17 Apartment Balcony Ideas to Maximize Your Outdoor Space
Small on space, big on potential.
When you live in an apartment, every square foot counts – including your outdoor space! Whether your balcony is small or spacious, the right furniture and layout will help you maximize your space. From space-saving designs to smart layout tips, these apartment balcony ideas will help you make the most of your outdoor sanctuary.
Tip!
Live in a rental or have an HOA for your apartment building? Be sure to check your rental or apartment ownership agreements to see what's allowed on your balcony first, so you can implement these ideas with confidence.
1. Create a Relaxing Balcony Space to Lounge & Subathe
All you need for this apartment balcony idea is a comfortable chaise lounge and a side table to hold your favorite beverage and book. Grab your sunglasses, music, and a good book, and get lounging! Keep a cozy throw nearby for nights where it gets a little chilly to extend your outdoor lounging time.
Work from home, enjoy a cup of coffee, or indulge in your passion project right from your balcony with this creative balcony furniture idea. Use a table specifically designed for balconies like the one above, which can fold, extend, or attach to the railing for ease and convenience. When you're done, just fold the table top down and you have more space to work with!
We couldn't talk about apartment balcony ideas without mentioning small-space alfresco dining! Enjoy dinner while pretending that you're on a small balcony overlooking a European city by outfitting your balcony with a stylish bistro set. Extra points if it's foldable – even more points if it's a fun color!
This apartment balcony garden is the perfect example of how you can achieve a green space no matter where you live. To achieve this secluded, jungle-like haven on your balcony, start with a bench. Then, surround it with potted plants of different sizes. Add some seat cushions and pillows to add to your comfort and enjoyment of the space.
If you wish you had more living space, this apartment balcony idea is for you. Transform your balcony into an extension of your living room. Start with an outdoor rug fitted to your balcony size. Add a cozy patio seating set that balances indoor comfort with outdoor durability. FInish this space off with an outdoor pouf ottoman and decorative outdoor pillows to make the space even more inviting.
Transform your balcony into an at-home bar with space-saving bar furniture. Opt for a small bar cart or bar counter with just enough room for your drinks and a pair of stools that you can easily tuck in when not in use.
Trellises are a must-have for any balcony, whether you want to trail plants or simply want a bit more privacy. Opt for a trellis-planter combo to create a vertical growing space. Whether you plant flowering vines, runner beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, or squash plants, there are so many ways to utilize this space-saving combo. Don’t have a green thumb? Use a trellis to weave and display outdoor string lights!
Tip!
Interested in more apartment balcony privacy ideas? Check out How to Make a Balcony More Private for more ways to make your balcony feel secluded.
8. Add a Compact Water Feature for a Calming Balcony Retreat
Being short on space doesn't mean you can't have a water feature! Get inspired to create a tranquil space to relax with this apartment balcony decor idea. Introduce a tabletop or compact fountain in a style and design that speaks to you. If your balcony doesn't have access to an outdoor outlet, go with a solar-powered fountain.
Give your balcony an inviting upgrade by positioning a small-space patio sofa or loveseat against the railing, facing your sliding glass door. This positioning creates a comforting, enclosed space to lounge, nap, or read. Complete your cozy balcony with an outdoor-suitable area rug, throw pillows, and floor cushions.
Tip!
Have a ground-level apartment with a patio? Check out these Apartment Patio Ideas to Elevate Your Space for more ideas like this one.
10. Up Your Balcony Privacy With Railing Covers
Railing covers are another great way to create a cozy, secluded feel on your balcony. From cloth covers to artificial hedges or faux dried grass, there are a variety of options to choose from!
Don’t let apartment living stop you from realizing your gardening dreams. Add a mini greenhouse to your balcony to start seeds for your container garden without taking up precious indoor space. You can also use a greenhouse for any of your heat-loving houseplants or container vegetable plants.
Enhance your balcony seating area with a faux tree. This way, you can get the lush look of greenery on a large scale without worrying about watering, fertilizing, or having to switch the plant out for a larger pot. We recommend adding a couple faux palm trees for an instant vacation-like feel every time you step out onto your balcony.
Layer a variety of outdoor lights to create a warm and inviting ambience. Start by stringing lights along the railings and above your balcony seating area. Then, intersperse outdoor table lamps, floor lamps, and lanterns anywhere that could use a cozy glow. The right outdoor lighting will help you make the most of your balcony, even at night.
Enhance privacy and block harsh sunlight with outdoor shades for your balcony. Roll them up when you want to enjoy the sunshine and then roll them down when you want privacy or shade. Because these shades require installation, renters should ask their building's management for permission before adding them.
Achieve a vacation-like feel with this relaxing balcony idea. Add a freestanding hammock to your balcony to read, nap, or watch the day go by. Be sure to measure your balcony first to determine the maximum possible length and width of a hammock, as well as the height of your balcony railings to determine a safe hammock height.
Create the ultimate space-saver by adding nestable outdoor furniture to your balcony. This nesting table and chair combo allows you to easily consolidate your balcony furniture without stacking or difficult maneuvering.
Put your balcony railings to use with this space saving idea. Hook railing planters onto your balcony railings for a space-saving way to add greenery or beautiful blooms to your scaled down outdoor space. You can even use them to plant herbs or container-friendly vegetable plants!
Tip!
Take a look at these Bold & Beautiful Balcony Decorating Ideas and 13 Dreamy Deck Ideas for even more inspo!
Frequently Asked Questions
What furniture works best for a small balcony?
Balcony-friendly furniture that takes up minimal space will work best for a small balcony. Stick to bistro sets, nesting tables, foldable furniture, and furniture with hidden storage to make the most of your small apartment balcony.
How do I create a balcony garden if I have limited space?
To create a balcony garden with limited space start with vertical solutions, such as trellises, and shelves with potted plants. Invest in a mini greenhouse to keep growing your balcony plants year round. Choose plants based on your balcony's sun exposure and leave room for a small bench or accent chair for a multi-functional space.
What are easy balcony privacy ideas for apartment renters?
Renter-friendly options to improve balcony privacy include fabric railing covers, privacy fencing panels, and tall planter trellises with climbing greenery. These options add privacy while still letting light through. They’re all reversible or movable, making them renter-friendly but effective options.
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