The station is located at the corner of Balham Hill (A24) and Nightingale Lane, at the southern edge of Clapham Common.

Other proposed names for the station prior to opening were "Balham North" and "Nightingale Lane".

The parade of shops along Balham Hill was extended as part of the same development using the same style as the original three closest to the station.

The station was refurbished in the 1990s, with new flooring, tiling and CCTV - albeit ensuring that original Charles Holden features were restored or reproduced.

As there was no accommodation for all of the new arrivals, the Colonial Office housed many of them temporarily in the deep-level shelter at Clapham South.