10 Best Relaxing Balcony Ideas to Transform Your Space 2024
Are you excited to know 10 best relaxing balcony ideas?
After a long day, nothing is better than stepping out onto your balcony and into your private oasis.
With some simple updates and styling tips, you can create a calm haven on your balcony that feels like an extension of your living space.
Whether you have a small apartment balcony or a spacious wraparound terrace, these 10 best relaxing balcony ideas will help you create a balcony makeover tailored to the Australian climate and lifestyle.
10 Best relaxing balcony ideas
List of 10 Easy Ways to Create a Relaxing Balcony Retreat
Here are some fantastic tips for Easy Ways to Create a Relaxing Balcony Retreat.
1. Choose Comfortable, Weather-Resistant Furniture
The foundation of any good balcony makeover is the furniture. Look for wicker, aluminium or teak wood pieces that can withstand the elements.
For seating, choose cushy outdoor sofas or armchairs fitted with waterproof cushions in bright colours and patterns that reflect Australia’s laidback vibe.
Go for a three-piece rattan set with a couch, two chairs and a glass-top coffee table for a welcoming conversation area.
Remember weather-resistant rugs to add softness underfoot – natural jute rugs work well for a beachy look.
Hammock chairs are perfect for relaxing in the shade, while a bistro dining set is ideal for outdoor meals. Whatever your style, choose furniture sized appropriately for your balcony’s dimensions.
2. Incorporate Leafy Green Plants for a Best relaxing balcony ideas
No Australian balcony is complete without lush greenery. Ferns, palms, banana trees and other tropical plants thrive in balmy climates and provide natural privacy screening.
Hang plants in macramé holders or set them on decorative stands near your seating areas. Citronella, eucalyptus, and lavender plants help repel insects.
Opt for succulents like echeveria and aloe vera for low maintenance – they need minimal watering and flourish in sunlight.
Herb gardens also do well on balconies and provide fresh ingredients for summer cocktails and dishes. Get creative with vertical gardens and planted walls to maximise your balcony’s green factor.
Also, check this out: Transform Your Living Room with Indoor Plants
3. Install Covered Pergolas or Shade Sails
One challenge of balconies is dealing with harsh sunlight and heat. Installing an overhead covering provides protection and lets you enjoy your space year-round.
Pergolas crafted from wood or aluminium are excellent choices – look for retractable canopy options to control light and airflow.
For breezy balconies, custom-fitted shade sails in earthy tones lend a modern, nautical vibe. Outdoor curtains hung from brackets offer an affordable shading solution.
Try canvas drop-down blinds or bamboo roller shades to block glare and keep your retreat comfortably cool on sweltering days. Keep Australia’s intense UV rays in mind with any overhead coverings you choose.
4. Illuminate with Twinkle Lights and Lanterns
Nothing sets the mood like strategic lighting on a balcony. String lights are a quick DIY way to add a twinkling glow overhead or along railings.
Go for classic white bulb strands or opt for trendy Edison-style bulbs. For accent lighting, dot your balcony with hurricane lanterns, Tiki torches and paper lanterns.
Set out candle-filled glass jars or arrange pathway lighting to guide your way. Install sconces or post lamps to provide task lighting for reading nooks and dining areas.
And don’t forget ambience-enhancing flameless candles tucked among your plants and décor. The proper lighting transforms any balcony into a magical oasis after sunset.
5. Add Bright Decor Touches for a Balcony Retreat
Most Australian homes have a laidback beachy vibe. Liven up your balcony with playful decor in keeping with the casual coastal lifestyle.
Vibrantly patterned pillows on your furniture, woven wall hangings and pops of citrusy yellow or lime green are easy ways to incorporate colour.
Display your favourite potted succulents and herbs in painted terra cotta pots for a Mediterranean flair.
Add ornamental sea glass, shells or pebbles along your balcony railing in beach-chic containers like galvanised buckets, old crates and woven baskets. The goal is to reflect the colours and textures of sand, sky and sea.
