Tips and Ideas For Bringing Your Balcony Back to Life

If you have a boring outdoor balcony space that you’re unsure of what to do with, have a look at this list of tips and ideas for revitalising your balcony space, transforming it into a space I’m sure you’ll be spending all of your downtime.

1 – Use Soft Furnishings to Bring the Inside Out

Transform your balcony into a cosy oasis, by styling some outdoor soft furnishings into the exterior space. Outdoor rugs can be a great addition to an outdoor area, to create a sense of comfort and style. They come in so many different variations of size, colour and patterns, so you can find one that fits your space perfectly.

Grey paving slabs with dark furniture and lots of soft furnishings.
Above, Couture Light Grey Porcelain Paving Slabs

The cosy atmosphere can be further enhanced by using cushions and blankets, among any other soft furnishings you’d like, turning the area into the perfect space to chill out with a book or to unwind with your friends.

Wooden deck chair on grey paving slabs with blanket and cushion draped over.
Above, Humble Grey Stone Effect Porcelain Paving Slab

Finding soft furnishings and accessories in neutral tones can help shape the space into a bohemian vibe. This tends to emit a sense of tranquillity and calm.

2 – Utilise Uplifting Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting can be the perfect way to create a snug and comfortable space when used correctly. When lots of lighting is used in a small space it can become harsh on the eye. Subtle fairy lights, dainty lanterns and fire pits can reshape your balcony to become intimate and relaxing. If you’re thinking of using a firepit on your balcony, we ask to make sure your balcony has nothing over the top.

Dark stone effect flooring with black firepit and dark outdoor furniture.
Above, Witton Noir 200mm Porcelain Paving Slabs

3 – Create a Tropical Retreat

Light and bright outdoor space with lots of plants and greenery surrounding beige furniture.
Above, Medici Plus Natural Porcelain Paving Slabs

Introducing plants and foliage into your balcony space can create its own tropical atmosphere, making you feel like you’re away on holiday. If you have a green thumb, this is the perfect opportunity to grow your own, even fruit and veg! If you don’t possess those gardening skills, however, do not worry; the same look can be achieved using artificial greenery, and it’s so much easier to look after.

Single small table and chair with lots of artificial greenery surrounding the fence around the furniture.
Above, Flint Natural Slate Effect Paving Slabs

Greenery also creates a sense of privacy for those of us that have nosy neighbours. It can conceal any gaps in railings across the front of your balcony. This example is an artificial vine hedge and can be easily fitted and applied across your balcony.

4 – Research your Flooring Options

There’s many options available for flooring a balcony, whether it be wood decking, paving slabs or even outdoor carpet. Flooring is often something that is overlooked when redesigning a space, but it can be just as important as the accessories in creating a balcony with character and style. Ensure you look at every option and find what works best for you.

Grey paving slabs with simple rattan table and chair.
Above, Mist Grey Concrete Effect Porcelain Paving Slabs

These Mist Grey Concrete Effect Slabs are a great choice for a simple, understated look. The shade of grey allows for lots of colour to be injected elsewhere for a fun and exciting look, or if you’re looking for a more modern manner, using multiple shades of grey across the balcony’s furnishings can achieve this. Slabs are also the perfect choice when looking for something that is going to be durable and last.

Light wood effect paving slabs with lots of accessories surrounding the chair space in the centre.
Above, Sherwood Natural wood Effect Porcelain Paving Slabs

These Sherwood Wood Effect Slabs can be a great way of bringing the inside out further, offering the opportunity to create an inviting and appealing outdoor balcony space. When mixed with various textures across the rest of the space, the overall look becomes interesting and inviting. Further paired with décor pieces such as plants and cushions, it enhances a balconies appeal.

Mixed red toned floor outdoor tiles, with simple furniture and accessories
Above, Trail Terra 20×20 Matt Slab Tiles

These Trail Terra Tiles can be a fantastic base to any balcony, adding texture and colour, also becoming a main focal point of small spaces. These slabs have the opportunity to effortlessly transform your balcony space.

Black and white Victorian mosaic tiles along entrance towards door.
Above, Churchill Snow & Midnight Chequer

Alternatively, these Churchill Chequer Mosaic Tiles can offer a Victorian aesthetic, taking your balcony back in time. They make a confident statement and can be used as the base for a bold and character-filled balcony space.

5 – Keep the Furniture Small and Simple

Chances are if you’re redecorating your balcony, you only have a small amount of space to work with, which at times can be challenging. Keeping the furniture you implement to your space small and simple allows the opportunity to build character and style elsewhere, through any décor pieces you’d wish to add later on. Jumping in with bold and large furniture pieces can mean a lot of your space has been taken up at the very beginning of your redesign, leaving little to no room for much else to happen in the process. 

Light beige natural stone effect outdoor slabs with simple rattan furntiure
Above, Icaria Plus Beige Porcelain Paving Slabs

6 – Plan Your Balcony Space

I’m not saying make an in-depth drawing of your space, but since balconies tend to be quite small and don’t allow much room for larger pieces, it is always worth planning out your space and ensuring you are aware of what dimensions you have to work with. Grab your measuring tape, and make a note of the length and width of your space, sometimes height if there’s a chance it will apply, so when you are online or out and about shopping for the fun items for your space, you can avoid the disappointment of buying something too big!

Ladies hands sketching out floor space.

These are my 6 tips and ideas for bringing your balcony back to life! Be sure to tag us in your new balcony spaces on Instagram, @wallsandfloors