Having a small balcony can seem limiting, but with some clever ideas and thoughtful design, even the tiniest of balconies can become an inviting outdoor oasis.
Now let’s loo at TOP creative ways to maximize and utilize every inch of a small balcony space.
With a bit of creativity and strategic planning, you can create the illusion of more room and make the most of what you have.
Here are TOP tips and tricks for maximizing space on small balconies.
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Use Multipurpose Furniture
When working with a compact balcony, multipurpose furniture is key for saving space.
Look for furniture that serves more than one function, such as a storage bench that doubles as extra seating, a bistro set with stools that tuck under the table, or a coffee table that opens up for storage.
Items that fold up or collapse when not in use are perfect for small balconies.
You can even find chairs that fold into a ladder for reaching high shelves.
Getting furniture that does double or triple duty allows you to have all the features you want without cluttering up the space.
Here are some examples of great multipurpose furniture for small balconies:
– Folding bistro set with two chairs that tuck under the table neatly when not in use
– Adirondack chair with pull-out ottoman for extra seating
– Coffee table with storage shelves inside to hold books and decor
– Chaise lounge chair that folds upright for storage against a wall
– Cubbies that double as extra seating when topped with cushions
– Bench with hidden storage inside to keep clutter out of sight
When shopping for multipurpose balcony furniture, look for pieces that are sturdy but still relatively lightweight so they can be easily rearranged.
Metal or plastic may be better than heavy wood.
The key is flexibility – choose furniture that allows you to quickly change up your space for different uses.
With the right multipurpose furniture, you can create distinct zones like an intimate dining area or lounge on your small balcony without taking up too much precious square footage.
Use Wall-Mounted Furniture
While multipurpose furniture maximizes floor space, wall-mounted furniture frees up even more room.
Floating shelves are great for displaying potted plants and decor while keeping them out of the way.
A wall-mounted bistro table with fold-down chairs can be discreetly tucked away against the wall when not in use.
Some great options for wall-mounted furniture include:
– Floating corner shelves to hold pots or decor items
– Wall-mounted rod with S-hooks for hanging planters
– Fold-down table and chairs to use only when needed
– Vertical garden made from shelves or cubbies for growing plants
– Floating bench with hidden storage inside the base
– Wall-mounted bike rack, freeing up floor space
– Shelving system for books, dishes, or other small items
Look for wall-mounted furniture options that are lightweight so they don’t stress your wall too much.
And be sure to securely install them into wall studs for safety.
The benefit of vertical storage over floor space is huge for small balconies.
Take advantage of all your wall, railing and vertical space before cluttering up your valuable floor area.
Add Mirrors to Expand Space
One of the easiest tricks for making a small balcony feel larger is to add mirrors.
Mirrors reflect natural light and views, giving the illusion of a bigger space.
Hang a large mirror opposite your seating area to make the space feel doubled.
Or add a tall leaning mirror in a corner to open up the whole area.
Strategically place mirrors to:
– Reflect views of the sky and trees to feel more connected to nature
– Make a narrow balcony feel wider by placing mirrors on side walls
– Expand walking areas by hanging mirrors near entrances or hallways
– Brighten up shady spots by reflecting sunlight into them
– Add depth by hanging two mirrors opposite each other to create an infinite reflection
Look for lightweight mirror options like acrylic mirrors over heavy glass.
And make sure to securely fasten them to prevent damage from weather conditions.
When used creatively, mirrors can make a small balcony feel airy, light and expanded.
Install Overhead Storage
Out of sight is out of mind – and space!
Installing storage overhead is a great way to get clutter off the floor and maximize every inch.
Shelving, wall cabinets, hanging baskets and overhead racks keep items up and out of the way.
Some great overhead storage ideas include:
– Ceiling mounted pot rack for hanging plants
– Wire shelves installed up high for displaying decor
– Floating wall cabinets for hiding dishes, books and small items
– Rail system with hooks for hanging bikes, brooms and other gear
– Hanging fabric cubbies or baskets to conceal odds and ends
– Vertical garden made from shelves or stacked pots on a wall
When installing overhead storage, focus on keeping heavier items closer to the floor and lighter items up high.
Baskets and fabric organizers are great for storing cushions, towels and other lightweight balcony items overhead.
Take advantage of high wall space by hanging down from railings, underneath eaves and anywhere else you can install storage out of the way.
