Balcony garden ideas to make the most of your space

A small space doesn't have to mean a bland one.

Bistro chairs and table on balcony with view in the yard

by Piper Huxley |
Updated on

Whether you're just after inspiration, or you're looking for ways to transform your balcony into a tranquil outdoor garden, here are the best balcony garden ideas to bring life right to your space. After all, being outdoors, surrounded by nature, enhances our mental well-being and transports us to tranquillity. All the more reason to get into balcony gardening.

With over 220 nature reserves dotted around England, we Brits are not short of wild and unique flora, miles of green spaces and nature's most beloved birds and animals practically on our doorstep, wherever we might find ourselves ambling within the country. We can't blame you for trying to bring some of this back home. Aside from flora and fauna, consider the design of your balcony garden. Where are you going to put your balcony plants?

Balcony garden ideas at a glance:

Best for individual potted plants: 6 Tier Wooden Plant Stand - view on Amazon UK
For a rustic, cottagecore look: Malesmbury Planter - view at Garden Trading
Hang over your balcony: Balcony Hanging Planter in Sage - view on Amazon UK
Durable deckchair: Fiam Dondolina Steel Frame Deckchair - view at John Lewis

Further, it's exceptionally nice to have your own outside space at home, so we turn to our gardens - whether out back or by our front door or porch. After all, gardening provides the same dopamine hit we get from experiencing nature. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a garden, though that doesn't mean you can't reap the benefits of gardening and bring nature right to your available space too, which can be some indoor plants or a balcony.

Balcony gardens are currently very on-trend, with plenty of inspiration online and on social media, from minimal Scandinavian-themed aesthetics to tropical paradises that transport you elsewhere. They provide a brilliant opportunity to decorate some plant pots. We've written a guide on how to create a balcony garden of your own.

Best Balcony Garden Ideas 2023

On with our suggestions, from outdoor dining sets to planters...

Balcony Garden Wooden Planters

Tiered planter for smaller spaces

Description

We know that space means everything, and no one wants to feel claustrophobic. So, with this 4 Tier

Pros

  • Pressure-treated wood is resistant to rot
  • Perfect for balconies, patios and porches
  • Offers a modern solution to spaces

Cons

  • May be bulky for some spaces

Ideal for a herb garden

Wooden Vertical Garden
Price: £309.99 (was £339.99)

www.wayfair.co.uk

Description

Now with this Vertical Wooden Garden you get to save extra floor space, allowing you to include

Pros

  • Make the most of your space
  • Three generous spaces for herbs
  • Supports a chefs passion for produce

Cons

  • Tricky assembly, may need a drill

Ideal for planting flowers

5 Tier Garden Flower Planter
Price: £29.99

Description

This 5 Tier Garden Flower Planter features five narrow tiers which are perfect for including more

Pros

  • Crafted from tough, durable pine wood
  • Contains a drainage hole to help plants
  • Metal hooks are great for accessories

Cons

  • May require addition of treatment for longevity
  • May need a little more work required for assembly

Best for individual potted plants

Description

With this 6 Tier Wooden Plant Stand, comes total freedom. If you prefer planting your flowers or

Pros

  • Great, budget-friendly accessory
  • Space-saving and multi-purpose
  • Versatility is perfect for creativity

Cons

  • May be too big for some spaces

How about switching it up and continuing to add to that layer of depth by introducing some more shapely planters- enabling you to add a burst of character to your outdoor balcony space. We've found some unsual additions to home your favourite outdoor plants...

Balcony Plant Pots

Ideal for miniature trees and shrubs

Stewart Varese Tall Planter
Price: £39.99

Description

What a stunning granite-effect Stewart Varese Tall Planter. It's perfect for showcasing miniature

Pros

  • Robust, lightweight and frost-proof
  • Pre-drilled holes for drainage and outdoor use
  • Granite effect for a modern, industrial look

Cons

  • Style may not be everyones taste
  • May be too lightweight for weather

For a rustic, cottagecore look

Malesmbury Planter
Price: £52 (was £65)

www.gardentrading.co.uk

Description

If you want to create a rustic, contemporary theme, then this plant pots might be the way to go.

