Garden · Balcony · Design
Country-Style Balcony how to turn it into your favourite room
My balcony was what you might generously call a 'storage area' for a long time. Two plastic chairs, a dead basil and my flatmate's bicycle. Then came the day I decided: no more. A country-style balcony is not a luxury – it is a decision. The decision to have your morning coffee outside. To stay out ten minutes longer every evening. Here I show you how I transformed my balcony step by step into my favourite room – and how you can do the same, however small yours is.
Last updated: 2026-06-03
Why a country-style balcony feels so special the right atmosphere from the start
Country-house style lives on natural materials, a calm colour palette and the feeling that a space has grown over time. That works on a balcony just as well as in a living room – perhaps even better, because outside everything is allowed to be a little softer, a little imperfect. A weathered wooden shelf, a terracotta pot with a crack, a string of fairy lights hanging slightly crooked: on the balcony all of that is perfectly fine.
The most important thing about balcony country style: less is more. No cluttered balcony – one with room to breathe. One good chair instead of three bad ones. Three beautiful pots instead of ten mismatched ones.
1 · The right flooring wooden tiles or bamboo – lay them today
Grey concrete is the enemy of country style. The quickest and most affordable solution: click-together acacia wood tiles or bamboo decking planks that simply lie in place without adhesive. Around 30–60 euros covers a 4-square-metre balcony completely – and the difference is immediately enormous.
Important: air must be able to circulate under the wooden tiles so the wood does not rot. Most click systems are already designed for this. I still recommend lifting the tiles once a year and cleaning the floor beneath.
2 · Furniture for the country-style balcony small but perfectly formed
On a small balcony a bistro table and two chairs is enough – there is often no room for more, and you do not need more. I had a metal bistro chair with peeling white paint for years that I found at a flea market for 8 euros. It was perfect. Natural wood, white lacquered metal or rattan all suit country style best.
Whoever has more space can also add a small garden bench – with a cushion and a wool blanket it becomes the cosiest seat in the flat. A wooden bench also works wonderfully as a plant shelf: large pots below, small herb pots on top.
3 · Plants on the balcony plenty of green in a small space
Plants are the heart of the country-style balcony. My principle: one large plant as an anchor (lavender, a small olive tree or a rosemary bush), then several medium-sized ones in terracotta pots (geraniums, marguerites, sage) and a few small herbs on the windowsill or on the bistro table. This creates depth without overcrowding.
For balconies without direct sunlight: hydrangeas love partial shade, as do fuchsias and impatiens. For sunny balconies: lavender, geraniums, oleander and of course summer flowers of all kinds.
Balcony boxes in country style: I love white-painted wooden boxes or simple terracotta planters instead of the usual green plastic troughs. They make a huge difference with very little effort.
4 · Decoration and light the details that change everything
A string of fairy lights along the balcony railing or on the house wall – that is the one decoration I recommend for every single balcony. Warm white, draped loosely, not pulled too tight. In the evening it transforms any balcony, however small.
More details I love: a lantern on the floor beside the chair, a small tealight holder on the table, a jute bag or wicker basket for garden tools, a vintage enamel sign on the wall. You do not need to buy all these things at once – they accumulate over time, and that is precisely what makes a balcony personal.
5 · Privacy screening on the balcony privacy with style
Privacy screening is different on a balcony from a terrace because there is less space and often the landlord has restrictions. My favourite solutions: tall plants in pots (bamboo, oleander, tall lavender), an outdoor curtain on a simple clamp rod, or a narrow trellis with ivy. All are tenant-friendly, quick to set up and look beautiful.
6 · My balcony checklist what really counts
The essentials at a glance: natural-material flooring (wood or bamboo); one good chair instead of several bad ones; terracotta pots in various sizes; at least one larger plant as an anchor point; warm-white fairy lights; a small table for your coffee cup; a wool blanket for cooler evenings. And: do not wait for perfection – a balcony is allowed to grow.
Frequently Asked Questions quick and clear answers
How do I style a small balcony in country-house style?
Less is more: one good bistro table, two chairs, three terracotta pots with plants, a string of lights. Wooden tiles on the floor transform even grey concrete. Country style works especially well in small spaces because it cannot tolerate clutter.
Which plants suit a country-style balcony?
Lavender, geraniums, marguerites, rosemary, sage and hydrangeas all look wonderful on a country balcony. For shady balconies: hydrangeas and fuchsias. For sunny: lavender and geraniums.
Which furniture suits country style on the balcony?
Bistro table and chairs in metal (white lacquered or with patina), wooden benches, rattan armchairs. Terracotta pots instead of plastic. Everything that looks slightly aged and natural works better than high-gloss plastic.
How do I get privacy screening on the balcony without drilling?
Tall plants in pots (bamboo, oleander), an outdoor curtain on a clamp rod, or a narrow trellis. Everything is tenant-friendly – no screws needed.
About the author
Jona · Villa Bloom & Co.
I write about country house style, garden, terrace and cosy living – from genuine conviction and personal experience. Everything I recommend here I have tried myself. More about me →