This month some blogger friends challenged me to create a project using only dollar store items. Our local store is small and a little limited, but I was pleasantly surprised at what I could assemble. With a few simple supplies I made an easy, colorful lattice flower wall using faux dollar store flowers—perfect for brightening a balcony or small outdoor space.
In my town we don’t actually have “dollars”—everything sells for one euro—so the local shop is effectively our dollar store. I went in without high expectations, but managed to pick up a few inexpensive items that made a big impact when combined.
At the end of this post I’ll also share what my friends made with their dollar store finds, so keep reading for more inspiration.
Materials Used to Make a Lattice Flower Wall
Disclosure: I received product for this post, but all opinions are my own. I only recommend products I truly use and like.
- Two bouquets of faux red roses (dollar store)
- An old lattice fence panel
- Safe milk-style paint in Oyster White
- Thin wire
- Cut branches from a lemon tree (or other greenery)
- Pliers or heavy-duty scissors
- A small tea light lantern (dollar store)
One of the simplest dollar store finds is a bouquet of a dozen faux flowers. I picked up two bouquets to give the finished panel a fuller look without spending much.
How I Built the Lattice Flower Wall
The lattice panel I used was an old piece left behind by a previous tenant. It had been exposed to the elements for years and needed a good cleaning and a few repairs, but it was structurally salvageable and perfect for a DIY decorative wall.
Because several slats were weathered, I applied milk-style paint in Oyster White. I used the safe, non-chipping version of the paint so the finished piece would hold up outdoors without additional expensive sealers. After one coat I sanded lightly to create a softly weathered finish that lets a little of the wood grain show through.
Once the paint was dry, I attached the lattice to the top of the balcony rail using thin wire. It hung securely and created an instant vertical focal point for the small space.
I trimmed the lemon tree branches into small clusters and tucked them randomly into the lattice squares to add texture and a natural base layer of greenery. This helped the artificial flowers blend in and created depth.
Next I separated the faux rose bouquets into individual stems. The stems are wire-based, so I used pliers to bend and shape them easily. If you prefer, heavy scissors will work for some stems, but pliers make it simpler to manipulate stubborn plastic connections.
I bent each stem into a small hook—like a backwards “C”—and hung them on the lattice. This method keeps the flowers secure while allowing you to rearrange them later if you want to change the layout.
For a final decorative touch I added a small yellow tea light lantern and hung it with a piece of wire. The lantern adds a soft glow for evenings and complements the red flowers and white lattice.
Here is the finished lattice flower wall, combining painted wood, greenery, faux roses and a lantern into a bright, long-lasting display. The red blooms pop against the white paint and green branches, creating a striking contrast that lasts through the season.
You might wonder why I didn’t plant real climbers or let real vines grow up the lattice. Truthfully, I’m not a natural gardener—my plant successes are limited to hardy succulents and a few resilient houseplants. Faux flowers offer a low-maintenance alternative that still looks fresh and inviting without constant upkeep.
The faux blooms I used look convincing from a short distance and, at a dollar or so each, they’re an affordable way to get instant curb appeal. They’ll last through sun and light rain, and you can reuse them season after season.
If you’d like to try this project, focus on these key steps: salvage or buy a lattice, paint it in a light weather-resistant color, add natural or faux greenery for texture, attach faux flower stems by bending the wire, and finish with a small lantern or other accent. It’s inexpensive, quick, and perfect for small balconies, patios, or as a temporary event backdrop.
Below is a nighttime shot with the tea light lit—small details like this help the display feel warm and inviting after dusk.
I hope this simple DIY lattice flower wall inspires you to look for creative uses for budget finds. It’s an easy way to refresh a balcony or outdoor wall without spending a lot of money or needing advanced gardening skills.
Want more balcony ideas? See the images below for related projects and small-space inspiration.
