Small balcony guide: how to plan, furnish and enjoy a small balcony

A small balcony can hold more than you'd think, as long as every piece earns its place. This guide brings together everything we've written about furnishing a balcony, from measuring the floor to keeping it usable in winter. Start at the top or jump to the part you need.

1. Measure before you buy

Measure the width and depth of the floor, the door swing and the height of the railing. Then subtract a clear path at least 2 feet wide from the door. What's left is the space you can furnish. Our step-by-step guide on how to measure a balcony for furniture shows exactly where to measure, and the balcony furniture planner shows what fits your size.

2. Choose a layout for your size

Most small balconies fall into a few shapes:

• Juliet or very narrow (under 3 ft deep): a railing table and folding chairs that come in when you're done.
• Around 4 × 6 ft: a two-chair bistro set or one comfortable chair and a side table. See what fits on a 4 × 6 ft balcony.
• Long and narrow: furniture along the wall, with the walkway along the railing, or the other way round.
• Around 10 × 6 ft and up: room for a loveseat and a small table, or a small dining set.

3. Pick seating and a table

For two people, a bistro set is the most space-efficient way to sit and eat. Table height matters as much as size: a bar-height set lets you see over a solid railing. Our guide to bistro set sizes compares footprints and heights. If you'd rather lounge, check how much room a hanging egg chair or a rocking chair needs before you buy. A balcony railing table gives you a surface without using any floor.

4. Add shade

A full round umbrella rarely fits a small balcony. A half umbrella sits flat against the wall, and a small tilt or rectangle umbrella suits long, narrow spaces. See shade for a small patio: center-pole vs cantilever umbrellas.

5. Cover the floor

Interlocking deck tiles and outdoor rugs both make concrete feel warmer, and both come up when you move. Our guide to balcony flooring for renters covers how many tiles you need.

6. Choose materials that last

Teak, acacia, powder-coated steel, aluminum, wicker and poly lumber all age differently outside. The outdoor furniture materials guide compares care, weight and how each handles sun and rain. On a high, windy balcony, heavier pieces stay put.

7. If you rent

Choose pieces that fold, move easily and need no drilling. Our guide to outdoor furniture for renters covers what to buy so it comes with you when you move.

8. Make it a place you want to be

Soft seating, warm light and a little privacy turn a balcony into an extra room. Start with how to make a small balcony cozy and winter balcony ideas.

Ready to shop? Browse balcony furniture, bistro sets and balcony umbrellas, or send us your measurements and we'll suggest what fits.