Are you decorating your garden and are wondering if you can put a normal mirror? More and more people are aware of the benefits that they can get when using mirrors in their gardens. The right placement can make the surroundings brighter and also create the illusion of space. But can you place normal mirrors in the garden? Let us find out the answer below.
Can you put a normal mirror in the garden? Ideally, it is not recommended to put a normal mirror in the garden because these mirrors are not made to weather outdoor conditions. On the other hand, you can still place a normal mirror as long as you have it sealed and weatherproofed.
Garden mirrors are primarily used for decorations, but they come with many benefits. They can reflect light to make the place brighter and larger. Nowadays, some mirrors are specifically made for outdoor use. These mirrors are made from plastic or stainless steel. Learn more about garden mirrors below.
What is the Best Material for a Garden Mirror?
The best materials for a garden mirror are plastic and stainless steel. You can also use high-quality glass that has a thick and hard surface that will not easily get scratched by animals or foliage. Another option is plastic mirrors that are made from acrylic. This material is lighter as compared to the glass so it is easier to install on fences, walls, and other surfaces. You can also check out this article that discusses what garden mirrors are made of. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
What is the Best Mirror for Outdoor Use?
The best mirrors for outdoor use are made from high-quality materials, scratch-resistant, waterproof, durable, and shatterproof. You can find a wide array of mirrors that are specifically made for garden use. Make sure that t mirror can withstand the different weather conditions and climate changes outdoors. Do not use normal mirrors because they are not waterproofed and their backboards can rot.
Can the Weather Damage My Garden Mirror?
The weather changes can damage your garden mirror. Over time, even outdoor mirrors are still susceptible to damage since they are exposed to moisture and changes in temperature. On the other hand, the mirror will still be reflective. Before placing the mirror outdoor, make sure that they are sealed around the edges. It is ideal to choose plastic mirrors since they are more durable as compared to glass mirrors. Take note that when the glass mirror is constantly exposed to water, the reflective surface will separate from the glass panel and damage the mirror.
How to Weatherproof Mirrors for Outdoor Use
To weatherproof mirrors for garden use, you need to use an edge sealer. Below, we have shared the steps on how to weatherproof an outdoor mirror using an edge sealer.
Step 1 – Edge Sealer Application
The first thing that you need to do is to choose an effective mirror edge sealer from your local hardware store. For more convenience, you can also purchase online. Sealers play an important role in garden mirrors because they prevent the edges of the mirrors from blackening. The mirror is exposed to various weather conditions so it is prone to develop blackening.
Choose a well-ventilated area for the sealer application and also cover the ground with newspapers or blankets. Moreover, you need to wear protective gear such as gloves and a mask. You can start applying the sealer to the mirror’s edges using a brush or a sprayer, depending on the type of sealer you purchase. Make sure that all of the edges are thoroughly covered.
Step 2 – Drying Time
After applying the sealer to the mirror, you need to let it dry thoroughly. Usually, it will take about two to three hours to dry. After the sealer has dried, you need to clean the mirror to eliminate any sealant that got stuck on the glass. You can use a soft towel and glass cleaner.
What Makes a Mirror Suitable for Outside?
A mirror is suitable for outdoor use if it is durable and can withstand the different climate and temperature changes without getting damaged. You can choose mirrors that are made from plastic. Acrylic is a good material because it can produce mirrors that are ten times stronger as compared to glass. It is shatterproof which is ideal for outdoor use especially if you live in an area that experienced strong winds. You can also check out this article that discusses what makes a mirror suitable for outdoor use. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
✅ Video – Garden Mirror DIY
Life in La Campagne shared the video below on YouTube. It shows how to decorate your garden with a mirror. In the video, helpful garden mirror ideas are discussed. It also shows how adding a mirror can provide the illusion of space and change the look of the garden. Watch the video below for more information.
Do Mirrors Break in Cold Weather?
Glass mirrors can break in cold weather. Take note that the thermal changes are what cause glass mirrors to break and not the temperatures themselves. On the other hand, you do not have to worry since this very rarely happens and your glass mirrors are safe for outdoor use. Thermal changes can break glass and not the temperatures. If your outdoor mirror is exposed to the sun for a whole day and you place ice on it, it can break. The good thing is that daily temperature changes will not damage the garden mirrors. On the other hand, you need to take note that moisture, rain, and harsh winds can still damage the mirror.
Can Normal Mirrors Bear Extreme Temperature?
Normal mirrors can bear temperature that ranges between minus 15 to 80 degrees. However, if it is exposed to a high temperature for a long time, too much heat can cause it to break. Hence, you need to place the mirror in an area where it is not exposed to direct sunlight. You can also check out this article that discusses if garden mirrors are safe in the sun. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Useful Tips in Placing Mirror in the Garden
When placing the mirror in the garden, make sure that you place it in a safe place from direct sunlight. Moreover, you need to secure the mirror to prevent it from moving or getting blown off by the strong wind. The last thing that you want to happen is to sweep shattered glass on the ground after a gust of wind has caused it to fall from the wall.
Moreover, you also need to think about what the mirror reflects. Are you happy with what you see when you look at the mirror? Does it reflect a beautiful surrounding with colorful flowers and healthy trees? Or does the mirror reflect a compost bin or a dull garage? You can move the mirror around the garden so that you can find the best place where it reflects a beautiful view. We have also shared this article titled, is reflected sunlight good for plants? You can check out the article for more tips and information.
Lastly, you need to place the mirror in an area where it is safe. Do not hang the mirror in the busy spot in your garden where the kids play because they can accidentally hit the mirror using one of their toys. Do not place it under direct sunlight, and make sure to use the right hardware when installing the mirror.
Can a Garden Mirror Cause Fire?
There are instances wherein a garden mirror can cause a fire. While this is not a common occurrence, it is still possible because mirrors reflect and focus light intensely which can ignite objects. It works as a magnifying mirror. With the right conditions, the heat of the sun that is reflected by the mirror can cause a fire. Hence, you need to be careful when placing the mirror outdoor, especially in the garden where leaves can easily catch fire.
What is the Best Size and Shape for Garden Mirrors?
The shape and size of the garden mirror majorly depend on your needs and requirements. The area where you plan to install a mirror will also affect its size. Will the mirror be used for decoration? Do you plan to make the space bigger by adding a mirror? For small gardens, a large mirror on one side of the wall can make the space look large and also add depth. You can also place the mirror in a shady area to catch the light and make the space look brighter.
You can also choose smaller mirrors and arrange them in a way that makes the space brighter. Strategic placement creates wonderful effects which make the garden more interesting. The good thing is that you can choose from a wide array of mirror styles and shapes available on the market. You can even have one customized just to suit your needs and to achieve the look that you want to have for your garden.
Conclusion
You have reached the end of this article that discusses if you can out a normal mirror in the garden. We have found out that you can use a normal mirror in the garden as long as it is sealed and weatherproofed. It is recommended that you use mirrors that are specifically made for outdoor use so that they will not easily get damaged. Thank you for reading!