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$12 Thrifty Summer Porch Update

It’s officially summer here in Georgia and it’s perfect timing for a thrifty summer porch update. I committed to a challenge to spend $15 or less and transform some items with a summer theme. I hit up my favorite roadside junk store that’s just around the corner – Come see what I found and what I made!

Is it possible to makeover your summer porch for $15? Of course it is. You won’t be purchasing new furniture, but you can give yourself a peaceful and relaxing porch on a budget.

My goal with this challenge was to add a few things to my plant shelf on the back patio as well as adding some planters to the front porch. We have a fairly small front porch but there’s room for a swing (favorite thing ever!), two chairs, and a small table.

For more front porch inspiration – check out these gorgeous decor ideas!

Summer Porch Update – What I Bought for $12!

  • A rusty old part from a wood stove $5
  • Antique watering can $5
  • Rusty enamelware pot $2

I also had two old crates that came from my husband’s aunt’s basement that I knew could serve as planter stands and they were free! The best kind of decor!

A metal watering can on a blue planter stand.
Vintage flower pots on a blue plant stand outside.

Back Patio

I hung the rusty stove part on the side of my newly refinished plant shelf – if you want to see some scary before pics, check out the plant shelf makeover.

A blue shelf with lots of different potted plants on the side of a house.

For the watering can I shopped my yard. I have a pitiful planter from last year that is in my get rid of pile. So I used dirt from that in addition to some random Portulaca that was growing there.

Make sure to drill a few holes in the bottom if you are using something like this for a planter. I used a small drill bit and made 4 or 5 little holes in the bottom. It goes quite nicely with the other watering can planter I made recently.

DIY planter from enamelware bowl on a blue shelf outside.

Front Porch

For the enamelware pot, I filled it with some zinnias that were too close to the grass and were going to get cut down anyway. I haven’t had much luck with potted zinnias before but this is a thrifty challenge and I wasn’t buying any plants.

Thrift store planters on a blue shelf outside.

I used the crates as plant stands and added my new rusty enamelware pot of zinnias to one by the front door. The other one I put in between the chairs and it holds the DIY farmhouse planter I made last year.

I had an outdoor pillow I scored from Target last year on clearance so I added it to the swing. It looked nice, but I thought it could use a little something extra. So I shopped at my house.

I had some clay pots that I quickly dry brushed with some white paint I had on hand, filled them with dirt and rocks and added some faux lavender stems I had lying around.

Add in some rusty railroad spikes that came free with a trunk I bought weeks ago and done!

A wooden crate turned into a plant stand with two white pots with flowers inside next to a front door.
Two wicker chairs on a front porch with a wooden crate turned into a plant stand with two white pots with flowers inside.
A swing on a front porch and a wooden crate turned into a plant stand with a potted plant on top.

The chair and swing cushions were free from a neighbor last year and I love them! The chairs were purchased years ago from At Home and they are holding up beautifully. I couldn’t find the exact ones, but here’s a similar one and it’s a rocker!

An outdoor wicker rocking chair with red cushions and a colorful striped lumbar pillow.

And that’s my summer porch – Not too shabby for $12! And if you’re looking for some good plant suggestions for the porches or patios, check these out!

Container Plants for Full Sun

Plants that Love Shade

Perennial Plants You’ll Love

And don’t forget to Pin It!Pinterest graphic with text that reads \"$12 Summer Porch Update\" and a collage of front porch furniture and plants.

Create and Find Logo with author\'s name

And check out the other “Thrift Games” challenge ideas by clicking here!

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marlydice

Sunday 16th of July 2017

Such a beautiful summer porch. I love that swinging chair!

Melissa

Tuesday 18th of July 2017

Thank you Marly! That swing is my "bus waiting" spot when school is in!

Donna @ Modern on Monticello

Sunday 16th of July 2017

I love how you are reusing these old rusty things in new ways. Great makeover. Good luck with the plants.

Melissa

Sunday 16th of July 2017

Thank you Donna! So far the plants are hanging in there and I do love old rusty stuff!

domesticdeadline

Tuesday 11th of July 2017

Absolutely lovely. I am anxiously awaiting the day when I can spruce up any of my yard area, right now there isn't much. Lol #HomeMattersParty

Melissa

Tuesday 11th of July 2017

Thank you! I know the feeling. The project list just keeps growing and something has to get pushed to the side!

Kimm at Reinvented

Tuesday 11th of July 2017

Those are some great finds that look so good on your porch. Love old metal stuff... Thanks for sharing at Waste Not Wednesday.

Melissa

Tuesday 11th of July 2017

Thank you Kimm! I've definitely got a soft spot for old rusty things!

Carolann

Saturday 8th of July 2017

Love the crate! I will have to look for one for sure when I'm out poking around. Everything looks so beautiful!

Melissa

Saturday 8th of July 2017

Thank you Carolann!