24 Balcony Garden Ideas

While it might be nice to have a perfectly landscaped backyard, not all of us have that luxury.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a beautifully lush and vibrant outdoor space.
You can create a garden just about anywhere, and if you don’t have the yard space for it, then you can build a garden on your balcony.
Here are 24 balcony garden ideas to help you make the most of your outdoor space.
1. Add a Small Table

Even if you don’t have room for a full outdoor dining set, a small table and two chairs can be the perfect addition to your garden.
Use it to enjoy your morning coffee, take your lunch break outside, or have a romantic dinner al fresco.
2. Use the Railing for Hanging Plants

If you’re short on space, think up! Use the railing to hang plants and flowers to give your garden a lush, full look.
You can also hang planters on the outside of the railing, like in this design, to add more greenery without sacrificing floor space.
3. Add a Colorful Rug

If you have a small balcony, a great way to add some color is with a rug.
Choose a rug that’s designed for outdoor use, or just be sure to bring it inside when you’re not using the space.
In this design, the rug sets the tone for the rest of the decor, which includes lots of plants, a small bistro table, and a cozy chair.
4. Build a Vertical Garden

If you’re working with a small balcony, a vertical garden is a great way to make the most of your space.
You can buy a vertical garden planter or build your own using a trellis or a hanging shoe organizer.
Vertical gardens are perfect for growing herbs and small plants.
5. Add a Privacy Screen

If you’re worried about your neighbors looking down on your little oasis, add a privacy screen like this one.
It’s a great way to add some color and texture to your space and can help to break up the view of the surrounding buildings.
This balcony garden designed by Tamsin Johnson also features a variety of potted plants, a small bistro table, and a lounge chair to create a cozy seating area.
6. Use Multi-Level Planters

If you’re working with a small space, a multi-level planter is a great way to add more plants without taking up too much room.
This planter from The Sill is perfect for a small balcony and allows you to grow a variety of different plants.
You can also find multi-level planters that hang on the railing of your balcony if you don’t want to give up any floor space.
7. Add a Water Feature

Even the smallest of balconies can benefit from a water feature.
A small tabletop fountain or a wall-mounted water feature can add a sense of tranquility to your balcony garden.
If you’re feeling extra creative, you can even make your own water feature. There are plenty of DIY options that are perfect for small spaces.
8. Use Artificial Grass

If you’re not a fan of the look of concrete or tile, cover the floor of your balcony with artificial grass.
You can buy it by the roll or in square tiles to fit your space perfectly.
Not only does it add a pop of green, but it also feels great under your feet, too.
9. Add a Few Pieces of Furniture

Adding a few pieces of furniture to your balcony garden can help to make the space feel like an outdoor room.
It gives you a place to sit and relax, and it can also help to define the space.
You don’t need a lot of furniture to make a big impact. A couple of chairs and a small side table are all you need to create a cozy seating area.
If you have a little more space to work with, you can add a small bench or a love seat.
Or, if you have a lot of space, you can even add a small sofa and a coffee table.
10. Choose a Color Scheme

Who says your balcony garden can’t be as stylish as the rest of your home? This small space by Reena Sotropa uses a palette of bright white and soft pink to create a cohesive look.
The homeowner also added a small potted tree to the space for a pop of green.
11. Use a Ladder for Plants

If you are limited on space, you can hang plants from a ladder. You can paint the ladder a fun color or keep it natural.
This is another great way to add layers to your garden.
You can also use a ladder to add shelves and hang plants from the shelves. This will give you even more space to work with.
12. Add Some Lighting

Make the most of your balcony garden by adding some lighting. You can hang string lights or use lanterns to create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
If you have a larger balcony, you might even want to install some permanent lighting fixtures.
No matter what type of lighting you choose, be sure to place it strategically throughout your garden.
This will help you create a sense of balance and harmony in your space.
Plus, you can enjoy your garden in the evening hours and early mornings when the sun isn’t as intense.
13. Hang a Hammock

You don’t need a big backyard to create an outdoor oasis. This small balcony features a hammock that’s perfect for lounging, reading, or taking a nap.
Add a few plants on the floor and some hanging baskets to make it a true garden getaway.
14. Add a Shelf

If you’re really short on space, you can add shelves to your railing to create a vertical garden.
This one by Emily Gilbert was designed by Justina Blakeney, and is filled with potted plants and hanging planters.
The best part about this design is that it doesn’t take up any floor space, so you can still add a small table and chairs to your balcony.
15. Use a Small Bench for Plants

If you’re looking for an option that will hold a lot of plants but will also give you some seating, go with a small bench.
It’s a great way to add a variety of plants to your balcony garden without taking up too much space.
Choose a bench that has a shelf underneath so you can add even more plants.
16. Add a Small Garden Bed
If you have a larger balcony, consider adding a small garden bed to the space.
Use a raised garden bed or a large container to create a dedicated area for growing your plants.
This balcony garden by us uses a raised garden bed to grow a mix of flowers and greenery.
The bed is placed at the back of the balcony to create a garden focal point.
17. Use a Trellis for Climbing Plants
If you want to grow plants that vine or climb, use a trellis. This is a great way to add some privacy to your balcony, especially if it’s up high.
Trellises are also a great way to add some greenery to a plain wall.
There are lots of different types of trellises to choose from. Some can be leaned up against a wall while others can be hung.
You can also build your own custom trellis to fit your space.
18. Use a Folding Table
If you don’t have much space on your balcony, or if you have a space you’d like to use for multiple purposes, consider using a folding table as your balcony garden.
You can use it as a table when you want to entertain, and then use it as a garden when you want to grow some plants.
This one from Ikea is the perfect size for a small balcony and can be used as a table, a plant stand, or a combination of both.
19. Add a Few Hanging Chairs
Finally, if you have the space and weight capacity, a hanging chair (or two) is a great way to add seating and a cozy place to curl up with a book or a cup of coffee.
You can even add a few plants to the area around the chair to create a more intimate space.
20. Use a Small Sofa
Who says you need to use a traditional outdoor dining set on your balcony? Make it a cozy spot for lounging by adding a small-scale sofa and a coffee table.
You can still add in some greenery with potted plants, but the focus of this space is definitely the seating area.
21. Add a Few Lanterns
Lanterns are a great way to add a little ambiance to any space. Here, they hang from the balcony ceiling to create a soft glow.
The lanterns are also a great way to add a pop of color to the design.
Conclusion
Don’t let a small balcony keep you from having the garden of your dreams. These small-space garden ideas will help you get the most out of your balcony!