Balconies add charm and functionality to an apartment,offering a personal outdoor space for relaxation and decor, while designing and styling your big balcony, add some form of seating, such as chairs, sofas or a swing. Thereafter, bring large balcony décor pieces such as cozy carpets, pillows and throws. Consider incorporating indoor plants or a small herb garden for a natural touch for interior design. Lastly, integrate lighting fixtures and décor pieces to craft a welcoming space where you will enjoy spending time.
Presently, numerous big balcony design ideas are trending. With so many different types of large balcony ideas, choosing the right one for your big balcony can be difficult. This guide offers stylish and distinctive solutions. These other big balcony design ideas will elevate your home’s interiors. Showcase your personality, and do not forget to have fun while representing and styling your large balcony!
Laying a fresh foundation
“Laying a fresh foundation” involves starting with the basics to create a strong base for your balcony or patio design. Begin by assessing the flooring—consider durable and weather-resistant options like tiles, wood decking, or outdoor rugs. These elements enhance aesthetics and provide a comfortable and functional surface for your outdoor space. A solid foundation sets the tone for all your styling efforts.
Patio Floor Ideas
It is vital to consider durability and aesthetics when selecting the perfect patio floor. Here are several popular patio floor materials to choose from:
- Wooden Decking: Provides a natural, warm appearance along with easy upkeep.
- Concrete: One of the most versatile and durable options that can be stained or stamped to achieve a variety of styles.
- Pavers: Come in various materials, such as bricks or stones. These are a timeless and customizable option.
- Outdoor Rugs: Great for texture or comfort and somewhat easy to swap out.
- Gravel: Gives off a rustic and informal feel while being the cheaper option.
- Tile: Offers a complementary sleek touch and is simple to maintain with cleaning agents.
- Artificial Grass: Gives the green look of real grass without the hassle of maintaining it.
- Pebble Flooring: Provides a smooth and textured feel, similar to some spas.
- Stone Slabs: These are more expensive but durable and elegant and come in various unique patterns.
- Brick: This classic and rustic concept will bring charm and durability to any location.
When selecting the right floor material, make sure it reflects your unique style and functional elements, whether lounging, dining or entertaining.
Vertical Garden Balcony
A vertical garden is an innovative way of incorporating plants in tight places such as a balcony, patio or any indoor space. It provides for growing plants in the upward direction instead of the outward direction, which helps conserve floor space and ensures an eye-catching scenery. Here are some suggestions for making your vertical garden:
- Wall Planters: Attach planters onto the wall to plant herbs, flowers or succulents.
- Vertical Garden Rack: Get a multi-tier shelving unit for pots, which is ideal for growing several plants.
- Hanging Pots: Suspend pots from a ceiling or any structure, allowing the plants to droop in cascading form.
- Trellis with Climbing Plants: Grow climbing plants such as ivy or roses over a trellis to create a green wall.
- Pocket Planters: Wall fences can easily be adorned using fabric or felt planters with pockets by planting small plants and herbs.
- Recycled Containers: Use old bottles or pallets to make new and interesting containers for your vertical garden.
- Ladder Shelf: Arrange plants over a wooden ladder shelf, which is visually pleasing.
- Hydroponic Vertical Garden: This soil-free gardening system that grows plants in water allows you to make more room with less space easily.
Vertical gardens can be customised to fit your style and space, whether looking for a basic herb garden or a dramatic garden overflowing with flowers.
Party Deck Balcony
A party deck is a special outdoor space intended for socialising, getting acquainted with others, or simply hanging out with close friends and family. The fusion of comfort, style and functionality makes these places popular when throwing a gathering. Here are some suggestions for preparing your deck for hosting parties:
- Comfortable Seating: Nothing is more pleasant than outdoor sofas, lounge chairs or larger bean bags. Additional soft cushions and throws should also be taken to increase comfort further.
- Outdoor Bar Area: For serving drinks and snacks, a bar counter or even a serving station can be installed in the area, and bar stools can also be placed around it for a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Lighting: String lights, lanterns or fairy lights can be used to provide a warm and friendly atmosphere around the area. Eco-friendly options like solar-powered lights can also be utilised.
- Fire Pit or Fireplace: To help everyone cuddle around and create a beautiful atmosphere during evening parties, having a fire pit or an outdoor fireplace is ideal.
