Need some ideas for balcony? Check out these practical and decorative balcony ideas. Whether you’re looking to enhance privacy, add greenery, or create a cozy retreat, these tips will help you make the most of your outdoor space.
This article contains affiliate links. If you click a link and buy something I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information please see the Disclosure page.
Balcony Ideas You’ll Want to See
Continue to scroll right to the end to see a collection of balcony pictures.
1. Balcony Vertical Gardening Ideas
Want to grow some of your own veggies and herbs but you feel restricted by the small square footage of your balcony?
Well, you may have to think upward and get a vertical garden like this unique-styled vertical garden.
This style of planter with the staggered pots would work well for short veggies or herbs.
If you want to grow taller veggies like peas, pole beans or other climbing plants, you can get a planter/trellis combo like the one below. It allows the plants to grow up the framework.
2. Privacy Screens
Make your balcony more private by installing a privacy screen along the railing.
The fabric options – like the one above – are popular and easy to install.
But you can also get some made from reed grass, bamboo or expandable faux ivy hedges.
Privacy screens can block unwanted views and create a more intimate and secluded space.
3. Tall Potted Plants for Privacy
Planting some tall-growing ornamental grasses in decorative planters can provide:
- privacy
- greenery
- and a gentle rustling sound in the breeze
A family member of mine has potted bamboo on her balcony, and she uses lightweight planters to help keep the weight down.
4. Vary the Plants, Pots and Heights
To help add visual appeal to your balcony, you can try mixing matching different plants with different foliage, tall plants and short plants and planter pots of various sizes, shapes and colors.
It may be too eclectic for some people, but others will love the variety.
5. Balcony Bar/Folding Table
This is such a neat idea.
It is a folding table/bar that hangs from your balcony railing.
It provides a perfect spot for drinks and small meals.
Click here to see the current price.
6. Cozy Seating
Want to be able to sit and relax on your balcony? Well, you’ll need some good seating.
There are lots of comfortable seating options like a small couch, a pair of chairs, or even rocking chairs like the set above.
Add cushions and throw blankets for extra comfort and a splash of color.
7. Foldable Table
You may not have the room on your balcony to always have a table set up.
That’s where a folding table like this can really come in handy. It is perfect to hold your morning coffee or evening beverage, but easily folds up when not in use.
These are ideal options for smaller balconies where space is at a premium.
8. Outdoor Rugs
Lay down an outdoor rug to define the space and add warmth underfoot.
Choose a weather-resistant material that complements your decor style.
I personally don’t like the color of this rug in the photo above, but the company SAND MINE does make other color options.
9. Decorative Lights
How would these look on your balcony railing?
I think these railing lights look good, but string lights are also a popular choice that you could drape overhead or around the railing to create a magical, twinkling effect at night.
Lighting like this adds ambiance and helps add to the appeal of relaxing on your balcony at night.
10. Rail Planters with Flowers and/or Herbs
Balcony railings are a great place to hang planters from. It not only brings life to your balcony but also provides fresh ingredients for your cooking if your grow herbs.
You can probably find some neat railing planters at your local retailer, or you can click here to see the above planter on Amazon.
11. Balcony Shade Options
A little bit of sun on your balcony can feel nice, but you don’t want to get scalded. So putting up some shade is a good way to make it more comfortable.
You may not be able to install a shade sail like the one above, but perhaps you could install a retractable awning or an umbrella to provide shade during sunny days.
These options can be adjusted as needed and help create a comfortable outdoor environment.
12. Decorative Pillows
Add a variety of decorative pillows with outdoor-friendly fabric.
This is an easy way to introduce color and pattern while enhancing comfort.
(And there are lots of color options available!)
13. Waterproof Storage Box
Want a handy place to store stuff out on your balcony where it won’t get wet?
The company EAST OAK makes this well-rated outdoor storage box that isn’t too big. It measures just over 22-inches wide, 17-inches deep and just under 21-inches tall.
And what’s cool is that it serves dual purposes: storage and seating. (As long as the person sitting on it doesn’t exceed 170 pounds.)
These are a good place to stow away cushions, hand-held gardening tools and other items to protect them from the weather.
14. Outdoor Art
Art is very subjective but you could hang weather-resistant art to give your balcony a personal touch.
Choose themes that complement the outdoor setting or reflect your personal style.
(These colorful metal butterflies are popular and well-rated but not my style.)
And make sure your art is sheltered from the wind and that it won’t blow away in the breeze.
15. Hummingbird Feeders (or other bird feeders)
My mom loves hummingbirds. And if you do too, perhaps you could get a hummingbird feeder for your balcony.
Watching little hummers is fun and brings nature right to your balcony.
I have never seen this particular hummingbird feeder in real life, but I thought even if it doesn’t attract hummingbirds, you can just pretend it’s art!
16. Wind Chimes
Add a set of wind chimes for a soothing background sound. Their gentle music can create a calming atmosphere and add a whimsical touch to your balcony.
17. Water Features
This image shows it sitting on the ground, but this solar-powered water fountain can also be used as an outdoor tabletop fountain.
The sound of running water can be very relaxing and I think the blue color looks great.
Collection of Balcony Ideas pictures
Here are some pictures of balconies intended to inspire and give you ideas on what is possible. These pictures are AI-created. They aren’t meant to fool you into thinking they’re real: they are intended to inspire.
This modern looking balcony has black, gray and silver as its main color scheme, yet the green of the plants offsets these stark tones.
This balcony also has black and grays, but makes the most of the small space by using a bistro table and chairs. The climbing vine in the corner helps soften the look.
This mid-century modern balcony idea brings the iconic style of the “Mad Men” era outdoors. Imagine sipping cocktails with your friends among the rich wood tones and comfy cushions of a balcony like this. This image was created using Meta-AI and you can see it didn’t get every perfect. For instance, I don’t think a rug like that would work well outdoors…unless you live somewhere with almost no rain.
But it isn’t mean to be perfect….it is intended to inspire you and show you what is possible with an MCM balcony.
Doesn’t this look warm and cozy? This look goes especially well with wooden balcony railings. You could add some flower boxes and planters, rattan or wicker furniture and vintage decorative elements like macramé or distressed metalware (such as galvanized metal pots).
I like how there is a nice assortment of green foliage mixed with colorful flowers. So you aren’t bombarded by too much color nor bored with all green.
This painting of an idyllic balcony scene is reminiscent of early 1980s home and garden magazines.
The warm and inviting balcony features honey-colored wood accents (benches, railings, planters) and vibrant floral arrangements of geraniums, petunias and begonias. it is simple yet looks so cozy.
I hope this list has given you some ideas on how you can adorn your balcony with things to make it more comfortable, special, and more suited to your style.
You May Also Like:
Want some more privacy ideas? If so, you’ll want to check out this article here.
Want to find this article again later? Pin the image below to your favorite Pinterest board.
