Your Guide to Maximizing Small Balcony Living

With warm weather upon us, it’s time to spruce up our outdoor spaces. To kick off balcony season, Designlines put together a list of renter-friendly balcony tips and décor for bringing your outdoor oasis to the next level – and crafting the ultimate extension of your home.

Multi-purpose furniture

Having one item serve multiple purposes can be key to staying clutter-free. Deck-out your balcony with seating options that allow you to dine, kick back and host, all in one. The Riviera Lounge is a multi-functional seating option that expands in length and width, serving as a chair and table, sofa or sunbed. From $5,300 at Old Faithful Shop.

Plants as privacy

Adding plants to your space not only spices up your balcony but can add a layer of privacy. Hang vining plants from your parapet or guard rails to breathe life into your outdoor sanctuary while screening you from the bustling city below. Here are some of our favourite places to shop plants.

Set the mood with lighting

Picture it, after a long summer day, you are ready to kick back on your balcony and soak in the city from your own oasis– but what about lighting? Setting the mood with lighting will bring your balcony to the next level. The Baba side table will flood your balcony with softened light, while its convenient three-in-one lighting, table and storage components make it ideal for small spaces. From $269 at Jardin De Ville.

Renter-friendly flooring

Amp up your balcony by upgrading its flooring. Renter-friendly balcony flooring options, like Ikea’s MALLSTEN decking, can help customize your space into a European fantasy. Or turn your balcony into your own mini Trinity Bellwoods with their RUNNEN artificial grass. Or mix and match types and textures to create zones. MALLSTEN: $65 per 9 tiles. RUNNEN: $60 per package. From Ikea.

Make it an extension of your home

Create a cohesive story from your home’s interior to exterior. Taking cues from the balcony’s adjoining room and opting for related colour palettes, finishes and textural notes will expand both living spaces, making them feel more ample. Use this as an opportunity to mix and match your indoor and outdoor accessories for multi-use, like the Easy Fit pouf. From $749 at Jardin de Ville.

Here are some of our favourite places to shop outdoor décor to bring your outdoor in.

Set up shaded areas

Make your balcony sun-safe and stylish this summer by setting up shaded areas. Shade options like the Zara Series half umbrella are designed to lay flush against walls without overwhelming your space. Available in four colourways, there is an option to match any aesthetic. $139 at CorLiving.

Collapsible furniture

Create a multi-use space with collapsible furniture. From tanning to dining to entertaining, having the option to easily switch up your balcony layout will help you get the most out of your space. The Jericho Sling Chair will bring a refined luxuriousness while its removable cushions and sleek frame make this seating option easy to stow away. $419 at Rove Concepts.