9 Balcony Ideas for Your Home Exterior
By: Mackenzie
Not only do balconies add to the allure of an exterior, but they’re also perfect for relaxation, entertainment, or simply enjoying a breath of fresh air. Whether you have a compact city balcony or a spacious spot overlooking the countryside, a balcony can enhance your curb appeal. Read on for some of our designers’ favorite balcony ideas that are both functional and visually appealing.
Maybe you’re only interested in changing the color of your exterior (if so, check out our paint visualizer service!). Perhaps you’re after a bigger overhaul, like adding a new, multi-level deck or making lots of smaller changes to support a new design style. No matter how big or small your goals are, our designers will help you reach them. Learn more about what we do.
#1 // Crown the entrance
This stunning stone house exudes an elegance that is classy and charming all at once. The black shutters and white window trim bring a classic look to the façade and balance to the stone. Between the texture on the exterior, windows, landscaping, and dormers, this design offers a lot to look at. To make the entrance stand out as the focal point, we capped it with a quaint Juliet balcony, which adds to the enchanting, whimsical essence of the aesthetic.
#2 // Expanded outdoor entertainment
Some of our favorite balcony ideas focus on entertainment. The back of this design is chock full of features ideal for entertaining guests or relaxing and unwinding, from the plunge pool and fire pit to the lounge area just outside the back door. The balcony overlooks the entire backyard hardscape so guests and homeowners alike can take everything in at once.
Our designers used a horizontal iron railing for the balcony, allowing for maximum visibility from both sides. The iron on the railing complements the columns beneath the balcony and meshes well with the design’s industrial flare. We also used wood handrailing on the balcony to blend with the other wood accents throughout.
#3 // Support the design style
From the red barrel tile roof and limestone accents to the carriage house garage doors and mounted lanterns, this stucco house exudes a Spanish vibe. Our designers didn’t miss a beat coming up with balcony ideas to enhance the Spanish style. We used intricate iron railings on the balcony, tapping into a vintage charm. On the balcony, we flanked the double doors with planters and included a window planter to keep things cohesive with the rest of the windows on the façade.
The iron frame of the balcony allows the space to stand out among the warm neutral colors and materials on the house, and the tile roof infuses the balcony with dimension. This design is proof that even small balcony ideas can enhance your overall curb appeal as long as they work well with the other elements at play.
#4 // Maintain consistent shapes
The architecture of this house is stunning and rooted in geometric shapes that mix curves and straight lines. Our designers weaved those shapes throughout the design in subtle yet impactful ways. The brick on the driveway and the shape of the bump out and dormer above it embrace that geometry for an intentional design.
On top of the straight-across line of the garage, we built the balcony out to mimic the same shape seen throughout. For the balcony railing, we used the same color wood as the trim above the garage doors, soffit, porch columns, and entryway accent wall.
#5 // Create a cohesive look
The balcony on this design is so small it could’ve easily become an after-thought without the right design decisions at play. Instead, our designers drew inspiration from the deck to design the balcony. We used the same white X-railing with wood handrailing. We even used the same supports on both sides, creating a cohesive aesthetic. In the middle, at the entrance, we also used white columns and beams for the portico, connecting the entire design with intentionality.
#6 // Amplify height
When we think of impactful balcony ideas, we don’t only consider the layout and railing. For this balcony design, we had plenty of distance to fill between the top of the garage and the home’s rooftop, so we added a balcony with tall columns to increase the illusion of height. The simple iron railing, along with the glass doors and windows, allow plenty of natural light to flow through the balcony.
#7 // Enhance the airy atmosphere
Balconies were made for beach homes. Tropical exteriors should breed outdoor relaxation and tranquility, and balconies go hand-in-hand with that notion. For this design, we used white railings for the balconies, complementing the white trim on the house. On the right, we capped the elevated screened-in porch with a small balcony. We added a seating space, creating the perfect spot to take in the coastal views.
#8 // Multi-level balconies
The back side of this home provided plenty of real estate to work with. Our designers accentuated the multi-level layout with dual balconies. The mid-level balcony gives way to an outdoor fireplace and lounge area. The balcony sprawls into a stairway, which connects the middle level of the house to the backyard pool. We also love how this balcony provides coverage to the lower patio level.
Our designers incorporated a smaller balcony on the upper level, but included the same wood planking for the roof, recessed lighting, and ceiling fans. This balcony also includes outdoor furniture, creating yet another space to relax outside. While the exterior mostly showcases warm neutral hues, we opted for black railing on the balconies. The black brings classy contrast to the design, which draws the eye to the balconies.
#9 // Balconies on both sides
Balcony ideas don’t have to be confined to one side or section of your home. For this design, the homeowner wanted a warm and inviting aesthetic with two balconies. The balcony above the garage provides plenty of space, which we filled with an outdoor dining table, lounge chairs, and planters. On the right, the homeowner requested a see-through elevator, with a glass enclosure to maximize natural light and visibility.
The elevator allows for easy access from the upper balcony and lower patio space, making the design all the more functional. Satisfying the homeowner’s goals of natural light and visibility, we opted for glass railings for both balconies. We also included recessed lighting, so the balconies can still be enjoyed in the evening. We left the right balcony open and spacious, so it doesn’t create clutter above the outdoor fireplace and lounge area.
Bring on the balconies!
Feeling inspired to enhance both the charm and functionality of your exterior with a balcony? From adding planters and comfortable seating to incorporating different railing styles, there are endless possibilities to personalize your balcony space. Whether an outdoor space for relaxing is your goal or you want a balcony made for entertaining, the key is to reflect your unique style and needs — which is something our brick&batten designers are experts at!
No matter what your design goals are, our designers are eager to work with you to achieve them. Whether you have a big project in mind or something simple, we will work with you every step of the way. Don’t put your design dreams on the back burner. Get started today!
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