I’ve said it before: I used to think balconies were totally overrated.
Back in my twenties, my own balcony was basically a pigeon sanctuary… and let’s just say it wasn’t exactly a relaxing outdoor retreat.
Fast forward to today, and I’ve officially become that girl—the one who lights flameless candles at dusk and waters her Korean lilacs like they’re prized roses. My tiny terrace went from neglected to my favorite little escape, and I shared the full transformation in this blog post here.
But here’s the thing I didn’t expect:
Since posting that makeover, I’ve heard from so many people who say they have a balcony, patio, or small outdoor nook they never actually use. And most of the time, it’s because of a few simple (but totally fixable) design mistakes.
So today, I’m spilling the tea on the 5 most common mistakes I see with outdoor decorating—and how to fix them so your space actually gets used and loved.
Images via Pinterest.
Mistake #1: Treating It Like a Dumping Ground
It starts with good intentions: a few chairs, a folded drying rack, maybe some gardening supplies. But over time, your balcony turns into an outdoor junk drawer—part storage closet, part forgotten zone. Especially because of how long our winters are here in the Great White North, right?
Why it doesn’t work:
Visual clutter makes a small space feel even smaller. Plus, when your outdoor space becomes the place where “stuff goes to die,” you’re a lot less likely to want to spend time there. And I don’t know about you but when the weather finally warms up, I want to be outside as much as I can. And I love it if I can enjoy the outdoors at home.
The designer fix:
Before you decorate anything, clear the space and decide on a purpose. Is it for relaxing? Dining? Gardening? Sunbathing? Pick a main function and let that guide every design decision.
In my own terrace makeover, I wanted a place to unwind, read, and sip coffee. So I skipped a dining table in favor of comfy lounge seating. That one choice shaped the whole vibe of the space.
Pro tip: If you absolutely need storage, find pieces that do double duty, like a storage bench or a deck box that can hold tools but also serve as a side table.
Images via Pinterest.
Mistake #2: Using Only Tiny Furniture and Décor
I don’t know why, but when I was in university and living on my own, my parents had a habit of buying me miniature versions of everything—like the tiniest rice cooker and the smallest saucepan you could find in a store.
I think they thought small spaces needed small things. But here’s the thing: no matter how little space you have, the things you put in it still need to function.
It might seem counterintuitive, but cramming a small space with lots of small pieces often makes it feel even more cramped.
Why it doesn’t work:
Too many tiny things can make your balcony or patio feel cluttered and disjointed. The eye has nowhere to rest.
The designer fix:
Instead of playing small, go big on fewer things. Choose one statement piece—like an outdoor sofa or a tall plant—and anchor the rest of the design around it.
On my own terrace, I chose a compact sectional sofa and one or two larger planters. That gave me a cozy but expansive feeling, without a million little items crowding the space.
Bonus tip: Choose low-profile furniture that doesn’t block sight lines. If you can see more of the floor, the space feels bigger.
Images via Pinterest.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Vertical Space
Your walls, railings, and even ceiling beams are prime real estate. And most people totally overlook them.
Why it doesn’t work:
When you decorate only the floor, your space ends up feeling flat. It also means you’re missing opportunities to add personality and function.
The designer fix:
Use your vertical space! Hang lanterns from hooks, install a trellis with climbing plants, line a wall with outdoor-friendly panels, or try wall-mounted planters.
On my own balcony, I hated the frosted glass panels. So I lined them with faux greenery and added vertical wood panels to the back wall. It completely transformed the vibe and gave the space a lush, intimate feel.
Low-effort options:
- Removable adhesive hooks for hanging lights or planters
- Balcony railing planters for flowers or herbs
- Wall art made for outdoor use
Images via Pinterest.
Mistake #4: Forgetting to Add Personality
This one might be the most common, and probably the saddest. You get the furniture in place, maybe a couple of planters… and then stop. The space looks fine. But it doesn’t feel like you.
Why it doesn’t work:
A bland, generic space doesn’t invite you in. It’s like a cheap hotel lobby: functional, but forgettable. That means you’re less likely to spend time there.
The designer fix:
Bring in all the layers that make a space feel finished and loved. Think throw pillows, trays, table decor, outdoor-safe blankets, artwork, candles, even books. Just like you’d style a living room.
My terrace didn’t come to life until I added pillows in my colour palette (white, green, and blush pink), faux candles in lanterns, and a floral arrangement on the console table behind the sofa.
Tip: Stick to an intentional colour scheme (even if it’s neutral) so your decor looks cohesive, not random.
Images via Pinterest.
Mistake #5: Choosing the Wrong Plants (or Too Many of Them)
If you’ve ever watched a balcony jungle wither into a sad lineup of empty planters by August… you are not alone.
Why it doesn’t work:
Using too many plants (especially small ones) creates clutter. And choosing the wrong ones for your light and climate means constant replacement, not relaxation.
The designer fix:
Start with one or two larger planters that fit your space and sun exposure. Invest in low-maintenance plants that are hardy and beautiful.
I once tried a Japanese maple and a Magnolia tree on my balcony. Neither survived. Now, I stick with Korean lilacs, peonies, and hardy green shrubs that thrive on my sunny terrace. Lesson learned.
Plant styling tip: Think in terms of height and layering. Use tall plants to create privacy or drama, and shorter blooms for pops of color.
Images via Pinterest.
Final Thoughts: Turn Your Outdoor Space Into a Sanctuary
You don’t need a sprawling backyard to create a magical outdoor moment. Whether you have a tiny terrace or a compact patio, avoiding these common mistakes can instantly shift the energy of your space—from “meh” to aaaahhh.
Start by giving your balcony a purpose, clear the clutter, and treat it like an extension of your home. The rest will follow.
Want to see these tips in action?
Click here to check out my full balcony glow-up, where I transformed a bland little terrace into a cozy sanctuary in the sky.
