When it comes to outside space, size isn't everything. With a few streamlined furniture solutions and some stylish decor, even the snuggest balcony can be transformed into an elevated oasis. Whether you want an alfresco dining space, an outdoor living room or a peaceful green escape above the hustle and bustle of the city, these beautiful balcony ideas are sure to inspire.

Your balcony can easily transform into a comfortable corner for a spot of people watching, nature appreciation or simply snoozing. Measure the length and width of the space and install a small corner sofa, turned outwards. Add a low level coffee table, then sit back relax and watch the world go by. Don't forget your favourite blankets and cushions.

Treat a long balcony to an open-plan living vibe by zoning the space. This modern outdoor dining room is set up for ultimate entertainers with a garden table and chairs at one end. The other offers a sofa, round wicker coffee table, and soft pouffes for after-dinner drinks. Pops of yellow and potted cacti add urban Californian style. 

Turn your balcony into an intimate outdoor dining space just for two. Choose a lightweight table and chairs, adding a glass tabletop for ultimate bistro supper style that's also incredibly versatile. You can easily change things up with your crockery, cutlery, and comfortable textiles to match your chosen dining theme. 

Allow vibrant colours to explode onto your balcony with a black painted privacy trellis and grey garden furniture. The urban, moody tones make an ideal contrast for jazzy shades that will liven up a small space. Mix orange, cobalt blue, and yellow cushions, then echo the citrusy hues with cute bird motif wall art and teal hanging planters. 

Your floating garden is the perfect place to plant out some beautiful greenery and flowers right now, especially in easy to move pots and containers. Plants are a great way of providing natural privacy too. Start with pretty floor decking and smaller pots, working up to a screen or trellis framed with planters filled with fresh herbs and plants that are happy outside. An instant secret garden all your own. 

If you're lucky enough to own a south-facing balcony with a view, the chances are you witness many beautiful sunsets. Get your sun-trap ready for the event with comfortable seating, blankets, storm lanterns and candles. Hanging starburst hoops full of twinkly fairy lights on your balcony walls will add to the twilight ambience. 

Look out for space-saving ideas that work well in a small space. A vertical three-tiered planter is an ideal choice as it injects lush foliage and draws the eye up. It also means you can plant larger or trailing plants at height and allow them to flow across and down the walls of you balcony oasis. 

Add a global theme to a contemporary balcony with low level lounge seating and earthy toned textiles. Layer up the urban vibe with a corner display of structural plants potted in modern terracotta pots. 

In a small space, wise furniture choices will enhance the sense of space. A traditional bistro table with slim legs and strip metal chair backs will let light flow through. Use a traditional iron bar balcony barrier to hang greenery. This will keep most of the floor space free and uncluttered and create the illusion of more space. 

A flash of vibrant colour can instantly transform a compact space. It can also provide a dramatic backdrop to your balcony furniture, plants, and accessories. Maximise the sense of space by echoing the wall shade with matching furniture for a fluid look that is so on-trend. 

Paint effects are all the rage on interior walls so why not take the feature onto the balcony too? It's a fun way to add colour and pattern to blank exterior walls. This simple russet red circle pops out of a white back drop and adds a curvy contrast to the square space full of angles. 

Hammocks aren't just for beaches and between trees, a small balcony can be a perfect secluded spot to bed down on. Choose a fringed version and fill it with exotic print cushions in earthy tones. Add lanterns and you've got yourself a sunny oasis to gently swing the day away in. ​

Curate a lively carnival-style corner with a few budget buys. Fun fruity shaped cushions and leafy jungle-style plants that don't even have to be real will instantly add tropical flavour. Finish the look with LED festoon lights hung low to keep the party going as the sun goes down. 

An all-white balcony can often become a sun trap, so a canopy for shade is usually needed at some point during the day. Take inspiration from this simple idea of draping white fabric from rustic branches suspended from the ceiling. It instantly adds a lazy yet refined Mediterranean holiday feel to the space, plus some protection from the sunshine.

