September 3, 2026, 10:55 am | Read time: 7 minutes
A balcony offers space for plants, relaxation, and cozy hours outdoors. With the right ideas, the outdoor area can be transformed into a personal oasis of well-being. How elaborate the design turns out often depends on the available budget. In three budget categories from affordable to higher-priced, myHOMEBOOK shows how to stylishly furnish a balcony and which design elements are particularly worthwhile.
Furnishing the Balcony with Three Different Budgets
Those looking to redesign their balcony must consider different prerequisites. The same financial resources are not always available, and the size of the balcony also influences how much room there is for design. Whether it’s 50, 100, or 150 euros: For each of these price ranges, there are ways to enhance the outdoor area and make it more homely.
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Budget of 50 Euros
A budget of 50 euros doesn’t allow for too many big leaps. Purchasing new flooring or expensive garden furniture should therefore not be considered. However, with a few tricks and creative ideas, a lot can be achieved even with a small budget.
Opt for Used Furniture
In the affordable budget segment, it’s worth first checking classified ads for used furniture. With a bit of luck, you can find folding tables and chairs for as little as 25 euros for self-pickup. Flea markets and thrift stores can also hold real treasures.
Before purchasing new furniture, it’s worth taking a critical look at the existing setup. Often, a thorough cleaning is enough to give existing balcony furniture a new shine. If you want to create additional space, you can also repurpose indoor furniture. Small stools, side tables, or individual chairs from the kitchen and living room can also look good on the balcony. This may involve some carrying, but it saves additional expenses.
Outdoor Rugs as an Affordable Alternative
Before spending money on new flooring or furniture, it’s often worth cleaning the balcony floor to make it look much tidier. If you want to invest a little more afterward, small, weatherproof outdoor rugs offer a relatively inexpensive option. They are available from 20 euros, whether new or used. Together with a blanket or a cushion, you can create a cozy living room feeling under the open sky.
Affordable Planting and Decorating
For affordable planting, classic flower boxes that attach directly to the balcony railing are suitable. They require little space, add color, and quickly create decorative accents. It’s even cheaper with things that are often already available: A small bouquet in a vase or even in a pretty drinking glass quickly provides visual accents. Existing pots can also be newly staged with seasonal flowers or herbs.
When it comes to lighting, you don’t have to spend a lot. Wind lights or small lanterns placed on a side table or shelf create a particularly atmospheric effect. Battery-operated string lights are also an inexpensive way to add more ambiance to the balcony.
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Budget of 100 Euros
With a budget of 100 euros, several areas of the balcony can already be enhanced. However, the money is usually not enough for a complete redesign. Instead, it’s worth investing specifically in individual elements like furniture, flooring, or planting and combining them with affordable alternatives.
Opt for New Tiles or Artificial Turf
With a budget of 100 euros, you don’t necessarily have to scour online portals to find suitable balcony furniture. Simple bistro sets or a cozy bench with storage can be found in hardware and garden stores. To save even more, look for discount promotions and clearance sales. Off-season purchases can also save money.
Newly laid flooring can also be worthwhile. In the mid-price segment, options like plastic click tiles and artificial turf are available from about 20 euros per square meter. Alternatively, outdoor rugs in this budget class are a great option. Investing in a higher-quality model that is UV-resistant and water-repellent, and provides a pleasant barefoot feel, is also a good idea.
Bamboo and Reed Mats Offer Privacy
Privacy should not be overlooked in balcony design. With a 100-euro budget, bamboo or reed privacy mats are a good option. They start at 30 euros per square meter. They not only protect against prying eyes but also give the balcony a natural atmosphere. Another advantage is the easy installation. The mats are attached with cable ties or binding wire, which can be purchased from 10 euros. Drills or screws are not required, making them attractive for beginners without DIY skills.
Versatile Planting Options
Depending on the size of the balcony, the planting can also be more lush. If a larger part of the budget has already been invested in furniture or flooring, it’s best to opt for potted plants, herb beds, or hanging plants. They quickly bring color and life to the balcony without significantly straining the budget.
If you want to spend more on planting, you can design your balcony with lush container plants. With easy-care ornamental grasses and Mediterranean scented plants, you can create a high-quality balcony atmosphere. Depending on the season, it’s possible to decorate with different plants. Plant shelves and trellises are also a good choice, especially for small balconies. They allow for space-saving vertical greening and create additional space for plants.
Lighting and Decorative Objects Complete the Balcony
The right lighting in the evening hours is achieved with beautiful lamps and lanterns. Especially models made of bamboo or metal from 15 euros create a cozy atmosphere. Suitable decorative objects offer further scope for balcony design, which can vary according to preferences. Sun umbrellas, seagrass baskets, and beach towels create a summery flair. A drink tray made of acacia or oak wood or a chic vase with favorite flowers can also beautify a balcony.
Budget of 150 Euros
Those planning around 150 euros for their outdoor area can focus on a special and durable highlight. Depending on the purchase, the rest of the balcony’s furnishings may be somewhat simpler.
Sun Sails and Clamp Awnings Provide Shade
Especially on hot summer days, sun sails and clamp awnings provide more protection from direct sunlight and prying eyes. A sun sail gives the balcony a Mediterranean flair, while the clamp awning impresses with its classic look. Good clamp awnings start at 100 euros, and sun sails are available for even less.
Another advantage is their easy installation. Sun sails are attached to the house wall or special masts, while clamp awnings are clamped between the ceiling and floor. A drill is not required, which is especially practical for rental apartments. Once the balcony season ends, they can be dismantled and stored until the next summer.
Ceramic and Mosaic Pots Add a Touch of Extravagance
Visual accents can be set with selected ceramic or mosaic pots. Compared to simple plastic containers, they look significantly more high-quality and give the outdoor area a personal touch. Models in bold colors, with Mediterranean patterns, or shiny surfaces are particularly eye-catching. The selection is complemented by a magnificent arrangement of Mediterranean lemon and olive trees or exotic plants like a palm.
Serving Cart as a Highlight
A serving cart offers additional storage space for drinks, snacks, plants, or decorations and can be moved flexibly. This makes it particularly suitable for smaller balconies where every square meter should be used wisely. With a budget of 150 euros, you can invest in high-quality models made of eucalyptus wood. This type of wood is generally well-suited for outdoor use. At the same time, the serving cart itself becomes a design element, giving the balcony a modern flair.