Balcony Bliss: Maximising Small Outdoor Spaces
In the heart of the city, where space is precious and every square metre counts, balconies and petite patios hold untapped potential. Whether it’s a compact balcony overlooking bustling streets or a quiet corner framed by greenery, these small outdoor spaces can be transformed into serene retreats, dining spots, or extensions of your living room with just a few thoughtful touches.
Think sculptural chairs that invite you to linger, compact tables perfect for coffee or cocktails, and soft lighting that sets the mood long after sunset. Add a few plants to blur the line between indoors and out, and suddenly, your balcony feels bigger, brighter, and infinitely more inviting.
With Balcony Bliss, our curated guide to maximising small outdoor spaces, we share timeless pieces from our favourite brands designed for urban living. From furniture and lighting to accessories and greenery, discover how to create an outdoor space that feels expansive, intentional, and uniquely yours.
Because even in the smallest corners, there’s room for beauty, calm, and connection.
Small Outdoor Tables: Where Big Moments Begin
There’s something beautifully intimate about a small outdoor table. It doesn’t demand attention, it invites it. It’s where the day begins with a quiet coffee, where ideas are scribbled into notebooks, and where conversations stretch long into the evening, accompanied by candlelight and the scent of spring blooms.
On a compact balcony, every centimetre counts. But that doesn’t mean compromising on style or substance. The right table can anchor your outdoor space, offering both function and flair. It becomes the centrepiece of your morning rituals, your weekend brunches, your spontaneous wine-and-cheese nights. It’s not just a surface, it’s a stage for life’s little luxuries.
We’ve curated a selection of small outdoor tables that prove great design thrives in modest proportions. From sculptural silhouettes to timeless craftsmanship, these pieces are made to elevate small spaces and enrich everyday moments. Whether your balcony overlooks a bustling street or a quiet garden, these tables are ready to transform it into your favourite room with a view.
Carmel Bistro Table | Gubi
Palissade Cone Table | HAY
Thorvald Table | &Tradition
Carmel Bistro Table by Gubi
A bold blend of Californian cool and European café culture, the Carmel Bistro Table is crafted from glazed Italian stoneware with a high-shine finish and supported by semi-matt black stainless steel legs. Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, it brings sculptural charm and resilience to balconies of all sizes.
Palissade Cone Table by HAY
Designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, the Palissade Cone Table is a masterclass in minimalism. Its ultra-thin steel top and solid base are powder-coated for outdoor durability, making it ideal for balconies, terraces, and urban courtyards. Available in a range of colours and sizes, it’s a versatile piece with graphic elegance.
Thorvald Table SC96 by &Tradition
Part of a collection inspired by neoclassical sculpture, the Thorvald SC96 is a round café table made from powder-coated steel, designed specifically for outdoor use. Its sculpted silhouette and interplay of light and shadow make it a poetic addition to any small outdoor setting.
Sequence Outdoor Table | Coco Flip
Epic Outdoor Table | Gubi
Strand Outdoor Table | NAU
Sequence Round Dining Table by Coco Flip
Proudly made in Melbourne, the Sequence Table features a slender, powder-coated steel top and spun cylindrical legs. While it can be customised for outdoor use, it’s best suited to sheltered balconies or covered patios, as it’s not recommended for highly corrosive environments.
Epic Outdoor Table by Gubi
Designed and named in homage to the architectural traditions of ancient Greece and Rome, the tables of the Epic Collection are characterized by their monolithic silhouettes and materiality. Where the interior iterations are crafted from travertine or steel, the Epic Outdoor Table takes a new material direction, exploring the mesmerizing visual expression and impressive durability of quartzite.
Strand Outdoor Table by NAU
Designed by Adam Cornish, the Strand Outdoor Table draws inspiration from vintage steel furniture and braided cables. Its tactile materials and lightweight form make it ideal for balconies and patios. With a humble yet refined presence, it’s a celebration of honest design and Australian craftsmanship.
Outdoor Dining Chairs: Where Comfort Meets Craft
There’s something deeply satisfying about dining outdoors: the clink of cutlery softened by birdsong, the scent of fresh herbs drifting from nearby pots, the warmth of the sun on your shoulders as you share a meal with someone you love. On a small balcony, every detail matters. And the right chair can elevate the experience from functional to unforgettable.
Outdoor dining chairs are more than just seating, they’re an invitation to pause, to gather, to savour. They need to be comfortable enough for long lunches, resilient enough to weather the seasons, and beautiful enough to complement your personal style. Whether your balcony is a leafy retreat or a sleek urban perch, the perfect chair sets the tone.
