Recently, I’ve been spending a startling amount of money on silly little bowls for dips, cute little cups for cocktails, strings of colorful tapered candles, and a growing collection of vases and bunches upon bunches of peonies. It sounds unhealthy and people who don’t get it have asked me… why? Why not save that money to buy your own apartment? (Renters get it). My answer? To put it simply, this year marks the official beginning of my hosting girl era and… I just want to show off my balcony!
Thanks to a bunch of small balcony ideas I've saved over time, I've managed to create a space where I can cover all bases, from sunrise yoga to sunset stargazing, fairy-lit margaritas with the girls to solo Sunday afternoon sunbathing… I consider my balcony my sanctuary! So, how did I do it? Balcony furniture, of course. From the balcony railing table to the cozy little sink-in spot I’m so obsessed with (courtesy of a hanging outdoor loveseat), these pieces are the best way to make sure your outside space is giving.
Quick Menu:
1. Balcony deckchairs
2. Balcony railing tables
3. Balcony loveseats
Differing from the outdoor furniture brands you’d usually head straight to for a large backyard, I’m here to support my fellow apartment besties! When space is at a premium, you don’t need to compromise on style, trust me! Basically, I’ve done the research so you don’t have to. Warning: you’ll be spending so much time outdoors once you purchase these pieces, you’ll resent paying rent for the inside! Sorry, not sorry.
The best balcony furniture to buy this year
Why you can trust Real Homes
These are the best balcony deckchairs
I don't care what my fair Irish skin thinks, I WILL be sunbathing on one of these deckchairs on my balcony this summer. We're all about those laid-back living vibes. The best part about a deckchair is the fact that it's foldable, making it ideal for smaller areas such as a balcony or terrace. And then there's the fact it takes up much less space than a sun lounger but technically does the same thing.
Made from: Kiln-dried bamboo
Size (in.): H38 x W24 x L51
Price: $213
Made with sinuous lines, the gentle curvature of this visually striking Japanese folding deckchair gives it a beautiful silhouette I can't get enough of! The kiln-dried bamboo structure is timeless and will elevate the look of any balcony setup. Plus, its folding design makes it easy to store and transport! A genuine objet d'art that you will enjoy for years to come, if you love this I would snatch it up immediately.
Made from: High-Density Polyethylene
Size (in.): H37.5 x W53 x D29
Price: $199.99
If you're looking to brighten up your balcony, you can't go wrong with some white deckchairs. Add a jute rug, some potted plants (with pink blooms), and these deckchairs, and summer mode has officially been activated! This seat has a particularly wide sitting area and ergonomic design, as well as a retractable ottoman. Oh, and it's made from high-grade HDPE, which is skin-friendly and weather-resistant! We just love wooden patio furniture.
Made from: Eucalyptus; Teak
Size (in.): H36.4 x D44
Price: $149.99
Grab this gorgeous set of two from Wayfair to complete your balcony makeover. The chic stripey fabric offers a fun but classic style, giving these foldable sling chairs a European seaside charm. Crafted with the strength of galvanized steel and eucalyptus wood, these babies will only get better with age. The minute I came across these, there was no chance they weren't going to feature on my balcony makeover shopping list.
These are the best balcony railing tables
The perfect space-saving solution for any balcony in need of some love. Pop one of these up on your railings and it's officially time for alfresco drinkies! This way, you needn't waste any precious floor space and you could even eat lunch or dinner out in the sunshine if you wish. Genius!
Made from: Teak
Size (in.): L36 x W12
Price: $352
I'm a huge advocate of teak wood, whether used for indoor or outdoor furniture. With natural oils locked in, this is the most durable, hard-wearing material and develops a beautiful patina over time, meaning it ages gracefully both in form and function. Beyond its material, this model is sleek and simple, providing a design statement for your balcony.
Made from: High-density Polystyrene
Size (in.): L23.4 x W14.2
Price: $59
Hello, cup holder imprints! As if a balcony railing table wasn't a lifehack in itself, this model comes with circles to place your glass or cup without slipping! This black balcony table from Walmart is cool and clean, with a black finish for a contemporary aesthetic. Adjust the rail as you see fit, this model is versatile and easy! Another reason why we love Walmart patio furniture.
