Start with the Right Scale
Small spaces need smart proportions. Oversized furniture can crowd a balcony, but compact wire or simple pieces keep things airy and open. Choose furniture that feels balanced, not bulky.
Wire designs, like our chairs and tables, create structure without blocking light or views. The open form makes them ideal for compact spaces, adding style without visual clutter.
Think Multi-Purpose
Every piece should earn its place. A stool can double as a side table, a wire chair can shift from balcony to kitchen when you have guests. The Omaha cafe table and Portobello Chairs work well indoors or out.
Our designs are made to be easily moved. They are light enough to carry, strong enough to last. This flexibility means you can re-arrange, stack, or store with ease when you need more floor space.
If you’re in Christchurch or Dunedin, where weather changes quickly, pieces that move easily indoors help extend their life through cooler months.
Choose Materials Made for NZ Weather
Balconies are often exposed to the elements . Salt spray, high UV, and sudden downpours. That’s why durable, powder-coated steel and stainless steel are smart choices. (For Auckland and other cities that can be humid, we always recommend investing in stainless steel furniture for outside). The way we design the Ico Traders' wire furniture allows the wind to blow through it and is not at huge risk of being blown over - perfect for windy cities like Wellington.
Ico Traders' pieces are made from steel, then finished with a protective PVDF base coat and powder coating to handle New Zealand’s mix of rain, heat, and coastal air. If you live near the ocean, as many New Zealanders do, our stainless steel range offers extra protection from corrosion.
Learn more about how we design for longevity on our Sustainability page.
Add Colour, Texture and Personality
Small spaces don’t need to feel minimal. A splash of colour can bring personality and warmth to an apartment balcony.
Our exclusive Colour Range includes soft neutrals and rich tones designed to blend with indoor palettes, perfect for connecting your interior and exterior spaces. Add a few cushions or a small outdoor rug to soften the look and tie it all together.
Make the Most of Vertical Space
Balconies don’t just rely on the floor - think upwards.
Hang plants from railings, add a wall-mounted shelf for herbs, or use a moveable side table like the Dotty Table to create extra surface area without taking up much room.
When space is limited, the secret lies in creating layers that feel open yet functional.
The Takeaway
Compact doesn’t mean compromise.
With the right balance of scale, durability, and design, a balcony can become one of the most enjoyable “rooms” in your home.
Ico Traders furniture is made to move, adapt, and last, helping you create a space that feels open, easy, and utterly liveable, no matter how small.
FAQ: Balcony Furniture for New Zealand Homes
Q: What’s the best outdoor furniture for a small balcony in New Zealand?
A: Choose sturdy, durable materials like stainless steel. Wire furniture works beautifully because it feels open and doesn’t crowd small spaces.
Q: How do I protect balcony furniture from NZ weather?
A: Regularly wipe it down, store cushions indoors, choose stainless steel to resist humidity and salt air.
Q: Can I use indoor furniture outside on a covered balcony?
A: Only if it’s sheltered and away from rain. Outdoor rated pieces are always safer as they’re made to handle NZ’s UV and changing conditions.
Q: How do I make a small balcony feel bigger?
A: Use slimline furniture, add plants vertically, and choose open wire designs that let light flow through. Matching your balcony colours with your interior palette also helps the space feel seamless.
Q: What’s the best Ico Traders piece for a small balcony?
A: The Waipuna Side Table or Devonport Chair — both are compact, easy to move, and look just as good inside as out.

