If you are like me, you like to tweak the design of everything, including your garden. And lately, I’ve seen this trend all over social media, where people are putting mirrors in their gardens to create these beautiful ornaments and effects.
So as it turned out, your simple everyday mirror can make not only you look better but also your garden. But does a mirror you place outside need to be somewhat special, or can you use a normal indoor mirror? Let’s find out!
Can you Use Normal Mirrors Outside?
You absolutely can take an old, retired mirror you used in your house and put it outside. However, traditional indoor mirrors are designed for controlled indoor environments. They are made of various materials with the goal of making the best-looking mirror in mind. And these materials may not possess the necessary durability and weather resistance required to survive outside.
Exposure to rain, humidity, temperature fluctuations, direct sunlight, and you name it, can all damage ordinary mirrors over time. The moisture can seep into the mirror’s backing, causing delamination and discoloration. And prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to warping, fading, and in the end, also loss of reflectivity.
To overcome these issues, you can get specialized outdoor mirrors that aren’t focused on creating the most beautiful and light mirror but to create a mirror that will be waterproof and survive outside. In the next section, we’ll look at how to choose such a mirror.
How to Choose a Mirror for Outdoor Use?
First thing first, you should opt for a mirror made from materials that are resistant to moisture, corrosion, and fading.
Standard mirrors are usually made of glass, which is a very hard material that can easily withstand harsh weather. But it is still just a glass that can shatter on impact. Which is not ideal – a gusty wind decided to play catch with rocks, and before you know it, your mirror is gone.
So an outdoor mirror should be made of another material, but which? Acrylic glass is the answer! You won’t be able to tell the difference in reflection quality, but acrylic is 10 times stronger than glass and also a lot cheaper. Additionally, acrylic glass is lighter, so perfect for attaching to everything and everywhere.
Next, the back of the mirror should also be made of something durable. One popular choice is stainless steel, known for its exceptional durability, corrosion resistance, and sleek aesthetic. Another option is aluminum, which is a lot lighter and more versatile in design than stainless steel.
Material is the most important thing to consider, other than that, it’s only up to your visual preferences.
How to Use a Mirror in the Garden
Using a mirror in the garden opens up a world of creative possibilities and can elevate the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space. You can place them strategically through the garden to highlight some things and hide others, to help with lighting or make your space seem bigger.
Maximizing Small Spaces
One of the remarkable qualities of mirrors is their ability to visually expand and maximize small spaces. A mirror creates an illusion of depth and tricks the eye into thinking there is more space than there really is.
By positioning a mirror on a wall or fence, it reflects the existing elements of your garden, giving the impression of an extended landscape.
Enhancing Natural Light
Mirrors can also be positioned to optimize the natural light in your garden.
Placing a mirror in a shaded area that receives limited direct sunlight allows it to reflect and amplify the available light, brightening up the space. Imagine how a carefully placed mirror can catch and bounce sunlight into a cozy nook, transforming it into a warm and inviting spot to relax and unwind.
Unleash your Artistic Self
Even a simple thing, like a mirror, can express your personality. You can integrate mirrors into garden features such as trellises, sculptures, or water features, adding a touch of intrigue and visual drama.
It’s only up to you have you make your garden shine.
Conclusion
When it comes to enhancing your garden’s appeal, a garden mirror can work wonders. With its ability to create an illusion of space and reflect the beauty of nature, it truly makes every garden special.
A small arched mirror placed on a fence can lighten up the dark corner of your patio, or a modern full-length mirror placed facing the open space can create a sense of depth, making your garden feel more expansive and inviting.
There are thousands of ways in which you can make your garden truly your special place.