- Outdoor Rug: A large and colourful outdoor rug laid over the deck will help create boundaries for the external area, making it more similar to an internal room than an external one.
- Dance Floor: Do you have a passion for dancing? Then, create some space within the deck with robust outdoor flooring or exquisite tiles so you have a fun and party-friendly dance floor.
- Music Setup: Put an outdoor stereo system and invert or construct an outdoor space that caters to the nature of the gathering.
- Grill or BBQ Station: Incorporate a grill or barbecue location to prepare tasty meals for visitors and enhance practical fun for the gathering.
- Shade Options: You may use umbrellas, a pergola or a canopy to add shade during the day for comfort.
- Decorative Touches: Plants, balloons, or party decorations can be used to decorate the area for a specific purpose.
A party deck should look like an extension of your house, with a climate inviting to allow all guests to make it cosy to spend some time in. You could convert any outdoor setting into a party with the needed elements.
Play Area balcony
Creating a play area on your balcony is a fantastic way to construct a play area on a balcony. This space can be converted into a facsimile of a child’s sandy beach, a playground, or a park. Following are some ideas which can help you to design a child-friendly environment on your balcony:
- Soft flooring: Outdoor activities require a child only to wear a pair of socks. Hence, rubber mats, foam tiles, or outdoor rugs are handy to ensure the child plays safely.
- Small Playhouse: Children are often expected to stay seated; however, a tent or a makeshift playhouse can spark their imagination. These are compact and can be easily folded as well.
- Climbing Wall or Slide: To enhance a child’s active play and motor skills, erecting a mini climbing wall or a slide would be beneficial if available.
- Sandbox: Constructing or placing a portable, compact sandbox gets the job done, as it can provide hours of non-stop creative and enjoyable fun for a child.
- Toys and Games: An array of varied selections, including balls, small puppets, and jump ropes, can help a child with their motor skills.
- Folding Play Mat: To maximise the available space, a foldable play mat can be set up when needed and folded away when not in use.
- Storage Bins: Storage coverings, boxes, or baskets can be used efficiently to reduce clutter and organise children’s toys.
- Balcony Fencing: Child safety should be of utmost priority; hence, it’s recommended that children be secured on a balcony with a railing or a fence while they are playing out there.
- Mini Garden: Allow children to plant and care for small vegetables, herbs or a flower garden.
- Interactive Wall: Provide a chalkboard or a magnetic wall for educational and creative purposes.
Including these elements would make your balcony a fun and safe place for children to spend time and ensure you maximise your outdoor area.
Coffee Setup Balcony
Imagine stepping into your stunning red brick apartment only to be welcomed by a cozy coffee corner prepared for you. Creating this little coffee nook on your balcony, merging fresh air with this delightful brew, has never been easier with the following ideas, making your coffee even more enjoyable in the perfect airy ambiance. The coffee becomes even more pleasurable with the fresh outdoors, and the coffee set is sure to enchant your inner coffee lover and capture your attention, establishing a proper balance and representation. Here are some ideas for setting up a coffee corner on your balcony:
- Compact Coffee Table: Consider keeping a weather-resistant small table where you can place your coffee, allowing space for other essentials.
- Cozy Seating: A reclining chair paired with a bistro set alongside comfortable chairs creates a perfect mix.
- Coffee Maker: Invest in portable versions of your coffee maker, such as a French press or small espresso machine.
- Storage Solutions: Use a small basket or shelf for your coffee beans and cups to keep them organised.
- Outdoor Rug: This rug can be placed under the tables and chairs to further tie everything together for a more refined look.
- Greenery: Small potted plants alongside coffee beans create an ideal image, adding a touch of freshness along with the aroma.
- Lighting: Battery-powered and string lights create the perfect ambience for an evening coffee experience, beautifully wrapping the lanterns.
- Weather Protection: You can utilise a small canopy or umbrella to make the corner usable on drizzly days.
- Decorative Touches: To give the space a warm and inviting atmosphere, incorporate artistic elements such as artwork, candles, or even a small bouquet of fresh flowers.
- Blankets & Cushions: Have some extra soft throws and cushions ready; this will undoubtedly enhance the comfort of your seating area.
Never underestimate the impact of a well-placed coffee set up on your balcony, as it can create a wonderful atmosphere for enjoying coffee and the view outside.
