October 13, 2023

Condo Balcony Design Ideas: How to Balance Style and Function

By: Melecio Martin G. Arranz IV

Living in a condo requires creativity regarding space usage but also offers exciting opportunities for design innovation. In particular, the balcony can become a personal sanctuary that seamlessly blends indoor comfort with outdoor beauty. No matter the size or shape of your condo balcony, there are countless ways to maximize its functionality and aesthetic appeal.

This blog will explore ingenious condo balcony ideas that inspire you to make the most of this often-underutilized space. 

7 Balcony Design Ideas for Your Condo

1. Turn your balcony into a garden

What better way to utilize your condo balcony than transforming it into a charming pocket garden? To minimize its exposure to external factors like the sun, you can decorate your balcony with plants, use it to grow produce, and more. 

However, creating a balcony garden still requires careful consideration of many factors. For instance, check how exposed your balcony is to sunlight, wind, shade, and temperature. You will likely be unable to keep plants if you live on a high level in your building, as strong winds can dry out the soil, rip off leaves or flower petals, and knock over tall potted plants.

Otherwise, feel free to add some greenery to your balcony garden. Attach pots, shelves, or trellises to the walls or neatly cover the railings with some garden netting to support climbing plants.

Then, choose plants that can thrive in the environment containing your balcony. For example, herbs like parsley, cilantro, and tarragon can grow in partial shade if your veranda lacks optimal sun exposure. 

2. Create a social space

You may think inviting guests to your condo will be difficult if you have limited space. In reality, you can host dinner parties or other intimate social gatherings using your balcony as an extension of your living room or dining area.

Invest in comfortable and weather-resistant outdoor furniture for small balconies, like chairs or tables. Consider using a large patio umbrella to provide shade during the day, making it comfortable for guests to enjoy meals and conversations. Always remember to take your balcony size into account when choosing outdoor furniture.

3. Make your balcony an al fresco dining area

Turn your balcony into an al fresco dining area for special occasions or on days you want to try something different. Foldable chairs and tables are easy to tidy up when not in use, so add them to your furniture list.

Also, ensure there is enough space to move comfortably around the table and that you have easy access to the cooking or serving area.

4. Convert it into a reading nook

Maximize the natural light in the daytime by turning your balcony into a reading nook. Place a comfortable reading chair and accessorize it with your favorite throw pillows. Don’t forget to add a side table or coffee table to prop up your snacks and beverage of choice. If you want to keep your reading session going until after sundown, you can also add an outdoor lamp or lantern.

5. Create a study or home office

More and more people work from home because of its convenience and cost savings. If you are one of them, consider transforming your condo balcony into a study or home office to separate it from your personal living space. You can enclose it using privacy screens or furnish it with essential office elements like a desk and chair.

Remember to arrange a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless online work or study. Set up your router or modem near your balcony or invest in a Wi-Fi range extender to maintain a stable internet connection. Overhead lights can also be handy when working on your balcony at night. 

6. Install lights

Appropriate lighting for your condo balcony can enhance functionality and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. 

Install string lights around the railing or hang pendant lights from the ceiling to illuminate your balcony at night. Alternatively, place decorative lanterns or outdoor lamps on tables or surfaces to provide soft, localized lighting.

You can also use spotlights to emphasize specific features of your veranda, such as plants, artwork, or architectural elements, to add drama and focus to your outdoor space.

If you have the budget, add a smart lighting system that allows you to control the brightness and color of your balcony lights with a smartphone app or voice commands.

7. Add bold elements

Using bold elements is an excellent idea for separating the terrace from the rest of your condo. You could start with unconventional and colorful furniture pieces. Eye-catching hues like deep blues, fiery oranges, or bright yellows make a bold statement.

You can also put sculptural elements or installations, including artistic planters, metal sculptures, or freestanding art pieces. These three-dimensional elements add texture, intrigue, and creative touch to your outdoor space.

It should go without saying you must customize your balcony space based on your preferred interior design style. 

Transform Your Condo Balcony 

Whether it’s a garden retreat, a social haven, or a productive workspace, your condo balcony can be a cherished extension of your living area. Use the balcony design ideas above to turn this often-overlooked space into a DIY oasis that reflects your style and maximizes its potential. You can also consult an interior designer for ideas on maximizing balcony space.

If you want a condo with a spacious balcony, look no further than The Grand Midori Ortigas, a two-tower pre-selling condo in Ortigas by Federal Land. Designed by Japanese architecture firm Tange Associates, the Zen-inspired condo promotes relaxation and recreation within the busy, fast-paced city. 

Explore their website to learn more about their condo projects.