|
 | How to use mirrors in the garden
Wall mounted garden mirrors can trick the viewer into thinking that there is a way through to another garden and so give the impression of a larger space and reflect more light into your garden.
Garden mirrors give a Mediterranean look
The shuttered window looks particularly pretty on a painted wall and together with some Mediterranean planting like olives trees, clipped bay, lavenders etc. will help recreate the sense of a Tuscan or Riviera patio. You could add some mosaic garden furniture to complete the feeling of a garden in some exotic place. This window is equally at home in an interior situation like a bathroom.
The Antique shuttered arch window will enhance any room in the house |
 | Acrylic mirror sheets
Outdoor plastic mirror is lightweight and is 10 times stronger than glass.
It is usually made from 3mm acrylic and weighs 80% less than mirror glass. It can be cut to size- simply score halfway through with a knife then break along a straight edge. Or use a hacksaw with a fine blade.
It can also be drilled using a drill bit for drilling metal; curves can be cut with a fine tooth saw, cutting disc or tile cutter. When drilling, a piece of masking tape stuck over the position of the hole will ensure the drill bit doesn't slip.
You can even fix acrylic mirror sheets using panel adhesive for outdoor use, but you might also want to securely clamp into place until the adhesive has cured. You won't be able to re-position later so screw fixing is the best option if you're not absolutely sure about the final position.
Plastic mirrors are not as rigid as glass and should be fixed to a garden fence or wall to reduce any slight image distortion effect.
Plastic sheet is easy to care for but do not use any abrasive materials when cleaning. Warm soapy water and a clean soft cloth are usually all that is needed to keep the surface clean and bright.
When using tools ensure you keep both surfaces protected from accidental knocks, scrapes and digs. The front surface will show up scratches and the reverse surface will not reflect clearly if damaged.
|
![How to fix your mirror]() | How to fix your mirror
Fixing your Antique shuttered arch window mirror to a garden fence.
Because every site is unique we've put together a comprehensive fixing guide for a job but if it seems daunting just remember in essence it's very simple! Just a screwdriver and screw is all most people will need to make a perfect job.
The mirror comes with a fixing bracket on the reverse, top centre. It is designed for secret fixing, i.e. to hang on a screw that is left protruding between 5-9 mm from the fixing surface. A domed headed screw will give better grip. It is notched to allow multiple fixings, so you can use one central screw or two adjacent fixings at 15 or 30mm centres.
If you are fixing to a fence it is very important to get a strong fixing point. We don't know what type of fence you have but typically they are constructed from posts (with rails running horizontally in more expensive construction) and in-filled with either panels or individually nailed palings. The palings and panels may not themselves be strong enough to fix to. The mass produced ones are just a few mm thick. You should fix through them to a rail or wooden post if possible. The age and condition of the fence also affects strength.
If you want to place the mirror where there is no good fixing point you could use picture hanging or garden wire to hang the mirror from a higher rail. Or you could fix a batten (e.g. 50X25mm) between two good fixing points and secure the mirror to that.
One alternative is to buy a couple of mirror fixing plates to screw to the outer frame (making sure the screws holding the plate onto the frame are well clear of the glass!!) and the fence. The advantage of this method is that the mirror cannot be moved accidentally once fixed. It also spreads the load if you can't get one good fixing point.
Fixing to a wall
You will need an electric drill and suitable masonry bit, plus an appropriate wall plug for the size of screw you will use. For normal use we recommend a 6mm drill bit and 32mmX4mm screws. You can use one central or two fixings as described above.
Fixing your Galvanised Trellis Garden mirror
The previous advice also applies to this style, but here's a few specific tips:
The mirror sheet is cut to fit around the fixing lugs so make sure it fits snugly without bowing or gapping. If it doesn't then simply turn it through 180 degrees and it should be a perfect fit. Don't seal it with the fixing tape until you're happy that it's flat and flush. Then simply fix as above using one screw for each of the four fixing lugs. You will probably need help with this as the metal frame is heavy and quite large.
We hope this helps you get loads of enjoyment from your mirror.
One final point, Always Work Safe. If you want the mirror fixed above shoulder height take extra care when using ladders in the garden as the feet will sink into soft ground.
Make sure your ladder is secure. If you are using a mains powered electric tool ensure it is plugged into a suitable RCD device to protect you from accidental electrocution.
|
 | Tools and tips
Always work safe.
You may need an electric drill to drill pilot holes in fencing, and you may need a masonry bit if you're securing to a wall. Tape measures are helpful in getting the mirror centred, for example between two windows. A level will ensure your new mirror looks spot on and of course you'll need a suitable screwdriver to fix.
If you are using the mirror fixing points as a template just drill enough to mark the position. Remove the mirror then complete drilling the hole to avoid accidental damage to the frame. Have someone hold the mirror in place while you do this, it will help keep things level and straight.
|
 | A helping hand
Don't try to do too much. Some of our mirrors may be too heavy to fix for one person on their own. It's usually a good idea to have an extra pair of hands to hold the mirror while you check for level, to stand back and make sure you get the right effect, etc.
An extra pair of hands can be the most useful of all the tools in your toolbox. |
 | Creating the illusion
It's important to keep the element of surprise. So when you are positioning your mirror make sure your own reflection isn't staring back at you. We recommend angling the mirror down and to one side. That way you can see garden, grass, greenery, path etc and not your own feet until you are right up to the mirror (the taller the viewer the longer the illusion). |
 | Garden mirrors frame the view
Similarly the Double window-ajar garden mirror could be used to give the illusion of a window opening onto another building at the back of your garden. Place this window carefully so that it does not reflect straight back at you. A small adjustment of the angle will help to create the illusion that this garden mirror is really just a part of a larger space.Use plants such as clematis, ivy or honeysuckle to disguise the edges of the frame increasing the impression of depth. |
 | Perspective trellis
The false perspective trellis garden mirror panel can make the space feel larger. Perspective trellis mirrors used as a background for a garden ornament adds extra highlights and depth to your garden. A raised urn on a plinth would be ideal here and would look just as good empty as full of flowering plants in the summer. For the best effect you will need to tilt the mirror slightly so that it is not reflecting straight back at you. Experiment with the angle to capture the most believable angle for your situation. Use some scrambling climbers like jasmine, honeysuckle, rose, clematis or ivy to help disguise and soften the edges to camouflage, so that it does not seem like glass at all. |
 | Mirror illusions for your garden
Create a pathway right up to the base of the larger mirrors to reinforce the illusion of a way through. You could add pots of topiary either side of the mirrors to frame the "view" and add the feeling that the Wrought iron style glass mirror gates really links to another part of your garden.Use plants around the edge of the garden mirror to add to the effect and disguise the edges. |
 | Window frame style mirrors
Use window frame style garden mirrors to add some style to the side of your shed, add a window box to the bottom and some seasonal planting and you are well on the way to creating the illusion of a stylish summer house instead of a utilitarian box. Paint the mirror to match the existing window frames to suggest that they really are part of an extension to the house. |
 | Just add WOW
The Galvanised trellis garden mirrors are terrific in a modern style garden and just adding 2-3 of them on the back wall of a city plot or a basement garden will add glamour, light and enhance the property. If you are trying to sell a property now it might just add the wow factor to make your sale and best of all you can take your investment with you when you go!
Using mirrors in the garden adds stunning features to your outdoor space or courtyard!
Use these acrylic mirrors inside to create a feeling of light and space - great for tiny bathrooms and loos! Imagine a Gothic arch mirror at the end of a dark hallway....
|
|
|
