Comments
Small Space Living: 8 Tiny Balconies That Think Outside the Box
These city dwellers have squeezed some serious style ideas from their tiny urban balconies
Victoria Harrison
13 July 2014
Editor, Houzz UK and Ireland
If you’re facing summer in the city, take inspiration from these urban dwellers, who have created bijou city escapes high in the sky. From a smart café-style terrace to a shabby chic snug, these homeowners have their heads happily in the clouds. Browse through and borrow their ideas…
Extend the room
This bijou balcony acts as an extension of the living space in this chic London apartment. Smart, tailored outdoor furniture makes a visual connection with the dark wood dining table, and the muted colour palette ensures the eye flows seamlessly from inside to out. Smart box hedging creates a ‘wall’ and muffles noise from the street below.
This bijou balcony acts as an extension of the living space in this chic London apartment. Smart, tailored outdoor furniture makes a visual connection with the dark wood dining table, and the muted colour palette ensures the eye flows seamlessly from inside to out. Smart box hedging creates a ‘wall’ and muffles noise from the street below.
Paint dark brickwork
A simple coat of white masonry paint has transformed this small brick balcony into a bright, airy terrace. A corner sofa makes the most of every inch of space and the cushions, rug and accessories stamp some personality on the compact space.
See ideas for how to make a small garden feel bigger
A simple coat of white masonry paint has transformed this small brick balcony into a bright, airy terrace. A corner sofa makes the most of every inch of space and the cushions, rug and accessories stamp some personality on the compact space.
See ideas for how to make a small garden feel bigger
Use stripes to draw the eye
Vertical stripes elongate this tiny balcony space and add a cheerful splash of zingy colour. Long white linen drapes flutter in the breeze and can be drawn for shade or privacy if required.
Vertical stripes elongate this tiny balcony space and add a cheerful splash of zingy colour. Long white linen drapes flutter in the breeze and can be drawn for shade or privacy if required.
Build in seating
This summer balcony makes the most of every inch of space thanks to an unobtrusive built-in bench running the length of the terrace. It’s perfect for seating three or four summer guests or even for stretching out on for an afternoon nap.
This summer balcony makes the most of every inch of space thanks to an unobtrusive built-in bench running the length of the terrace. It’s perfect for seating three or four summer guests or even for stretching out on for an afternoon nap.
Create a footpath
These homeowners have created the illusion of a smart pavement terrace by laying paving stones on their balcony with a narrow edging of gravel. Chic iron furniture with plush grey cushions boosts the feel of a smart London terrace.
These homeowners have created the illusion of a smart pavement terrace by laying paving stones on their balcony with a narrow edging of gravel. Chic iron furniture with plush grey cushions boosts the feel of a smart London terrace.
Follow the sun
Balconies often only get sun at a certain time of the day, so you will want to make the most of every last drop. Portable loungers like these make it easy to follow the sun around a small space and bask in every last ray.
Balconies often only get sun at a certain time of the day, so you will want to make the most of every last drop. Portable loungers like these make it easy to follow the sun around a small space and bask in every last ray.
Choose slim furniture
A slim wooden console table and bench provide storage and seating on this balcony without taking up valuable floor space. The wooden slats allow light to filter through and keep the space feeling bright and airy. A recessed shelf provides space for plants to flourish, creating a leafy garden mood.
Browse more outdoor furniture
A slim wooden console table and bench provide storage and seating on this balcony without taking up valuable floor space. The wooden slats allow light to filter through and keep the space feeling bright and airy. A recessed shelf provides space for plants to flourish, creating a leafy garden mood.
Browse more outdoor furniture
Related Stories
Living Rooms
8 Mistakes to Avoid in Your Small Living Room
Swerve these common design errors to make a big impact in your compact sitting room
Full Story
Kitchens
How to Lay Out a Small Kitchen
By Kate Burt
If you’re short on cooking space but have big ideas, look no further – our experts will make your small kitchen sing
Full Story
Kitchens
Small Kitchen Ideas to Steal From Our Tours
From bespoke storage to cleverly placed mirrors, there are numerous ways to big up a little cookspace
Full Story
Renovating
How to Make a Small New-build Flat Feel Larger
Can small mean beautiful when it comes to your new-build home? Yes, say these experts
Full Story
Kitchens
7 Small Kitchen Challenges Solved by Houzz Designers
By Kate Burt
From boosting worktop space to rethinking the floor plan, check out these ideas for maximising a compact kitchen
Full Story
Bedrooms
How to Plan a Spare Room for Guests
Tick off this guest room essentials list to make sure overnight visitors feel relaxed and welcome
Full Story
Living Rooms
This is How Designers Would Make the Most of a Small Living Room
Follow these small-space tips from interior designers and architects to help you plan your compact reception room
Full Story
Gardens
Garden Tour: A Tiny, L-shaped Space Becomes Practical and Chic
By Kate Burt
This small garden, attached to a flat, is a tricky shape, but it needed to serve numerous purposes for the owners
Full Story
Gardens
Garden Tour: A Series of Lush Areas Make a Small Plot Feel Bigger
This city garden is a masterclass in creating an entertaining space in a small area while still prioritising plants
Full Story
Bedrooms
17 Contemporary Dressing Tables Perfect for Smaller Spaces
Even if you can only spare a little alcove or corner, it may well be possible to slot in a dedicated beauty spot
Full Story