How to Decorate a Small Patio or Balcony
With the rise of apartment living, balconies and small patios are more common than ever. Nowadays, the truth is that not everyone has the luxury of a large backyard and huge patio space. With a smaller space comes the need to decorate and furnish accordingly - without sacrificing style!
Having a small space doesn’t need to stop you from having an amazing outdoor area; we are here to help. We'll address a few key areas that will help you get well on your way to creating the perfect small balcony or patio space.
Here at Patio Productions, we want to give you the knowledge and the resources to create a space you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Decorating a Small Patio or Balcony
String or fairy lights are the MVP. They’re inexpensive, flexible to install, and instantly cozy. Candles add mood, and an LED umbrella light (even with Bluetooth speakers) saves space under a compact shade. Patio Productions recommends layering these simple options for big-impact ambiance in small footprints.
Go rail planters and vertical gardens. Planter boxes hang inside or outside the railing and don’t steal floor area. Take your garden up with hanging or vertical setups to bring life and color without crowding the lounge zone. Small spaces can still bloom beautifully.
Choose dual-purpose, foldable, or stackable pieces. Think end-table ice chest (table + extra seat + chilled drinks) and bench seating with hidden storage. Folding or stacking chairs clear fast for workouts or projects. Patio Productions favors small-footprint pieces that pull triple duty.
Try the Acapulco chair—compact and fun. It offers airy comfort, comes in many colors, and doesn’t hog space. If you can support it, a hammock is a unique, space-saving seat that guests love and you’ll lounge in for hours.
Choose a bistro set with light chairs. Two chairs plus a petite table keep things intimate and movable. Cast aluminum is lighter than wrought iron, making it easier to shuffle seating as needs change. It’s our go-to footprint-friendly dining solution.
Use outdoor cushions and a weatherproof rug. Colorful cushions instantly finish the look and boost comfort. Pick performance fabrics like Sunbrella to handle sun and rain without fading. A durable outdoor rug ties the vignette together and feels great underfoot.
Plan vertical, pick multipurpose, layer the finish. Go up with plants and lights, choose space-smart furniture (folding, stacking, storage-bench, ice-chest table), then layer cushions and a rug. With a few intentional choices, small patios feel stylish, flexible, and highly livable.
Lighting
Creating a nice ambiance is important when setting up your balcony. The lighting that you choose will have a huge impact on the atmosphere of your space. Creating a relaxing space is usually a top priority for any balcony or patio. That’s why one of our biggest recommendations is to use string lights or fairy lights. They’re super easy to set up because the wires allow you to maneuver them almost any place on your balcony. Not only are they easy to set up, but they’re also cheap! There’s a wide range of string lights that vary in quality, but this is a lighting option that won’t break the bank.
"The lighting you choose will have a huge impact on the atmosphere of your space."
Using candles is another classic option to set the mood for any small balcony or patio. They’re cheap, accessible, and smell great! Although they won’t give you as much light as other options, that might be what you’re looking for.
An even more space-saving option, if you have a small patio umbrella, is a super-cool LED umbrella light. Try this one, the Luna Umbrella Light with built in bluetooth speakers - so you can brighten up your balcony and play some awesome beats simultaneously.
Greenery
Gardening is a great way to relax and have time for yourself during the day. Having some greenery on your balcony or patio is also a great way to bring some life to a small space. Although balconies seem impossible to have a garden or flowers, many people make it happen with great success! Don’t let the small space get you down, there are plenty of options for maintaining all sorts of plants.
"Although balconies seem impossible to have a garden or flowers, many people make it happen with great success!"
One of the best options is planter boxes! These can hang on either the inside or the outside of your balcony. They won’t take up any valuable space as potted plants would. They’re often right at railing level so everyone can see the amazing flowers you’ve grown!
Another direction you can take your balcony garden is up. Vertical and hanging gardens are a great way to conserve space while still enjoying your garden's beauty. Creating a hanging garden is easier than you think - take a look at some of these suggestions from CountryLiving.com!
Furnishings
The patio furniture you put on your balcony or patio is one of the most important aspects of designing your space. Having a small area means getting a little more creative and thoughtful of your chosen pieces. The key is to pick out pieces of furniture that look good and help you maximize the amount of room you have. A great way to do this is to choose dual-purpose furniture. Picking a piece of furniture that serves multiple purposes is a great way to combine style and function. A perfect example of this is an end table ice chest.
We love this option because it can function as a table, an extra seat, and a place to store drinks! Another space-saving option is folding or stacking chairs. If you want to use your patio or balcony for something other than lounging, quickly and efficiently clearing out space is awesome. Finally, a bench seat/storage space combo is a great addition if you have the room. It’s a comfortable place to relax and if the weather gets bad, being able to store cushions and blankets will be a lifesaver.
"The key is to pick out pieces of furniture that look good and help you maximize the amount of room you have. A great way to do this is to choose dual-purpose furniture."
Other than dual-functioning furniture, choosing smaller patio furniture is a must when dealing with smaller spaces. And don’t worry! There are plenty of great options available. One of our favorites is the Acapulco chair. It comes in a bunch of fun colors and doesn’t take up too much room.
If you’ve got the space and ability, hanging a hammock is a unique space-saving option if you need more seating. They’re a fun novelty that friends and family will get a kick out of. And when it’s just you, you’ll be able to relax comfortably.
Our final recommendation for a small patio and balcony is a bistro set! These are usually just two chairs and a small table, perfect for saving on space. There are a huge amount of options for bistro furniture. The most common materials are cast aluminum and wrought iron. In this situation, cast aluminum is probably a better option because it’s lighter and a little easier to maneuver.
Bar sets are stylish and small, perfect for any patio or balcony space.
Decorating
You’ve got your lighting situation figured out, some ideas and inspiration for a balcony garden, and furniture options that won’t take up too much room. Now what? It’s time to tie it all together with some balcony and patio decorations. A couple more options will help you create the perfect spot to relax and unwind. The easiest way to do this is to add some colorful cushions! This may seem an obvious choice, but it’s easy to get caught up in the process and leave this out. Not only do they add some extra comfort to your space, but they’re also a trending addition to most stylish patios.
A quick note, it’s important to pick cushions that can hold up to the elements. Our go-to recommendation is any cushion that uses Sunbrella fabric. It’s far and away the best option because it is weather resistant and doesn’t fade. They’re also easy to customize, with over 200 fabric options, check it out!
"It’s important to pick cushions that can hold up to the elements."
Adding a fun, colorful rug is another way to put your own unique twist on your balcony or patio. Weatherproof rugs are the way to go, and you can find tons of options online.
We know decorating and furnishing a small balcony or patio can be daunting. It’s tough when you’re limited on space. We want you to know that it’s not impossible! There are endless possibilities, given some planning and a little creativity. Hopefully, our ideas and tips can inspire you to create an amazing patio or balcony space.
