Reflective surfaces such as mirrors and gazing balls are a great way to add some pizzazz to the garden, and for a variety of reasons. When placed skilfully, they can make the garden look bigger than it really is, or even create interesting focal points. A mirror is a quick and stylish way to give the garden an impression of extra space while a mirror wall is great for recycling sunlight and reflecting it back into the garden. Read on to know more uses of these versatile surfaces to give your garden a whole new dimension.

Reflective materials are especially useful in small gardens, rooftop terraces, and even balconies, and have the power to transform any space. They can help to create an ambience where floor space is limited and are also a pocket-friendly way to maximise the space available.

Here are some ways in which you can use them in the garden:

1. Create a focal point with a gazing ball

Reflective glass orbs, also known as ‘gazing balls’ or ‘yard globes’, have a long history in gardens dating back to the thirteenth century. Sometimes made from metal, occasionally decorated or illuminated, they are found in many modern gardens.

The mirror-finish gazing ball is placed at the centre of the garden floor in this image such that it reflects the surrounding plants and landscape while creating a central point of interest for the onlooker.

2. Enhance light with mirrors

This cosy little garden dining area feels bigger than it is thanks to the mirror next the the table.

Pro tip: Areas in shady or dappled light benefit greatly from mirrors in a garden. Using mirrors for light will brighten any dark space while adding a whimsical touch.

3. Combine a mirror with water

This dining space gets a special highlight with a combination of a full-length mirror that doubles as a water-cascade wall. This creates a subtle, dispersed reflection of the space in front, perfect for a small get-together.

Pro tip: Be mindful of the type of mirror you select. While upcycling old mirrors is a great way to save on costs, keep in mind that they are much heavier compared to the modern acrylic mirrors and must be secured to the wall with the appropriate hardware.

4. Dress up a wall

Garden mirrors can also be used for outdoor decor, as pictured here, where a high wall is dressed up with a number of small mirrors framed and composed in an interesting combination.

Pro tip: Before going ahead with securing the mirrors, try a few different positions and angles to see which view of your garden is reflected in it.

5. Create a faux window

An illusion mirror can create dramatic effects such as appearing to be a garden gate in a wall or hedge or even a window. Pictured here, the large expanse of wall is broken by the clever placement of a mirror, whose size is carefully selected to imitate that of a window. The planting reflected in it further adds to the illusion of looking out of a window.

6. Double your plants

Placing a mirror against a wall at a low level can beautifully accentuate plants. This is a clever way to make your planting efforts go a little further too. A strategically placed mirror can double the number of plants – in the same budget and with a lot less plant maintenance.

Pro tip: Mirrors work best in a garden when there are lots of plants growing around them so that they blend in with the background.

7. Stretch your space

The bigger you go, the bolder the impact, as this large window pane mirror proves in this small courtyard garden. The generous sizes helps to reflect back more light and greenery to inject vibrancy into the small space.

Pro tip: To make the space feel bigger, paint the walls white, as the colour will reflect better and create a sense of airiness.