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    Balconies often are tight on space, but that doesn’t have to limit their beauty and usefulness. Whether you’ve got a petite railed ledge with just enough room for a small bistro set or you have and expansive area with the square footage to add a spacious sectional, making the most of your balcony can really boost the quality and quantity of your overall living space.

    To create a seamless continuation of your indoor décor, consider your lifestyle and the potential uses for your balcony. Will it be a spot for morning coffee and a glass of wine under the stars? Do you expect to use it to relax with a good book or to keep up with the comings and goings of a vibrant neighborhood? Maybe it is the perfect spot to dine when the weather is warm or hang out with friends into the wee hours of the night.

    Since outdoor furniture pieces will take up the most space on your terrace, measure and plan carefully to ensure that your priorities are met. Here are some ideas on making the most of your elevated outdoor escape.

    Balconies to Dine On

    For many, the first choice for any bit of outdoor space is dining. On balconies, there are many dining table options to fit all, from the tightest to the roomiest of spots.

    Green round outdoor dining table

    Make the Most of your Tight Space with a Balcony Table

    These shallow tables attach to the railing for support, allowing you to fold them down and out of the way when not in use. If your terrace is tiny, you’ve instantly expanded its functional space. Should the rules in your community not allow you to attach anything to the railing, look for a space saving folding table set instead.

    3 pc taupe outdoor bar height dining set

    Tea for Two on a Bistro Table

    A small three piece bistro set makes a perfect spot to sip your morning cup of coffee while you scroll your news feed. A bar height set easily keeps your sight lines above the railing so you have a great vantage point to take in the outdoor views.

    teak and red 5 piece balcony dining set

    Dining Spacious Enough for a Group

    When you’ve got a bit more space to work with, think about choosing a table that will seat four to six. You’ll have room to host family dinners, game night or any other get-together you can come up with.

    Look for cozy dining chairs that are roomy and have armrests, even consider those that swivel or rock. By choosing chairs that offer comfort for an extended period of time, you’ll find that you can easily repurpose them as a chat set for kicking your feet up and catching up with friends.

    A Balcony Designed for Relaxing

    Perhaps you have plenty of space inside for dining and your goal with the space on your balcony is to create an area to sit, unwind and entertain guests. In this case you’ll want to look for a conversation set.

    White 4 piece outdoor seating set

    Accommodating Seating Sets

    Cozy balcony seating sets can be a simple as a pair of rockers with a side table, or as inclusive as sofa, armchairs, coffee table and accent tables. While a petite three piece seating set can fit in any snug perch, more expansive sets will allow you to take in the sunset with friends and family.

    4 pc patio sectional with linen cushions

    Stretch out on a Sectional or Chaise

    Sectional sofas and loungers can often take up too much room on a balcony, but if you are lucky enough to have the space these pieces offer you the comfort you crave. An adjustable chaise lounge offers the perfect place to snuggle up with a good book or soak in the sun on a south facing vista. Roomy sectionals can seat a crowd and many offer the flexibility of reconfiguring your arrangement to best fit the occasion.

    Don’t Lose Sight of the Extras

    Ocean Tide Collection

    Liven Things up with Plants

    You’ll give your corner of the outdoors the lush feeling of a backyard by adding a bit of greenery. There’s almost always room for a planter. For pots that will be sitting on the ground, don’t go too small. You’ll want a sizable plant with a planter that is big enough to support it. However, if you happen to be placing a succulent garden on the table or creating a living wall, then the plants and pots should be somewhat small.

    balcony dining with wall decor, chandelier and area rug

    Don’t Shy Away from an Area Rug

    Just because your balcony is small, don’t count out adding an outdoor area rug. Rugs add a finishing touch that makes the space feel like a room, adding a touch of color or pattern to bring your design together.

    Go Vertical

    Don’t stop with furnishings. Bringing a little pizazz to an empty wall enhances your balcony space. Hang baskets, wall art, a decorative clock, sun catchers or even a chandelier overhead.

    Take great care to furnish your balcony to create a useful extension of your apartment or condo. And then be sure to personalize it so that it feels uniquely yours. As your outdoor area evolves into a more livable space you’ll find that you will end up using it more frequently than you ever would have imagined.

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