blue and white geometric pattern add a striking pop to the whole space, proving how much tile can truly make a difference.

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Make It Bold and Bright

Pin Dazey Den

Working with a small balcony doesn’t mean you can’t go all out with color.

This space from Dazey Den is all about incorporating pink.

The colors along with the large cactus and small surrounding succulents make this a playful space to hang out and entertain.

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Make It Cozy

Pin @takinada / Instagram

Whoever says seating has to be strictly table and chairs on a balcony space clearly isn’t aware of the comfort of a lounge space.

This balcony from Takinada has the perfect cozy setup—ideal for relaxation and overlooking the greenery surrounding the home.

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Add Color and Patterns

Pin @studioenass / Instagram

Neutral not your thing?

Don’t worry—it’s not a requirement for your balcony.

Try experimenting with color, texture, and patterns, like this stylish space designed by Studio Enass.

The primary color scheme comes into full effect here, and along with the patterned tiles and decorative prints on the pillows, the space is full of life and energy.

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Reuse What You Have

Pin @tarzmeselesi / Instagram

You might be surprised by what items you have available that can be repurposed into something else.

Take this balcony by Tarzmeselesi: a set of wooden crates are propped up on the ends, covered with a cushion, and voilà. Perfect stools to sit at the bar and take in the views of the city.

As a bonus, the crate can also serve as extra storage.

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Make It Durable

Pin @tanjasolvulj / Instagram

If you live in a small apartment or house, chances are you do not have room to store balcony furniture during the fall and winter months.

The good news is, some types of outdoor furniture can stay outside all year.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for weatherproof pieces:

• Wood:Outdoor furniture made of woods like teak, cedar, or redwood is naturally rot-resistant. Treating items made from these materials with waterproof sealer will enhance their weather-resistant properties and prevent graying of the wood.Synthetic wicker: Faux wicker is typically made with weatherproof polypropylene, a type of plastic that stands up to moisture and extreme temperatures.Furniture covers: When you are not using your balcony, water-repellent covers will help to protect your outdoor furniture year-round.

Additionally, choosing furniture that can fold away when not in use can help with added protection—as well as space.

This balcony from Tanja Solvulj showcases plenty of wooden features that can hold under weather—but the foldable table is the perfect size for easy access, and can be put away when needed.

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Try a Balcony Bar

Pin @ivy.paysagiste / Instagram

When there is no room to spare for a table in your super tiny outdoor space, a shelf that you can attach to a balcony railing—often referred to as a balcony bar—can be a handy feature.

This balcony by Ivy Paysagiste shows how effortlessly it fits into the balcony scene—and can be used to support food and beverages, or even a laptop if you want to work outside.

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Install an Awning

Pin Dazey Den

This tropical chic apartment balcony awning from Dazey Den is both practical and decorative, making the space more comfortable on scorching days while simultaneously complementing the balcony’s color scheme and framing the lush green outdoor view.

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Let It Flow

Pin Maite Granda

Interior designer Maite Granda treated this Florida condo balcony like an extension of the interior, with a pale palette and woven upholstered furniture that creates a seamless flow between indoors and out and keeps the focus on the wide open views.

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Add Slipcovered Seating

Pin Fantastic Frank

Decorate a small balcony with a compact daybed covered in simple natural linens for a Scandi-inspired look.

This space from Fantastic Frank includes an outdoor rug and a mini potted herb garden.

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Add Bonus Seating

Pin John McClain Design / Photo by Zeke Ruelas

If you love to entertain, pack your small balcony with as much seating as it will accommodate. 

John McClain Design managed to fit two cozy seating areas on this duplex balcony that are outfitted with modern furniture and a fire pit.