The key to being able to relax and enjoy some fresh air outside of your apartment is focusing on functional decorating ideas for a small balcony. This is especially true if you live in a major metropolitan area where balcony spaces tend to be quite small.

Relaxing outside can really set the mood of having some time away without actually leaving your home, especially on a busy day.

It is also really good to let the kiddo out for a breath of fresh air.

You can have a very functional balcony regardless of how big or small it is, the key is being creative with space.

Instead of going crazy right up front with the decorating, start small, you can always add to the décor little by little, but too much can really cause this space to become cluttered.

Here are five decorating ideas for a small balcony to consider:

1. Keep Cool

Having a privacy shade to hang is nice to block out some of the sun if your balcony is producing too much heat.

A small patio umbrella is pretty nice if that is something you are able to install or set up on the balcony.

If neither is an option try putting up outdoor drapes to give a little more privacy but still a nice elegant feel.

If having an outside ceiling fan is not an option look for alternatives to a small fan that is dedicated for outside coolness.

2. Cozy To The Touch

Consider adding a rug which will make it a nice accent, plus it will provide a barrier from the hard concrete for your toddler while they are sitting on the ground playing with their toys.  But if you are renting this may not be an option.

Consider covering the concrete and railing with floor slabs, blinds, or wicker fencing.

There is also interlocking deck tiles, or turf to imitate a backyard.

All these items can be picked up at your local home depot, lowes, or can easily order them online.

3. Table & Chair

Think about how long and wide you balcony is when considering outdoor furniture.

Keeping some type of walkway is essential to not making space feel crowded.

If you really have a tiny balcony consider outdoor folding chairs as an option so that you are able to put them up out of the way when they are not in use.

This holds true also for the table. You can DIY a table out of a crate box or just buy a small round folding table around with enough room for snacks and two drinks.

If you want to add cushions to the chairs, choose lighter colors. Having lighter colors can make a small balcony or patio seem larger.

4. Grill

Choose a grill that is just the right size for the amount of space you have without taking up too much room.

There’s nothing like the smell of a pit burning that makes you so anxious for grilled food.

Make sure to check with local rules to know which kind of grill is recommended for your space.

If you don’t like dealing with the fuss of charcoal or propane consider an electric grill.

There are many options from the standing grill, portable grill, or hanging grill.

5. Finishing Touches

Add some hanging pottery or a verticle planter. Adding string lights will give this small space a really nice feel at night, and a great visual for entertaining your guests.

Consider getting an outside storage bench to keep any additional outside pillows or toys.

Toys is an option if you have toys specifically for outside for your toddler to play with that you don’t want inside the home.

This is also a place to store all of your grilling accessories, mats, or outdoor candles.

Keep these options in mind when setting up your balcony for summer.

Most of these ideas can be used all year round with a few minor adjustments with each season.

Any additional ideas of how you are setting up your small balcony, leave them in the comments below.

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