Made from: Teak
Size (in.): H13 x W16.5 x L16.5
Price: $97.99
Ahhhhh I'm obsessed with this adorable semi-circle balcony railing table! Made from teak (my fave for sooo many reasons — form and function), this model is not only incredibly beautiful and timeless, but it's also a handy shape if you're looking to maximize space. I'm picturing myself with my laptop, writing from my balcony, using this table as a cute little outdoor home office setup!
These are the best balcony loveseats
Cute, cozy, and timeless. I'm obsessed with this little selection of stunning loveseats, offering something for everyone. Sink into these seats morning, noon, or night. A loveseat is particularly great for smaller outdoor spaces as they tend to be less bulky than outdoor sofas. They're perfect for seating two people (you and your bestie, obvs!) and they're much more stylish than two of the same chairs.
Made from: Cotton
Size (in.): L54.5 x W20
Price: $89.99
Not a traditional loveseat, but the dreamiest seating solution for a balcony that is on the hunt for some character and boho-chic charm. Embrace the Coachella vibes with this show-stopping macrame hammock. Both sturdy yet lightweight and super easy to set up, this is a sure way to take your balcony from meh to heaven without doing anything else! Yes, this is a piece of Amazon patio furniture — who'd have thought?
Made from: Rattan, cane, fabric, cushion
Size (in.): H30 x W54.75 x D27.6
Price: $1,795
Wow, this two-seater sofa is a charming loveseat that will just never go out of style. There's something ethereal about the juxtaposition of white soft cushions and woven cane, giving this loveseat a look of luxury. Evocative of lounge seating you would find on the beaches of Bali, this is what a balcony makeover is all about!
Made from: Powder-coated stainless steel frame, polyester foam cushions
Size (in.): H30 x W60.5 x D35
Price: $3,598.99
Powder blue and a stainless steel frame combine to give a cool-toned statement piece that will give your balcony an elevated, sophisticated feel. The high back, generous cushions, and super deep seat ensure that this loveseat is not only nice to look at but also irresistibly comfortable to sit on. Target is onto a winner with this metal patio furniture piece if you ask me!
FAQs
What is the best material for balcony furniture?
The answer to this question depends on how much access your balcony gets to direct sunlight and if it is ever on the receiving end of rainfall. If it's durability you're after, then there's no doubt that the best materials are natural woods with oils locked into their makeup, this makes them able to withstand the test of time.
Emma Putrimas, VP of Product and Design at Teak Warehouse, explains that teak is the best investment "due to its strength, durability and natural ability to age beautifully over time."
"Teak wood is a very stable timber with a high oil and rubber content, creating a built-in water repellent that makes teak furniture virtually immune to rotting," said Putrimas.
Adding to this, Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight, celebrates the undeniable beauty and reliability of teak, and introduces what he calls "the new age maverick."
"Often used in modern, sleek designs, this material resists fading, cracking, and peeling, guaranteeing a lasting allure," Artem says.
What balcony furniture does every apartment need?
Buying balcony furniture is about respecting the bones of your apartment, creating a vignette with staple pieces and simple but statement décor. This means, thinking with functionality at the forefront. What do you need when you step out onto your balcony?
The first thing is somewhere to sit. Whether this is a deckchair, a cocoon chair or a bench, it's up to you to choose a piece that works for your space. I love a deck chair for a rental, as they're super affordable and easy to move. Next up, consider how you'll use your balcony when you're hosting. This means finding a place to perch your drink. Traditionally, this would call for a bistro table but with the invention of balcony railing tables, why take up floor space unnecessarily? This sleek and simple solution is a must-have for any balcony with minimal space. Finally, find somewhere to relax, whether it's a hammock, bean bag set-up, or cozy loveseat. Really, you just need to balance materials and textures from soft furnishings to structured pieces. Then, it's all about getting your balcony decked out with lighting and foliage for those finishing touches!
How we chose this balcony furniture
Every item featured in this guide has been chosen based on its customer reviews, meaning that real shoppers love it. We've only featured balcony furniture that's rated more than four stars, and pieces that we think are pretty enough that we would actually style on our own balconies. While considering price at the same time, of course.
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Niamh is a freelance journalist and the Head of Content at Raft Furniture. She is obsessed with all things interior design, with a particular focus on sustainability and city-dweller style. The wooden floorboards and built-in bookcase in Niamh’s rented North London home occupy her daydreams between writing, and after work, she has a knack for finding cheap plane tickets.