Perched in the heart of cities, small balconies offer a welcome outdoor space to enjoy the fine weather. Here, you can wake up to a cup of coffee in the morning, or sit down at the end of the day to leaf through a book or share a drink, sheltered from the hustle and bustle. Just a few square meters are enough to create an interlude, a respite from the urban rhythm.
In order for this everyday setting to live up to all its promises, it’s essential to know how to furnish it properly. From compact furniture and space-saving seating to refined lighting and iconic pieces, discover our design tips and budget-friendly selection to reveal the full potential of this often underestimated space.
01
When it comes to making the most of a small balcony, folding tables and chairs are a must. Easy to unfold for a meal and just as simple to store, they free up space in the blink of an eye. Fixed to the railing or folding, the table becomes almost invisible when folded. Lightweight, colorful folding chairs add a decorative touch while remaining practical.
Ideal for a functional and welcoming outdoor space.
02
Even with limited space, a small balcony can become a warm and stylish place to relax. All you need is a compact garden sofa or a comfortable lounge chair to set the scene. Add a shower of colorful cushions, an outdoor rug, a few plants for a touch of nature and a string of lights to set the mood. The result is a cozyoutdoor space, perfect for reading, sipping tea or enjoying an urban sunset.
03
Nomadic lamps are perfect for illuminating a small balcony without cluttering it up. Lightweight, cordless and often rechargeable, they’re easy to move around as you wish: on the table for a romantic dinner, on the floor to create a convivial reading corner, or suspended for a decorative touch. A lovely way to enjoy your balcony after dark.
Petite Friture
Week-end stacking chair
Fermob
Cocotte side table
Fatboy
Floatzac outdoor pouffe
Hoe
Light N°1 cordless lamp
When small balcony means big comfort … an outdoor pouffe is never far away!
This plump cushion slips into the tightest nooks and crannies with disconcerting ease. Need a soft seat? An improvised footrest? A coffee table? The footstool adapts to your every need. At Fatboy, it’s available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, and can be used inside or out. Compact, light and decorative, it’s the chill touch you need!
And if you prefer more classic seating, opt for a lounge chair. Soft and low, it offers comfortable seating without taking up all the space. Add a few well-chosen cushions, and you’re ready to enjoy your outdoor space.
Magis
Bell stacking armchair
Ferm Living
Bau flower pots
Ferm Living
Lull parasol
&tradition
Thorvald side table
Emu
Coupole stacking chair
Hay
PC wireless lamp
Hay
Balcony table
Hay
Palissade low armchair
Small balconies are also embracing designer furniture – and Nardi understands this! 100% made in Italy, the brand’s collections of outdoor resin chairs, armchairs and tables are lightweight, stackable, weather-resistant and, above all, ultra-stylish. Ideal for a small designer balcony.
More broadly speaking, designer outdoor furniture can now be found in even the most confined spaces. Gone are the days of purely practical furniture, replaced by sculptural, ergonomic and colorful creations. Compact armchairs, revisited bistro tables, minimalist seating… brands are redoubling their inventiveness to transform small balconies into genuine extensions of living spaces.
Emu
Snooze folding armchair
Ferm Living
Uma planter
Fatboy
Outdoor lamp Bolleke
Hoe
Eyelet coffee table
Fermob
Bistro folding table
Unopiu
Luce chaise longue
Hay
X-line stacking chair
Fermob
Chariot Guinguette
Small balconies, big ideas! When every centimetre counts, it’s best to opt for space-saving solutions.
Make the most of your small balcony every day, by thinking multi-functional: a wheeled sideboard that transforms into an occasional bar, a footstool that doubles as a coffee table… The secret is to choose versatile furniture that adapts to your needs throughout the day. Fermob’s Balcon Bistro table with integrated planter attaches in a flash to your balcony railing and folds down to leave the space free.
From teleworking in the fresh air, to a reading break, to an evening out with friends, your little balcony can be fitted out and refurbished with ease.
Gubi
Multi-lite cordless lamp
Hay
Crate coffee table
Cappellini
Thinking Man's Chair
Vitra
Wire high stool
Tolix
T37 Braided square table
Gubi
C-chair
Airborne
AA armchair
&tradition
Flowerpot cordless lamp
Why settle for the basics when you can install a Vitra Panton Chair on your balcony? A true icon of 60s design, its undulating, sculptural silhouette is a real eye-catcher. Made from molded plastic, it’s lightweight, stackable, weather-resistant and perfectly suited to small spaces.
