As the demand for outdoor living increases, garden mirrors have grown in popularity and are now must-have garden accessories, enabling you to bring the inside out and create your very own outdoor living room.
A garden mirror helps to bounce light into dark corners and spaces (especially useful in small gardens) and gives the illusion of depth and space beyond the wall on which it hangs. Accessorise with an outdoor rug, a stylish garden lantern, a few outdoor cushions and comfortable rattan garden furniture – and throw in a garden sofa or day bed (if you have the space) for ultimate outdoor lounging.
In terms of the type of mirror, glass is heavier and more resistant to scratches (ensure you polish regularly), but it offers a longer-lasting, crystal clear reflection. Acrylic is 10 times stronger than glass, so it won't shatter, and it's also lighter, making it easier to hang on the wall.
Can you put a normal mirror in the garden?
It is not recommended for permanent use because indoor mirrors are not weatherproofed; therefore they will weather and stain over time due to constant exposure to the elements. To use a regular mirror in your garden you would need to seal it first (search for DIY videos online), but a better option is to invest in an indoor/outdoor mirror (there are plenty included in our roundup) which gives you the best of both worlds.
Where's the best place to position a mirror?
Simply hang or prop your garden mirror against a wall to create a gorgeous feature.
Just be sure to place it with care: birds can get confused by mirrors, so be cautious and pay attention to flight paths. Ultimately, you should choose an area birds are not likely to fly towards. To avoid a glare that shines into your home and, with it, a potential fire hazard and, ensure your outdoor mirror isn’t placed in direct sunlight, so shady areas are ideal.
Whether you want to jazz up a dull-looking wall or fence, or simply add a new dimension to your garden design, shop our top picks of the most stylish garden mirrors around...
If you're big on metallic accents inside your home, then there's no reason why you can't apply this decorating choice to your garden too. This gold-framed mirror has made our list because it's effortlessly chic and will elevate your outdoor space in an instant.
Boasting a sophisticated and contemporary style with a sleek black frame, this is a square version of the previously mentioned Fulbrook garden mirror. It features a distinctive window pane that will suit any outdoor space.
With an Art Deco-inspired design, this round outdoor mirror with sectioned panels will make a rather beautiful addition to your garden. It's made from a durable steel and glass construction and features a waterproof backing. Position near a seating area, or an outdoor kitchen or garden bar if you've got space for entertaining.
Not all garden mirrors have to be fancy. This Moroccan-inspired design features delicate curves and pointed edges, but everything else is pared-back for a minimalist look.
We love the large panes on this Fulbrook rectangular mirror from Garden Trading. Made from 100 per cent steel and with a powder-coated finish, position it on your wall to reflect the gorgeous greenery from a hedge or trailing plant.
Material
Steel
Size
H120 x W80cm
6
Decorative garden mirror
Elements Mirrored Round Indoor Outdoor Wall Art Mirror
6
Decorative garden mirror
Elements Mirrored Round Indoor Outdoor Wall Art Mirror
Is this a mirror or a piece of art? Well, you get the best of both worlds with this contemporary design. It features five stylish half-circle mirrors and metal line designs, and would work perfectly in any contemporary garden.
Decorate your outside space with this rectangular mirror from Perch & Parrow. Finished in a vintage-inspired white colourway, it features an on-trend window pane design, and at £70, it's a steal!
Add a rustic feel to your space with this outdoor mirror, boasting a traditional quatrefoil grill pattern. It's perfect if you're looking for a longer mirror to fill large walls.
Outdoor mirrors can be decorative wall art too, as is proven with this utterly charming round mirror from Dunelm. In a neutral colourway, the outer iron frame extends to form a delicate depiction of the much-loved orchid flower.
Material
Iron, glass
Size
W90 x L90cm
10
Round garden mirror
Vintage Round Metal Frame Indoor/Outdoor Wall Mirror
10
Round garden mirror
Vintage Round Metal Frame Indoor/Outdoor Wall Mirror
Not keen on decorative styles? Keep it simple with this pared-back round outdoor mirror. It has a nature-inspired green rim and a nod to vintage design with its distressed finish.
This large arched garden mirror is frost-protected to withstand any weather. We love the black metal frame that's lightly distressed in gold leaf for a statement look.
Dunelm has got a great range of garden mirrors this year, and we've included this one on our list because it's perfect if you just want something small. The frame adds plenty of interest with an overlapping circular detail in a luxurious gold finish.
Looking like a window to a secret garden, this traditional-style garden mirror gives the illusion of an open pair of windows – ideal if you want to add depth to your outdoor space and make it appear bigger than it is.