Your floor and walking areas will feel expanded.
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Choose Furniture with Hidden Storage
Furniture that hides storage inside is perfect for small balconies because it eliminates clutter in plain sight.
Look for pieces like:
– Deck boxes that double as extra seating
– Coffee table or side table with shelves or drawers
– Weatherproof trunk as a coffee table or end table
– Padded benches with storage inside the base
– Folding side table with multiple interior shelves
– Ottoman pouf with hidden storage inside
When evaluating storage furniture, opt for pieces made of durable, weather resistant materials like wood, metal or plastic over fabric.
And make sure any openings have secure closures to keep contents protected from rain and moisture.
The key is to select attractive furniture that seamlessly incorporates storage without being an eyesore.
With the right hidden storage pieces, you can keep outdoor living items tucked away but still easily accessible.
Use Vertical Space
In addition to overhead storage, be sure to take advantage of all vertical real estate.
Vertical space is often underutilized on balconies, so make the most of walls, railings, corners and other areas.
Hang wall hooks, floating shelves, vertical gardens and wall-mounted rod systems for hanging items.
Some examples of using vertical space:
– Turn a narrow wall into a vertical garden for herbs and flowers
– Install bike hooks over the railing for garage-free storage
– Use wall-mounted rods and S-hooks for hanging pots and baskets
– Create a vertical succulent wall garden in a sunny spot
– Hang a wall-mounted drying rack for swimsuits and towels
– Use tall wall shelves or cubbies to hold folded blankets and cushions
Vertical space is prime real estate on small balconies.
And drawing the eye upwards makes ceilings feel higher, adding to the sense of openness.
Take advantage of vertical storage solutions at every opportunity for a clean, clutter-free feel.
Go Portable
When working with limited square footage, portable furnishings are key for flexibility.
Choose lightweight plastic or metal furnishing over bulky wood.
Look for chairs with carrying handles, folding tables and movable seating like poufs.
This allows you to easily change up your layout for different uses.
Some great portable options include:
– Light plastic stacking chairs that can be tucked away
– Folding side table to hold food and drinks, then store away
– Nesting tables in small, medium and large sizes
– Lightweight metal shelves on casters for movable storage
– Plastic or resin chaise lounges without cumbersome frames
– Ottomans on wheels that slide under tables when not in use
Having portable furnishings makes it easy to create distinct zones on your balcony.
Roll out your bistro set for dining then stash it away to lounge on poufs in a conversation area.
Look for lightweight furnishings with carrying handles or wheels to completely transform your small space in seconds
Use Multipurpose Planters
For the green thumb with a petite balcony, multipurpose planters pull double duty.
Choose long window boxes to edge railings and serve as pretty barriers.
Opt for tiered planters to create a vertical garden in less space.
And use footstools or stacking tables with built-in plant wells for greenery that also serves as furnishings.
Some great examples of multipurpose planters include:
– Window boxes lining the railing to hold flowers and herbs
– Folding side table with built-in plant wells for flowers
– Tiered planter boxes attached to the wall for a vertical garden
– Foot stools with planter wells as both seating and greenery
– Hanging plastic buckets from overhead rails as DIY hanging planters
– A hanging wall pocket made from latticework and moss to tuck succulents into
Serving multiple functions is key for planters on petite balconies.
Let greenery provide structure,boundaries and beauty while taking up minimal floor space.
With the right clever planters, you can have abundant plants without sacrificing valuable square footage.
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Use Versatile Furnishings
In addition to portable furnishings, look for versatile pieces that serve different functions.
Ample seating that can easily adapt to different needs is perfect for small balconies.
Some examples of flexible furnishings include:
– Pouf ottomans that can serve as extra seating, footrests or side tables
– Inflatable chairs that deflate for easy storage when not in use
– Folding floor chairs that stack out of the way against a wall
– Small wooden stools that can function as side tables or plant stands
– An outdoor floor pillow that doubles as a pet bed
– A coffee table with removable trays to use as lap trays
Multi-functional furnishings allow you to change up your space for relaxation, dining, working or playing.
And since items like ottomans and floor pillows take up minimal room, you can store extras out of sight until needed.
With creatively flexible furnishings, you can get the maximum use out of every inch of limited balcony space.
Create Multipurpose Zones
Dividing your small balcony into multipurpose zones maximizes functionality.
Create areas for different activities that can easily transition to other needs.
