OPT FOR CLEVER FOLDAWAY FURNITURE
Batignolles foldaway metal balcony table from Maisons du Monde(opens in new tab)
(Image credit: Maisons du Monde)
Even the best garden furniture can take up a lot of valuable floor space which can be a problem for balconies where space is at a premium, but that needn’t mean you can’t pull up a perch and have breakfast alfresco thanks to a clever space-saving buy. This brilliant design can be be easily folded down to a vertical position, maximizing space when it’s not in use.
GO BIG ON PATTERN AND COLOR
Create a holiday vibe with vibrant furniture and accessories
(Image credit: Maisons du Monde)
If you’re too busy to tend to flower pots then a patterned or colourful rug and vibrant furniture will add instant personality. Choose bold geometric patterns in monochrome shades as the backdrop to your scheme as these will work well with a wide range of colours, then add a punch of personality with holiday-inspired seating in tropical hues that are guaranteed to lift your mood every time you step out on your balcony.
19. ADD A RUG OR TWO TO YOUR BALCONY
Reversible plush outdoor rug in silver from Lime Lace(opens in new tab)
(Image credit: Lime Lace)
The best outdoor rugs are a must for any cosy balcony ideas. They help to replicate the feel of an indoor living space outdoors, and modern designs are just as luxurious underfoot as their indoor counterparts.
Look out for hardwearing products made from recycled materials such as plastic bottles to up your eco points too. If you want to add more interest to your space, consider choosing two or three patterned and plain designs and layering them up for a decorative effect.
CREATE THE ILLUSION OF SPACE WITH A MIRROR
Gothic style mirrors from the National Trust(opens in new tab)
(Image credit: National Trust)
Ok, so we can’t magic more space on our balconies or patios, so why not try the next best thing – making them appear bigger than they are with the power of reflection! There are plenty of mirrors on the market suitable for hanging on an outdoor wall in an array of different styles, from contemporary through to traditional.
Find more ways to display your outdoor mirrors in our garden mirror ideas feature.
CREATE A BALCONY KITCHEN GARDEN WITH A VEG PLANTER
This Veg Trug(opens in new tab) (available from Amazon) comes with a purpose-built, fitted membrane to give seedlings a great start
(Image credit: Veg Trug)
While you may not have a big allotment or walled garden, you can still grow plenty of homegrown produce from just a small patch on a patio or balcony thanks to a raised planter. Perfect for salad, strawberries or herbs, there are a variety of raised planters which will ensure you have an easy working height.
Want to know more about growing your own? Our small vegetable garden ideas are a great place to start your growing journey.
22. ADD A ROCKING CHAIR TO CREATE AN IDYLLIC READING NOOK
Choose one piece of statement furniture as the focal point of your space
(Image credit: Ikea)
If you only have a small outdoor area, chances are a full five-piece garden furniture set is off limits for your balcony ideas, but why not treat yourself to a really comfy statement chair? A rocking chair would make the perfect soothing spot to while away the afternoon with a good book.
GOT FOR A TRADITIONAL BALCONY WITH ORNATE FURNITURE
Add a decorative touch with classic metal furniture
(Image credit: Future / Malcolm Menzies)
If a more traditional look is what you’re after, then a metal bistro set with intricate vintage-inspired detailing is the perfect choice. We think it gives this space an instant injection of Parisian chic. If you’re after authentic pieces try places like Lassco(opens in new tab) or Lorfords(opens in new tab).
CREATE A BOTANICAL DISPLAY WITH A WIRE MEMO BOARD
Get creative with your balcony ideas to add interest to your design
(Image credit: Ikea)
Why not brighten up plain walls and extend your gardening space by mounting wire trellis or memo board(opens in new tab) and using it to hang bud vases for propagating cuttings or growing bulbs. Test tube vases(opens in new tab) are very cheap to buy online – simply attach some wire around the lip and hang from the grid using a S hook.
These clever solutions would work just as well for your indoor garden ideas too.
EMBRACE VERTICAL PLANTING WITH A CLEVER HACK
Furniture and accessories from Ikea(opens in new tab)
(Image credit: Ikea)
Step aside hanging basket ideas, there’s a new way to display your plants and it costs next to nothing; introducing the Ikea vertical planter hack using nothing other than a waste bin and carrier bag holder! Yes that’s right, simply mount the Variera wastebin(opens in new tab)and Variera plastic bag dispenser(opens in new tab) on the wall and you can use it to grow succulents and bulbs. Genius!