Looking to add a little more style to a plain balcony floor? These IKEA porcelain floor decking tiles simply click together and create a beautiful statement. Let the floor lead and use understated outdoor furniture and paired back plants and foliage to create an elevated outdoor space.

Small open-plan apartments often lack space for a dining table so take your meals out on the balcony and enjoy an alfresco dining experience. A compact version with benches that tuck under the table will free up space when it's not in use. Hang outdoor lighting to allow for meals at any time of day or night.

Give an all-white balcony a colour crush with hits of vibrant colour. Choose metal furniture with simple lines in joyful primary colours and unique accessories for an uplifting look full of freshness. Light will bounce off the white walls, intensifying the colour and creating the ultimate happy holiday vibe.

For a look that's a little different, layer textured rattan furniture with bleached linens and pale-leaf plants. The chunky weaved seating will create a natural retreat that's easy to achieve. Silvery leafed plants such as small olive trees or potted eucalyptus will complement the cool tones.

Combine natural texture and peach melba tones for a relaxed boho vibe. Place coral coloured, retro-look furniture on a round sisal rug against a neutral background and border with leafy potted plants for instant fresh energy and breezy vibes.

It seems we are looking everywhere in our homes to find new homeworking spaces right now and the balcony is no exception. We love this zingy alfresco office with trough bistro set that doubles as a desk. The turquoise painted privacy screen allows for focus while the planter on the work surface is a chic and original addition.

Potted plants and balconies are a match made in heaven, proving you don't need a huge space to create your own horticultural haven. Start with one or two larger pots, then layer smaller varieties in between that won't obstruct your view. Tie in the foliage with your furniture by adding a centrepiece to your table. 

Build your own little beehive on your balcony. Filled with fun and quirky bee motifs and accessories, it's a quick way to add personality and character to your patch of outdoor space. You can also do your bit for the environment by adding a wall-mounted insect hotel and blooms that little honey makers love. 

Give your balcony a contemporary twist by adding new-form furniture. This funky statement chaise longue is not would you'd expect on a balcony but we love the simple and contemporary style, colour, and character. Black metal legs against dark decking almost make it look as though it's floating. One large pot of bamboo finishes the ultra-urban appeal.

If you fancy a kitchen garden minus the mess, then wall-mounted plant bags could be an innovative solution. A great way to grow produce and feed the family, these green planters can hold herbs, salad, vegetables and flowers, plus they create a cool feature wall that ties in perfectly with the scheme's two-tone colour palette. 

Use privacy screens to hang greenery to free up floor space. The visual impact at different heights will also draw the eye up, enhancing the sense of space. Furniture that blends into the background will help blur the boundaries too. 

Fake the look of a lawn growing on your balcony with artificial grass. With such a small space to cover you can afford to splash out on good quality turf that is super life-like. Make sure the surface area of your balcony is flat and has good drainage and seek the advice of a professional before laying, or lay a patch like a rug that can be rolled up when not in use. Enhance the mini oasis with bright coloured pots and bright seat cushions. 

Working with a pocket-sized space? One way to make your balcony feel larger is to play with the direction you place furnishings. In this scheme by myhome, two cosy chairs face inward, towards the interior living room, blurring the line between inside and out and creating the illusion of a larger space. Mini citrus trees and orange accent cushions add a refreshing finish to this urban oasis.

An easy way to add colour, curvy string chairs in bold, vibrant shades will create a fiesta of fun in your outdoor room. Team with deck chairs and a hammock in contrasting hues and prints and arrange around a low-level table for an eclectic social space.

A hit of strong colour will instantly inject personality into your elevated space. This exotic and adventurous pink is offset beautifully against contrasting dark wood and black furnishings. Paint a feature wall or alcove for an inviting snug to recline in and soak up the summer sun.

Personalise your balcony floor by adding a wow-factor, weather-proof pattern. Rather than relying on an outdoor rug, this fabulous balcony features a stunning painted statement floor created with a Spanish tile stencil, bringing the Mediterranean a little closer to home.

Faded flooring teamed with comfortable outdoor furniture in muted tones will create a Scandi atmosphere that's calming and laid-back. Enjoy the outdoors even on chillier days with a warming and rustic firepit. Make sure your balcony is ground-level and always be fire safe if you're considering a firepit feature on a balcony space.

