Do you have a photo of the balcony from outside? Might help to inspire ideas. One idea could be a simple mirror on that left wall to reflect light and give the illusion of space.
Well done for using the space creatively.

Thanks Angie. Here’s a photo from the balcony itself . There’s only about a foot and a half between the wall and the chairs so I need something that’s pretty flat against the wall.

There are lots of wall hanging plant pots around like these, alternatively some bunting or fairy lights would look good, you could even paint a stencil on the wall, something like a trellis pattern or similar pattern/colours as your rug would look good

Great ideas - I love them all! Many thanks.

That looks lovely. Maybe I’ve just got to give it a good paint job.

Ha, don't you like it ED?
I could see myself sat there with a glass of red - as long as the candles didn't set it all on fire 🔥🍷

Sorry Jules, seems there was no photo at first, but I was just inappropriately impatient. 😊

Lovely inspo balco. 🙂

If you’re going to paint it, I don’t know if I’d paint it a dark colour, as I think it gives it a feeling of depth. Maybe you could add a tall skinny plant (artificial) like bamboo? I assume there’s a roof to the balcony so some string lights might work and it also looks as if you have a Window sill for more plants? Perhaps also add a bigger lantern in front of the drainpipe? It’s looking good though!

Thanks Angie for the suggestions and the visuals! Very helpful - thank you!

I love that big plant and the lights are a must.

I love Minnie's dark wall suggestion. It definitely recedes and places the focus elsewhere.

I don't think you can have too many plants out there either. More is more will give the impression of a much larger space.

Just wondering, have you got room for some kind of waterproof box/storage that looks good but you can quickly out cushions, throws etc in if it rains and you don't want to bring them all into the living space?

Thanks Jules. There’s no room for a storage box but the balcony is recessed rather than exposed and so the rain only goes on the first 12 inches of the balcony so won’t get to the seating. The dark colour is a v interesting idea that I hadn’t thought of so will consider that further.

Good luck with it Jacq. Would love to see it when it's finished (if such things are ever finished now that shops are open again 😂)

I meant to say also that I've seen this 'hanging wall' , achieved using the side of an old cot if you know anyone who is, chucking one out!!

That’s a great idea. Do you think it would look good of I had the cot railing/plants etc, at the back where the trellis currently is and the trellis,sideways, against the front wall? I was then thinking of weaving fairy lights through both the back wall railing and the trellis.

If the trellis isn't already attached it would definitely be worth a try. But what is at the opposite narrow end though? Could something like this go there and then you could try out Minnie's dark wall for the concrete wall that you're trying to make blend in a bit more?