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20+ Apartment Patio Ideas To Transform Your Balcony

by Holly Antoine | Published 9/20/23

When it comes to apartment living, having a patio can be a true luxury. Even if you only have a small balcony to work with, there are still plenty of ways to make the most of your outdoor space. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy reading nook, a place to entertain guests, or a relaxing spot to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning, there are plenty of apartment patio ideas to suit your needs.

However, apartment patios can often feel small and cramped. With some creativity and design know-how, though, you can transform your patio into a beautiful and functional space. Here are 20+ apartment patio ideas to inspire you.

Plan and Measure

Before you begin decorating your patio, plan out how you want to use the space. Will you be using it for entertaining guests, dining, or relaxing? Once you have a clear idea of your patio’s purpose, measure the space to ensure that the furniture and decor you choose will fit comfortably.

Mint green wrought iron chairs with white cushions are placed on a French style balconette at a marble bistro table.
Photo Credit: Zoe Feldman Design – Mint green wrought iron chairs with white cushions are placed on a French style balconette at a marble bistro table.
Chic covered second floor balcony is fitted with a rope swing bed adorned with plush white cushions and blue striped pillows.
Photo Credit: Crowell Interiors – Chic covered second floor balcony is fitted with a rope swing bed adorned with plush white cushions and blue striped pillows.

Choose Furniture Wisely

When it comes to furnishing a small patio, less is often more. Opt for furniture that is scaled to the size of your patio, such as a small bistro set or a loveseat and chair combo. If you have vertical space, consider a hanging chair or hammock to add an element of fun and relaxation. When selecting outdoor furniture, look for materials that are durable and weather-resistant, such as teak or metal.

Chic balcony is filled with blue slatted folding chairs and a white hourglass accent table.
Photo Credit: Rethink Design Studio – Chic balcony is filled with blue slatted folding chairs and a white hourglass accent table.
Fairy lights illuminate iron railings framing a balcony fitted with a rattan and bamboo dining table surrounded by rattan and bamboo dining chairs topped with white cushions and placed on a taupe striped rug.
Photo Credit: Elements of Style – Fairy lights illuminate iron railings framing a balcony fitted with a rattan and bamboo dining table surrounded by rattan and bamboo dining chairs topped with white cushions and placed on a taupe striped rug.

Add Color and Texture

One of the easiest ways to add interest to a patio is through color and texture. Incorporate outdoor pillows, rugs, and throws in a variety of hues and patterns to create a cohesive look. Use planters to add pops of greenery and flowers, or consider a vertical garden to maximize space.

A glass and steel balcony door opens to a small balcony filled with teak chairs and coffee table atop a black bordered outdoor rug surrounded by a shiplap balcony railing.
Photo Credit: Brandon Architects – A glass and steel balcony door opens to a small balcony filled with teak chairs and coffee table atop a black bordered outdoor rug surrounded by a shiplap balcony railing.

Create Ambiance with Lighting

Lighting can transform a patio from a basic outdoor space to a cozy oasis. String lights or lanterns can add a warm glow and create a welcoming atmosphere. Consider solar-powered options to save on energy costs and make installation a breeze.

Small transitional balcony made of iron and teak displaying modern wicker club chairs. A concrete accent table is flanked by white upholstered chairs creating stunning patio design.
Photo Credit: John Kraemer and Sons – Small transitional balcony made of iron and teak displaying modern wicker club chairs. A concrete accent table is flanked by white upholstered chairs creating stunning patio design.

Incorporate Functional Decor

When decorating a small patio, it’s important to make every item count. Look for decor that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also serves a useful purpose. For example, a storage bench can provide extra seating and double as a place to store outdoor cushions or gardening supplies.

Chic balcony features a teak bench facing a pair of wrought iron chairs.
Photo Credit: PPAPC – Chic balcony features a teak bench facing a pair of wrought iron chairs.
High rise balcony patio furnished with a mint green cafe table and chairs surrounded by lush green plants and a stunning city view.
Photo Credit: Studio DB

Maintain Your Patio

To ensure that your patio remains a beautiful and functional space, it’s important to maintain it regularly. Keep plants watered and trimmed, remove any debris or fallen leaves, and clean furniture as needed. Regular upkeep will help your patio remain a place of relaxation and enjoyment for years to come.

