Balcony Design Ideas: Style Inspiration For Balconies Big and Small

Having your own outdoor balcony to enjoy some much-needed fresh air and sunshine (UK weather permitting, of course) is one of life’s simple pleasures.

But more often than not, we find that renters and homeowners typically fail to use these precious areas to their full potential.

That’s why, in this post, we’ve compiled some of our favourite balcony design ideas, covering everything from furniture and flooring to plant decor and lighting.

Read on to find balcony ideas that make the very best of your space, whether you’re hosting family and friends or looking to escape into your own private sanctuary.

Define what you want

When on the hunt for balcony ideas and inspiration, you need to first make sure you have a clear idea of how you’d like to use the area.

Do you want a quiet area to practise yoga after work? A social space that can double up as a sunbathing spot? Your own little slice of floral paradise?

Defining the function of your space first will help to inspire a wave of balcony design ideas that are best suited to your unique requirements. After all, every outdoor balcony has its own distinctive character, so what suits one space may not necessarily work for another.

The important takeaway? Never prioritise style over function with balcony ideas – for the best balcony designs, the two should always work in tandem.

Pick the right furniture

When it comes to picking the right outdoor furniture for your balcony, you need to strike the right balance between style, comfort and practicality.

Yes, you want soft and swanky seats for lounging and socialising, but don’t forget to consider how your choices might impact the overall functionality of the area.

This is especially important if you’re looking for small balcony ideas (which will be the go-to for most UK balcony users), as bulky furniture will dominate the whole space and make it feel unnecessarily cluttered.

If you’re considering bigger furniture items such as benches, we recommend measuring the area of your balcony and the furniture you have your eye on before you commit to buying. 

This will help you factor practical considerations such as manoeuvrability into your decision making.

If you’re working with minimal space, keeping furniture versatile and multifunctional can be one of the most impactful small balcony ideas to implement in your home.

This might include suspended hammocks or chairs, multipurpose furniture that can serve as a seat or a table, or built-in benches that sit flush to the wall. With the right accessories, such as cushions and throws, you can up the comfort factor of your seating without eating into precious floor space.

Alternatively, you might want to consider flexible options such as foldaway furniture. Not only do folding chairs and tables give you more flexibility with floor space, but they’re also quick and easy to move indoors for protection against the elements during colder months.

Consider privacy and shade

Contending with nosy neighbours or being scorched by the sun after just a few minutes outside can put you off wanting to head outdoors. However, with the right additions to your balcony, you can create a cool, intimate space to enjoy all day long.

Depending on your budget and space, consider adding an overhead cover to your balcony. This could be something as simple as a large outdoor umbrella, or a more permanent structure like a pergola. The cover not only provides welcome shade when the sun’s beating down, but can also offer some extra shelter during harsher weather.

Wooden lattices or screens can also work wonders in giving balconies a more intimate and private feel, should you need it.

Taking up minimal space, these are ideal for shielding exposed balconies from the wind (and passers-by!). To add some personality, paint the wood in a vibrant colour that suits your decor theme.

Add some green touches

Who said gardens had to be on floor level? Not us – we fully embrace the idea of adding a touch of green to your outdoor balcony area.

To maximise your use of space, start with the walls. You’ll have a minimum of two vertical spaces to work with here, so consider how you can contrast or complement different styles and colours of plants for a distinctive balcony aesthetic.

While you’d be forgiven for assuming that balcony garden ideas were only for our green-fingered readers, you’ll actually find that most plant wall panels are artificial. This is because your balcony walls will typically receive less sunlight, meaning many real flowers would find it difficult to grow.

For gardening novices, this boasts a clear advantage: the requirement for absolutely no upkeep. This means you can achieve the vibrant look of a seasonal, well-kept garden without having to lift a finger – and best of all, you can enjoy it all year round.

If you’re keen to introduce some real plant life to your space, small potted plants or plant hangers suspended from the ceiling are among the best balcony garden ideas to run with.

Pots can be placed along your balcony edge or, space permitting, on a designated outdoor shelving unit – just remember to water them and make sure they get plenty of sunlight.

Don’t forget about your floors

It’s important not to overlook the importance of what’s underfoot when designing any outside space – even if that floor space is mostly undercover.

For a low-maintenance and hard-wearing balcony flooring idea, stylish outdoor tiles are the ideal solution.

Faced with frost, rain or high temperatures, tiled balconies with non-slip surfaces can handle prolonged exposure to the elements, making for a long-lasting outdoor flooring solution that’s chic and contemporary.

Tiled balconies won’t stop your space from feeling cosy and welcoming, either – far from it. Complement neutral, stone-effect tile finishes with a rug or blanket for a way to personalise your design while also creating a soft, warm feel underfoot.

Light it up

Like any room inside your home, lighting plays a key role in achieving your finished look, so don’t let it be an afterthought. Design a sumptuous space on your balcony by using mood lighting to make it a place that can be enjoyed well after the sun goes down.

When considering your lighting, think about the type of ambience you want to create. If you have a boho vibe in mind, think dinky fairy lights and tealight lanterns dotted around the balcony edge to give the whole area a soft, magical glow during the evenings.

If you prefer al fresco dining with a little more illumination, wall-mounted outdoor lights could be the way to go. You can always soften the glow as the evening progresses using solar-powered lanterns.

Creating an outdoor haven isn’t just for homes with huge gardens. Whatever balcony space you have outside your property, with the right balcony design ideas, you can carve out an outdoor sanctuary to use day or night throughout the year.

To find the perfect flooring option to complete your balcony makeover, take a look at our diverse online range of outdoor tiles now. You can even order a small tile sample for just £1.99 if you want to try out your balcony ideas before placing your full order.