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

A flash of vibrant colour can instantly transform a compact space. Maximise the sense of space by echoing the wall shade with matching furniture for a fluid look that is so on-trend. 

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 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 carnival-style corner with a few budget buys. Fun fruity shaped cushions and leafy jungle-style plants (they 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. We adore this simple idea that drapes white fabric from rustic branches suspended from the ceiling; it instantly adds a lazy yet refined Mediterranean holiday feel to the balcony.

Looking for something a little exotic for your balcony floor? These IKEA porcelain floor decking tiles simply click together and create a beautiful statement. Let the floor lead with outdoor furniture that's simple and understated. 

Small open-plan apartments ofter 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. 

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

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.

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 and global-style retreat that's fun to achieve. Silvery leafed plants such as small olive trees or potted eucalyptus will keep the tone cool. 

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 evokes inspiration while the planter on the work surface is a chic and original design addition that's so plugged into our current times. 

Potted plants and balconies are a match made in heaven and prove you don't need a huge space to create your own horticultural haven. Start with one or two large pots and then layer in between with smaller varieties that won't obstruct your view. Tie the foliage in 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 little patch of outdoor space. You can also feel you are doing 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 black-painted decking makes it look as though it's floating. One large pot of bamboo finishes the ultra-urban appeal.

Use privacy screens to hang greenery to free up the floor. 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. 

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 inwards 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.

For effortless apartment living, give a covered balcony an intimate, cosy feel by hanging outdoor-appropriate curtains along the balustrade. In this stylish space by Commune Design, the inviting scheme is finished with cushions, an intricate sideboard and a large tactile rug. When evening draws in, you can simply close the curtains to keep out the cold.

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. 

You don't need a huge budget to create something special. A pair of simple director-style chairs, plus a splash of colour is all that's needed to create an inviting sunspot for two. Whitewashed walls, a blue patterned rug and an oasis of low-maintenance greenery create a bohemian finish that oozes laid-back style in this stunning scheme by Faith Blakeney.

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.

If your balcony is your only patch of outdoor space, bring as much fragrant foliage in as possible. Place large pots of hydrangeas on the floor and frame the area with railing planters filled with lavender and compact campanula, like Craftifair has done here. Add in a few tubular plants such as foxgloves and honeysuckle to help bees and other pollinators too. Don't forget to leave room for a garden chair to enjoy your horticultural hideaway.

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 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.

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.

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.

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're on a tight budget, jazz up your balcony with reclaimed furnishings. This rustic sofa frame has been built from repurposed wood pallet for a shabby chic finish. Paired with a vibrant outdoor rug and floor cushions, this salvage scheme is completely one of a kind. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

For a cosy terrace come summer or winter, take inspiration from the chic Scandi palette. Slot in a well-loved corner seat and leave decking and wall cladding exposed and rustic. Add silvery leafed foliage, storm lanterns and throw in cosy blankets and cushions for a cool, snug space that can brave chillier evenings too.

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...

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. 

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.

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 makes 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.

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...

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.

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.

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...

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. 

It isn't for everyone but artificial grass can be a good route to a green space, minus the maintenance. These days you can find some pretty realistic products on the market – just make sure the surface area of your balcony is flat and has good drainage. Make sure you seek the advice of a professional before laying.

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. 

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