If you have a balcony to play with, make it as luxurious as possible with fabulous balcony furniture! No matter what kind of balcony you have, there are chairs, tables, and more to elevate the space. Read on to discover 10 aesthetic ideas to suit everyone’s tastes!
Balcony Furniture Ideas
When you’re redecorating, it’s easy to spend all your time and all your budget indoors. Creating a beautiful interior, no matter what your style, is a big project. Sometimes the outside of your house or apartment ends up looking a little neglected.
Especially the balcony. If you’re lucky enough to have a balcony on your home, don’t’ let it go to waste! Especially if your balcony is your home’s only extension into the outdoors. Your balcony should be a haven – a place for all your decorating dreams to run wild.
Because it’s outside in the fresh air, and because it’s often somewhat private, your balcony can be a place to play with decorating themes and ideas. You don’t have to worry about painting walls or practicality here. All you have to do is find furniture that brings you joy and then accessorize.
Balcony Furniture 101
Decorating the outdoors is a bit different than decorating an interior room. Remember to keep a few basics in mind as you search for your ideal balcony furniture.
Climate
If you live in Seattle, remember that no matter how amazing an overhang you have above your furniture, it will be exposed to consistent rain and mist. If you live in New England, your balcony will have to deal with freezing temperatures for at least 5 months each year. Know your climate and decorate accordingly. Choose furniture that can weather the seasons in your location. You’ll save yourself a world of disappointment in the future.
Access
If you’re investing in quality furniture, or using beloved family heirlooms on your balcony, keep access in mind. Don’t display your gorgeous furniture if your balcony is open to thieves. If your balcony is easy to reach from the street, bring in the beautiful pieces at night or before you leave home. An easy-to-access balcony should be protected as much as possible. Add security cameras or chain your furniture to the wall. Don’t give thieves an all-you-can-steal buffet!
Moving
If this isn’t your forever home, make sure you can fit your furniture through the door. Sometimes, a piece arrives unassembled, and once it’s put together, it’s trapped forever in one location. I had a piano like that—we had to cut off half the wall to move it. If your lease doesn’t allow for cutting walls or removing doors, don’t put together balcony furniture that can’t fit through the door. Don’t trap yourself with furniture that fits perfectly on the balcony but can’t ever leave.
Alright, with the basics out of the way, let’s take a look at some gorgeous furniture together! Style by style.
1. Cozy
A cozy, casual balcony is so inviting! Like a little nest up above the crowds, a balcony built around comfort can truly become a retreat. Pillows, blankets, and books all piled on furniture that feels welcoming. Cozy furniture isn’t just for desert areas either. A wide, welcoming couch even a low platform is an ideal spot to build a little nest of easy to move cushions and blankets.
If your balcony is completely open to the elements, everything that might be rain or snow damaged should be easy to pack up and bring inside. If your balcony is covered, snuggle up on those pillows and watch the rain fall.
2. Traditional
If you’re looking for something that feels classy, but is still calm and low maintenance, a low-key traditional outdoor table and chairs might be ideal. Wire seats with curved backs and a wire or wooden table is an easy set to dress up or down.
After all, you can easily add a bit of extra comfort. Pile a few cushions on the chairs and light a couple candles to soften this style. If you’re hosting, add fresh flowers and a pitcher of fruit-infused ice water or a pot of tea. Traditional styles for outdoor furniture focus on weather-resistant materials and graceful, uncluttered designs.
3. Rustic
Whether you’re living in the country, or just longing for the great outdoors, a rustic balcony can keep you grounded. With reclaimed pallet chairs and tables, your balcony will feel like a woodland homestead. Add in some plaid, flannel pillows, fresh flowers, and a few candles and you’ve got the perfect place for a friendly barbecue or an early morning crossword puzzle.
