Small Space Solutions: 10 Ideas for Tiny Urban Balconies
Even the smallest city balcony can provide a true extension to your living space with these clever fixes
City living and outdoor space don’t always go together. That’s why even a small balcony is a real luxury … if you know what to do with it, that is. From creating a nap-inducing lounge area to planting a bustling garden retreat, we show you how to make your small outdoor space work its socks off in 10 small, and perfectly formed, ideas.
2. Create a cosy reading spot
Even in the cooler months, curling up with a book outside can be a refreshing change of scenery. Bring in cushions and throws for an inexpensive way
to update the look each season.
Check out the best book nooks on Houzz
Even in the cooler months, curling up with a book outside can be a refreshing change of scenery. Bring in cushions and throws for an inexpensive way
to update the look each season.
Check out the best book nooks on Houzz
3. Plan a balcony garden
With more and more people opting for container gardens and vertical options, it seems there’s no space too small to get growing these days. Create your own green oasis by planting herbs and edibles in pot, then line them along the edge of your balustrade for bonus privacy.
Discover 10 easy edibles to grow in containers
With more and more people opting for container gardens and vertical options, it seems there’s no space too small to get growing these days. Create your own green oasis by planting herbs and edibles in pot, then line them along the edge of your balustrade for bonus privacy.
Discover 10 easy edibles to grow in containers
4. Utilise old shelving
Display your favourite plants proudly in colourful pots to add personality to your space. Fall
in love with bonsai plants; they grow slowly, and provide a low-maintenance garden option for busy city professionals.
Display your favourite plants proudly in colourful pots to add personality to your space. Fall
in love with bonsai plants; they grow slowly, and provide a low-maintenance garden option for busy city professionals.
5. Take the indoors out
A striking rug is a great way to add a flash of colour to your outdoor space. Plus, by choosing a design to match an adjacent room to your balcony, you can create a homely synergy between your indoor and outdoor spaces.
A striking rug is a great way to add a flash of colour to your outdoor space. Plus, by choosing a design to match an adjacent room to your balcony, you can create a homely synergy between your indoor and outdoor spaces.
6. Set up a breakfast nook
Wake up to a welcoming breakfast seating area. Romantic, bistro-style furniture can help soften brick walls and stark concrete floors. Add your personality to the space with
a patterned tablecloth or colourful seat cushions.
Be inspired by 9 charming breakfast spots
Wake up to a welcoming breakfast seating area. Romantic, bistro-style furniture can help soften brick walls and stark concrete floors. Add your personality to the space with
a patterned tablecloth or colourful seat cushions.
Be inspired by 9 charming breakfast spots
7. Go for space-saving options
Maximise your area’s potential with foldaway furniture than can be tucked away when not in use. Choose a small umbrella to add handy shade, and don’t forget to utilise your corner space for plants and ornaments.
Maximise your area’s potential with foldaway furniture than can be tucked away when not in use. Choose a small umbrella to add handy shade, and don’t forget to utilise your corner space for plants and ornaments.
8. Let the view inspire you
Take inspiration from your surroundings when decorating your outdoor space. Here, a plain seating area is given a boost with accessories in cool blue hues to match the ocean vista.
Can a good view improve your mental health?
Take inspiration from your surroundings when decorating your outdoor space. Here, a plain seating area is given a boost with accessories in cool blue hues to match the ocean vista.
Can a good view improve your mental health?
9. Keep it simple
To prevent cluttering, keep your furniture simple. If your balcony is too streamlined to fit a sofa with room for your feet, go for a relaxed corner day bed or chaise and enjoy afternoon tea at your toes.
To prevent cluttering, keep your furniture simple. If your balcony is too streamlined to fit a sofa with room for your feet, go for a relaxed corner day bed or chaise and enjoy afternoon tea at your toes.
10. Inject your personality
Remember, your outdoor space is as much an extension of you as it is an extension of your house. Think carefully about what you want to use it for and what you want to get out of it. Whether it’s a reading room, home office or alfresco dining spot, your small outdoor space could be the extra room you’ve always dreamed of.
TELL US
How do you make use of your balcony space? Please share your photos and ideas in the comments below.
MORE
Take a look at these extreme balconies
Houzz envy: incredible rooms with a view
10 space-saving ideas for small kitchens
Remember, your outdoor space is as much an extension of you as it is an extension of your house. Think carefully about what you want to use it for and what you want to get out of it. Whether it’s a reading room, home office or alfresco dining spot, your small outdoor space could be the extra room you’ve always dreamed of.
TELL US
How do you make use of your balcony space? Please share your photos and ideas in the comments below.
MORE
Take a look at these extreme balconies
Houzz envy: incredible rooms with a view
10 space-saving ideas for small kitchens
Wall space is precious collateral in urban balconies, so make the most of it. Wall-mounted planters add life to plain walls, and those without green fingers can hang a piece of artwork to create a striking focal point.