As a New Yorker, I appreciate a good balcony — or, more often than not, a fire escape. Balcony outdoor furniture often gets overlooked in the backyard furniture conversation, but in my book, any outdoor square footage should be maximized to its fullest potential.
Given the limited space we’re usually working with, selecting balcony outdoor furniture requires discernment and clever styling (expert insights on that below). With little room for error, both literally and figuratively, I consulted experts on how to perfect a balcony furniture setup from the start.
According to designer Angelo Surmelis, it’s crucial to prioritize ‘furniture that serves multiple purposes.’ For instance, ‘a storage bench that doubles as seating or a coffee table that can also be used as a dining table.’ The designer elaborates: ‘Since balconies often require rearranging or clearing space, furniture should be easy to fold, stack, or move.’
To this end, ‘Minimalist designs that offer functionality without bulk’ in lightweight materials like aluminum, resin, or teak will be your best friends — they won’t overwhelm you or your balcony structure. And, of course, balcony furniture should be weather-resistant.
I’ve spent hours both in-store and online to find the best outdoor furniture, taking into account expert advice from professionals like Angelo. My selection below is based on their recommendations, meticulous reading of customer reviews, and my primary talent: style. As you likely know by now, I’ve only chosen from the best, most reputable outdoor furniture brands.
Balcony Outdoor Furniture
Livingetc knows design. We spend hours testing and comparing the latest products, bringing only our edit of the very best to you. Find out more about how we review.
A round of applause for this antique-finished bench! Featuring elegant rose and flourish motifs, it looks like it belongs in an idyllic garden. It feels high-end and charming, and its petite size — made out of lightweight aluminum cast — makes it easy to move around. If you’re concerned about comfort, this bench pairs beautifully with a cushion. You might be surprised to learn that its ergonomically designed with a slight tilt, making sitting a more enjoyable experience.
While earthenware might not be the lightest material for a balcony, this side table is still worth mentioning because of its striking sculptural look and compact size. Paired with any of the lightweight furniture in this edit, you’re well within the bounds of what your balcony can handle. The earthy terracotta hue looks stunning with sandy neutrals or vibrant colors like green.
According to Angelo, ‘A bench with built-in storage is perfect for keeping cushions, gardening tools, or outdoor accessories neatly stored away. It also offers additional seating when needed.’ This Wayfair outdoor bench does all of the above and looks incredibly chic with its rattan construction. Priced just under $200, it’s one of the best deals on outdoor storage benches I’ve found in my search.
Something about this acacia wood folding chair feels just right. I love how it has the proportions of something more oversized but is scaled down to fit balconies perfectly. The slat structure gives the chair a cheerfully rustic feel. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, this water-resistant chair folds up, making it easy to store. If I were you, I'd consider purchasing two to be able to create a compact conversation space.
If you’re lucky enough to have a roomier balcony, I strongly urge you to consider this lounge set. Get this: two outdoor chaise lounges, two beautifully cabana-striped cushions, and an acacia wood end table, all for under $360. With a 4.5/5 star rating from 975 reviews, it seems I’m not the only one who is impressed. The lounges’ curved silhouettes are perfect for naps and catching rays. Who needs a pool when you have the best part of the poolside experience right here? Pair them with an outdoor rug to make your balcony feel like a resort.
I came across this bar set on Wayfair a couple of months ago, and I can’t get it out of my head. I mean, is it not the cutest? With a depth of just 13 inches, it’s as compact as a bar set can get, fitting perfectly against the wall. It looks like it was made to hold mojitos and piña coladas. Priced under $220, all you need to do is pull up a stool and enjoy. It would pair beautifully with all the furniture listed in this edit (and perhaps an outdoor umbrella, too!).
Finding good-looking foldable loveseats is tricky — you don't want your setup to look like it’s meant for the beach. Enter this gem from Wayfair. Its sculpted wood frame and charming rope details are so chic you’d never guess it can be folded and tucked away in seconds. For an added pop of color, you could consider adding a couple of throw pillows.
Article’s outdoor furniture is relatively new, but my style editor counterpart Brigid Kennedy had the chance to view it in person and shared the real, nitty-gritty details. In a word: impressed. The offerings look even better in person. That’s why I’m recommending these coffee tables, built to withstand the elements with powder-coated steel frames and solid acacia wood tops. Most importantly, they’re nestable, saving space while easily reconfigured for entertaining.
