Apartment living is on the rise across Australia, and for many of us the balcony is the only outdoor space we've got. The good news is that even a tiny balcony can become a favourite spot – a place for morning coffee, a herb garden, sundowners with friends or a quiet corner to read. You just need to plan for small spaces, renter rules and the Aussie weather.
This guide is packed with small balcony ideas: renter-friendly balcony lighting, vertical gardens and balcony plants, compact seating, outdoor rugs and cushions, and privacy and styling tips that make a small balcony feel bigger.
Small balcony ideas at a glance
- Light it with solar: no power point or electrician needed.
- Grow up, not out: vertical wall planters and hanging planters save floor space.
- Choose flexible seating: floor cushions, poufs and folding chairs that move or pack away.
- Add an outdoor rug: it instantly makes concrete or tiles feel like a room.
- Soften with outdoor cushions: waterproof covers handle summer storms.
- Keep it renter friendly: no drilling, nothing permanent, everything easy to take with you.
1. Balcony lighting ideas (no power point needed)
Lighting is the single biggest upgrade for a small balcony. It turns a dark slab into somewhere you actually want to sit after sunset. Many balconies don't have an outdoor power point – and running an extension lead through the sliding door isn't practical – which is why solar balcony lights are so popular.
- String lights on the railing: Solar Lantern String Lights have soft warm-white LEDs inside fabric lanterns, 8 modes and an IP65 rating, in 3.5m, 5m or 6.5m lengths. Weave them along the balustrade or across the ceiling.
- A curtain of light: Solar Curtain Fairy Lights hang in a 3m-wide curtain with 1m, 2m or 3m drops – beautiful against a blank wall or glass balustrade.
- A glowing lantern: the Black Solar Candle Lantern can hang from a hook or sit on the floor or a side table.
- Cosy indoor-outdoor glow: on a covered balcony, battery-operated Bubble Ball LED Fairy Lights or Cotton Ball Fairy Lights add sparkle with no cords. For candlelight without a flame, put LED tea lights in jars or lanterns.
Tip: the solar panel needs direct sun. On a south-facing or heavily shaded balcony, choose lights with a separate panel on a lead so you can place the panel in the sunniest corner, or go with battery-operated lights.
2. Balcony garden ideas: grow vertically
When floor space is tight, use the walls. A vertical garden gives you fresh herbs, greenery and privacy without taking up the area you need for seating.
- Felt pocket wall planters: the Hanging Wall Planter Grow Bag has 12 to 72 felt pockets that hold moisture and drain well – ideal for herbs, lettuce, strawberries, succulents and flowers on a wall, fence or balcony screen.
- Hanging planters: the Self-Watering Hanging Planter has a built-in water reservoir and shatter-resistant clear resin, so it won't smash if knocked – perfect for trailing plants on a covered balcony.
- Woven wall planters: Rattan Hanging Wall Planters add boho texture; use them with a liner or small pot for live plants, or with faux greenery in exposed spots.
- Climbing plants: a Honeycomb Plant Trellis pushes straight into a pot and gives jasmine, ivy or climbing roses something to grow up – great for privacy.
3. Best plants for Australian balconies
- Sunny balconies (north or west facing): herbs like rosemary, thyme and basil, succulents, bougainvillea, geraniums and strawberries.
- Part-shade balconies: mint, parsley, ferns, peace lilies and pothos.
- Windy balconies: tough, low-growing plants and heavier pots. Avoid tall, top-heavy plants that can blow over.
Choose pots with drainage holes and saucers to protect the floor (and the neighbours below). The Ribbed Plant Pot with Drainage Saucer is lightweight and handles sun and rain, in 5 sizes, and the Colourful Mini Plant Pot with Saucer is perfect for herbs and succulents on a ledge or small table.
4. Small balcony seating ideas
Bulky outdoor furniture can swallow a small balcony. Choose seating that's light, flexible and easy to move or store:
- Floor cushions and poufs: the Round Floor Seat Pouf Cushion (42cm, 47cm or 55cm) is light and easy to move, and the Tufted Meditation Floor Cushion makes a comfy seat for reading, yoga or a cuppa. Bring them inside when it rains.
- Folding chairs: a Folding Aluminium Director's Chair folds flat when you need the space back.
- Upgrade existing chairs: a High-Back Chair Cushion turns a hard chair into a comfortable seat, and a Round Swing Chair Cushion refreshes a hanging egg or nest chair.
5. Outdoor rugs make a balcony feel like a room
An outdoor rug instantly defines the space, hides tired tiles or concrete and feels nicer underfoot. Choose a lightweight, quick-drying rug that can be hosed off. The Reversible Outdoor Rug comes in 6 sizes from 40 x 60cm to 120 x 160cm and flips over for a second look. Measure your balcony and leave a strip of floor showing around the edges so water can drain.
6. Outdoor cushions that handle the weather
Cushions make a balcony comfortable, but sun and rain take their toll. Tropical Outdoor Sofa Cushion Covers are waterproof with a non-slip backing, and Ramie Cotton Cushion Covers are suitable for covered outdoor areas. Bring cushions inside during storms and long wet spells to keep them fresh.
7. Make a small balcony feel bigger
- Stick to a simple palette: two or three colours look calm and spacious.
- Use the walls and railing: hang planters and lights rather than filling the floor.
- Choose furniture with legs or that folds: seeing floor underneath makes a space feel larger.
- Light the edges: warm lighting along the railing and walls at night draws the eye outwards and makes the space feel bigger.
- Edit regularly: keep only what you use – clutter shrinks a small balcony fast.
8. Renter-friendly balcony tips
If you rent, check your lease and strata by-laws before making changes. Most of the ideas above need no drilling: solar string lights tie onto railings, planters can hang from existing hooks or brackets, rugs and cushions just sit in place, and everything comes with you when you move. Avoid anything that could fall from the balcony, secure lightweight items in windy weather, and always keep balcony doors and walkways clear.
Small balcony FAQ
How can I light my balcony without a power point?
Use solar lights – string lights, curtain lights or lanterns – with the panel placed in direct sun. For covered or shady balconies, battery-operated fairy lights and LED tea lights work well.
What is the best rug for a balcony?
A lightweight, quick-drying outdoor rug that can be hosed off, like a woven reversible outdoor rug.
How do I make my balcony more private?
Grow climbing plants up a trellis, use a vertical wall planter, or hang a curtain of fairy lights across one side.
What plants grow well on a sunny Perth balcony?
Hardy, sun-loving plants such as rosemary, thyme, succulents, geraniums and bougainvillea cope well with strong sun. Water more often in summer, as pots dry out quickly.
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Browse solar and outdoor lighting, planters, outdoor rugs and cushions – with free tracked shipping Australia-wide and 30-day returns. For more outdoor ideas, read our solar garden lights buying guide.