A Green Escape on a Small Balcony
A balcony does not need to be large to feel like a proper outdoor room. With a few thoughtful choices of flooring, furniture and plants, even a narrow ledge off a flat can become a favourite spot for morning coffee or evening drinks with friends.
Dividing a tight space into two moods
One couple split their compact balcony into distinct areas to make it feel bigger than it is. On one side, soft cushions and a low table form a cosy outdoor lounge, while the other holds a folding table and chairs for dinners with friends. Tying the two zones together is RUNNEN decking, a floating floor that sits over the existing surface and gives the whole balcony a warmer, more finished look underfoot. The approach works well on the kind of narrow, sun-exposed balconies common in townhouses and apartments, where every bit of floor space needs to earn its place.
RUNNEN floor decking, outdoor, artificial grass, 0.81 m²
RUNNEN floor decking, outdoor, dark grey, 0.81 m²
RUNNEN floor decking, outdoor, beige, 0.81 m²
RUNNEN floor decking, outdoor, acacia, 0.81 m²
RUNNEN floor decking, outdoor, textile dark grey, 0.81 m²
Greenery and glassware for everyday use
Potted plants along the railing do most of the work here, softening hard edges and bringing a sense of garden to a spot surrounded by walls and rooftops. Hanging planters of ivy keep ground level free for seating and tables. On the table itself, KORKEN jars and bottles hold water, cordial or snacks, their simple glass shape suiting an outdoor setting as easily as a kitchen shelf. It is a practical, low-fuss way to furnish a small balcony, well suited to warm evenings when most time is spent outside rather than in.
KORKEN jar with lid, clear glass, 1 l
KORKEN jar with lid, clear glass, 0.5 l
KORKEN jar with lid, clear glass, 1.8 l
KORKEN jar with lid, clear glass, 2 l
KORKEN jar with lid, clear glass, 13 cl, 3 pack
KORKEN bottle shaped jar with lid, clear glass, 1 l
A hardworking corner of the home
When the couple renovated their loft, the balcony needed a complete rethink. They wanted to make use of every part of the home, however small, and the balcony took real effort to get right. The result is a spot they now reach for most mornings, especially when the sun is out and coffee outside feels like the better option. It is a reminder that even the smallest outdoor space, the kind many homes in Malta and Gozo have as a balcony or roof terrace, can become genuinely useful with some planning.
A balcony makeover like this can start with just a few pieces. Browse the range on maltashopper.com and have what you choose delivered to your door.