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A balcony is the one part of an apartment the whole street sees, and the one part most people leave bare in December. A few well-chosen pieces make it feel like part of the holiday, for you inside and for anyone walking by.
Small balconies need restraint. One light color, two textures and one focal point look better than ten different decorations competing for the same few square feet.
Check these first
- Your lease and building rules. Some buildings ban nails, hanging items on the railing or open flames. Ask before you start.
- Outdoor ratings. Use lights, cords and timers labeled for outdoor use. Indoor ones are not made for rain or frost.
- Power. Count the outlets you can reach. Solar and battery lights need none.
- Wind. Anything light will be blown around. Tie it, weigh it down or choose something heavy.
- The door. Keep the balcony door able to open fully and the way out clear.
01Warm white lights on the railing
Lights along the railing are the fastest change you can make. Warm white looks classic and costs the least effort; mixing colors on a small space looks busy. Clip them on instead of using nails.
The string light calculator tells you how long a string you need for your balcony.
02Solar lights if there is no outlet
Solar strings charge during the day and switch on at dusk. In winter the sun is short, so choose a panel you can place in the brightest spot and expect a few hours of light, not all night.
03A slim pre-lit tree
A tall, narrow tree takes the floor space of a chair. Pre-lit models need only one plug. Put it in a heavy pot and in the corner out of the wind.
04Evergreen garland on the railing
Garland adds the green that lights alone do not. Wrap it along the top rail and secure it every foot with zip ties, which you can cut off in January.
05A wreath on the balcony door
A wreath on the outside of the door shows from the street and from inside. Hang it on a door hook that clips over the top, so the paint stays untouched.
06Potted evergreens
Live potted spruce or boxwood in planters survive cold and give the balcony life. Add lights and a bow and they become decorations that last past the holiday.
07Lanterns instead of candles
Use battery LED candles in lanterns. They look the same, last all night and carry no fire risk next to a curtain or a wooden railing.
08A small outdoor rug
A rug in a red, green or plaid pattern makes the floor part of the scene and keeps your feet off cold tiles. Pick one with a water-resistant back and size it with the outdoor rug size calculator.
09Fur or knit throws and cushions
A basket of blankets invites you to sit out in a coat with a hot drink. Keep them in a waterproof box when you are not using them.
10A hanging star or snowflake
Hang one large piece at the window or top of the railing instead of many small ones. A single lit star is simple and reads from far away.
11Net lights on a wall or screen
Net lights cover a wall or privacy screen in one move and are easier to hang than strings. For a longer-lasting screen, see apartment balcony privacy ideas.
12A timer for everything
A plug-in timer or remote makes the lights come on at dusk and turn off at bedtime. Choose an outdoor-rated one and keep the plug off the wet floor.
For heat so you can actually enjoy the balcony, read cozy ideas for fall and winter, and for permanent lighting, small patio lighting ideas.
A simple plan by budget
- Little time: warm white lights, a wreath and a timer.
- A weekend: add a slim tree, garland and lanterns.
- Full look: add the rug, throws and a hanging star.
Before you pay
- Check that every cord and light is rated for outdoor use.
- Do not use real candles or heaters near garland, curtains or wood.
- Keep cords out of walkways and water.
- Take everything down in January and store lights wound on a card, not in a ball.