Art Gallery Balcony
Combining outdoor living with artwork is one of a kind, and there is no better way to achieve this than transforming your balcony into an art gallery. If you are looking for ways to put your balcony to better use and turn it into a gallery, here are some tips for you:
- Painting The Wall: The best first step to achieve that gallery feel is by painting your balcony walls and then attaching some modern wall art of your liking on the walls in the form of pictures, posters or art pieces.
- Wall Displays: Placing artistic sculptures or small figurines on the balcony that match the overall theme can enhance the look of your art gallery.
- Using Track Lights: Installing track or wall-mounted lights will create a gallery ambience while highlighting all your marvellous gallery pieces.
- Mixing Plants with Art: Wall-mounted planters are a good option for the artwork since they’re planted and combined with the art display.
- Waterproof Canvas: For a long-term display, consider using waterproof canvas prints.
- Personalised Shelving: Adding vases or sculptures and smaller pieces of art will give the gallery an appealing and lively feel.
- Mirror Walls: Designing the gallery walls with mirrors can create the illusion of a wider space while reflecting light.
- Outdoor-Themed Furniture: Having art-themed furniture outdoors can further elevate the look of your gallery, which is also intended for art displays.
- Celebration of Art: Utilise hung art pieces by suspending them from the ceiling under rails to carry light.
- Creative Interaction: You can incorporate chalkboards or magnetic boards into the art to enhance creativity.
Such arrangements transform your balcony into a broad space for art and nature, providing calmness and inspiration for everyone.
Smoke Lounge Balcony
The lounge balcony is an amazing place for those wishing to smoke, whether cigars, cigarettes or a pipe; it is a cozy room that you can use for relaxation. In this article, we’ll share some tips on how to set up a comfortable lounge on your balcony aimed at smoking:
- Seating: We recommend armchairs, comfortable deck chairs, or a small outdoor sectional if you want to smoke longer.
- Ashtrays: For fashion and convenience, one can have multiple small ashtrays with easy-to-clean designs and large ones with lids.
- Lighting: Lighting can play an important role. Beautify your balcony with string lights, lanterns or other devices to enhance the day’s ambience.
- Canopy and umbrellas: To avoid getting wet in rain or sun, one can use privacy screens, umbrellas or a canopy.
- Bar cart: If you wish to add class, a bar cart containing your favourite drinks and glasses can be a good addition.
- Plant accents: Using plants, trees, or shrubs can add beauty to your place without compromising its decorum.
- Cushions & throws: Adding extra blankets and pillows will make things comfortable for the chillier nights.
- Decorative Details: Add your personal touch to the atmosphere using elements such as candles, statues, or artwork.
A balcony-style smoke lounge creates the ideal outdoor atmosphere for a quiet and enjoyable moment, the perfect blend of relaxation, beauty and comfort.
Multi-purpose Balcony
A multi-purpose balcony is all about versatility, allowing it to be used for different activities. Below are some strategies to create and fit out a balcony that can be used for different activities.
- Adaptable Furniture: Use fold-away tables, stackable chairs, or a bench with concealed storage if you need a shift from lounging, dining, or working.
- Zoned Areas: The area could be divided into seating zones, mini garden areas, and workspace areas.
- Smart Storage: Shelves, storage boxes, and wall hooks can be used to hang items that help declutter the ground.
- Adjustable Decor: Portable objects such as lighting, cushions, and rugs can alter looks when needed.
- Privacy Options: If a private feeling is needed, curtains, screens, and plants can be used.
This arrangement helps ensure the balcony is ready whether you want to work, entertain, or sunbathe.
Reading Space Balcony
Balconies make the best outdoor spaces; they can breathe life into dull indoor areas. A book-reading balcony is even more relaxing, with a cozy nook for your reading needs. Here are some ways to set one up for yourself:
- Soft chair: Adding a sofa, recliner, or a chair with cushions would ensure a comfortable long reading session.
- Side tables: Adding side tables would ensure easy access to your reading materials, a cup of tea, or even your glasses.
- Gentle lights: For the evenings, fairy lights, lanterns, or even a lamp can help, adding warmth to the space and making you feel right at home.
- Outdoor rugs: Soft rugs let you transform the area into a warm, attractive space.