For example:
– A bistro zone for morning coffee that switches to alfresco dining for dinner
– A cozy lounge area by day that becomes an outdoor cinema at night
– A container garden during the day that transforms into a party bar for entertaining
– A peaceful reading corner that packs up for yoga or working out
Use movable screens or partitions to define flexible areas without installing permanent divisions.
Bright outdoor rugs also help delineate special zones.
Just be sure furnishings easily transition between zones.
With some creative planning, even the tiniest balcony can contain multiple mini spaces
Opt for Small-Scale Furniture
When furnishing a compact balcony, scale down both the size and quantity of pieces.
Oversized items will quickly overwhelm the space.
Instead, shop for small-scale furnishings suited to tiny outdoor rooms.
Some examples of appropriately sized furnishings include:
– Bistro table and two chairs made for small decks
– Slender console table against the wall rather than a bulky dining table
– Compact side table that tucks into corners
– Folding butterfly chairs with a small matching side table
– Short bar stools that fit under a high top bistro table
– Small wooden bench or loveseat made for two rather than three
– Cabaret style tables under 30 inches wide
In addition to sticking with compact pieces, limit yourself to only the essentials.
One to two chairs rather than a whole sectional.
A single side table instead of a coffee table and matching end tables.
Thoughtfully curate just enough furnishings, scaled down in size.
Editing down to the bare essentials suited to your space prevents crowding.
Add Height with Plant Stands
One way to get more functionality is to add visual height on your balcony.
Tall plant stands instantly provide vertical interest perfect for small spaces.
Place planter boxes on pedestals, columns and platforms of varying heights to create depth and layers.
Some examples include:
– A set of sleek steel platforms in small, medium and large sizes to stagger planters
– Pedestals in different heights to display pots and sculpture
– A tall, narrow plant stand for vertical gardening in tight spots
– Shelving unit on casters that doubles as a room divider and plant display
– Repurposed items like crates, milk cartons or ladders for eclectic plant stands
– A hanging wall planter with built-in pockets for cascading greenery
Drawing the eye upward gives the illusion of expanded space.
Plant stands take advantage of vertical area while adding striking silhouettes.
Let your plants and flowers be the artwork on display by showcasing them at varying levels.
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Use Lightweight Fabric for Storage and Shade
The billowy, breezy nature of fabric makes it perfect for small balconies.
Lightweight fabric cubes, hangings and canopies add softness without bulk.
Fabrics create airy division and shade while defining spaces beautifully.
Some ways to utilize fabric:
– Floating fabric canopy for airy overhead shelter
– Cotton curtain hung from the ceiling as a room divider
– Sheer panels on hooks to filter harsh sunlight
– Canvas cubbies hung on a wall to stash cushions or books
– Macrame plant holders for indoor/outdoor greenery
– Patterned fabric poufs piled with cushions for flexible seating
Fabric additions make small balconies feel lighter, brighter and airier.
Floating textiles create soft storage and beautiful filtered light.
They pack up neatly when not in use and layer light filtration and privacy.
Incorporate lightweight plant hangers, canopies, curtains and storage containers for a welcoming oasis, even on the tiniest city balcony.
No matter how pint-sized your outdoor space, it can be transformed into a peaceful retreat with the right small-balcony solutions.
With strategic planning and compact scale, even the smallest balcony can become a private urban oasis.
Us
e these creative ideas to give your modest balcony an expanded, light-filled feel.
Here are five additional tips for maximizing small balcony spaces:
1.
Paint walls, ceilings and floors a light color to visibly expand the space.
White or light gray is perfect for making a small area feel more open and airy.
2.
Incorporate reflective materials like glass, mirror and metals for added brightness.
A glass-topped table or shiny metal stool bounces light around.
3.
Add solar lighting along steps, floors and banisters to safely illuminate the space at night.
Opt for small LED puck lights or string lights.
4.
Install a space-saving vertical garden along one wall to get more planting area.
Use wall-mounted planters or shelves for herbs and trailing flowers.
5.
Keep the layout flexible.
Avoid permanently mounting furnishings to maximize rearrangement options.
Let your space evolve based on changing needs.
With some imagination and these space-saving solutions, even the most modest balcony can be a relaxing refuge.
The key is editing down to compact essentials and taking advantage of every inch, both horizontally and vertically.
A small urban balcony might just be your new favorite room with the right care and creativity.
