Summer’s arrival brings a desire to spend more time outside, from soaking up the sun at outdoor events to enjoying the longer days at home. As the temperature climbs and daylight stretches into the evening, your apartment balcony becomes the place you gravitate towards.
Whether you want to use yours as a morning coffee spot, an evening retreat while the sun sets, or somewhere to grow your plant collection, every balcony has the potential to become an outdoor sanctuary. All it takes is some decorating ideas and inspiration to bring your vision to life.
To help you create a summer-ready outdoor space, here are our favourite small balcony ideas, including decorating tips from Cassia‘s interior designer, Joanna.
Small balcony ideas and design inspiration
Choose durable furniture
Furniture is the foundation of every outdoor living scheme. Space-saving designs are a smart choice for small balconies where you want to make the most of the available square footage. Joanna comments, “Compact, multi-functional furniture works best in smaller outdoor spaces. Foldable bistro sets, slim-profile lounge chairs and benches with hidden storage help maximise usability without overcrowding the area.”
When it comes to materials, think strength and longevity. “Durability is key for balconies because of changing weather conditions,” she says. “Powder-coated metal, treated timber and outdoor-grade fabrics are all practical choices as they’re designed to resist moisture and fading.” This ensures your balcony furnishings will last throughout the seasons for years to come.
Bring in greenery
Whether you want low-maintenance leaves that only need occasional watering, or you’re a green-fingered enthusiast, plants will instantly bring your outdoor space to life.
Adding greenery to your balcony décor also extends its use beyond the summer months. “Plants and flowers are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to refresh the space throughout the year – whether that’s herbs in the summer or evergreen planting in winter.”
They’re apartment-friendly too, as you can use tiered stands and decorative planters that don’t require fixing to exterior walls. She continues, “Freestanding shelving or plant stands are [a] great option because they add personality and greenery without needing permanent fixtures or drilling.”
Layer lighting
While it might be a sunny spot during the day, your balcony will need a little illumination come sunset to extend its use into the evening. Solar-powered fairy lights or festoon lights are an easy, low-maintenance way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Meanwhile, rechargeable lamps and decorative lanterns can light up a tabletop or shady corner, creating a cosy ambience long after the sun goes down.
Add the finishing touches
Once you have your balcony décor in place, it’s time to add the final touches. Textiles and accessories can make all the difference in transforming your balcony from a functional area into somewhere that feels like an extension of your indoor living space. Joanna recommends “[bringing] in softness and warmth through weather-resistant cushions, outdoor rugs and lanterns to make the balcony feel more connected to the interior.” They’ll also dry quickly after summer rain showers and hold their colour in the sun.
Bring these outdoor decorating ideas to life at Cassia, Oakwood
Ready to put these balcony decorating ideas into practice? Cassia is a collection of one and two-bedroom Shared Ownership apartments in Oakwood, Enfield, each with a private outdoor space that’s yours to make your own.
If you’re looking for a starter home in London, an apartment at Cassia could be your route onto the ladder. Explore the development to view the available homes and register your interest.
