10 ideas to improve your small terrace

Lindsay Whitney Lindsay Whitney
homify Balcones y terrazas de estilo clásico
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For many of us, it is the element of a house that has the greatest weight: the terrace, most of all alive in the spring and summer, but also for cosy use in winter. Of course, it would be ideal to have a large space, perhaps a covered patio, but if you live in a city apartment, even a small terrace or a large balcony can be an important added value to your quality of life.

In order to fully use most of your terrace, the first step is to carefully analyse the space actually available, so you can choose the most suitable furniture. Once you have identified your needs you can then move to the choice of furniture and decorations, perhaps taking a cue from our homify experts, who have selected ten great designs for you to enhance the terrace: you just have to be inspired!

1. Differentiate between spaces

The first basic piece of advice to maximise terrace space is to differentiate areas: for example, define where to install window boxes, where to put the table and chairs and any cabinets. If space is limited, make better use of the perimeter, as we see in this photo, to allow free access to the terrace or balcony .

2. Evaluate your needs

The second step, before buying the furniture for the terrace, is to analyse your needs and your habits: for how many people will the table need to fit? Do you need an umbrella for shade? Do you prefer folding chairs? Do you think you also need a deck for sunbathing ? These are of course just a few examples of the questions that you must ask yourself to be sure to exploit the terrace in the best way, making it functional to your real needs.

3. Create green corners

Take advantage of the terrace to create suggestive green corners and bring nature into your home: decorate with climbing plants, furniture made from natural materials, small bushes and mini urban gardens. And if you are afraid you don't have a green thumb, you might just ask an expert gardener to advise on the best solution for your space.

4. Use the railing

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Use the railing. These days, you can really find planters of all sizes, materials and styles, depending on your needs. A tip: if your balcony overlooks the road, hang flower boxes on the railing so when you water the flowers water does not trickle down onto passersby below!

5. Create continuity between inside and outside

If your balcony overlooks a porch or living room, rather than the kitchen, take advantage of it to create some continuity between the inside and outside and thus create a unique, large and charming environment. Then choose furniture and colours in style with the decor of the house, which will help make the atmosphere even more delightful.

6. Adopt original solutions

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Want to make yours an extra special terrace? Adopt original solutions! For example, if space is short, you might choose this particular planter that doubles as a desk area, with practical support to work on or have a quick meal on.

7. Do not use the balcony as a store room

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If possible, avoid using the balcony as a warehouse or storage room. Rather, if you just need extra space, gift yourself with a pretty new cabinet for the outside or, even better, a chest that you can put comfortable pillows on, and enjoy the relaxing! 

8. A hammock: why not?

Looking for an original idea to decorate the terrace? Why not consider a hammock? They are comfortable, compact, fun and, above all, they can be easily removed at the end of the season. Our only warning: make sure you secure it firmly to the ceiling to avoid unpleasant surprises like flipping over, and if there are children in the house, install it at a safe distance from the parapet.

9. Choose simple and practical furnishings

To maximise the space on our terrace, it is important to choose practical and functional furniture, and if you can, even multifunctional, as we see in this example, where the planters and storage boxes are also seats .

10. Keep the doors open

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Keeping the doors open onto the terrace adds to the perception of there being more space in the house. It also communicates the idea that the homes is open to the outside and to the world.

Interested in more tips on balcony and terrace design? Check out our article showcasing eight wonderful tiny balconies!

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