20 Innovative Ideas to Maximize Your Small Balcony

As life in the city gets busier, the prospect of having a private space to escape becomes more exciting. I have been thinking about all of the ways our small balcony could be used, from a delightful dining area to a relaxing reading nook.

So this week I spruced everything up in anticipation of the warmer seasons, and today I thought I would share some easy tips. From the stylish to the minimal, here is a look at 20 new small balcony decorating ideas that maximize space.

Cozy & Romantic Nooks

Okay, can we talk about turning that little balcony into the most romantic spot? I’m so in love with this idea because it’s so simple to execute.

To me, all you really need are a couple of cute chairs and a small table, maybe a round one because it helps save even more space. Then you can bring in some potted plants with lovely flowers and some colorful string lighting to get that dreamy glow.

Just imagine enjoying a homemade meal out there and taking in the view. You can share a sweet moment every weekend without the hassle of booking a table at a fancy restaurant!

String lighting is a great way to light up a tiny balcony without using any floor space.

A slim table and red chairs are perfect for this tiny Paris balcony. [From: A+B Kasha Designs]

I love this classy, eclectic look for decorating a small balcony for lunch!

Potted flowering plants add such an elegant and fresh feel to this Scandinavian-style balcony.

Lights, flowers, and a small bench create such a romantic escape on this balcony.

Movable blinds and shades are a great way to make a small balcony more comfortable.

Smart & Stylish Furniture

Now, I know the trickiest part about making the most of a small balcony is getting furniture that fits your style and does what you need it to. I am a huge fan of custom corner seats because they’re super comfy and also give you storage space underneath. Genius!

Things like string lights, round outdoor tables, and chairs that can be folded away when you’re not using them are a great way to save space. The key is to make sure you don’t pack too much onto the balcony.

You want to create a visual balance between empty areas and your decor. Let your overall style guide how much greenery the balcony needs.

So many small balconies in New York City have such dreamy decorating ideas.

A small side table, a comfy chair, and a wall of greenery make this a perfect private balcony. [From: Maurizio Pellizzoni]

The colorful decor in this tiny modern balcony is just so good.

I love this mix of shabby chic and Scandinavian style. [From: Josephine Interior]

A colorful mix of pillows looks so inviting on this small balcony seat. [From: AFT Construction]

Folding doors create a nice separation between this black balcony and the master bedroom.

Just a few chairs and plants are all you need for a small contemporary balcony. [From: Studio Morton]

A Quiet Escape

This might be one of my favorite ideas, and honestly, it’s so clever! I was surprised to see that a balcony can easily become a lovely home workspace that’s bright and sheltered.

With so many of us trying to find room for a home office, that little balcony off the master bedroom is such an innovative and unique option.

You might need to add a few blinds or shades to help with any glare, but it would be so worth the effort! Or, you can go in a completely different direction and transform the small balcony into a personal relaxing hub.

I love the idea of a comfy daybed and seat in the corner. Plus, you can use the space underneath for storage, so your tiny balcony becomes a multi-tasking solution.