Can you use mirrors in your home's outdoor décor? Mirrors add everything from style to space in the interior. But what about the exterior? Take a look at the whys, whats, and hows of using mirrors to add to the outdoor aesthetics.
Why Use a Mirror Outdoor?
With plenty of natural light available and wide-open spaces, it may not seem like there's a practical reason to use mirrors outdoors. Unlike your bathroom or closet mirror, you won't need a garden or deck-side mirror to view your reflection, style your hair, or see your outfit. Even though these types of in-home functional uses aren't necessary for an outdoor mirror, you can still use reflective glass in your yard.
While you don't need outdoor mirrors, this decorative option can add a special sparkle to your yard. Mirrors can extend the beauty of a colorful garden, doubling its appearance or adding the visual illusion of extra flowers. Not only can this add the sense of space, but it can also save you money in the price of additional plants.
Along with your flower garden, you can also use mirrors in other areas of the yard. Mirrors can accent deck décor, add visual interest to a dull wooden fence, or help to tie together an indoor/outdoor entertaining space.
What Type of Mirrors Should You Use Outdoors?
There's no standard or universal answer to this mirror décor question. The type of glass you use depends on several factors. These include the purpose of the mirror, the size of your yard, the overall aesthetic style of your home's exterior, and your personal preferences.
If you aren't sure what type of mirror to choose or a stock mirror doesn't fit your design plans, talk to a custom glass contractor. A custom-cut mirror gives you the option to choose the size and shape that best fits your home's exterior needs. This allows you to create non-standard styles, such as long ovals, stars, triangles, or smaller tile-like accents.
Even though mirrors are durable pieces of glass, an outdoor option is constantly exposed to the elements. Before you choose a mirror, discuss the weatherization possibilities with a glass contractor. Some mirrors, such as acrylic products, stand up better to the rain, sleet, snow, and wind than others. You may need to weatherproof the mirror to prevent rust or other moisture-related damage.
How Should You Use Mirrors Outdoors?
After you select the number of mirrors, size, and shapes you want to use, it's time to add the glass into your yard. Where should you start? There is an almost infinite number of ways to use mirrors outdoors. But this doesn't mean you should cover your entire yard with reflective glass. Consider specific danger spots before you hang an outdoor mirror.
Two of the most common hazards outdoor mirrors present are fires and birds. Direct sunlight bouncing off an outdoor mirror may pose a fire risk - especially if the mirror is concave. Discuss the risk and spaces to safely hang the mirrors with the glass contractor before you display the custom-cut creations. You may need to move the mirrors or angle them away from the sun to avoid fire issues.
Birds are another issue to consider when you hang outdoor mirrors. A clean mirror that reflects the sky or trees could look like an open space to a bird. The bird may fly into the mirror, injuring itself or damaging the glass. Position your outdoor mirrors in areas that won't attract birds or ask the glass contractor for help to create a bird-friendly display.
Do you need custom-cut mirrors for your outdoor space? Contact
Monterey Glass Specialists Inc. for more information.
