How to Arrange a Balcony According to Your Tastes?

Want to make the most of your outdoor space as the warmer days arrive? Discover how to furnish a balcony with our decorators. A dining area, a lounge space, plants, lights… our decorators reveal all their tips to transform your outdoor area into a little piece of paradise!

Want to know how to furnish a balcony?

Elisa, our interior designer, shares all her tips for furnishing a balcony according to your decor style!

Whether you prefer an ethnic vibe with lots of greenery or love upcycling with pallets, Amélie shares her tips for a successful layout!

Furniture, plants, flooring, or lighting—find plenty of ideas and tips to make the most of your outdoor space this summer!

 

How to design a modular balcony?

Choose furniture on casters

Elisa recommends furniture on casters for a modular balcony. Furniture on wheels is very practical and makes it easy to rearrange your space. Quickly transform your dining area into a relaxation corner!

This type of furniture optimizes space, making it ideal for small balconies. You can find many outdoor sofas on wheels, or you can build one yourself using pallets! There are also tables and flower pots on casters.

 

Folding furniture

For an even more modular balcony and to save space, opt for folding furniture! Folding tables and chairs are perfect for small spaces like balconies. There are also benches that fold down to create a modular lounge area!

For a highly modular outdoor space, choose a folding dining set that easily turns into a relaxation area. A small metal table with matching chairs is ideal! You can also create a wall-mounted drop-leaf table to save even more space.

 

Furnishing a balcony with benches

Corner bench

Amélie suggests creating a corner bench to optimize space by utilizing corners. Build a custom bench at a lower cost or buy a corner bench in-store for a more polished finish.

For a charming look, add neutral cushions and string lights! For a more modern style, choose a dark metal bench with gray or beige seat cushions.

 

Long bench

For a narrow balcony, opt for a long bench! It adds a friendly, communal feel to your outdoor space. The longer the bench, the more pronounced the convivial atmosphere. Amélie recommends a seat that spans the entire length of the balcony.

This bench is perfect for a relaxation nook, accessorized with varied cushions for an ethnic look. It can also serve as seating for your dining area, saving you from using bulky chairs.

 

Amélie’s DIY tutorial

To furnish a balcony with a bench, use stacked pallets to create height, add cushions, and you're done!

 

Furnishing a balcony with rugs

Choosing rugs

Amélie suggests using rugs to dress up the floor of your balcony or garden. For an ethnic decor, choose a patterned vinyl rug. This rug is waterproof and durable outdoors. There are many patterns and sizes available to fit all types of terraces or balconies.

Easily define your space by playing with colors. For example, a light rug for the lounge area and a dark rug for the dining area create a nice contrast.

 

How to design a private balcony?

Reed screening: the practical and affordable trick

To cover your railing, opt for reed screening (canisses). They break up the view, create a warm atmosphere, and preserve your privacy while still letting light pass through.

For a charming decor, add warm string lights. For a jungle vibe, add plants to the screening. You will find reed screens in different sizes and materials to suit your balcony.

 

Adding greenery to balcony decor

Furnishing a balcony with plants

To furnish a balcony with plants, opt for a green wall. It brings freshness and a jungle spirit! Place it on one side of the balcony to provide more privacy and natural shade.

For a larger balcony, choose shrubs with large leaves, such as a banana tree, olive tree, or palm tree. Add synthetic grass for an exotic touch.

For a small balcony, opt for hanging plants that create a sense of height. They optimize space and add decor above your furniture.

If you have a bit of space, add a small vegetable garden with wooden containers for aromatic herbs or flowers like geraniums. A kitchen garden is perfect for a home-cooked lunch!

Trailing hanging plants can enhance a lounge area. They bring a jungle vibe, ensuring an ethnic decor!

Shapes and patterns to favor for furnishing a small balcony

For a small balcony, favor straight shapes like squares and rectangles. Triangular furniture optimizes a corner. Linear shapes do not waste space and give a sensation of length.

 

For a 7m2 balcony layout, opt for a small folding square table with a linear bench. Add wooden deck tiles for a harmonious and warm floor. Interlocking tiles are also ideal for dressing up the floor.

How to furnish a balcony with subtle patterns

Amélie advises using subtle patterns to avoid overcrowding the space. Dress up your balcony with plants rather than decorative objects to prevent a feeling of clutter.

Favor subtle patterns without too many colors to maintain harmony. For a contemporary style, choose neutral, pattern-free cushions. Also, opt for wall decor made of natural materials without patterns for an ethnic style. Macrame made from natural fibers with tone-on-tone patterns is perfect for not overloading the decor.

 

How to design a well-lit balcony?

Wall lighting for a cozy atmosphere

To bring warmth to your balcony, opt for wall fixtures. Depending on the desired style, vary the warmth of the bulbs. For a charming or ethnic decor, choose warm light. For a contemporary decor, prefer white lights.

String lights create a dimmed, guinguette-style atmosphere. This type of lighting adapts to many decor styles: ethnic, charming, jungle, retro, or vintage.

Also, add wall sconces to set the tone for your decor. Favor natural materials like rattan or bamboo for an ethnic, seaside, or jungle look. For an industrial or contemporary style, choose sconces with exposed bulbs in metal and wood.

 

Floor lighting for a touch of originality

Elisa recommends placing lighting on the floor for an original and warm style. Opt for floor lanterns for dimmed light, perfect for relaxing evenings and an ethnic vibe.

Vary the intensity and warmth of the bulbs to create the ideal atmosphere. For a modern style, opt for LED strips around your balcony for great lighting and varied colors!