- Plants: Surrounding yourself with plants can provide a soothing and pleasant atmosphere.
- Covering: To shield yourself from rain, sun, umbrellas, awnings, or even outdoor curtains can help.
- Storage: Adding small baskets or shelves can assist in better organization of your books, removing clutter, and making the place look more spacious.
Following these steps, you can transform your dull balcony into a comfy area to enjoy your favorite stories.
Ikea Small Balcony Ideas
IKEA provides the furniture essentials for small, practical, and chic balconies. Check out these great IKEA-inspired ideas tailored for your small balcony layout:
- Foldable Furniture: Compact tables and chairs, such as the NORBERG or MELLTORP, are foldable and can be easily packed away, thus maintaining the tidy aspect of the balcony.
- Stackable Chairs: SJÄLLAND or MÖRBYLÅNGA barrier-free chairs make the variety and the ease of storage much better.
- Outdoor Cushions and Pillows: GUNNARED or SINNERLIG pillows with outdoor materials will upgrade the sitting space with comfy cosiness.
- Balcony Planters: KRYDDA/VINDUM wall-mounted or railing planters allow maximum use of the structure while leaving the ground space empty for other furniture use.
- Vertical Storage: HEMNES or KALLAX vertical storage can stow away outdoor items and allocate organised areas without using much space.
- Compact BBQ: An excellent variant of a small grill for those with a tight balcony real estate is the GRILLSKÄR portable barbecue.
- String Lights: Some IKEA pendant RANARP, SINNERLIG, and table lamps can add exquisite lighting ambience in the evenings.
- Outdoor Rugs: Enhance the feeling of being in an outdoor living space by using a KOLLUND or KOLLUND RUG to set up a comfortable zone.
- Hanging Storage: Eliminate the congested feeling of a small outdoor space using the PLUGGIS hanging storage systems, which are ideal for regulating small outdoor tools or items.
- Privacy Screens: Introducing a RISATORP or VIDGA curtain system can assist with securing the privacy of the balcony, all without making it feel closed-in.
There are multiple solutions offered by IKEA that are not only affordable but also functional, allowing you to make your cramped balcony comforting, organised and modern.
Get set for what you feel like
An excellent practice when designing your balcony is the philosophy of “Get set for what you feel like,” which encourages the creation of a space that caters to your needs and moods. If you prefer a corner where you can curl up with a good book, or if you wish to have a lively dining area where meals with family and friends can take place or a tranquil space with a garden where you go to collect your thoughts, a balcony does serve its purpose.
Chill-Out Zone
If you want to have small outdoor movies or dedicate an area just for yoga practice, you could do that as well. Your balcony could serve various purposes and change its functionalities with modular furniture, plants, and useful accessories; there’s nothing your balcony cannot transform into. All this transformability allows your outdoor space to reflect you, whether you wish to be in a chill-out zone, a workspace, or a fun time zone.
Final Thoughts about Balcony Ideas
Incorporating your style, as well as what you enjoy doing, is crucial when decorating your balcony. With the correct approach, the balcony can be transformed into a beautiful and useful addition to the house, be it a lovely garden, a versatile space, or even a comfortable place for reading. You should customize it to fit your daily routines and lifestyle by emphasizing comfort, practicality, and personalization. There is no shortage of innovative ideas and proper designs, thus making your balcony the ideal site for rest, entertainment, and inspiration.
Quick Tip: For a balcony that adapts to any mood, use foldable or stackable furniture. This allows you to easily rearrange or store items, maximizing space for different activities.
FAQs:
How can I make my balcony look nice?
Add plants, comfortable furniture, outdoor rugs, and decorative lighting for a cozy, stylish look.
How do I permanently cover my balcony?
Use materials like a retractable awning, glass panels, or polycarbonate roofing for a durable cover.
How do I maximize my balcony space?
Choose foldable furniture, vertical storage, and multi-functional pieces to save space and stay organized.
How to style a large balcony?
Create zones for dining, lounging, and plants. Add rugs, cushions, and lighting for a balanced look.
How do you hide a bad balcony view?
Use privacy screens, hanging plants, or tall planters to block the view and add charm.
What is the best surface for an outdoor balcony?
Weather-resistant options like composite decking, tiles, or treated wood are durable and stylish.
