London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Wednesday, Jul 09, 2025

6 Simple Ways to Turn Your Balcony into an Outdoor Oasis

6 Simple Ways to Turn Your Balcony into an Outdoor Oasis

A balcony is a prized amenity for apartment dwellers. These balcony decorating ideas will help you create a cozy outdoor hangout, no matter how small your space.

For anyone living in an apartment or condo, having a balcony is a major perk. Although it's not as luxurious as a sprawling backyard, even a tiny balcony provides a private outdoor space where you can kick back and take in some fresh air. And with a little extra attention to the design, your balcony can serve as a cozy outdoor hangout that's well equipped for dining, entertaining, gardening, and unwinding. These balcony decorating ideas demonstrate how you can turn even a sliver of space into a relaxing outdoor retreat.



1. Personalize your balcony with pretty accessories.


Bring in color and pattern to transform a lifeless balcony into a stylish oasis. Start by anchoring the space with an outdoor area rug for a large dose of pattern. Pull up a couple of chairs and top them with colorful pillows made from weather-resistant fabric. Plants are another easy way to liven up a small outdoor space; just be sure to choose varieties that are suitable for the light and temperatures on your balcony.



2. Create a balcony entertaining station.


Outfit your balcony with a bar cart that's stocked with the essentials for outdoor entertaining. Along with your favorite cocktail-making ingredients, be sure to include a few accents, such as a potted plant or framed artwork. If you're worried about your dishes taking a tumble, use drinkware that's made of durable, shatter-resistant materials like melamine, plastic, or stainless steel. Choose a cart on wheels that you can easily roll back inside when happy hour is over.

3. Establish privacy on your balcony.


Complete privacy will be difficult to achieve if your balcony butts up to other apartments or opens onto the street, but there are a few simple ways to establish a more private space. Position containers of tall plants along the railing, or hang a row of plants with trailing leaves to screen your balcony. Outdoor curtains are another easy solution that blocks harsh light as well as views from nosy neighbors.



4. Set up a balcony dining area.


A small table and a couple of chairs are all you need to enjoy your morning coffee or a casual meal out on the balcony. Choose a round table shape over a rectangular one to make it easier to navigate around. A small settee or cushioned bench offers seating for multiple people without taking up too much space. Add a centerpiece and a few tabletop accessories to elevate your alfresco meal.



5. Consider scale and durability when choosing furniture.


Furnish your balcony with pieces that match its scale. Trying to squeeze a bunch of bulky furniture onto a minuscule balcony will quickly overwhelm it. Instead, choose options with streamlined, low-profile shapes, such as armless chairs, bistro tables, and petite side tables. Durability is another key consideration when decorating a balcony. Look for furniture and accessories made from materials like aluminum, wrought iron, resin wicker, plastic, or teak that will stand up well to the elements.



6. Carve out zones on a larger balcony.


If you're lucky enough to have a large balcony or even a rooftop terrace, break it up into zones for different activities. Designate areas for entertaining, dining, or relaxing with a book, for example. This outdoor space includes a cozy conversation area situated around a fire table and comfortable seating for solo relaxing. A freestanding patio heater keeps the balcony cozy on cool evenings.

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
BRICS Expands Membership with Indonesia and Ten New Partner Countries
Weinstein Victim’s Lawyer Says MeToo Movement Still Strong
U.S. Enacts Sweeping Tax and Spending Legislation Amid Trade Policy Shifts
Football Mourns as Diogo Jota and Brother André Silva Laid to Rest in Portugal
Labour Expected to Withdraw Support for Special Needs Funding Model
Leaked Audio Reveals Tory Aide Defending DEI Record
Elon Musk Founds a Party Following a Poll on X: "You Wanted It – You Got It!"
London Stock Exchange Faces Historic Low in Initial Public Offerings
A new online platform has emerged in the United Kingdom, specifically targeting Muslim men seeking virgin brides
Trump Celebrates Independence Day with B-2 Flyover and Signs Controversial Legislation
Boris Johnson Urges Conservatives to Ignore Farage
SNP Ordered to Update Single-Sex Space Guidance Within Days
Starmer Set to Reject Calls for Wealth Taxes
Stolen Century-Old Rolls-Royce Recovered After Hotel Theft
Macron Presses Starmer to Recognise Palestinian State
Labour Delayed Palestine Action Ban Over Riot Concerns
Swinney’s Tax Comments ‘Offensive to Scots’, Say Tories
High Street Retailers to Enforce Bans on Serial Shoplifters
Music Banned by Henry VIII to Be Performed After 500 Years
Steve Coogan Says Working Class Is Being ‘Ethnically Cleansed’
Home Office Admits Uncertainty Over Visa Overstayer Numbers
JD Vance Questions Mandelson Over Reform Party’s Rising Popularity
Macron to Receive Windsor Carriage Ride in Royal Gesture
Labour Accused of ‘Hammering’ Scots During First Year in Power
BBC Head of Music Stood Down Amid Bob Vylan Controversy
Corbyn Eyes Hard-Left Challenge to Starmer’s Leadership
London Tube Trains Suspended After Major Fire Erupts Nearby
Richard Kemp: I Felt Safer in Israel Under Attack Than in the UK
Cyclist Says Police Cited Human Rights Act for Riding No-Handed
China’s Central Bank Consults European Peers on Low-Rate Strategies
AI Raises Alarms Over Long-Term Job Security
Saudi Arabia Maintains Ties with Iran Despite Israel Conflict
Musk Battles to Protect Tesla Amid Trump Policy Threats
Air France-KLM Acquires Majority Stake in Scandinavian Airlines
UK Educators Sound Alarm on Declining Child Literacy
Shein Fined €40 Million in France Over Misleading Discounts
Brazil’s Lula Visits Kirchner During Argentina House Arrest
Trump Scores Legislative Win as House Passes Tax Reform Bill
Keir Starmer Faces Criticism After Rocky First Year in Power
DJI Launches Heavy-Duty Coaxial Quadcopter with 80 kg Lift Capacity
U.S. Senate Approves Major Legislation Dubbed the 'Big Beautiful Bill'
Largest Healthcare Fraud Takedown in U.S. History Announced by DOJ
Poland Implements Border Checks Amid Growing Migration Tensions
Political Dispute Escalates Between Trump and Musk
Emirates Airline Expands Market Share with New $20 Million Campaign
Amazon Reaches Milestone with Deployment of One Millionth Robot
US Senate Votes to Remove AI Regulation Moratorium from Domestic Policy Bill
Yulia Putintseva Calls for Spectator Ejection at Wimbledon Over Safety Concerns
Jury Deliberations in Diddy Trial Yield Partial Verdict in Serious Criminal Charges
House Oversight Committee Subpoenas Former Jill Biden Aide Amid Investigation into Alleged Concealment of President Biden's Cognitive Health
×