Furnishing a small terrace is easier than you think! Our blog offers a guide with plenty of ideas for decorating your terrace with style, but not everyone is lucky enough to have a large outdoor space.
Maybe you only have to settle for a small balcony, but that doesn't mean you have to give up decorating and beautifying it: with the right ideas and a few original solutions, you can make the most of even a small space!
Let's discover together how to furnish a small terrace with an eye for functionality, but without neglecting style. With our solutions and your good taste, you'll surely be able to create a little corner to enjoy the summer. Let's get to work!
5 things to consider before furnishing a small terrace
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Before you start thinking about how to furnish your small terrace, we recommend carefully evaluating a whole series of very important aspects. Which ones? Here's a short list of 5 questions you should ask yourself!
1) How much space do you have? Okay, so your terrace is small, but... How small? Accurately measure the available space so you can choose the right furniture and accessories for you.
2) How do you want to use your space? Do you want to transform it into a small greenhouse? Use it to host friends? To relax during the summer? Before thinking about how to furnish your balcony, always try to keep in mind its possible uses!
3) What style would you like to follow? Furnish your outdoor space by creating stylistic continuity with your home decor. In other words, furnish your small terrace by adding a touch of style that is consistent with the interior spaces.
4) Is the terrace covered or exposed to the elements? For example, if your terrace is completely uncovered, you could furnish it with furniture and accessories made of weather-resistant and easy-to-clean materials, such as metal, treated wood, or plastic.
5) What is your budget? You don't have to spend a fortune to furnish your small terrace; you can use your imagination or do some creative DIY!
The most suitable furniture for decorating a small terrace with style
When it comes to furnishing a small space, the golden rules are always the same:
- Light colors to visually enlarge the space.- A few, well-chosen pieces of furniture with clean lines.- Seating with storage to organize the space.- Make use of walls and vertical spaces.
Inspiration via Pinterest
For outdoor spaces, the same rules apply: to furnish a small terrace, you should keep the same rules in mind. Our blog offers an in-depth guide to choosing terrace furniture, but in this article, we want to offer you a series of ideas for furnishing your balcony with functionality and style!
1) A storage bench or ottoman are perfect space-saving ideas for a small terrace, comfortable and very useful furnishing elements for storing lanterns and other accessories.
2) Among the best solutions for furnishing a small terrace, a bistro set consisting of a table and two folding chairs is a must-have, perfect for a small relaxation corner.
3) The rug and cushion combo is perfect for a small outdoor space! You'll add a casual touch and plenty of comfort while taking up very little space.
4) Make the most of your walls! How? Shelves, hanging cabinets, niches, and hanging planters are clever solutions for organizing a small terrace.
5) Finally, don't underestimate hanging seating! A hammock or a chair suspended from the ceiling (if your terrace has one) adds a touch of style and allows you to optimize space!
Green is beautiful! The most suitable plants to beautify your small terrace
Inspiration via Pinterest
Plants are a fresh and colorful idea for beautifying outdoor spaces! When choosing plants for your small terrace, carefully consider your area's climate and exposure to the sun (as well as wind and weather).
But what are the best plants for decorating a small terrace?
- Aromatic plants: rosemary, mint, and basil are perfect for a small terrace because they don't require much space, are incredibly fragrant, and you can even use them for cooking!
- Climbing plants: jasmine or ivy are very useful for creating atmosphere on a small terrace and can also be used to screen the view.
- Flowering plants: geraniums, petunias, or primroses are another excellent idea for decorating a small terrace because they don't require much space and bloom throughout the year.
- Succulents: cacti and aloe vera are decorative plants that are weather-resistant and require little care.
Inspiration via Pinterest
Now you know which plants to choose for your balcony! But how can you best showcase them? Here are some ideas for decorating your small terrace with plants, making the most of your available space:
1) Use hanging macramé pots and cascading plants, such as pothos.
2) Decorate a wall with ivy or other climbing plants using a wire mesh: simple and effective!
3) Don't have enough space for pots? Use wooden crates as wall-mounted planters!
5) Install a mesh fence around one side of the terrace and create a beautiful pergola with wisteria or bougainvillea!
6) Hang planters on the outside of your balcony. Too traditional? Make them more original by painting them in vibrant colors: they'll cheer you up every time you open the window!
How to create atmospheric lighting on your small terrace!
Created with Midjourney
What's missing to make your balcony truly perfect? Well, a beautiful, atmospheric light to enjoy your evenings to the fullest!
Creating dramatic lighting in a small outdoor space is more than feasible. Here are some ideas for optimally illuminating a small terrace!
- Use recessed lights! A practical and elegant solution because they don't take up space and create uniform illumination. You can install them in the floor or on the walls; they're particularly suitable for further enhancing the decor of a small terrace in a modern or minimalist style.
- Choose LED string lights! A trendy idea with a guaranteed wow factor for your balcony. You can place them on the walls, around plants, or on the railing of your small terrace.
- Place lanterns here and there! Create dramatic lighting on a small terrace: the dim light of candles will make your evenings outdoors even more magical!
3 creative DIY ideas for decorating a small terrace
Looking for truly original ideas for decorating a small terrace? If you're handy and love DIY, here are some DIY ideas to beautify your small terrace with a truly unique touch.
1) Create a vertical garden on your small terrace with an old pallet
Inspiration via Pinterest
Want a small vegetable garden, but space is really limited? Get a pallet, some chalkboard paint, chalk or markers; then bags, soil, and, of course, plants. The painted and hung vertical pallet will become a beautiful vertical garden or, alternatively, a perfect planter for small terraces.
2) Transform a pallet into a splendid rustic sofa
Inspiration via Pinterest
Old pallets are super versatile and can be transformed into real furnishing elements. Use a couple of old pallets to create a beautiful rustic sofa for your small terrace!
With a few cushions and the right decorations, you'll create a 100% handmade relaxation area that's comfortable and trendy. Oh, and on our blog you'll also find an in-depth guide on how to use pallets creatively!
3) Have fun transforming an old ladder into a rustic piece of furniture!
Inspiration via Pinterest
Finally, a perfect idea for decorating a small terrace with rustic charm: get an old ladder, paint it white or pastel colors, and attach it to the wall. Ideal for holding rugs and blankets, or simply decorate it with flowers and lanterns!
