Why place a mirror in the garden?
A mirror with a decorative frame is an interesting piece to give style to an interior … or to the garden. But its real interest is its ability to reshape a space by bringing depth to it.
The mirror is of particular interest in small urban gardens, often sheltered from view by fences that can make the space stuffy. In this small intimate garden, round mirrors aligned like portholes create a pleasant feeling of openness.
In the case of a small terrace, the corner dedicated to the table or the garden furniture can be glued to the facade. The good idea: hang a mirror at eye level to create a trompe-l’oeil window.
If the exterior mirror is really useful for restructuring a small space, it is also of obvious purely decorative interest. Here, we adopted an XXL model, cleverly placed under an arch drawing a frame. Creating a path that seems to plunge into an imaginary garden, this large format mirror produces a spectacular effect.
What type of mirror to choose to enhance the garden?
In the garden, the mirror is exposed to UV rays and bad weather. So it makes sense to go for a model that is specifically designed for the outdoors, which will offer superior strength, especially if you choose to leave it in place all year round.
To achieve an original and offbeat exterior decoration, you can favor a recovery or heather model.
In terms of style, the exterior mirror comes in an infinite variety of designs. And just like indoors, the choice depends above all on your desires!
If you choose to install the mirror on the facade of the house or the garden shed, you can fall for a style that allows it to integrate perfectly into the architecture, like these round mirrors, truly thought of as windows.
Outside, we take advantage of the available space to dare the mirror in very large format. The glass roof model, like a workshop door, is a sure bet.
For a contemporary style even in the garden, you can prefer a resolutely industrial glass roof model.
The trend is towards a convivial terrace, the decoration of which is thought out with the same care as that of the indoor lounge. Rugs, cushions and wall decorations give it character. Bohemian, classic chic, seaside spirit … the small mirror with a decorative frame gives it the final touch.
Is your architecture too wise for you? The outdoor mirror does not only add depth to the garden: it is also very effective in giving more personality to a classic facade. So we dare the model inspired by a Gothic window!
To create a playful atmosphere, even a bit surreal, we fall for a trompe-l’oeil mirror, which will reinforce the impression of a window open to another dimension.
What should you think about when installing an exterior mirror?
The trickiest part is deciding where to place the outdoor mirror. Ideally, it should reflect the garden, in order to enhance it. However, it is important not to neglect the practical aspect: whether it is placed at the bend of an aisle or on the terrace, the outdoor mirror should in no way dazzle you.
Canon, the large wooden mirror with a hacienda spirit! However, this type of mirror is quite heavy. It is therefore a matter of fixing it securely to the facade. No way to miss it: before hanging it up, we therefore check that it is possible to chill on the terrace without it reflecting the sun’s rays!
If the terrace is exposed to the sun, go for the outdoor mirror equipped with shutters: if they are decorative, they can also be very practical!
The outdoor mirror is particularly sublime when it blends into the vegetation of the garden.
If you want to leave your mirror in place all year round, it is best to plan the plantings accordingly, so that it always has pretty plants to reflect. Pair evergreen foliage with varieties that bloom from spring through fall. With its foliage going from a deep green to a fiery red, the Virginia creeper is a very good choice!
Where to install an exterior mirror?
To enhance the garden, it is essential that the exterior mirror is oriented to reflect it. It should therefore be positioned preferably in front of an open and green space, or even in front of a particular feature of the garden: small pond or rockery, for example.
The outdoor mirror is very effective in giving depth to a path or a terrace decorated with flowers. For an even more convincing trompe l’oeil effect, you can arrange potted plants right in front of the mirror.
The large mirror is ideal for giving lightness to an imposing fence or massive architecture, by creating an opening.
No place to hang or put down an outside mirror? Adopt a variation: the globe. Surrounded by nature, it will create a truly magical effect!