Ideas for decorating your balcony or terrace in spring

An outdoor sofa for small spaces

This last year, we've learnt that any space is more than usable if we get crafty. And balconies and terraces are no exception!

To decorate an outdoor space that is not very large, the first idea is to use multifunctional outdoor furniture.

In this case, the king of our oasis is, without a doubt, this small and affordable outdoor sofa, as one of the basic features of this area needs to be a place to get comfy. Its mini size allows us to have that relaxation space, useful for reading a good book or for having a drink while listening to music and soaking up some vitamin D. 

And what better to go with it than some lovely, plush cushions? For a very affordable price, they add a great touch of personality and colour to the space and, of course, they make us feel much more comfortable on our little terrace. 

If you have the opportunity, choose outdoor cushions that are resistant enough to any weather conditions. The ones in the picture are specially designed to be used outdoors. They are also handmade by skilled craftspeople and sustainably dyed to keep the colours vibrant for longer. They've already won us over!

Sturdy folding outdoor furniture

In addition to opting for smaller sizes, it's best to use accessories that can be put out and removed whenever you need, depending on the moment or the number of people present. Folding chairs are ideal for this as they fit perfectly in the gap between the sofa and the wall, so they won't get in the way. 

And that's not all: if you notice, just below the sofa, we've used the space to hide a bag where we can store extra material, such as cushions or blankets in case it gets cold. This way, everything will always be close at hand and well protected from the sun, rain and dust.

When decorating our balcony or terrace, all these tricks to gain extra space mean that we don't waste an inch of useful space – and the result is still incredibly attractive. 

The last detail, for example, was to take advantage of the balcony balustrade to set up a small side table, which we always get a lot of use out of but often rule out due to the mistaken idea that it won't fit. See how there's always a solution?

Be careful: protect yourself from the sun

The truth is that we always associate sun protection with the summer months, when temperatures are at their highest and we look for a little shade to shelter us. Well, the best thing to do is to start protecting ourselves even during the first few warmers months. Why? It's really simple. Coming from a long season of darkness and long clothing, our skin is not used to the sun and, if we're overconfident, we can run the risk of getting sunburnt after a long period of exposure.

That's why we recommend that you always have an umbrella or a small awning handy to protect you from the sun. And as a plus, you'll have it all ready for the summer. 

Surround yourself with plants

One of the best techniques for decorating a balcony or terrace without spending too much money is to use flowers and plants. Is there anything more spring-like than that? They brighten up your surroundings, give them a natural touch and they are great for cooling the atmosphere down when summer arrives. 

In fact, it doesn't matter if you don't have a lot of furniture or accessories, as plants have the ability to fill that void. And if there's one thing we know for sure, it's that they always look good. Plus, if you combine them with some beautiful planters or elegant pant pots, the effect will be spectacular. Did you know that the following planters are made from recycled plastic?

Create a magical atmosphere with outdoor lights

Although it may still get a bit cool out, we always like to prolong our time on the terrace as much as possible, don't we? When you're relaxing and at ease, that's what happens.

So, if you're one of those people who also enjoys their outdoor space until the sun goes down and night falls, we recommend that you create a magical atmosphere with the power of decorative outdoor lighting.

There are plenty of options for you to add little touches of light to your space. As we've seen in the previous images, one of the most popular accessories, both for its price and its placement versatility, is string lights. In fact, they're great to hang on the wall or to wrap around the railing.

Many are battery-operated, so you don't need a power socket and can therefore save a little bit on electricity. However, don't rule out the option of using some solar lamps, such as the lanterns shown here. They are an affordable choice, just as effective and much more environmentally friendly. 

Enjoy all the charm of spring from the comfort of your own little paradise.

If you've been inspired and liked these ideas, we suggest you take a look at the selection we've left at the end. It's full of ideas for decorating any outdoor space.

And if you don't have time to read, here's an Ask Allen video, in which you'll see some very practical solutions for decorating terraces and balconies. You'll love it!