When it comes to furnishing a small, iconic balcony, opt for one or two strong pieces that will immediately lend character to the whole. A Crate Outdoor coffee table by Hay, with its raw aesthetic, a Panthella 160 nomad lamp by Louis Poulsen or a Tropique armchair by Gubi, with its generous seat and retro-chic look.
The idea? Create a mini outdoor space that exudes design and reflects your lifestyle!
Would you like to transform your small balcony into a corner of urban paradise? Whether you’re dreaming of a mini outdoor living room, a stylish aperitif area or a relaxing space bathed in greenery, anything is possible… even in just a few square meters! Let us inspire you with our selection of furnishings to create an outdoor space that’s just right for you.
Panton Chair Vitra
Fermob Bistro folding chair
Doga Nardi stacking armchair
RE DSR Eames Vitra chair
Oloha Trio Fatboy outdoor wall lamp
Rocking chair Surprising Fermob
Designing a small balcony is a real challenge: you have to cunningly stack, fold and hang… but it’s well worth the effort! Even if your balcony is small, it can quickly become an extension of your interior. Ideal for soaking up the sun.
First of all, ask yourself the right question: what is your main use for your balcony? A breakfast nook for two on sunny days? A small lounge area for reading, meditating or reflecting on the world? Defining your needs in this way will help you make the right choice of outdoor furniture.
Opt for a folding table attached to the railing, lightweight chairs that are easy to store, or even a bench with a built-in box for cushions, a watering can or a summer novel. And if your balcony is the narrow type, don’t panic: verticality is your best ally. Attach shelves to the wall, install a trellis for your climbing plants or hang your pots to free up the floor.
On a balcony, too, decoration deserves a little work: a soft outdoor rug, colorful cushions, a plaid for chilly evenings… and, of course, light! A few LED garlands or solar lanterns, and you’ll be able to enjoy your balcony even after dark.
With a bit of imagination, a few clever solutions and the desire to enjoy the outdoors, even the smallest balcony can become the star of the summer season!
There’s an art to optimizing a small balcony! When space is at a premium, every square meter counts. But don’t panic: with a little method and a few well-thought-out tips, it’s perfectly possible to make a small balcony practical, attractive… and even comfortable.
The basis of a good layout is to choose furniture perfectly suited to the small size of your balcony. There’s no point in cluttering up the space with bulky furniture: it could block circulation and make the area unpleasant to live in. The aim is to maximize comfort and space.
That’s why you need space-saving solutions. The folding table is a must: fixed to the railing or foldable against a wall, it can be set up and stored in a matter of seconds. When folded, they can be used to create a small dining area or temporary workspace, without obstructing traffic. Some even feature integrated storage compartments for plants or accessories.
When it comes to seating, opt for stacking or folding chairs. Lightweight, easy to move and space-saving, they can easily be stored indoors or in a corner when not in use. You can also choose colorful models or ones made from natural materials to add an effortless decorative touch.
In short, designing a small balcony means finding clever solutions, choosing the right furniture and daring to be a little creative. Even small balconies can be transformed into little corners of paradise with the right layout!
Do you dream of nature in the city? Good news: even with just a few square meters, it’s possible to turn a small balcony into a veritable cocoon of greenery.
Above all, adapt your choice of plants to the exposure of your balcony. Facing south? Choose hardy species such as lavender, succulents or geraniums. In the shade, choose ferns, ivy or hydrangeas. Then, to save space, opt for verticality: a plant wall or pots of flowers suspended from the railing are perfect for a narrow balcony. This frees up floor space and allows you to enjoy your plants within sight.
For the floor, think artificial turf. Easy to lay and highly decorative, it enhances the “garden” effect, while adding a touch of freshness. Combine it with pretty outdoor cushions to sit low to the ground or create a cozy reading corner. Add a few lanterns or a string of lights to add the finishing touch to your cosy ambience.
If your balcony is overlooked, plants can also act as a natural privacy screen. Potted bamboos, a row of laurels or even planted canisses can preserve your privacy while embellishing the space.
When it comes to decoration, have fun with color! Choose flowerpots in bright or pastel shades to suit your mood, play with a variety of foliage, and mix heights to create relief. A few well-chosen accessories, such as a small outdoor rug, a wooden shelf or matching planters, add personality to your balcony.
Share this magazine
