Try these balcony and rooftop garden ideas to maximize space for growing, lounging, and dining outside.
You don’t need a ground-level yard for growing and gathering.
In other words, just look your balcony or rooftop as an opportunity to get a little more creative.
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
Use these ideas as inspiration, and get growing.
More ideas to steal:
Use pea gravel instead of hard flooring to provide a softer surface.
It also makes the rooftop feel more like a garden.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Select sturdy outdoor furniture that holds up to high winds and other intense rooftop weather.
Neutral tones don’t visually compete with the greenery.
Position Furniture Strategically
Even small balconies can be turned into full-fledged living spaces.
Credit: Rob Cardillo
Start with an all-weather rug for color and pattern, then layer on slim, cushioned seating.
Place small containers on side tables to maximize gardening opportunities, and use the railings for accessories like birdhouses.
(If you’re thinking of a rooftop fire pitgas or woodmake sure it meets local fire codes.)
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Coordinatehardscaping materialsin this case, brickto tie a space together.
The wall of the building can be an easily overlooked opportunity for decor.
Mount a big, weather-proof piece of art like this metal star.
Credit: Bruce Buck
Grow a Privacy Screen
The right plants can offerblissful privacy and shade in any rooftop garden space.
For example, a long container planted with tall,fast-growing bambooshields the view here.
Use atrellisto delineate spaces.
Credit: Erica George Dines
Here, the structure separates the dining area from the rest of the rooftop.
A subtle shift in the flooring grade here divides relaxing and gathering spaces from the dining area.
Repetition isa classic design principlethat works well in any outdoor space.
Credit: Matthew Benson
Here, a lineup of potted trees in identical containers gives the space visual cohesion.
Climbing plants in containers also lend a serene sensibility while screening the view.
Rethinkthe matching patio set.
Credit: Erica George Dines
A wooden table set with metal chairs sets up an interesting textural contrast that looks more curated.
A combination of built-in benches and movable chairs increases your seating arrangement potential.
Choose trellis materials based on your style and goals.
Credit: Matthew Benson
This wire one creates an airy structure that lets the light through beautifully.
Instead, the solid row ofevergreen shrubsprovides a stunning minimalist border that’s offset only by airier ornamental grasses.
Teak chaiselounge chairsandsage greenpillows maintain a sophisticated, on-trend aesthetic.
Credit: Matthew Benson
Evenmodern spacesbenefit from some earthier materials.
With a small balcony, focus on what you’ll be doing most often in the space.
In this case, the mandate was clear: Create an relaxing space for lounging.
Credit:Marie Viljoen
The effect is as transporting as any backyard garden.
For easy elegance, opt for a green-and-white backdrop of plants.
Window boxes grow salad greens and strawberries.
Credit:Matthew Benson Foto
Mix ornamentals and edibles.
Here, flowers bring color to the balconyand the neighborhood belowwhen grown alongside edible crops.
Set a table for two.
Choose modular and lightweight furnishings for greater flexibility.
The more freedom you have to move things around, the better the space will work for you.
Its texture can add to space’s appeal.