Rustic balcony hideaways can give you a place to retreat everyday from the stresses of daily life. Just remember that rustic furniture can be a little bulky for small balconies. If you can’t fit a whole ensemble on your balcony, try adding a rustic side table in among slimmer chairs to bring the right feel to your tiny space.
4. Bohemian
Give your little balcony a bohemian vibe for that “artist in the city” feeling. You can bring in some low embroidered cushions, hanging plants, and maybe a hammock. Bohemian balconies are full of live plants and places to lounge. With a few candles or fairy lights, your balcony could become the perfect place for restful afternoon reading or late-night star gazing.
Furthermore, bohemian furniture can run the gamut between huge oversized items and clusters of smaller pieces. If you can fit a rattan hanging chair on your balcony, don’t hesitate to add one to the mix!
5. Casual
Simple, casual, easy-to-care-for furniture is a great way to give your balcony a laid-back, friendly vibe. Casual balconies use comfortable, Adirondack chairs and matching tables to set the stage for neighborly barbecues, early morning coffee, and work-from-home afternoons.
If Adirondack chairs are too big for your balcony space, try lightweight folding chairs and a folding card table. Casual furniture is often inexpensive and easy to transport, and it’s one of the best styles to use in an interim period. If you’re only planning to stay in an apartment for a year, or if you have big decorating plans, but no time, add some casual furniture to create a temporary haven.
6. Contemporary
Straight lines, stark colors, and strong shapes form the backbone of this style. No matter where your live, this urban, assertive look proudly proclaims that you’re a forward-thinking, edgy, and artistic soul. Contemporary styles are great for people who love to add a tiny splash of color to a monochromatic pallet.
You can express so much with it. This style is interesting, exciting, and perfect for small Sunday brunches with friends. As strong and direct as contemporary furniture is, it’s often incredibly forgiving as well. No matter the size or shape of your balcony, contemporary furniture can bring a cohesive feel.
7. Minimalist
Apartment-dwelling minimalists need a comfortable space outdoors as well. You want to keep your balcony light on furniture, but full of warmth and welcome, right? Two simple white chairs or a set of square floor cushions creates that haven of uncluttered hospitality that you deserve.
Best of all, simple, minimalistic items are the easiest to move. If the sky is threatening to rain or you found a better apartment in the next city, just pack up and go. A minimalist style is all about keeping your possessions light and portable.
8. Vintage
The 1960s were full of durable, plasticized cushions, bright colors, and smooth lines. The furniture from this era reminds me of hard candies: colorful and shiny. Tuck a tiny, bright, vintage refrigerator and a couple of retro chairs out on your balcony to reclaim some of the charm of yesteryear.
Add a neon sign or old advertising posters on the walls. Vintage furniture is often a great option for rainy climates or smaller balconies. Houses were a little bit smaller back then, and furniture was built to be comfortable in close quarters.
9. Elegant
Lush, elegant balconies are a glorious addition to your home. Whether your balcony is simply elegant or over-the-top luxurious, an elegant balcony gives an almost escapist feel to your outdoor space. No matter how simple and casual the interior of your apartment is, adding an elegant balcony to your space will create a in home retreat.
A simple, classic white wicker chair and some flowers make a perfect beginning for elegant balcony furniture. If you have more space, add a coffee table and a thick, outdoor rug.
10. Eclectic
Your balcony can become the most excited and hospitable little spot in your home! It all starts with furniture. Find a piece or two of furniture that really speaks to you. Sometimes, those pieces will mix and match styles to create something incredibly unique—your own personal style. If that ends up being the heart of your balcony décor, go for it! Add a vintage refrigerator to a traditional patio set. Eclectic balconies are always fascinating.
Furniture Foundations
Look in local flea markets, thrift stores, and antique stores for unique pieces of furniture to design your balcony around. With the right foundation piece, your balcony can become a beautiful, creative haven for you and your guests.
Take the time to pick out the right furniture for your balcony. It will make the rest of your decorating so much easier. It’ll also help your feel happy and comfortable one your little perch.
