Article: Use a tape measure to get the width and length of your balcony. These dimensions will help you determine whether something will fit when you're shopping for outdoor furniture. If your balcony is somewhat square, instead of long and skinny, you may have enough room for a small table and a couple of chairs. Bistro sets are often designed for small spaces and have a small footprint. Look for one with chairs that fit all the way under the table when not in use, or a set that folds up for easy storage. A round table will allow for more people to gather around it than a square table would. This allows people enough space to pull out a chair and move freely behind the chairs as well. You can have less clearance as long as you're comfortable squeezing into a tight spot between your chair and the table. If your balcony is more in the long-and-skinny category, a bench is a good way to add seating without eating up all the space. Look for a bench that has a storage compartment under the seat so that you can stow cushions, pillows, or any other balcony accessories. If you don't want to buy a bench, you can make one out of a couple of wooden crates laid down next to each other. If there's no room for a bistro set on your balcony, then pick out one outdoor chair and put a small side table next to it. This will allow you to sip coffee or tea, or even have a snack outside. Add cushions to make it a comfortable place to read a book. Choose a folding chair to save space and make it easier to transfer inside and out. Your balcony furniture has to withstand your climate, whether that's hot and dry, wet and humid, or cold and snowy. Look for metal, teak, cedar, and all-weather wicker in your furniture. These can stand up to a variety of weather conditions with little maintenance.
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Measure your space. Shop for bistro sets. Aim for 3 feet (1 m) of clearance all around the edge of a table. Add a bench. Pair a chair with a side table. Shop for weather-resistant materials.