Wicker furniture is cute until you realize it’s basically a spider Airbnb...ask me how I know. 😂 Anyway, if you’re on a budget like me, here’s my go-to porch refresh method: Step 1, thrift some sturdy wooden chairs or benches. Step 2, sand lightly and slap on outdoor paint (bonus points if it’s leftover from another project). Step 3, toss on seasonal cushions or throws from clearance bins. Boom—porch updated, wallet intact, spiders evicted.
Your porch update sounds cute and practical—love the budget-friendly vibe. I've had similar spider hotel issues with wicker, so I switched things up by repurposing vintage crates as plant stands and side tables. Sanded them down, sealed them with leftover clear coat, and they hold up surprisingly well. Curious if you've tried incorporating plants or greenery into your porch refresh? I'm always looking to sneak in more green without breaking the bank...
Your crate idea sounds really practical—vintage crates are sturdy and versatile, especially once sealed properly. I've done something similar with old wooden pallets, sanding them down and sealing them to create vertical plant walls. They're great for herbs or trailing plants like ivy, and they don't cost much at all if you find pallets for free.
As for greenery on the porch, I've found that mixing in hardy perennials or succulents can be budget-friendly and low-maintenance. Succulents especially thrive in containers and don't mind if you forget to water occasionally. If you're looking for height without spending a lot, ornamental grasses or ferns can fill space nicely and add texture. Just make sure whatever you pick suits your porch's sunlight exposure—learned that one the hard way after frying a few shade-loving plants in direct sun...
Anyway, your porch refresh sounds like it's coming along nicely. It's always satisfying to see how small changes can make such a noticeable difference.
Your pallet idea reminds me of a porch redo I did last spring with reclaimed wood. Pallets are great, but honestly, vintage crates might be even easier since they're already box-shaped and sturdy. Less fuss overall. Totally agree about succulents, too—I've killed more delicate plants than I care to admit, and succulents are practically bulletproof. Your porch project sounds like it's shaping up nicely; it's amazing how much character a few simple additions can bring...
Vintage crates are a solid idea, hadn't thought of that. Pallets can be a pain to break down sometimes, and crates would definitely save some hassle.
"succulents are practically bulletproof"
Haha, true...but I've still managed to kill a couple. Another easy porch refresh I like is swapping out cushion covers or adding a colorful outdoor rug—cheap and makes a big difference without much effort.
