How To Create A Cozy Outdoor Space For Your Small Balcony on any Budget

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My favorite place to hang out in the summer is my small condo balcony that overlooks the Atlanta skyline. Living in a city means no backyard but you can still have a cozy outdoor space even if it is small. I recommend starting with deciding how you would like to use your outdoor space and section off dedicated zones so you make the most of your small apartment balcony. Then comes the fun part of finding furniture and decor that fits your style and budget! It can be overwhelming but if you keep in mind how you plan to use your outdoor space you will be able to find decor that makes you happy and fits in your budget. I’ve made it easier for you to navigate creating a cozy outdoor space for your budget by including small balcony ideas in this post. Don’t forget to measure before you make purchases and consider the natural elements.

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How To Create A Cozy Outdoor Space For Your Small Balcony on any Budget

It took me some time to navigate the best layout for my balcony, as it is small and long. I decided to break it into 3 sections; a lounge area for entertaining guests, a bar area where I can eat dinner and sitting area for just Teddy and I. My bar top that sits on my balcony railing was made for me but you can find a similar bar top here. My indoor decor is mostly modern minimalistic and I brought that style outside too. The large sectional I have is from West Elm and was an investment piece. When doing research, I found a lot of good quality outdoor furniture is expensive and that’s mostly because it’s meant to last through the outdoor elements of water and sun. My favorite part was decorating with plants and shatterproof string lights. I hope this blog post inspires you to transform your small balcony into a cozy outdoor space that you love to hangout in!

1. Create Zones To Make The Most Of Your Small Outdoor Space

Whether you have a small or large outdoor space that is narrow, long or wide, you will need to decide how you want to use your outdoor space before you start decorating your balcony or patio. This way you will make the most of your balcony space. Are you looking to entertain friends, have a meal, lounge around or have ultimate barbecues? The possibilities are endless! You should create your outdoor space to work for your needs. After deciding how you want to use your space, break your balcony or patio into zones. Decide the best layout for your size space. If you want to entertain friends, decide where to put a sectional. Or if you would like to barbecue, find a spot for a grill. Remember, less is more especially if you have a small balcony.

2. Furniture Decor Ideas For Your Small Balcony

Now that you’ve figured out how to optimize your small balcony space to make the most of it, you’ll need to find the right furniture. Below you’ll find seating ideas for your small balcony. You may have room for a larger sectional or perhaps a small couch with an extra chair. If your balcony is very small, you may need to opt for a bistro set. Make sure to leave room for side tables. Use rugs to help create sections on our balcony or use one large rug to fit the whole space. For cool nights, I recommend a fire pit that fits your balcony size such as the table top fire pit. Don’t be afraid to use a pop of color!

Start with seating

Bistro sets

Consider an egg chair

Don’t forget Side tables

Add A Rug

A firepit makes for cozy evenings

Add a bar area for entertaining

3. Plants Make The Best Balcony Decor

An easy way to decorate your small balcony is by adding natural elements such as plants. Get creative with plants by hanging them or using a railing box to keep them off the ground. And if you don’t have green thumbs, opt for faux plants. They are much easier to take care of!

4. Bring Ambiance To Your Balcony By Including Lighting

The number one idea I absolutely recommend for your small balcony space is adding these shatterproof string lights for just under $30! The string lights and lanterns will transform your patio at night and create a cozy ambiance. Include a smart outdoor plug that works with Alexa or Google Assistant to easily turn your outdoor lights on/off.

5. Create Privacy

If you share a space or look right into your neighbors, create privacy by hanging curtains or using artificial hedge walls.

6. Keep Your Pet In Mind

Don’t forget to keep your pet in mind when decorating your balcony. By adding mesh to your railing, dogs and cats will be safe from falling through the railing. Don’t forget to get your pet a cot to stay cool.