X-Line Outdoor | HAY
RFH Terrace Chair | &Tradition
Tropique | Gubi
X-Line Chair by HAY
Originally designed in the late ’70s by Niels Jørgen Haugesen, the X-Line Chair is a celebration of minimalism and high-tech design. Crafted from powder-coated steel wire, it’s stackable, lightweight, and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Its distinctive X-shaped frame adds visual interest while remaining unobtrusive, perfect for balconies that need to do more with less.
Tropique Dining Chair by Gubi
Created by Mathieu Matégot in the 1950s, the Tropique Chair captures the glamour of mid-century outdoor living. Its stainless steel frame features signature curved feet and is upholstered in outdoor-ready fabric, with optional fringes for a bohemian touch. Ideal for balconies that channel Riviera charm or playful sophistication.
Vipp711 Open-Air Chair by Vipp
Modelled after Vipp’s original indoor chair, the Vipp711 Open-Air Chair features a powder-coated aluminium frame, rattan-covered armrests, and a padded backrest. The cushions are upholstered in waterproof and UV-resistant textiles, making it a luxurious yet practical choice for outdoor dining. Its airy silhouette adds elegance to even the smallest outdoor setting.
Skip the Dining, Embrace the Chill: Lounge in Style
Not every balcony is made for meals and not every moment calls for a table. Sometimes, the greatest luxury is doing absolutely nothing. A good book, a soft breeze, the scent of jasmine in the air. These are the moments when your outdoor space becomes a sanctuary, and your seating becomes a statement.
As spring unfolds, balconies become places of pause. They’re where we stretch out in the sun, sip something cold, and let the day slow down. And while dining sets serve a purpose, lounge chairs offer something deeper: comfort, calm, and a sense of retreat. They invite you to unwind, to breathe, to simply be.
This section is for the dreamers, the loungers, the sun-chasers. Whether you're curling up with a coffee or stretching out for an afternoon nap, these lounge chairs and chaises are designed to bring comfort, character, and calm to even the smallest outdoor spaces.
Pacha Outdoor | Gubi
Palissade Cord Chaise Longue | HAY
Ville Lounge Chair | &Tradition
Pacha Outdoor Lounge Chair by Gubi
Originally designed by Pierre Paulin in 1975, the Pacha Chair redefined low-level living and now it’s ready for the outdoors. With its curvaceous silhouette and indulgent comfort, the outdoor version features a water-resistant, breathable membrane and weatherproof upholstery. It’s a sculptural cloud of relaxation, perfect for balconies that crave softness and style.
Palissade Cord Chaise Longue by HAY
A fresh take on HAY’s iconic Palissade collection, the Cord Chaise Longue combines powder-coated steel with handwoven recycled polyester cord. The result is a reclining seat that’s both graphic and gentle, ideal for sun-drenched balconies or leafy terraces. Available in a range of earthy tones, it’s a piece that blends seamlessly into natural and urban settings.
Ville AV4 Lounge Chair by &Tradition
In pursuit of finding the perfect balance between solidity and softness, the Ville lounge chair by Anderssen & Voll epitomises the founding principles of the collection. The starting point from which the series originated, the lounge chair model excels in providing a deeply supportive lounging experience which elevates both the aesthetic and functional aspects of any outdoor space.
Cohesive Brand Pairings: Curated Looks for Effortless Style
Designing a small outdoor space is like composing a melody: each piece must harmonise with the next. When furniture is thoughtfully paired, it creates a sense of cohesion that makes even the tiniest balcony feel intentional and inviting. Whether you lean minimalist or bohemian, coastal or urban, these brand-specific pairings offer ready-made inspiration for creating a space that feels complete.
Here are four curated combinations that bring together form, function, and brand identity, so you can style your balcony with confidence and ease.
Thorvald Collection | &Tradition
Ocean Outdoor Collection | Mater
Thorvald Table & Chairs by &Tradition
Inspired by the lyrical lines of Danish neoclassicism, the Thorvald Collection by Space Copenhagen is a sculptural celebration of outdoor living. Powder-coated steel tables and grid-seated chairs play with light and shadow, creating a poetic atmosphere perfect for urban balconies or garden terraces.
Ocean Collection by Mater
A sustainable standout, the Ocean Collection reimagines 1950s Danish design using recycled ocean plastic and e-waste. With slatted seats and metal frames, these chairs and tables are lightweight, stackable, and ideal for eco-conscious styling. Available in black, sand, green, and burnt red, they bring colour and conscience to your outdoor space.
