Tiny but mighty – how to decorate a small balcony

When summer arrives, the balcony becomes the best spot in your home. Luckily, enjoying the fresh air and a light summer vibe doesn’t require a gazillion square meters. With these tips, you can transform even the smallest balcony into a cool summer lounge.

1. Play with colours and patterns

Different colours and patterns bring a guaranteed lift to the balcony – and they fit in any space. Varying textile choices can bring not only a burst of colour but also softness and comfort to your balcony. Colourful furniture and items will add a good dose of energy and personality to the space.

A concrete floor can be easily hidden under wooden tiles.

Tiles are also a great way to add colour to your balcony, as they can be painted to your liking. How about chequered or striped balcony tiles?

Tiles that look great also feel pleasant under your feet.

2. Build your own furniture

Finding the right-sized furniture for a small space can sometimes be challenging. That’s when DIY comes to the rescue!

By stacking pallets, you can create a seating platform or lounging corner that fits your balcony. Pallets come in various sizes, so they suit different spaces. Spread a soft mattress and some comfy cushions on top of the pallets, and you’ve got the most charming spot for sunbathing.

Old wooden crates can be transformed into a side table or stands for candle lanterns and balcony plants. By stacking crates in different directions, you can create a unique shelving unit with plenty of storage space. If you want even more colour on your balcony, you can paint the crates too.

3. Layer your plants

When space is limited, it’s wise to use all available surface areas. This can be achieved by layering plants: place pots in planters of varying heights or lift them onto plant stands or wooden crates to create a multi-dimensional effect. If your balcony allows for hanging, consider using hanging baskets to save floor space.

Choosing climbing plants like a bell vine or ivy can also decorate wall space.

Layering adds cosiness, depth, and a sense of abundance to a small area.

4. Decorate with light strings, hang on a trellis

Decorations are the best friends of the smallest balconies. For instance, a French balcony may not accommodate furniture, but atmospheric light strings or delicate plant stands can fit nicely.

Since you cannot drill holes into the surfaces of SATOhomes and many other rental balconies, consider using a decorative trellis that can be supported against the wall, such as behind a sofa. You can thread fairy lights or hang lightweight items like paper lanterns or stars on the trellis.

5. Less is more

With a small balcony, it’s good to remember that not everything needs to fit there. Focus on just one feature and clear out all unnecessary items.

If your dream is to enjoy your morning coffee comfortably on the balcony, a cosy beanbag and a small table that hooks onto the railing for your coffee cup will suffice. If your dream summer balcony includes dinners under the sky, dedicate most of the space to a small table and chairs.

For those dreaming of afternoon naps, it’s worth furnishing the balcony with a comfortable sunbed, inflatable sofa, or even a hammock with a stand.

Now, all that’s left is to enjoy the warm summer days!