Have a small balcony you wish you could do more with but don’t know where to start?
You’re not alone. Millions of apartment dwellers all over the world own small balconies that are rarely used or not used to their full potential.
The good news is that with some careful thought and planning you can make any small balcony or patio become a place that you and your family enjoy using all year round. The first thing to consider is finding the right small balcony furniture that works well in a small area.
Here’s the catch…
Don’t think of a small balcony as a limitation. It’s an opportunity for creativity, and multi-functional furniture is the perfect tool to help make it a reality.
In this ultimate guide to making the most out of your small balcony you will learn:
- Why multi-functional furniture is ideal for small balconies
- The best small balcony furniture that saves space
- Layout tips to help you get the most out of your space
- Material options for long-lasting balcony furniture
Why Your Small Balcony Needs Multi-Functional Furniture
Let me share with you something you may not know…
The global outdoor furniture market is currently booming, and residential is a big driver of the growth. Balconies and outdoor spaces at home are a big reason why.
Owners of small balconies get it. Every single inch of space on a small balcony counts. Traditional bulky outdoor furniture simply isn’t practical when you have such a limited amount of space to work with.
You need space-saving outdoor furniture that has multiple functions. Storage ottomans that double up as seats. Fold away tables that can be stashed out of the way when not in use. Benches with built-in storage underneath.
This is the smart way to furnish a small balcony. And it works for a number of reasons:
- It maximises space – One piece of multi-functional furniture serves the purposes of two or three. This frees up space on the floor.
- It helps you stay organised – Built-in storage or ottomans mean you have a place to keep your things without making your balcony look cluttered.
- It is flexible – If you want to rearrange your space to use it for different purposes, you won’t need to buy new furniture every time.
The best news of all? Multi-functional outdoor furniture doesn’t have to be ugly or tacky. There are some modern designs that are both attractive and comfortable.
Space-Saving Furniture For Small Balconies
You must be wondering what the secret is to making a small balcony look spacious.
Well, the answer is pretty simple. You need to be smart about the pieces of furniture you choose to include. Here are the top picks for small balcony furniture that will save space:
Folding Bistro Sets
The folding bistro set is the MVP when it comes to balcony furniture. When you need a space to sit for a lazy breakfast or a chilled cocktail, it’s there. Need more space? Fold it up flat against the wall or tuck it away completely out of sight.
The sets come in a variety of sizes but are usually small enough to be perfect for a balcony that measures just 4-6 feet wide. Ensure you get a set made with weather-resistant materials like powder-coated steel or treated wood.
Storage Benches
This is something that many people don’t think about but is really useful on a small balcony.
Storage benches are two-in-one furniture. It provides comfortable seating and storage space underneath. Tuck one up against the balcony railing and you have an instant built-in seat without using up floor space.
Wall-Mounted Drop-Leaf Tables
This is something that will blow your mind.
Wall-mounted drop-leaf tables are exactly what they sound like. They are attached to your balcony walls and drop down or fold out from the wall when you need to use them. The great thing about drop-leaf tables is that they literally disappear when you don’t need them.
Mount one at an appropriate height and you instantly have a work or dining table or even a shelf for displaying potted plants.
Stackable Chairs
Stackable chairs are the unsung hero of the small balcony furniture game. Invest in 4-6 lightweight stackable chairs and you can entertain guests without permanently dedicating space to additional chairs.
No longer required? Stack them into a corner or even put them away inside.
Smart Layout Strategies For Your Tiny Balcony
Let’s talk about getting the most out of your small space.
Picking the right furniture is only half the battle. Arranging them correctly is what can make the difference between a balcony that feels cramped and uncomfortable and a small balcony you actually enjoy spending time on.
Create Zones
Even on a very small balcony you can create zones. There can be a lounging zone with a single chair, a dining zone with a bistro set, or a garden zone with vertical planters.
Go Vertical
Go vertical with your small balcony furniture and accessories. Walls are your friend in a small balcony. Add vertical planters, hanging shelves, and wall-mounted furniture. Wall-mounted shelves with planters on top or wall-mounted drop-leaf tables. These are all great ways to free up space on the floor.
Use The Railing
Don’t overlook the balcony railing. Railing planters and clip-on shelves are all easy ways to use what is often wasted balcony space.
Keep Pathways Clear
A clear path to walk around your balcony is important. Make sure you have at least 2 feet of walking space. If you don’t it will feel cramped and small.
A cluttered balcony with too much furniture also looks smaller than it is. A small balcony with a few well-chosen multi-functional pieces that are arranged well looks bigger and inviting.
Choosing Materials That Last
Let’s talk about something that you may not have considered…
Not all materials are made equally. And on a small balcony where every piece of furniture counts, the durability of the materials used in furniture matters even more.
- Aluminium – This is lightweight and rust-resistant. Aluminium furniture is also very easy to move around. So it is ideal for small balconies in case you want to rearrange your furniture.
- Treated Wood – There are a few types of wood that naturally resist moisture and insects. Teak and acacia are hardwoods that are a great choice for small balcony furniture.
- All-Weather Wicker – Modern synthetic wicker is great. It combines style and durability and won’t fade, crack or unravel like traditional wicker made from natural fibres.
- Powder-Coated Steel – This is the most durable type of outdoor furniture available. Powder-coated steel is heavier than aluminium but it’s also stronger and more weather-resistant.
Don’t forget that even the best materials will need some TLC to look great year after year.
Making The Most Out Of Your Small Balcony
Now that you know what to do.
You are ready to make your small balcony into an area you will actually use. Multi-functional furniture is a game-changer on a small balcony. By selecting furniture that serves more than one purpose and arranging it cleverly to make your balcony appear bigger than it is and choosing durable materials you can create a balcony that you will love to use year-round.
The key to success is to think outside the box when it comes to furniture. A small balcony is limited in terms of the size of furniture that can fit and also the space available.
So you need to embrace the small space, think of it as cosy and work within those constraints.
You can start with just one or two key multi-functional pieces and build up from there. You may be surprised to find that a storage bench and a folding bistro set are all you need to transform your small balcony.
Final Thoughts
Balcony furniture for small spaces doesn’t have to be complicated.
Focus on multi-functional pieces that make the most of every square foot without compromising style or comfort. With the right furniture and the right arrangement even a balcony that measures just 3×6 feet can become your favourite spot to enjoy the outdoors.
