Living in a big city often means making the most of limited space, and that was exactly the challenge I faced when styling and decorating my small balcony. At just under 48 inches wide, the goal was to create a warm, inviting, and relaxing spot where a couple of people could comfortably hang out.
One of the biggest obstacles? No power outlet on the balcony. Since I love ambient lighting, I opted for solar lights, which worked beautifully.
Step 1: Start with the Floor
I love incorporating color into my decor, so I used a vibrant outdoor rug to define the space. This particular rug comes in multiple sizes, and I found that two 4×6 rugs fit perfectly. It’s durable and holds up well outdoors.
Step 2: Choose Functional Yet Comfortable Furniture
Finding the right furniture was essential. I wanted something modular for flexibility and storage. The SOLLERÖN collection from IKEA, which is only available seasonally, was a great fit. If you’re looking for alternatives, here is a similar modular piece to consider.
For a unique and space-saving table, I repurposed a small wine/beer barrel and added a coat of sealer for weather resistance. Another great option is this compact metal table with built-in storage.
Step 3: Add Cooking Essentials
A small grill was a must-have for my balcony, and I fell in love with the red Cuisinart gas grill. It’s compact, stylish, and perfect for grilling salmon and burgers.
Step 4: Incorporate Stylish Finishing Touches
Faux Bougainvillea for a Pop of Color
I searched extensively for high-quality, vibrant faux flowers and finally found gorgeous faux bougainvillea on Etsy. These flowers mimic the lush, colorful look often seen at outdoor restaurant patios. To maintain their beauty, I treated them with Scotchgard when I first hung them and refresh the coat each spring. (Also, don’t forget to Scotchgard your cushions for extra protection!)
DIY Faux Grass Tension Pole
To create an anchor point for my lighting, I covered a tension pole with faux grass and secured it with Mod Podge or Gorilla Glue. Wrapping raffia twine around the pole while the glue dried helped keep everything in place. The best part? This setup is completely removable and won’t damage your balcony.
Cozy Cushion & Pillow Covers
I enhanced the seating with white pillow covers featuring colorful French sayings, along with smaller solid-colored throw pillows to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Step 5: Install Solar-Powered Lighting
Lighting is crucial for setting the mood, and since my balcony lacks an electrical outlet, I went with solar string lights. Check out my favorite lighting solution here.
With these easy and stylish updates, my tiny balcony became a functional and relaxing retreat. Happy decorating!
For more patio decor inspiration, check out my other posts.