Jeremy Tay of Prestige Global Designs advises against choosing bulky furniture for your balcony; he suggests using smaller pieces to allow for more movement and flexibility. “Include a few potted plants and a small table and chair where you can relax and enjoy a cup of tea or a cocktail,” adds Tay.

Choose outdoor furniture in styles that complement the design scheme of your interiors. “Work at connecting the interior and exterior spaces so there’s a seamless flow between the two; choose indoor and outdoor furniture with similar colours and patterns,” he says. Another tip: incorporate ceiling fans to help keep the space breezy on humid days.

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If you have a larger balcony that’s connected to your master bedroom, Karen Gan of KGID suggests using a daybed or chaise longue to create a cosy reading corner or a calming area for yoga.

“Bigger balconies can work wonderfully as an area for entertaining guests, so if your balcony is large, you can include a small sofa set and side tables,” advises Gan. “If your balcony is small, choose compact items so you don’t overwhelm the space.”

To turn your balcony into part of your interior living areas, she also recommends adding outdoor zip-blinds to keep air-conditioning in; the blinds can also block out the rain and sun.

Here, we pick out a selection of products to help you design a beautiful and efficient balcony you’ll want to use every day.

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Composed of durable, modified polypropylene and produced using gas-injection technology, Dr Yes, designed by Philippe Starck in collaboration with Eugeni Quitllet for Kartell, is a chair with an avant-garde sculptural profile. Glossy and smooth to the touch, Dr Yes comes in a variety of snazzy colours that will add a sense of dynamism to your balcony.

Available at Lifestorey, Space Furniture

German outdoor furniture brand Gloster gives you the option of bringing its portable lamps outdoors for added illumination on your balcony. Designed by Danish designer Henrik Pederson, Gloster’s Ambient Lanterns comes in four chic and contemporary designs—Nest, which is made of synthetic fibre weaves, and Cocoon (seen above), a polypropylene shade with a teak structure.

Available at W. Atelier

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The Cala collection from Kettal works well for a Zen-inspired outdoor tea area or as a space for meditation. Designed by the internationally acclaimed and London-based duo Doshi Levien, the poufs have bases in either teak or coated aluminium; the cushions can be upholstered in Kettal outdoor fabrics which come in more than 50 different colours.

Available at P5, Xtra

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Winner of the 2019 IIDA/HD Expo Product Design Award, the Bell side table by Janus et Cie is made entirely of waterproof polyethylene plastic and is thus perfect for balconies that are frequently exposed to the elements. The table features a matte finish and has a solid form that works well with modern, minimalist interiors in monochromatic schemes.

Available at Janus et Cie

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Made of 100 per cent polypropylene fibre, Woodnotes outdoor carpets are a good choice for moist and humid conditions. Resistant to abrasion and chlorinated water, the dyes in these carpets won’t easily fade even with regular exposure to the sun. Although designed specifically for outdoor areas, these carpets can be used indoors too.

Available at P5 Studio

Designed by Piero Lissoni for Flos, Real Matter is a stainless steel wall lamp that’s been specially weather-proofed for outdoor use. Available in sophisticated finishes of polished copper, brushed bronze, brushed gold or brushed steel, these sleek lamps feature soft ambient lighting that’s perfect for enjoying city views by night.

Available at Space Furniture

Add a verdant touch to your balcony with Serralunga’s Cubotti illuminated planters, which feature a cuboid-shape that allows them to fit snugly into balcony corners. Designed by Nat Wave, and fitted with an RGB LED lighting system, these planters offer a stylish, space-maximising solution by combining a plant pot with a light source.

Available at Space Furniture

Zimmer + Rohde’s colourful selection of outdoor textiles blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor upholstery fabrics to help you create a more unified look within your home. Featuring a lively array of patterns, these weather-resistant textiles are hypoallergenic and highly resistant to abrasion as well as salt and chlorinated water and can be easily machine washed.

Available at Cetec Singapore

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Lounge in style on the Indiana chaise longue designed by Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti. Crafted from solid Iroko wood, the chaise features a wooden base and a woven backrest in nature-inspired tones that ooze resort-style vibes. If space is no constraint, pair it with the coffee tables and sofas from the Indiana collection for ample options to entertain your guests.

Available at Minotti Singapore

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Enjoy the comfort of a good reading chair at your balcony with the Alison outdoor armchair from Flexform. Designed by Carlo Colombo, the chair has a plywood base and a lightweight aluminium frame in white, wine red or khaki green, and in a burnished or satin-like finish. It is upholstered in outdoor fabrics that withstand the sun, rain and humidity.

Available at Flexform Singapore

(Related: 5 Minutes With... Pietro and Giuliano Galimberti of Flexform)