Balcony vs. Terrace: What's the Difference?
The main differences between a balcony and a terrace are size and location. A balcony is a small platform that projects from an upper floor of a building, has a railing, and is usually reached through one room. A terrace is a larger, open, flat area at ground level or on a roof, often with several access points and room for parties and full furniture sets.
Reviewed by the Patio Productions showroom team · Last updated October 2026
Balcony vs. Terrace at a Glance
| Balcony | Terrace | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small, usually room for 2-4 people | Larger, room for gatherings and full furniture sets |
| Location | Upper floors, projecting from a wall | Ground level (often raised), or on a rooftop |
| Support | Attached to the building; supported by brackets or columns | Can be attached or freestanding; sits on the ground or a roof |
| Access | Usually through one room | Often several access points |
| Railing | Always has a railing or balustrade | May or may not |
| Best furniture | Bistro sets, compact chairs, balcony-height tables | Sectionals, dining sets, fire pits, lounge seating |
3 Differences Between Balconies and Terraces
- Size: a terrace is considerably larger than a balcony, so it works for get-togethers and parties. A balcony is better suited to a quiet dinner for two overlooking the view.
- Location: a terrace is built on the ground, usually raised a bit, or on top of a building as a rooftop terrace. A balcony is elevated, typically on the second story or higher.
- Construction: a terrace can be attached to a building or stand on its own. A balcony must be attached to the building, projecting from a wall and supported by brackets or columns.
Balcony furniture and terrace furniture can be interchangeable, as long as the pieces fit the space.
What Is a Terrace?
A rooftop terrace has room for full-size lounge seating.
The word "terrace" comes from the Latin word for earth. A terrace is an external, raised, open, flat area, either in a landscape, on a building, or as a roof terrace on a flat roof.
"Terrace" is often used interchangeably with "patio," but they're not the same. A terrace is usually raised above the ground around it, such as one built at the edge of a hill or on a roof, while a patio sits on flat, level ground next to the house.
Because terraces are larger, they suit outdoor sectionals, dining sets and fire pits for entertaining.
What Is a Balcony?
A classic balcony: projecting from an upper floor and supported by brackets.
A balcony is a platform projecting from the wall of a building, supported by columns or console brackets, and enclosed with a balustrade, usually above the ground floor. Perhaps the most famous example is the balcony from Romeo and Juliet.
The word "balcony" comes from the Italian word for "large window." Many early balconies were reached through large windows, which may be where today's expansive sliding glass doors come from. Apartments, hotels and condos often have small balconies above the first floor.
Balconies call for compact pieces: bistro sets, club chairs, balcony-height bar and bistro furniture that lets you see over the railing, and lightweight aluminum furniture that's easy to move. Browse our small-space patio furniture, and read how to decorate a small patio or balcony and how to choose furniture for small spaces.
Furnish Your Balcony or Terrace
Not sure what will fit? Our design team can help you plan the layout, or visit our San Diego showroom to see compact and full-size sets side by side.
References: Davis, Nicholas and Jokiniemi, Erkki. Dictionary of Architecture and Building Construction. New York: Routledge, 2008, p. 379. Harris, Cyril M. Illustrated Dictionary of Historic Architecture. New York: Dover Publications, 1977, p. 529.
FAQs: Balcony vs. Terrace
Size and location. A balcony is a small platform that projects from an upper floor and is reached through one room. A terrace is a larger, open, flat area at ground level or on a roof, often with several access points and room for gatherings.
A rooftop space is a terrace. A rooftop terrace is simply a terrace built on top of a building. Because it sits on the roof rather than projecting from a wall, it isn't a balcony, even though it's elevated.
Not quite. Both are open, paved outdoor areas. A patio sits on flat ground next to the house, while a terrace is usually raised above the ground around it, such as on a slope or a roof. See our guide to the difference between a lanai, patio, porch and veranda.
No. A veranda is a roofed porch at ground level. Balconies are on upper floors; verandas wrap around the ground floor of a house.
Yes, as long as it fits. Measure your space first. Balconies usually need compact pieces like bistro sets and balcony-height tables, while terraces can take full dining sets, sectionals and fire pits.
Compact, lightweight pieces that leave room to move. Look for bistro sets, folding or stacking chairs, and balcony-height tables that let you see over the railing. Lightweight aluminum is easy to move and won't overload the balcony.
Our San Diego showroom at 2161 Hancock St. Bring your measurements and our design team can help you choose pieces that fit.
Reader Comments
Larry May 14, 2016
Very interesting. My entire 4th roof is accessible from only one point - the elevator, and it is enclosed by concrete balustrade. Except for the size it has more elements defining a balcony than a terrace. It certainly hasn't any characteristic that lends itself to Earth. It's a hybrid flr sure. I think I will use the term "roof deck" to when refering to it. As far as my small outside area off the living room, I now know thanks to this article to refer to it as a balcony. Cheers.
sasha July 3, 2016
in my country we have different name for one of the balcony styles we call it "lodia" and it is closed from 5 sides and have one entrance and its usuallu conected to the living room .
