{"id":5559,"date":"2020-03-07T14:44:50","date_gmt":"2020-03-07T23:44:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/?p=5559"},"modified":"2022-01-04T20:38:15","modified_gmt":"2022-01-05T05:38:15","slug":"mirrors-in-the-garden-add-whimsy-and-mystique","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/mirrors-in-the-garden-add-whimsy-and-mystique\/","title":{"rendered":"Mirrors in the garden add whimsy and mystique"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Mirrors in the Garden <\/strong> Garden Decor Series<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finding the right mirror<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Size<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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a large mirror’s cool effect on a solid wall of a courtyard<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Style<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get crafty<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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small mirrors give artistic impression<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mirror, mirror on the wall<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>. Because it produces the best looking mirrored finish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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