Mirrors in the Garden Garden Decor Series
Mirrors can do a lot for a garden. They help to define an outdoor ‘room’ and make a small space look larger. Mirrors are also whimsical and playful depending on how you use them. They can also add a sense of mystique to the garden. I’ve been looking for just the right one for my own garden.
Decorating your garden is so much fun. Did you know that many things used as indoor decor can be used outside as well? And that goes for mirrors, too! Outdoor garden rooms are becoming quite popular. In addition, a mirror might be just the right accent piece for your very own “secret garden”. See my article on “Secret Gardens”, HERE.
Finding the right mirror
The good thing is that mirrors come in all shapes and sizes. When it comes to interior decorating, large mirrors reflect and are used to create the impression of a larger room. It has the exact same effect in a garden. However, in my experience, smaller decorative mirrors work best. Here are some ideas to consider:
Size
Unless you have a small, urban courtyard-style garden where a larger mirror can have a really cool, dramatic impact, choose a smaller one. If you’re like me, you live in a more woodsy setting or someplace that attracts a lot of birds. For their sake, don’t use a large mirror that can confuse them. You don’t want birds to needlessly injure themselves or worse, by crashing into your mirror.
A smaller mirror or one that is ornate will capture attention nicely and add intrigue to your garden space without risk to your feathered friends.
Style
A vintage or vintage-looking mirror has a lot of character. Look for one with an interesting frame that adds an artistic value to the setting. Where can you find an outdoor mirror? There are online companies that specialize in outdoor mirrors that are quite decorative and have lovely shapes that are perfect for a garden.
But you don’t have to spend a lot. Peruse garage sales and thrift stores. Antique shops tend to be more pricy and you can certainly find something that works for less. Especially if you just want to experiment first to see how you like the effect.
Get crafty
Granted, a mirror at a thrift store may not look too exciting, but you can take it home and work a little magic! There’s very little a coat of spray-paint won’t fix. Just spray paint the frame a vibrant color, that fits in with your flower beds.
A plain, regular old frame may seem boring, but it’s fun to fix up. Simply glue decorative doodads or baubles to the frame that fit your garden theme. If you’re the shabby chic type, glue cheap jewelry pieces or plastic beads to the frame. Ocean-side? Use seashells and starfish. Be sure to use a good strong, outdoor quality glue that won’t come apart in the summer’s heat.
Sometimes, an old picture frame will have a great, funky look to it. You can remove the glass panel and replace it with a piece of mirror from the hardware store. If the mirror is a tad bit too big, they may also be able to cut it to size for you. You can also try taking the frame apart and cutting it to the sie of your mirror. Then, glue the pieces onto the edges.
Mirror, mirror on the wall
If you want something a lot easier, here’s one final nifty craft trick. Forget about finding a mirror. You can turn any picture frame glass into a mirror and there’s no shortage of picture frames available at the thrift store.
It involves a sprayed-on product that gives normal glass a mirror-appearance. While there are several on the market, the most recommended is specialty “Mirror Effect” by Rustoleum. Because it produces the best looking mirrored finish.
Where to put your mirror
Where you put your mirror makes all the difference. Remember, that a mirror reflects. So place it where it will reflect flowers and greenery, not the fence or the side of the house! Drape vines around it so it doesn’t look so glaringly like a mirror. It will also provide a sense of whimsey and mystique, too.
Rather than use a single, larger mirror, why not group small mirrors together? Small diameter mirrors have a charming effect when hung in an arrangement together. If you can’t easily find those mirrors, you might want to go the picture frame route and just spray them with the “Mirror Effect”.
A vignette is another favorite way to use a mirror. If you use a wood mirror outside, be sure to treat it first with a wood sealant. There are types that come in a spray can that are much easier and less messy to use on a simple project like this.
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up-cycled crafts for the garden. She’s passionate about making yards and gardens inviting places
to spend time.
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Sweet! I never heard of a mirror-like spray paint! Thanks for sharing!
There’s more than one way to accomplish something! The “Mirror Effect” spray-on and others like it is handy for other projects, too. I’m glad you enjoyed the article, much Thanks!