August 13, 2026, 1:43 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
For many, the balcony is the most important place in the apartment. As an extended living room, it offers space for relaxation, gardening, or social summer evenings. However, furnishing it doesn’t always require expensive concepts. myHOMEBOOK shows how to design the balcony affordably and comfortably.
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Start with an Affordable Flooring
The floor of a balcony is one of the first things that catch our eye. A neglected floor doesn’t make much of an impression and can immediately devalue an outdoor area. Those who want to design their balcony with affordable flooring should opt for click tiles made of wood or plastic. They are quite inexpensive at about 20 euros per square meter and easy to install. If you have a smaller budget, you can choose artificial grass carpets or special outdoor rugs. Especially with rugs, there is a wide selection of materials and colors. If you want to save costs, you can also skip a new covering. In that case, it’s a good idea to thoroughly clean the floor to visually enhance it.
Reed Mats Provide Affordable Privacy
Reed and bamboo privacy mats offer a natural, slightly exotic ambiance. They cost about 20 euros per square meter, can be easily attached to the railing, and provide more privacy on the balcony. If you’re satisfied with your balcony railing, you can also enhance it with a cleaning. A cheap wire brush, water, and household cleaner can easily remove stubborn dirt and rust. A new coat of paint can also beautify the balcony. However, caution is advised here, as in most cases, the landlord’s approval is required.
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Buy Second-Hand Balcony Furniture
Balcony furniture can be very expensive when bought new. A cheaper alternative is second-hand furniture, which is offered on online platforms, flea markets, or in thrift stores. It’s also worth asking friends or family, as discarded chairs, tables, or benches often just wait for a second use. With some paint or varnish, many finds can be easily upgraded and adapted to your own style. Corresponding paints and sprays are available from 12 euros at hardware stores.
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Build Affordable Balcony Shelves and Beds from Euro Pallets
To design a balcony affordably, many turn to classic flower pots that hang over the railing. But beds made from Euro pallets can also transform a balcony into a floral paradise. Building plant shelves and beds usually doesn’t require great craftsmanship, meaning even beginners can give it a try. For assembly, you’ll need screws, a cordless screwdriver, and plenty of sandpaper, as the surface of Euro pallets is often rough and cracked.
However, if you don’t have a covered balcony, you should remember to glaze the shelves and beds after construction. Euro pallets are mostly made of spruce wood, which is sensitive to weathering and moisture. To avoid damage, wood preservatives are essential. Tinted wood preservatives or opaque wood paints add more color. If you want to save yourself the work, you can instead opt for a trellis from the hardware store. It can be mounted vertically on the wall and provides space for climbing plants, hanging flower pots, or herb pots.
Decor and Lighting Don’t Have to Cost Much
A coherent lighting concept is one of the simplest ways to make the balcony more homely. Solar string lights have long surpassed regular string lights for garden areas and are excellent for bathing your balcony in atmospheric light during the evening hours. They are particularly practical because they charge in sunlight during the day and automatically turn on at dusk. In addition, affordable lanterns and table lamps with LED functions create the right mood.
You can also save a lot on decoration. Instead of expensive designer pieces, a few strategically placed accessories are often enough to create a cozy atmosphere. Blankets and cushions provide more seating comfort, while wind chimes and sun umbrellas bring the vacation feeling right home.