On a 120 cm deep balcony that leaves 60 cm: a 39 cm deep bench fits, a chair pushed in at a table may not.
Measure first
Measure the depth from the wall to the railing and the length. Subtract about 60 cm for walking past. What is left is the depth your furniture may take.
Three layouts that work
Our garden dining table starts at 160 cm, which is a terrace table. For eating on a small balcony, a bench at 46 cm and a small table is the compact answer.
| Balcony depth | Layout |
|---|---|
| About 100 cm | A 65 or 100 cm Wilma garden or Hedvig bench against the wall, a small table beside it |
| About 150 cm | One lounge chair with the small Algot (65 x 55.5 cm) or a ø70 cm Leo beside it |
| About 180 cm and long | Two lounge chairs facing out, a nesting pair of tables between them |
What fits a small patio or courtyard?
The same rules work on the ground, with one difference: on a patio you can usually pull a chair out. Measure, keep a 60 cm path clear, and allow about 90 cm behind each dining chair.
That makes about 340 x 270 cm the smallest patio for our 160 cm garden dining table with chairs. Below that, use the balcony layouts: a bench against the wall with a small table, or two lounge chairs with a nesting pair of tables between them. On paving or gravel, check that all four feet touch: a welded frame does not adjust to uneven ground.
Why benches and round tables
A 39 cm deep bench seats two in less depth than two chairs, because there is nothing to pull out. A round table has no corner to walk around. On a balcony, those few centimetres are the walkway.
Pick pieces that stay out
A small flat has nowhere to store garden furniture. Stainless steel frames, teak and sintered stone can stay on the balcony all year. Cushions are the one thing to bring in.
Check the load and the rules
Garden furniture is light compared with what a balcony is built for, but heavy planters and stone add up. Check your building's rules on fixings before drilling anything into the facade.
Depth first, one clear walkway
- Lounge table
- ø70 cm or 65 x 55.5 cm
- Small bench
- 65 cm
- Winter
- cushions in
