Introduction: A Balcony With Potential — But No Space!
Let’s be honest. Most of us who live in high-rise apartments have one: “the forgotten balcony.” It’s that small, concrete space that ends up storing a spare chair or, let’s face it, absolutely nothing at all.
When I first moved into my high-rise apartment with a stunning view of the water and city,, the balcony felt like an afterthought — a small, narrow space with plain tiles and beige walls. It looked more like a forgotten corner than a cozy retreat.
Honestly, I thought, “Can I even do anything with this space?”
If you’ve ever stood in your tiny balcony wondering how to make it inviting, this post is for you. Here’s how I transformed my narrow, uninspiring balcony into a vibrant little escape — with simple ideas anyone can try!
Before: A Blank Slate With Limitations
The balcony was just about wide enough to walk through. The dull tiles, exposed outlet, and plain walls didn’t exactly spark creativity. It was hard to imagine it as anything other than a storage corner.
Challenges
- Very narrow width
- Hard, cold floor underfoot
- High-rise location = strong winds and lots of sun
The Vision: Turning Limitations Into Inspiration
Before buying anything, I asked myself: How do I want this space to feel? I wanted energy, comfort, and lots of life. The inspiration was a mix of modern, clean design and a splash of colorful, bohemian charm. The goal was to create a space that felt like a mini-getaway.
I didn’t want the size of the balcony to stop me. Instead, I focused on creating a space that felt:
And most importantly — a space where I could sit with a cup of coffee and soak in the stunning view of the city below.
Create a space that feels:
The After: A Colorful, Lush Escape in the Sky
Here’s how the transformation unfolded:
Floor Makeover: Instant Warmth With Artificial Grass.
Suddenly, the space felt softer, cooler, and alive. It instantly provided a lush, garden-like feel that completely changed the atmosphere.
Artificial grass flooring for small balcony makeover
I covered the cold tiles with lush green artificial turf. This one simple change brought softness, warmth, and an immediate garden feel — It’s a low-maintenance, high-impact solution perfect for apartment balconies where real grass isn’t an option.
Why it works:
- Adds texture and color
- Comfortable underfoot
- Easy to clean
- No maintenance
Adding Seating: Compact But Inviting
For a narrow balcony, choosing the right furniture is key. I opted for a pair of modern, white, open-weave chairs. Their design is airy and doesn’t look bulky, which helps the space feel larger. A small, vibrant yellow side table was the perfect size to hold a couple of mugs and a book without taking up too much room.
Compact balcony furniture with colorful cushions on high-rise apartment balcony”
Tip: Look for foldable or stackable furniture when working with small balconies!
The Power of Plants (and More Plants!)
A balcony oasis isn’t complete without plants! I used the long ledge along the railing as to house a variety of plants.
- Mix it Up: I chose a mix of green foliage and colorful flowering plants to create visual interest.
- Colorful Pots: Don’t just think about the plants; think about their homes! I used bright red, clean white, and textured grey pots to add pops of color and personality.
Creating a Cozy Corner
In one corner, I added a green trellis wall with faux vines, a bright floor cushion, and a lantern for evening glow. This little nook became my personal reading spot — proof that even the smallest balcony has room for moments of joy.
Adding Personality: Lights & Decor
No makeover is complete without a touch of personality! I added:
- String lights along the railing
- Hanging decor on the wall
- A pop of color with yellow and red planters
These simple touches turned the balcony into a space that truly feels like “me.”
Your balcony is a precious piece of private outdoor space. Don’t let it go to waste! I hope this inspires you to look at your own balcony with fresh eyes and turn it into a place you truly love.
Have you transformed your small balcony too? I’d love to see it!
Tag me on Instagram at Alchemy of Homes and inspire others with your balcony makeover story.