Add a touch of colour to a contemporary balcony with a moveable divider. A versatile screen can offer privacy and shade or help define different zones in a multifunctional outdoor area. Choose a design that's woven, like this tactile blue and green model, to allow air to flow through.

Cheer up a compact patio space with bistro furniture in soft and breezy pastel colours. These pretty metal chairs are a practical purchase too as they can be folded away when more space is required. Accessorise with plants that feature pink and peach leaf variegations for a colourful and coordinated outdoor scheme.

Transform your balcony into a cosy, cocooned space by experimenting with a dark colour scheme. Start with walnut wood-effect floor tiles and continue the mood with hexagon wall tiles in a similar earthy tone. Contemporary black garden furniture is a stylish choice, while sculptural potted plants will lift the dramatic hue.

When square footage is in short supply, hanging seating is a space-savvy furniture choice. This white geometric chair creates a show-stopping focal point on a pocket-sized balcony. Embrace a carefree desert aesthetic and pair with cactus, seagrass planters and rough plastered walls in warm romantic shades.

If you're fond of a relaxed, tactile finish, extend the aesthetic to your outdoor area. Try layering rugs in different patterns and colours for a cosy look that creates depth in a balcony that may be limited on square footage. Pouffes and stools that can also double up as tables are a great way to add space-efficient seating too.

Turn to earthy tones and textures for a harmonious space where you can kick back and relax. Set the mood with rustic wood panelling and pair with woven furnishings in geometric patterns. Accessorise with funky festoon lights and potted greenery for your very own urban oasis.

With a sunny colour palette, your balcony can bring a burst of sunshine to the greyest of skies. Here, a bright yellow bistro set makes a vibrant statement in this snug outside space, while pretty pots in matching tones add an extra hit of colour.

Add character to your outdoor space by showcasing unique decorative touches. Hang quirky wall art, like these metal leaves and feathers, to frame an outside seating area. Opt for pieces that can withstand a little weathering and ensure they're secured with sturdy mounting hooks to keep them in place in bad weather.

Bold geometric patterns are a great way to freshen up a small space. Start with a graphic outdoor rug and then add vibrant cushions and throws – the bolder and brighter the better; this look is about embracing clashing colour combinations.

A top trick to channel inside-outside living on your balcony is to add a stylish outdoor floor lamp. This classic white model is designed to withstand extreme weather while providing ambient lighting when the sun goes down.

Design your balcony around a statement piece with real wow-factor. This bright yellow wire chair and table, paired with matching sunny cushions are the perfect choice for a simple, uplifting scheme. Frame the contemporary setup with a trio of planters potted with large ferns to anchor the colourful corner.

Strings of fairy lights are a great way to illuminate small outdoor spaces and evoke an ambience in the evenings. For a whimsical feel, opt for festoon lighting which mimics exposed light bulb fittings. Available in glass or plastic, they're a great way to bring your balcony bang up to date.

If your balcony is exposed to the full sun, an elegant parasol will help keep your space useable in the hot summer months. Cream walls, paper lanterns and an ivy-clad wooden trellis will keep the look bright and fresh, even in the shade. 

Tight spaces require smart furniture. Look out for compact, convertible furniture that makes the most of every inch of floor space. This half-moon table attaches neatly to balcony railings and folds down when not in use. 

If you'd rather fill your floor space with furniture rather than plant pots, consider adding greenery with a vertical living wall and natural canopy. Fit a small frame or trellis and introduce climbing plants such as clematis, wisteria or honeysuckle. Their fragrant scents will be a welcome addition, plus their foliage is perfect for disguising unsightly walls.

If you're short on space but yearning for your own green retreat, consider fixing plant pots to the walls too. Secure your shrubs safely with a wall-mounted bracket for your very own stylish floating garden. Make sure you opt for plants with small root systems, or you might find a few try to make a break for it...