6. Set Up an Outdoor Entertaining Area
Balconies and patios make perfect casual entertaining spaces for get-togethers with friends. Set up a bar cart or buffet table to hold drinks, small bites and serve ware.
Invest in a compact gas grill, pizza oven or electric smoker to take your hosting capabilities up a notch. For parties, string extra lighting and decorate with tropical touches like palm frond garlands.
A Bluetooth speaker adds ambience with music. Place citronella candles on side tables to keep mosquitoes at bay while your guests mingle and unwind in your balcony oasis.
7. Install Privacy Screens for a Balcony Retreat
In urban settings, it’s common for balconies to overlook neighbouring buildings and streets. While the views can be lovely, you should limit visibility at times.
Freestanding screens offer one solution—try moveable room dividers with bamboo, rattan or fabric panels. Cafe-style blinds also provide coverage when lowered.
For more permanent screening, mount retractable bamboo shades along the balcony perimeter. Lattice panels framed with wood or sleek metal cabling make excellent privacy buffers, too.
Get creative and install a “living wall” of planter boxes overflowing with lush greenery to form a natural screen.
8. Add Comfy Throw Pillows and Blankets
Breezy balconies call for cozy furnishings you can curl up in. Stock up on soft cotton throw blankets and quilts to stay comfy as temperatures drop in the evenings.
Fluffy floor cushions are perfect for sinking your toes into while you lounge with a cuppa. Keep a stash of weather-resistant throw pillows in soothing colours and prints that can be mixed and matched based on the season.
A large ottoman with thick cushioning provides extra flexible seating and footrest space. Nothing enhances a balcony’s laidback coziness like snuggly textiles you can wrap yourself in.
9. Incorporate Water Soothing Elements
The sound of running water instantly promotes relaxation – take advantage of your outdoor space by adding water features.
A tabletop fountain on a plant stand surrounded by lush ferns makes a peaceful focal point for small balconies. Or mount a compact cascading wall fountain.
Look for solar-powered options that don’t require wiring. If space allows, installing a small freestanding waterfall or koi pond transports you to a spa-like setting.
Arrange blue and white striped deck buckets filled with water and floating flowers for a beach house vibe. The possibilities are endless when you incorporate the soothing magic of water.
10. Style with Indoor-Outdoor Rugs
Pay attention to the floor! An indoor-outdoor area rug pulls your balcony look together while adding comfort and visual appeal. Natural fibre rugs like jute and sisal work exceptionally well since they can get wet without damage.
Look for brightly striped cotton dhurrie rugs for a cheerful pop of colour. Try patterned blue and white rugs reminiscent of Delftware pottery or Moroccan rugs with Mediterranean flair.
Washable woven rugs are affordable and have endless colour and pattern options to match your style. Place your rug under seating areas or dining sets to make the space feel more homey.
Add Personal Touches for a Balcony Retreat
The final step in creating a relaxing retreat is infusing it with personal flair. Display potted herbs and succulents you’ve nurtured yourself. Arrange favourite photos, beach finds and travel souvenirs that hold special memories.
Hang a handmade wind chime or artwork created by the kids. Set out candles and lanterns from your last romantic dinner or small gathering. The more you incorporate personal elements that make you smile, the more your balcony becomes your happy place for relaxing and making memories.
For more details watch this video: 17 Ways To Turn Your Tiny Balcony Into An Irresistible Retreat.
Create a Relaxing Balcony Retreat – Final Thoughts
Transforming your balcony into an inviting oasis tailored to the Australian climate and lifestyle is easier than you think.
With this checklist of ideas, a bit of DIY spirit and some personal touches, you’ll have a welcoming retreat ready to help you de-stress in just a weekend or two.
So pick up a few coconut candles, vibrant textiles and the comfiest patio furniture you can find. Then get ready to step outside and say “G’day” to your new favourite room – your balcony!
Let me know in the comment section if this guide or tips and tricks help you to Create a Relaxing Balcony Retreat for your home!
