A balcony of your own is more than just an extra space – it’s your personal oasis under the open sky. When designing your balcony, countless possibilities open up to transform this special place entirely according to your vision. Whether it’s a tiny city balcony or a spacious terrace – with the right planning and a few creative ideas, you can create a unique feel-good spot. Here, you’ll learn how to turn your outdoor area into a vibrant retreat that suits your lifestyle and brings you joy all year round.

Kleiner, sonniger Stadtbalkon mit Holzboden, einem runden Beistelltisch, Topfpflanzen und gemütlicher Sitzgelegenheit – liebevoll gestaltet mit grünen Pflanzen, Kräutern und einer Laterne.

The Basics of Balcony Design: Planning & Space Optimization

Your balcony is your personal outdoor paradise – no matter how big or small it is. To make the most of it, you need a well-thought-out plan. Here’s how to make the best use of every square meter.

Before you begin designing, be sure to follow these important steps:

  • Take measurements: Measure your balcony carefully – length, width, and the height of the walls.
  • Create a usage concept: Think about how you mainly want to use your balcony.
  • Consider sunlight: Observe how the sun hits your balcony throughout the day.

For small balconies, clever furnishing solutions are especially important:

  • Space-saving furniture like folding tables (ideal size: 60 x 60 cm)
  • Multifunctional elements, e.g., a bench with storage
  • Vertical design with wall shelves and hanging plants

Create a cozy atmosphere with:

  • Indirect lighting from solar lamps or string lights
  • Soft textiles like weatherproof cushions and blankets
  • Harmonious color schemes that match your building façade

The Right Plants for Every Balcony

balcony orientationGeeignete PflanzenBeispiele
South-facing balcony (full sun)
  • Mediterranean plants
  • Herbs
  • Vegetables
  • Lavender, Oleander, Bougainvillea
  • Rosemary, Thyme, Sage
  • Tomatoes, Peppers, Chilies
East & West-facing balcony (partial shade)
  • Flowering plants
  • Berry shrubs
  • Hardy herbs
  • Lobelia, Daisies, Petunias
  • Raspberries, Gooseberries
  • Mint, Oregano, Basil
North-facing balcony (shade)
  • Shade-loving plants
  • Green plants
  • Mosses and Hostas
  • Fuchsias, Begonias, Bellflowers
  • Ferns, Ivy

 

Smart plant solutions for small balconies:

  • Vertical gardens with pallet systems
  • Hanging planters on the railing
  • Stackable plant pots
  • Herb spirals for corners

Care tips:

  • Automatic watering systems for vacation times
  • Use water-retaining planters
  • Don’t forget regular fertilizing

Furniture & Functional Elements for Your Balcony

Choosing the right furniture is crucial when you want to design and make the best use of your balcony. Here are top solutions for every balcony type:

Space-saving essentials:

  • Folding furniture made of weather-resistant aluminum or wood
  • Bistro set (60 x 60 cm) for two people
  • Wall-mounted folding table as an alternative to a freestanding table
  • Stackable chairs made of UV-resistant plastic

Multifunctional furniture:

  • Bench with built-in storage (perfect for cushions and blankets)
  • Stool with storage compartment
  • Side table with cooler box function
  • Modular shelf systems for the wall

Practical storage ideas:

  • Slim tall cabinets for garden tools
  • Weatherproof cushion boxes
  • Hanging organizers for small items
  • Foldable drying racks

💡 Extra tip for small balconies: Invest in furniture that can be stacked or folded flat. This way, you can store it compactly during bad weather while still having all options ready for sunny days.

Create Atmosphere with Decoration & Lighting

Mit der richtigen Dekoration verwandeln Sie Ihren Balkon in eine stimmungsvolle Wohlfühloase. Hier sind die wichtigsten Elemente für Ihre Balkongestaltung:

categoryideas
Lighting concept 
  • Solar string lights for the railing
  • LED lanterns with timer function
  • Wind lights made of glass or metal
  • Ground spotlights for plants
Textile design 
  • Weatherproof outdoor rugs (quick-drying)
  • Water-repellent seat cushions
  • Light blankets for cooler evenings
  • Sun sails or awnings for shade
Privacy ideas
  • Natural privacy using climbing plants
  • Bamboo mats in various heights
  • Fabric panels with UV protection
  • Decorative screen elements
Stylish accessories
  • Macrame wall hangings
  • Wind chimes made of natural materials
  • Decorative plant pots in various sizes
  • Small art objects for a personal touch
Seasonal decoration
  • Spring: Colorful spring bloomers in pots
  • Summer: Maritime décor elements
  • Autumn: Lanterns and warm textiles
  • Winter: LED branches and frost-resistant décor

Your Dream Balcony Is Waiting for You

Designing your own balcony is an exciting project that can be a real success with the right ideas and some planning. As we’ve seen, even the smallest balcony can become a magical oasis. Here are the key steps to designing your balcony:

  • Plan carefully and measure your space
  • Choose furniture that meets your needs
  • Consider the orientation when choosing plants
  • Use vertical space wisely
  • Create atmosphere with lighting and décor

Whether you want a cozy retreat, an urban garden, or an outdoor lounge – with the balcony design ideas presented here, nothing stands in the way of your project. Get inspired by the many design options and create your very own open-air oasis step by step. Your balcony transformation starts now! 🌿✨