Pros

  • Vintage, striking and rustic
  • Reliable, weather resistant
  • Comes in three different sizes

Cons

  • Some customers recommend drilling holes for drainage
  • You may need to use inner plant pot or liner for longevity

A classic look for your balcony

Top Home Solutions 3 Tier Planter Patio Display
Price: £22.99

Description

This Top Home Solutions 3 Tier Planter Patio Display gives the impression of rustic metal and is

Pros

  • Tough, weather-resistant and low maintenance
  • Lightweight and easy to reposition
  • Three planters with antique-bronze effect

Cons

  • May not be the sturdiest

Try growing small strawberries

Description

From Gardenesque. we recommend this Glazed Tiered Planter. It's a small, classical tiered herb

Pros

  • Suitable for outdoor and indoor use
  • Ideal for herbs and alpine strawberries
  • Frostproof; with a drainage hole

Cons

  • May be too small for some

Hang over your balcony

Balcony Hanging Planter in Sage
Price: £8.35

Description

Why not try this Balcony Hanging Planter in Sage? Powder-coated to make it last, this smart

Pros

  • With two hooks for stability
  • Powder-coated for longevity
  • Ideal to hang over balcony

Cons

  • May not be compatible with all balconies
  • No drainage holes - you may need to drill

No outdoor garden space is ever complete without a seating area to allow yourself to perch, admire and be mindful in the presence of such stunning greenery and flora. Below, is some outdoor seating, perfect for any budget.

Space-Saving Seating

Ultimate comfort

VonHaus Hanging Chair
Price: £29.99

Description

Wow. We love this VonHaus Hanging Chair. What a unique little gem this would be to any outdoor

Pros

  • Space-saving garden seating
  • Combines comfort and style
  • Quick and easy assembly

Boho chic furniture

Description

Perfect for outdoor dining, this Natural Rattan Bistro Set will be the icing on your boho garden

Pros

  • Fits both vintage or contemporary styled spaces
  • Weather resistant materials and tempered glass table
  • Simple assembly required with instructions provided

Cons

  • Could do with extra cushions

Elegant teardrop shape

Description

Create the perfect seating space for your balcony garden with this Rattan Wicker Teardrop Chair

Pros

  • Elegant and deep-seated teardrop shape
  • Weather-resistant and washable cover
  • Anti-slip foot pads and slanted legs for balance

Cons

  • Customers have been left wiht bulky pallett from delivery

Durable deckchair

Description

Durable and comfortable, this Fiam Dondolina Steel Frame Deckchair comes assembled and ready for

Pros

  • Durable steel frame
  • Neutral design that won't fade
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • None - very highly rated and worth the price

FAQs: Balcony garden ideas

Tips on how to create the ultimate balcony garden

Emma Tipping, a designer at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, has collaborated with home design brand, Ruggable. to share expert tips on how to utilise limited space to create the perfect balcony garden. Here, she offers advice on how to utilise limited space and make use of existing balcony features. On with the balcony garden ideas...

Make use of your existing balcony features

"Railings and external walls are great features to utilise when looking to save space," says Emma. Use plant hangers or create a wall garden or vertical vegetable patch "by attaching long planters to external walls" to avoid taking up any floor space. By making sure you use space-saving and vertical gardening techniques, you can create a "calming environment that is great for wellbeing and wildlife".

Recycle and repurpose what you already have

In an effort to be green, Emma suggests upcycling items you have to hand: "You’ll be surprised at what items can be used to create your balcony garden". For example, she suggests utilising treated pallets by either securing them to the wall or used as a seating area by "stacking them to create a raised bench." Not only that, but Emma loves the idea of using old tin cans and colanders as plant pots and hanging baskets, respectively. Perfectly primed for produce.

Bring your interiors outdoors

“The key to making your outdoor space comfortable and homely is to bring a touch of the indoors outside," says Emma. By adding outdoor comfy cushions, you can curate the ideal spot for seated relaxation "under the trailing leaves of your plant." Plus, by throwing a weatherproof rug down on the ground, you're making your balcony feel like a home away from home: "It creates a serene seating place, giving you the true outdoor feel of being amongst nature.”

Choose plants with a purpose

Emma suggests opting for plants that are "functional" for your balcony. After all, you want to make the most of your space. So, seek plants that "add fragrance and colour" as a functional element will maximise your balcony's influence on your life - from the way you wind down to the way you eat. It's an easy way to create a herb garden at home. Ideal for floral arrangements and glorious fragrance, Emma recommends planting hydrangeas for your balcony garden.

BUTTON

Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Yours, an all-rounder who will write on anything from décor to wellness. When not scouring the net for the best home bargains, Piper is listening to a musical soundtrack and tending to her houseplants.

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us