‘A small table and chair set is essential for any balcony,’ explains Angelo. ‘It provides a spot for dining, working, or relaxing.’ And what could be more relaxing than a French coastal-inspired set like this one? Doesn’t it look like it belongs in St. Tropez? For under $330, it’s all the European luxury without the price tag, and that blue is as cheerful as ever. Its 4.7/5-star rating agrees.
On sale for about $70 a chair, you won’t find a set as stunningly sleek like this anywhere else. And don’t let that price fool you. Its teak wood construction, a material renowned for its weather-resistance and natural beauty, is super sturdy. But don’t take my word for it — read the reviews: a rare 4.9/5 stars. Ratings this high are a clear sign to invest!
This loveseat isn’t foldable like many of the other offerings in this edit, but what it lacks in foldability it makes up for in low-slung beauty. Elevated just off the floor, it takes up less visual space, making your balcony appear much larger than it is. It’s a perfect compromise if you’re after something more substantial but still want to avoid overwhelming your outdoor area. For a more sultry look, you can opt for the gray frame instead.
And finally, the pièce de résistance: a versatile ottoman! It’s the ideal size for a balcony coffee table while providing ample depth for storing spare pillows, blankets, or anything else you have in mind. Made from wicker and teak, it offers a lovely textural juxtaposition — tactile and smooth — giving it a designer look. As with all Pottery Barn products, expect top-tier quality for this price tag.
How Can I Maximize My Balcony Space?
Balcony outdoor furniture often requires clever styling to fit everything you want in without overwhelming the space. Designer Angelo Surmelis has offered several tips to help you optimize your layout:
- Use Vertical Space: ‘Install shelves, wall planters, or vertical gardens to keep the floor clear. This not only adds greenery but also creates a cozy atmosphere.’
- Opt for Foldable Furniture: In very small spaces, ‘opt for foldable chairs and tables that can be easily stored when not in use. Stackable stools or ottomans can serve multiple purposes such as seating, footrests, or side tables.’
- Incorporate Seating with Storage: ‘Dual-purpose furniture saves space and provides a place to store cushions, gardening tools, or outdoor accessories.’
- Choose Compact and Modular Furniture: Choose ‘pieces that can be reconfigured based on your needs. For example, a modular sofa can be arranged into a lounge or separated into individual chairs.’
- Define the Space with Textiles: ‘Add outdoor rugs, cushions, and throws to define the space and make it feel like an extension of your indoor living area. Choose weather-resistant fabrics that can withstand the elements. You can even buy UV spray if your items are not already protected.’
- Add Various Lighting Sources: ‘Incorporate various lighting sources such as string lights, lanterns, or solar-powered lights to create a warm and inviting ambiance, especially for evening use.’
- Enhance Privacy: ‘Use outdoor curtains, bamboo screens, or trellises with climbing plants to add privacy. This can make the balcony feel more like a secluded retreat.’
- Consider Outdoor Cooking and Entertaining: ‘If space permits, a small table top grill or a bar cart can be included for outdoor cooking and entertaining. Choose compact and portable options to keep the area flexible.’
Many of the light and versatile balcony outdoor furniture options Angelo listed are in the above edit, making this the best place to start your search!
How Should I Care for Balcony Outdoor Furniture?
As one might expect for furniture that is constantly exposed to the elements, regular cleaning is a must, says designer Angelo Surmelis. He advises using mild soap with water and, tempting as it may be to get your pieces extra clean, avoiding harsh chemicals at all costs.
‘A soft brush or cloth is typically sufficient for most surfaces,’ he adds. ‘If the items are small enough, you can easily do this in your shower!’
Angelo also recommends using protective covers when your balcony furniture is not in use. Better yet, if possible, store your furniture (and its cushions) indoors or in a sheltered area during extreme weather conditions or off-seasons. Precautions like these might seem unnecessary but do wonders to extend the lifespan of your furniture.
And as always, ‘Follow care instructions specific to the material of your furniture.’ Every piece is different, so treat it accordingly. ‘For example, wooden furniture may require periodic sealing or oiling to prevent drying and cracking,’ says Angelo, ‘while metal furniture might need rust-resistant treatments.’
Follow these steps, and you can ensure that your balcony outdoor furniture remains looking gorgeous for years to come.
-
The 5 Art and Design Exhibitions in London That Are on Our Culture Editor's Radar Right NowFrom public art installations to design-centric group shows, this selection of creative events open in the British capital will immerse you in the breadth of its cultural scene in and outside of traditional gallery spaces
-
Before and After — This Kansas Kitchen Went From Dark and Dated to Open and Bright, Here's HowThanks to Forward Design Architecture, this once-old-fashioned kitchen now feels breezy and is wonderfully connected to the home's primary rooms
