If your fire escape balcony is barely wider than a sandwich, I’d skip anything bulky and go straight for a wall-mounted drop-leaf table paired with folding or hangable chairs. That setup gives you the most usable space because everything tucks flat against the railing or wall when you’re not using it. A slim, two-person bistro set can work too, but only if it folds completely flat and is light enough to move inside quickly.
For me, the real winner is a narrow wall-mounted bar table with two fold-down stools. You get a spot for coffee, a laptop, or a small meal, and the floor stays clear the rest of the time. Add a vertical planter or a hanging shelf for herbs and small plants instead of putting big pots on the floor. If you need storage, use a weatherproof storage bench only if it is shallow and does not narrow the walking path.
One important note: a fire escape is a life-safety route, so never block it with furniture, plants, or grills. Check your building rules first, measure the clear walkway, and choose pieces you can fold, lift, or move out of the way fast. In a tiny fire escape balcony, the most space-efficient furniture is not a cute chair set—it is furniture that almost disappears when you are done using it.