Designing an Outdoor Balcony

There’s nothing quite like stepping onto your private outdoor space and enjoying your morning coffee al fresco. An outdoor balcony one of our most coveted morning rituals in the summertime – being surrounded by plants in a private outdoor oasis is exactly how we have a slow, relaxing start to our day. It’s now one of our favorite spaces, and it feels like a best-kept secret.

A small, charming balcony transformed into a lush urban garden. The floor is covered with interlocking brown wooden deck tiles, creating a warm and inviting surface. A round metal bistro table with a light blue and green mosaic tile top is set with two small terracotta pots containing succulents and a white cup and saucer. Two metal folding chairs with white cushions are placed around the table. The balcony railing is lined with various potted plants, including colorful flowers in window boxes, leafy green plants in terracotta pots, and taller grasses. A bright blue metal shelf unit against the back wall also holds numerous plants and gardening supplies. The foreground is filled with large, vibrant green and variegated leafy plants, partially obscuring the view and creating a sense of being immersed in greenery. Sunlight filters through the leaves, highlighting the textures and colors of the plants and furniture. The overall impression is a tranquil and private outdoor space, perfect for relaxing in a small urban environment in Valparaiso, Indiana. The presence of various potted plants suggests a love for gardening and creating a natural oasis.

Having a balcony on your home really is a dream, and the sky’s the limit when it comes to function. There are so many ways to decorate and furnish it, and you, too, can transform your balcony into the most-used and loved space in your home with these easy-to-follow recommendations.

Decide how you’d like to use the space.

Will your balcony be your summer WOH office? Is it your favorite spot for al fresco dining? Is this your only at-home outdoor space for gardening?

Then, identify your biggest needs.

Do you need privacy, multiple seating options, a surface for working, shade, a garden space? How you plan to utilize your space will influence your furnishings and decor. If you’re wanting it to be a functional space for entertaining, focus on seating. If space is limited and you just want to pop outside for privacy, 1-2 chairs is sufficient.

Measure your balcony before purchasing furniture.

A full patio set likely isn’t an efficient use of space on your outdoor balcony, so make sure you know the size of the space before making any big purchases.

A narrow but charming balcony in an urban setting, overflowing with plants and flowers. The floor is covered with wooden planks. A wooden rocking chair with a green cushion and a small wooden bench with a light-colored cushion create a cozy seating area. The balcony railing and walls are adorned with a variety of potted plants, including vibrant pink bougainvillea cascading from above, red roses climbing a trellis, and various leafy green plants in terracotta and other containers. A small patterned rug lies on the floor. In the blurred background, tall apartment buildings rise against a bright sky. The overall atmosphere is a peaceful and green retreat in a city environment.

A cozy urban balcony overflowing with a variety of potted plants and flowers. Two wicker armchairs with light-colored cushions and decorative pillows face outward, inviting relaxation. The balcony railing is lined with numerous plants in terracotta and other containers, including purple salvia, lush greenery, and large white hydrangea blossoms. A brick wall forms part of the balcony structure, with a decorative metal plant holder featuring red and green foliage mounted on it. Sunlight casts shadows across the gray tiled floor. In the background, tall apartment buildings rise against a bright sky, indicating a city setting. The overall impression is a tranquil and green oasis carved out in an urban environment.

Have some sort of design style in mind.

Do you want to be transported to Tuscany while sipping on your favorite wine? Think dark wood furniture, terracotta pots and natural stone accents. Or, is an eclectic boho space more of your vibe? You can achieve this with tropical plants, a playful mix of patterns and travel-inspired decor. Your balcony can be an extension of your interior, or it can be its own unique space.

If you plan to incorporate plants on your balcony, do your research.

Balcony Boss has numerous guides on selecting the right plants for your space. Is your balcony in direct sunlight all day, or is it shade covered? The amount of light your balcony gets during the day will impact your plant choice, so keep that in mind when making your selections. Also, if you’re really limited on space, think about railing planter boxes and vertical pots to add the maximum amount of green.

Cozy it up with pillows, blankets, cushions, rugs and other decorative items.

Nothing beats relaxing with a good book (with a cocktail in hand of course!) on your balcony after a long day, and having a cozy spot to do that makes it even better!

A macrame hammock chair with a light blue cushion and colorful patterned throw pillows and a blanket hangs invitingly. Below the hammock, a round woven pouf is topped with a matching patterned cushion. A brightly colored rug with intricate designs in shades of pink, orange, and blue covers the balcony floor. The balcony walls and railing are adorned with lush green plants in hanging pots and climbing vines, creating a natural and enclosed feel. Warm-toned string lights with orange bulbs are strung across the ceiling and along the walls, adding a magical and festive ambiance. In the background, multi-story apartment buildings are visible under a slightly overcast sky.

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