How To Easily Turn A Small Balcony Into A Serene Zen Garden

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

It's easy to write off a small balcony as an unusable space that is just too cramped to do much with, right? Yet, with a few key pieces, you can transform the tiny space into a peaceful retreat — an escape from stress. It even checks all the boxes in the ultimate guide to zen decor, complete with stepping stones, a dining area, a lantern, and a raised platform.  

Following the lead of Instagram user @coincidentallyus, use cement blocks to build a raised area on one side of your balcony. Dot them as evenly spaced supports across the area, and line the front with a row of blocks to support the platform's edge. Next, cover the area with a piece of marine or treated plywood suitable for outdoor use. Top the plywood with RUNNEN Outdoor Decking from IKEA, keeping in mind that natural elements like wood are commonly used in zen gardens. 

Add a bamboo plant in a pot for greenery. Pick one of the clumping varieties, as they grow slower than the running types and give you more time before repotting is necessary. When it comes to furniture, look for natural materials and clean lines while trying to aim for the same shade of timber throughout the space for a cohesive flow. You could place a console table and bar stools on the platform against the wall. Then, include a wooden bench on the lower section, with natural stepping stones leading from the door to the platform. Cover the rest of the area with small, white stones and add a stone lantern as decor.

Zen gardens often include water features, as the sound of running water is soothing and can help block out noise. If you love the idea of running water, creating a zen space gives you the freedom to include a fountain. Whether you go big and add privacy to your exterior with these stunning water fountain designs (the shower door is our favorite) or choose a teeny-tiny tabletop version, such as the Homedics Tabletop Water Fountain, you'll get running water. You can also combine light, running water, and a space for greenery with the Sunlinua S-Shaped Modern Cascading Waterfall.

If your small balcony has ugly walls that you'd like to hide, consider using a bamboo screen. Bamboo fencing is environmentally friendly and fits into a zen garden aesthetic perfectly. Just be sure to coat your bamboo with an oil-based stain to match the other wooden elements. Since being on a balcony means being exposed to the elements, follow the tips for protecting bamboo screens so they last for years and years.

Complete the zen mood on your balcony by paying attention to the lighting so you can enjoy the space at night. Opt for soft, inconspicuous lights that provide a gentle glow. One option is to place LED lights inside decorative lanterns on a warm setting. And if your balcony receives plenty of sun during the day, make use of solar light fixtures that complement the zen style.