Setting up your balcony for the warmer months? From lush plants to stylish furniture and ambient lighting, here’s how to transform your outdoor space with chic decor ideas and perch-perfect pieces to shop now
With spring’s arrival comes the perfect excuse to refresh not just our interiors, but also our outdoor spaces. And if you’re lucky enough to have a balcony – whether spacious or snug – it’s time to make the most of it. Think sun-drenched breakfasts, alfresco dinners, and a touch of city gardening.
Below, explore Vogue Scandinavia’s curated edit of perch-perfect pieces to transform your balcony into the ultimate alfresco oasis, complete with styling tips and decor ideas for the season ahead.
Add life with plants and flowers
Flowers and greenery are among the best ways to enliven and elevate your outdoor space, and decorating your balcony with blooms and plants can be done in countless ways, whether your style leans more towards boho maximalism or pared-back minimalism.
For those who aren’t much of a green thumb but still enjoy some city gardening, opting for potted leafy greens and flowers is your safest bet. Low-commitment, they’re easy to maintain and can be rearranged and moved around if needed. In case you’re decorating on a budget, smaller potted blooms and plants instantly inject lushness and charm.
Related: Are murals the new wallpaper?
Photo: @hannesmauritzson
Photo: @beataheuman
Photo: Rum21
If you’re feeling more adventurous and seeking a jungle-like setup, consider adding a trellis (store-bought or building yourself in DIY spirit) to grow vertical climbers, such as morning glory, honeysuckle, wisteria or jasmine, depending on your balcony’s layout. Adding different heights creates visual interest – think railing planters, wall-mounted pots, hanging baskets (perfect for trailing plants like petunias and calibrachoa) and planters with tiered shelves. Plant boxes are another great option for combining different blooms and even incorporating herbs to harness in cooking.
What to keep in mind: Always choose plants based on the sunlight your balcony gets. Does it catch the first rays of the morning, or is it drenched in full blaze throughout the day? Or perhaps your balcony is mostly shaded, which means low-light plants like begonias or impatiens are best suited there. If you’re using pots, group plants with similar water and light needs, and be sure to use the right soil mix for each type.
Outdoor furniture and little details that make all the difference
To enjoy your meals and morning coffee in the fresh breeze (preferably seated, of course), your balcony needs sleek yet functional outdoor furniture to match. How you decorate it will naturally depend on the size of the space – more generous balconies allow for larger pieces like sofas, sunbeds, and spacious tables.
Whether you’re aiming for a refined look with a few streamlined pieces and minimal greenery or an eclectic mood bursting with colours, textures and blooms, there’s one golden rule to bear in mind: choose furniture crafted from materials that will withstand the elements, such as metal, stone or treated wood – after all, we get our fair share of rain here in the Nordics even during the warmer months. That said, it’s also worth noting that prolonged UV exposure can wear down outdoor furniture over time.
Once you have your base – the furniture – mapped out, don’t forget the details: vibrant, printed cushions and rugs (if not made out of rain-proof materials, these are easy to snatch indoors before a downpour), lighting (think lanterns, fairy lights and portable lamps to illuminate cosy evenings) and of course plush blankets to snuggle up with.
Photo: Athena Calderone / Eyeswoon
Photo: @johannabradford
Photo: @ebbasveas via @pickapoppy
Tips for decorating a small balcony
Let’s face it: few of us living in urban settings have that sweeping, wraparound balcony to relish. Many city apartments offer only a small outdoor space – if any – but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of it.
The key is to maximise your space smartly. For furniture, choose foldable chairs and wall-mounted or nesting tables. Hanging planters and fairy lights allow you to create an inviting feel without taking up floor space. Finally – though this might sound obvious – avoid clutter. Consider how many chairs are actually needed or if a more compact table suits your needs.
