5 garden mirrors you need this summer
Want to create the ultimate outdoor living space this summer?
Well – once you’ve rustled up the rattan and rolled out the rug, a garden mirror is your next essential. Not simply an accessory, garden mirrors can be used to frame and draw focus to special areas, reflect sunlight into shady spots, and make smaller spaces seem larger.
To help you find the perfect garden mirror for your grounds, here’s five we love that are all still in-stock.
Flower power
Oozing countryside charm, we adore the playful symmetrical shape and rustic cream finish of this smaller mirror. Just hang it on any garden wall to brighten up the space!
Best of all, we love that it’s sure to look even better with age – as the shabby chic charm will only increase as the distressed metal weathers.
- Outdoor Quatrefoil Mirror, £75 from Cox & Cox – buy here
Gothic arched mirror
Perfect for bringing a hint of gothic glam to your garden, we love the iconic arched silhouette of this gorgeous mirror.
With its rusted iron finish, it gives off a truly antique air, whilst still looking opulent and glamorous.
A super versatile piece, we could see it fitting well in both an industrial-inspired terrace, and a quaint and classical garden.
- Outdoor gothic arched mirror, £95 from Cox & Cox – buy here
Round artisan mirror
This special design with rattan details in a classic round shape is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
The handy keyhole hook at the back means it’s easy to hang up or move around as the seasons change. Perhaps using it in the garden during the summer and moving it to your garden room or living space for the autumn and winter.
It’s made from sturdy iron with a modern plastic rattan detailing to give that gorgeous rustic finish. We also love the sleek matt black round edging – a real stylish product that will look great in any garden.
- Artisan Round Indoor Outdoor Wall Mirror, £50 from Dunelm – buy here
Arched garden mirror
This stunning 70cm arched garden mirror is a stunning addition to any outside space.
The antique-bronze effect frame and weatherproof finish will enhance every setting, and can even make a small garden appear bigger as it reflects the illusion of space.
Hang it on your fence or garden wall, or lean against any surface to add character and charm to your garden.
- 70cm Arched Garden Mirror, £29.99 from B&Q – buy here
Quirky offering
Do you want to add some detail to a post or pergola? This quirky vertical garden mirror will add interest to a post or fence, and has stunning detail.
The black frame will go with plenty of garden designs and it will sit flush to the wall for an ultra modern look.
The all weather backing means it can stay outside all year long, and it comes with pre welded keyhole fixings to ensure fuss-free installation.
- Black Metal Framed Tear Drop Garden Wall Mirror, £79.99 from Debenhams – buy here
How to use garden mirrors
As already mentioned, garden mirrors can be used to make a small garden feel bigger, but also to add to the aesthetic appeal of your garden or to decorate a plain pergola, fence or garden wall.
They can also enhance the light in your outdoor space and introduce colour to an otherwise dull corner of your garden.
Are garden mirrors bad for birds?
Sometimes, garden mirrors can cause stress or confusion for birds as they can mistake the reflection for another bird.
Unlike humans, birds fail to recognise their reflection so can be frightened and agitated to find what they perceive to be other birds in their garden.
This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy both a garden mirror and birds in your outdoor space though.
You could cover your garden mirrors during peak breeding seasons to reduce territorial responses, and place your mirror strategically away from where the birds in your garden tend to perch. Keep it away from your bird feeders or bird baths.
Explore options with frosted glass or mosaic designs that provide reflective qualities without such clear images. This will help prevent the birds thinking they have extra feathered friends on their turf!
Finally, you could use decorative screens to break up the reflections whilst maintaining the other benefits of garden mirrors.
Are garden mirrors safe?
Garden mirrors are generally safe, but it’s important to position them sensibly.
This includes avoiding flight paths, bird hangouts and most importantly, direct sunlight. The latter is crucial as garden mirrors can magnify heat from the sunlight, however this alone isn’t enough to set your grass on fire.
Ensure you fix them firmly into place to avoid any nasty accidents.
Can garden mirrors cause fires?
Garden mirrors are unlikely to cause fires, however it is a possibility if they are not placed correctly.
Firstly, you should make sure that garden mirrors are located in a shady part of your garden that doesn’t receive much sunlight. This works better, not just for safety, but also because your garden mirror will bring light to these shady spots.
If your garden is lacking shady spots, try and face your mirror in a direction that will get less direct sunlight. Avoid it facing south, because in the northern hemisphere, anything south facing will get the most direct sunlight.
Try to make sure your mirror isn’t too close to any plants, grass or structures that might become dry during a drought. If it is near plants, make sure that they are well watered throughout the summer.
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