No room to stretch out on a hammock? No problem – these hanging cocoon chairs are a fun, space-savvy alternative. A relaxing retreat for adults or an exciting nook for children, they just need securely fixing to overhanging beams.

Give balconies with cement or concrete-look flooring an inviting yet industrial twist with soft rattan furniture mounted on black metal legs. Black cushions will continue the contemporary look and a faux fur rug and lush greenery complete the space. 

If you're after a cool, calming space, why not pass up bright brash shades for a more understated neutral decorating palette? Here, light grey woodwork and furnishings create a soothing pared-back scheme, providing the perfect backdrop for shrubs and greenery to pop.

Bring laid-back surfer vibes to your own private piece of paradise, even if you're miles from the ocean. To add a sprinkling of coastal decor, scatter a white outdoor sofa with pastel-patterned cushions and accessorise with natural materials like seagrass and jute, then sit back and wait for the waves to roll in. 

Embrace a funky retro theme with relaxed low-level seating. These models, made from white UV-stabilised plastic, will not only last longer in direct sunlight but also add bags of character to a simple balcony space. Accessorise with Bluetooth speakers so you can blast that chill tunes playlist...

You don't need to fill a balcony with furniture to make it shine. Feature the floor with bright tiling or a bold outdoor rug to add wow-factor. Against fresh white spindles, this blue and white pattern creates a beautiful Hamptons-style focal point. Accessorise with oversized cushions and a bean bag for a snug corner to cosy up in.

Tiny living can still be super stylish. This petite but practical balcony, complete with slimline bistro table and chairs, elegant wrought-iron railings and vibrant blooms is the perfect place to enjoy a morning cup of coffee in the sunshine.

Why dream of holidays in the sun when you can recreate the atmosphere at home? Paint balcony walls a warm terracotta shade and accessorise with storm lanterns for an ambience that will whisk you away to distant shores, minus the jet lag.

Create the illusion of more space by hanging a mirror on the wall of your balcony. Whether it's a fun gallery-wall style collection of hand mirrors or a single large contemporary style, it will reflect the light, make the space look big and amplify all that vibrant foliage.

If you're green-fingered, then why not fit out your balcony with a potting station? To keep it tidy, choose storage units with cupboards underneath to hide away tools and plant feed. Meanwhile, you can fill the display shelves with your prized shrubs – succulent-style plants do particularly well in south and west-facing balconies.

Give a wire memo board a new lease of life as a stylish plant hanger. Buy brightly coloured pots with hooks attached and create a vibrant display with kitchen herbs and outdoor succulents.

An outdoor rug is a great way of hiding a tired floor and creates an instant balcony makeover. This geometric monochrome print is elegant and striking, immediately drawing the eye down to the garden below.

A balcony or roof terrace makes a fabulous alfresco entertaining space. For a laid-back affair, opt for a long table with relaxed benches and battery-operated lighting for when the sun goes down. If you're lucky enough to have stunning views, install translucent fencing so you can soak up the skyline over dinner.

Setting up a corner sofa on your balcony can up the comfort levels in your outside area. Go for a waterproof rattan-effect frame, that way you'll only need to take the cushions in when the weather takes a turn. This large balcony is a great example of organised, open-plan living, with distinctive zones for lounging, dining and serving.

Strip out the colour from your balcony for a sun-bleached Mediterranean vibe. Here, soft grey walls offset crisp white seating, while a blonde wood coffee table and woven accessories complete the calm and cool scheme.

No space? No problem. This slimline wall-hung bistro table is a compact size and folds away when not in use. Made especially for balconies, it slots over railings to make the most of a small outdoor space.

If you live in a built-up area where privacy is a problem, a slatted wood screen can help keep out prying eyes without completely blocking out sunlight. Combine with a matching wooden bench and table, plus patterned cushions in muted tones for a cool, contemporary scheme with boho flourishes.

Bring in natural textures and a neutral colour palette to create a calming hideaway in the midst of the city. Layer rustic wood benches with tactile cushions and linen blankets in sun-bleached hues to continue the au naturel feel. For a pop of sunshine, introduce colour organically with miniature lemon trees and yellow blooms, then sit back and soak up the rays...

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