The aim of balcony decorating is to turn the balcony into a room you actually use. It does not take much: the right seating layout, a few cushions and a small table change most balconies.
Measure first: what fits?
Do not buy furniture before measuring the balcony. A practical rule: leave at least 60 cm of walkway in front of the seating.
- Narrower than 1 metre: a single row of seating along the wall (bench or floor cushion) and a fold-down wall table.
- 1 to 1.5 metres: a two-person bistro set, or a corner cushion with a small side table.
- Wider than 1.5 metres: a dining table for 4 fits, and the balcony becomes a second dining area.
Small balcony decorating
- Corner seating: an L-shaped cushion or bench seats more people in the same space.
- Folding table: folds against the wall when not in use.
- Wall and railing: hanging planters on the railing keeps the floor free.
- Few colours: two main colours are enough in a small space; let the cushions bring the pattern.
Turning the balcony into a seating area with cushions
- How many cushions? 2-3 for two-person seating, 4-5 for corner seating.
- Pattern: botanical, lemon and floral patterns suit the greenery of a balcony. Pairing one patterned cushion with two plain ones avoids clutter. See how to combine cushions.
- Cover: balcony cushions collect dust and pollen; a zipped cover can be removed and washed. Sizes: cushion cover sizes.
Patterned cushion covers are 40x40 cm.
The balcony table: breakfast and dinner
A table gets dirty faster outdoors, so wipe-clean table linen makes life easier.
- Small table: two placemats instead of a tablecloth; the table stays visible and cleaning is easier.
- Long table: a runner down the middle and a placemat for each person.
- Coasters: protect the table surface from hot tea glasses outdoors.
What each piece is for: placemat, runner and coaster. For breakfast on the balcony: how to set a breakfast table.
Glazed balcony: use it all year
- In winter: dark, warm-toned cushions, a thick seat cover and a small rug.
- In summer: light, airy patterns; fabrics in a sunny glazed balcony can fade over time, so use a curtain or blind where possible.
- Coffee corner: one corner of a glazed balcony can become a coffee corner. Ideas: how to create a coffee corner.
Caring for balcony textiles
Wipe-clean placemats and runners are cleaned with a damp cloth. Cushion covers are unzipped and washed. Details: caring for placemats and cushion covers. Bringing textiles inside in rain and strong sun extends their life.