RFH Terrace Collection | &Tradition
Balcony Collection | HAY
RFH Terrace Table & Chairs by &Tradition
Originally designed by Robin Day for the Royal Festival Hall in London, the RFH Terrace Collection is a reissue of mid-century outdoor elegance. Crafted from teak and powder-coated steel, the table and chairs offer a compact, organic aesthetic ideal for small balconies. Custom cushions in recycled textiles add comfort and charm.
Balcony Table & Chairs by HAY
Designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, the Balcony Collection features square forms softened by rounded edges and perforated patterns. Made from durable powder-coated steel, these pieces enhance airflow and drainage while adding graphic charm. Available in a range of colours, they’re perfect for playful, modern outdoor styling.
Portable Lighting: Glow On the Go
On a small balcony, where every object must earn its place, portable lamps offer the perfect blend of function and atmosphere. They’re not just practical, they’re poetic. They cast a glow that softens the edges of the day, turning your balcony into a sanctuary of calm.
Whether you’re hosting friends, reading under the stars, or simply enjoying a quiet moment, these portable lights are designed to move with you, indoors and out. From sculptural icons to sustainable innovations, here are eight standout designs that bring warmth, character, and flexibility to your alfresco evenings.
Terra | Mater
Obello | Gubi
Mousqueton | HAY
Terra Portable Lamp by Mater
Crafted from Matek™, a sustainable material made from coffee shell waste and recycled e-waste, the Terra Lamp is a tactile, minimalist piece with a conical silhouette. Designed by OEO Studio, it offers three-step dimming and up to 10 hours of battery life. Ideal for balconies that blend design with environmental consciousness.
Obello Lamp by Gubi
A space-age icon reimagined for today, the Obello Lamp by Bill Curry features a frosted, mouth-blown glass shade and integrated dimmable LED. With up to 40 hours of light on a single charge and an IP44 rating, it’s as functional as it is whimsical; ideal for balconies that double as conversation starters.
Mousqueton Portable by HAY
Named after the French word for carabiner, Mousqueton is a rugged yet refined lamp designed by Inga Sempé. With a built-in hook for hanging and a weatherproof body, it’s perfect for balconies that embrace spontaneity and adventure.
Pao | HAY
Multi-Lite | Gubi
Lucca | &Tradition
Pao Portable by HAY
A collaboration with Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa, the Pao Lamp is inspired by the soft glow of Mongolian tents. Its smooth polycarbonate shell conceals a warm LED light, offering a gentle, diffused glow that’s perfect for creating a serene outdoor atmosphere.
Multi-Lite Portable by Gubi
Louis Weisdorf’s iconic Multi-Lite gets a portable upgrade with a USB-rechargeable base, three-step dimmer, and adjustable shades. Its sculptural form and high-gloss finish make it a striking addition to balconies that lean bold and expressive.
Lucca SC51 by &Tradition
Inspired by the golden glow of the Tuscan city of Lucca, this elegant lamp by Space Copenhagen offers up to 12 hours of warm light. Its satinised opal glass shade and powder-coated metal base make it a refined companion for both indoor and outdoor use.
Accessories & Decor: The Finishing Touches
A balcony isn’t just a place, it’s a mood. And while furniture sets the foundation, it’s the accessories that bring soul to the space. A flickering lantern, a soft cushion, a sculptural pot: these are the details that transform a functional corner into a personal retreat.
In small outdoor spaces, every object matters. The right accessories add texture, warmth, and personality, helping your balcony reflect the way you live, relax, and entertain. Whether you're styling for solitude or socialising, these pieces are designed to elevate your outdoor experience with beauty and intention.
Shade Outdoor Pouf | nanimarquina
Collect Hurricane Lantern | &Tradition
Banskia | NAU
Shade Outdoor Pouf by nanimarquina
Designed by Begüm Cana Özgür, the Shade Outdoor Pouf is crafted from recycled PET fibre and made to complement the Shade rug collection. Lightweight and easy to move, it adds volume, colour, and comfort to any outdoor setting. Available in a range of tonal gradients, it’s perfect for layering texture and creating relaxed seating zones.
Collect Hurricane Lantern by &Tradition
Described by Space Copenhagen as “framing the poetic nature of candlelight,” the Collect Hurricane SC83 features rounded glass and a powder-coated steel base. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, it casts a soft flicker that adds warmth and depth, ideal for twilight dinners or quiet evenings under the stars.
Banksia by NAUMore than a lamp, Banksia is a sculptural oil lantern inspired by the Australian native flower. Designed by Zachary Hanna, it features a spun aluminium frame and glass diffuser that casts a soft, flickering glow. Add citronella oil for a natural insect repellent, perfect for entertaining.
Ready to transform your balcony into a springtime sanctuary? Explore our full outdoor collection online or visit our Cult showroom to experience the magic in person.