Under a navy blue balcony awning, navy blue basketweave chairs with matching stools are topped with blue stripe lumbar pillows and navy blue basketweave dining chairs surround a white dining table.
Photo Credit: McCann Design Group – Under a navy blue balcony awning, navy blue basketweave chairs with matching stools are topped with blue stripe lumbar pillows and navy blue basketweave dining chairs surround a white dining table.
With a beautiful beach view, Candelabra Home Loom Arm Chairs sit on a bedroom balcony facing a round concrete fire pit.
Photo Credit: Kelly Nutt Design – With a beautiful beach view, Candelabra Home Loom Arm Chairs sit on a bedroom balcony facing a round concrete fire pit.

Decorating a small apartment patio can be a fun and rewarding process. By planning out the space, selecting furniture wisely, adding color and texture, creating ambiance with lighting, incorporating functional decor, and maintaining the patio, you can create an outdoor oasis that will be the envy of your neighbors.

Balcony features orange and yellow mosaic floor tiles, a marble top coffee table and a turquoise blue sofa under an orange awning.
Photo Credit: Greg Natale – Balcony features orange and yellow mosaic floor tiles, a marble top coffee table and a turquoise blue sofa under an orange awning.
Bedroom balcony boasts modern black rope chairs and a round wooden accent table.
Photo Credit: Brooke Wagner Design – Bedroom balcony boasts modern black rope chairs and a round wooden accent table.

Quick and Easy Tips

Add Some Greenery: One of the easiest ways to liven up your apartment patio is to add some plants. Whether you go for potted flowers, hanging plants, or a small herb garden, greenery can bring life to even the smallest of spaces.

Create a Seating Area: Depending on the size of your patio, you may be able to create a seating area. A small bistro set or a couple of chairs and a table can make your patio feel like an extension of your living space.

Patio features light brown rope chairs with a white twist table atop light gray pavers.
Photo Credit: Feather Hill Interiors – Patio features light brown rope chairs with a white twist table atop light gray pavers.

Hang Some String Lights: String lights are a great way to add some ambiance to your patio. They’re also practical if you like to spend time outside in the evening.

Use Vertical Space: When you’re working with a small patio, it’s important to use all the space you have. Consider a vertical garden or hanging planters to maximize your greenery.

Create a Reading Nook: If you’re a book lover, consider creating a cozy reading nook on your patio. A comfortable chair, a small table, and some good lighting are all you need to create a relaxing space.

Install a Water Feature: If you’re looking for a way to add some tranquility to your patio, a water feature could be just the thing. A small fountain or even a tabletop water feature can create a soothing atmosphere.

Add Some Privacy: If you’re on a lower level or your patio is visible to neighbors, you may want to add some privacy. Consider a privacy screen, trellis, or even some tall plants to create a little seclusion.

Private apartment terrace features outdoor woven sofa topped with white seat cushions, indigo blue pillows and a dark navy tasseled throw across from a pair of metal framed woven leather chairs alongside a modern round white coffee table.
Photo Credit: AE Designs – Private apartment terrace features outdoor woven sofa topped with white seat cushions, indigo blue pillows and a dark navy tasseled throw across from a pair of metal framed woven leather chairs alongside a modern round white coffee table.

Use Colorful Accessories: Even if you can’t paint your patio walls, you can add some color with accessories. Brightly colored cushions, outdoor rugs, and even an umbrella can add some personality to your space.

A beach cottage patio features a hanging white rattan chair hung from a white pergola.
Photo Credit: Brooke Wagner Design – A beach cottage patio features a hanging white rattan chair hung from a white pergola.

Install a Hammock: If you have space, a hammock can be a fun and relaxing addition to your patio. Just make sure it’s securely anchored!

Create a Mini Bar: If you enjoy entertaining, consider creating a mini bar on your patio. A small table, some bar stools, and a few glasses and cocktail shakers are all you need to get started.

Add Some Art: Just because you’re outside doesn’t mean you can’t hang art on your patio walls. Consider weather-resistant pieces or even a large outdoor mirror to add some interest.

Use Bright Fabrics: If you’re looking for a way to add some pop to your patio, consider using bright fabrics. Colorful outdoor pillows, throws, and tablecloths can create a lively atmosphere.

Hang Some Curtains: If you want to add some drama to your patio, consider hanging some outdoor curtains. They can create a sense of privacy, add some color, and even provide some shade.

Create a Grilling Station: If you’re a fan of barbecuing, consider creating a dedicated grilling station on your patio. A small grill, some prep space, and some storage can make outdoor cooking a breeze.

Use Mirrors: Mirrors can be a great way to make a small space feel larger. Consider hanging a mirror on your patio wall to create the illusion of more space.