MAKE YOUR BALCONY GARDEN AN EXOTIC ESCAPE
Balcony scene from The White Company(opens in new tab)
(Image credit: The White Company)
Looking to create a relaxing space with a holiday feel? Take inspiration from the rooftop terraces of North Africa for your balcony ideas. While you may not have the white painted walls, adding low level benches covered in cushions and sheepskin rugs, plus plenty of tropical plants will help recreate the look. Don’t forget to add plenty of lanterns and tea-lights to guarantee a magical holiday atmosphere.
Head over to our garden lighting ideas for more ways to add a dose of foreign getaways.
CREATE A LUXURIOUS BALCONY WITH A SIMPLE CURTAIN
(Image credit: John Lewis)
Oh to be on a Tuscan terrance like this right now! To capture the feeling of this dreamy space why not hang a voile curtain which will bring an air of luxury but will also help shade your balcony from the scorching midday sun.
It’s also a perfect way to boost your garden privacy ideas and screen your balcony from neighbors.
TRY A FESTIVAL FEEL WITH HANGING LANTERNS
Solvinden LED solar-powered pendant lamp from Ikea(opens in new tab)
(Image credit: Ikea)
The best balcony ideas make the most of all the available surfaces. If you have a balcony above yours, hanging lanterns from the ceiling is a cheap and easy way to create a party atmosphere casting a magical glow after the sun goes down. Solar pendant lights are a practical choice and can be dotted about at different heights to make a real feature overhead.
CHOOSE SPACE-SAVING FURNITURE
Paris Volcano garden table and stackable chairs from Bridgman(opens in new tab)
(Image credit: Bridgman)
Foldable or stackable furniture is the key to balcony happiness! You need a design that looks great when you’re using it every day during the summer months, but one that can be neatly stored away to one side of the space when the seasons change.
A sail shade is also a great addition to your balcony ideas too – it takes up minimal space, provides plenty of shade from the sun in summer and adds a cozier atmosphere to autumn evenings alfresco. You can find more easy ways to create shade in your garden with our guide.
USE A SIMPLE BENCH FOR SEATING
Festoon lights from Lights4Fun(opens in new tab)
(Image credit: Lights4Fun)
Adding seating to your balcony space doesn’t have to mean blowing your budget. An inexpensive bench can be all that’s needed to create a comfy spot to sit and read outdoors. Bring a couple of cushions outside to add a touch of comfort and you’re good to go.
Contemporary aluminium benches are the best choice for low-maintenance balcony ideas as they can withstand all weather and don’t require any upkeep. If you want to really keep the costs down, why not have a go at making a DIY bench? Our guide on how to build a pallet bench is a great place to start.
WHAT VEGETABLES CAN BE GROWN ON A BALCONY?
Planter from Garden Trading(opens in new tab)
(Image credit: Garden Trading)
Provided they get enough food and water, practically any vegetable can be grown on a balcony. Where space is tight, stick to climbing or tumbling varieties for your balcony ideas. Most beans, squash, cucumbers and peas can all be trained up trellis or obelisks while strawberries, cherry tomatoes, chillies and peppers will thrive in hanging baskets. If you fancy growing root crops, then look for large scale planters or narrow but tall raised beds.
Fill with good quality compost and keep well fed and watered and they should reward you over the warmer months. The most prolific and speediest veg to grow has to be lettuce or a mix of salad leaves. Look for a cut-and-come-again seed mix and sow every six weeks for a continual supply from late spring to fall.
WHAT PLANTS ARE GOOD FOR A BALCONY?
Garden furniture and planters from Dobbies(opens in new tab)
(Image credit: Dobbies)
Besides fast-growing crops such as salad leaves and nasturtiums, look for foliage plants that are happy growing in pots and will provide color and greenery all year.
Bamboo is great for adding height, filling out a corner and rustles delightfully in a breeze. Phormiums and cordylines have striking, strappy leaves in a wide range of bold colours and need little care and attention.
With its glossy and distinctive foliage, Fatsia japonica makes an eye-catching statement in the smallest of spaces, it can cope with sun or full shade and adds a tropical touch.
Our container gardening ideas has plenty more suggestions for creating striking plant displays in a small space.