Install a Fire Pit: If you’re looking for a way to enjoy your patio in the cooler months, consider installing a fire pit. Just be sure to check with your landlord or building management before doing so.

Use Natural Materials: When it comes to patio design, natural materials like wood, stone, and wicker can create a cozy atmosphere. Consider incorporating these materials into your furniture and accessories.

Patio features white brick walls with ivy and a black wooden outdoor chair.
Photo Credit: Wendy Word Design –

Create a Mini Garden: If you don’t have space for a full garden, consider creating a mini garden on your patio. You can use containers to grow herbs, vegetables, or even flowers.

Use Multi-Purpose Furniture: When you’re working with a small space, it’s important to use furniture that can serve multiple purposes. Consider a storage bench or a table with built-in storage to make the most of your patio.

Add Some Shade: If your patio gets a lot of sun, you may want to add some shade. Consider a patio umbrella, a retractable awning, or even some outdoor curtains to keep things cool.

Create a Kids’ Zone: If you have children, consider creating a fun and safe area for them to play on your patio. A small table and chairs, a sand table, or even a small slide can make your patio a favorite spot for the whole family.

Use Solar Lighting: If you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to light your patio, consider using solar-powered lights. They’re easy to install and can add a warm glow to your space.

White, black and yellow covered patio design features a black and white outdoor sofa with yellow and black pillows, a black Klismos coffee table and a yellow garden stool.
Photo Credit: Greg Natale – White, black and yellow covered patio design features a black and white outdoor sofa with yellow and black pillows, a black Klismos coffee table and a yellow garden stool.
Beautifully styled covered patio bar features gray and gold barstools placed at a gray bar island with a marble countertop.
Photo Credit: Hoedemaker Pfeiffer – Beautifully styled covered patio bar features gray and gold barstools placed at a gray bar island with a marble countertop.
Covered patio features gray swing sofas and chairs, a gray accent chair with white cushion and a black and cream coffee table.
Photo Credit: Kelly Caron Designs – Covered patio features gray swing sofas and chairs, a gray accent chair with white cushion and a black and cream coffee table.
Covered patio features a teak outdoor sectional with gray cushions, a driftwood coffee table, a gray rug and a tall potted plant.
Photo Credit: JLV Creative – Covered patio features a teak outdoor sectional with gray cushions, a driftwood coffee table, a gray rug and a tall potted plant.
Wrought iron dining chairs sit around an oval marble dining table placed on harlequin pavers beneath a brown plank patio ceiling.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Garrett Interiors – Wrought iron dining chairs sit around an oval marble dining table placed on harlequin pavers beneath a brown plank patio ceiling.
Covered patio features gray wicker and rope dining chairs at a white pedestal table.
Photo Credit: Kitchen Lab – Covered patio features gray wicker and rope dining chairs at a white pedestal table.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I make the most of a small patio space?

A: Optimize your space by using multi-functional furniture, such as benches that can also be used for storage. Use vertical space by hanging plants or installing shelves. Consider using foldable furniture that can be easily stored when not in use.

Q: What are some low-maintenance plants that can thrive on a patio?

A: Succulents, herbs, and ornamental grasses are great options. They require minimal maintenance and can add visual interest to your patio.

Q: How do I add privacy to my patio without obstructing the view?

A: Use tall plants or hanging planters to create a natural barrier. Install sheer curtains or a privacy screen that allows air to flow through while still providing privacy.

Q: How can I make my patio cozy and inviting?

A: Add comfortable seating, such as a sectional or outdoor sofa, along with throw pillows and blankets. Install outdoor lighting, such as string lights or lanterns, to create a warm ambiance.

Q: Can I use an outdoor rug on my patio?

A: Yes! An outdoor rug can add color and texture to your patio while also protecting the surface beneath it.

Q: How do I prevent my patio furniture from fading in the sun?

A: Consider using covers when furniture is not in use. Choose UV-resistant fabrics or materials, such as wicker or metal, that are less likely to fade.

Q: How can I incorporate my personal style into my patio decor?

A: Use color, pattern, and texture to reflect your personal style. Consider adding artwork or decorative accents that showcase your interests or hobbies. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles to create a unique look.

 

Holly Antoine

Holly Antoine is a Home, Lifestyle and DIY content creator. After leaving behind an 11-year career in the dental field to pursue her passion for design and decor, she developed her own branded site, HollyGrace.ca, where she shares her love of home design, decor, DIYs and inspires others to get creative and build[...]

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