How To Find The Best Placement For Your Garden Statues
Gardens have always had a certain mystical and magical character. They mesmerize us with arrays of dazzling colors and aromatic smells and flavors, transforming themselves into wonderful sanctuaries ideal for meditation, relaxation and spending quality time with friends or in the company of a good book. Garden statues can be a part of this complex visual stimulation, adding a touch of sophistication or playfulness to the great outdoors.
The most important thing when working with garden statues is finding the right placement for them. In order to do that, it’s important to take into consideration any existing trees, plants and shrubs.
Bushes and hedges can complement a garden statue really well. Their soft lines can soften the rough edges of the statue or the opposite can be valid in some cases, when the greenery follows clean geometric lines.
For the best effect if you want the statue to stand out and to take center stage in the garden, place it prominently, perhaps at the center of a floral arrangement or flower bed.
Statues can be used as complementary decorations for the flora and fauna of a garden. It can contrast with the bold colors of the flower beds and add a sophisticated touch to the overall décor.
Corner spaces are usually considered perfect for decorations such as a garden fountain or a large statue. As it turns out, our eye is naturally drawn to corners and since they are usually unused and empty, finding a beautiful decoration there can be a nice surprise.
Although large statues are great for creating a strong focal point or making a statement, you can also get a similar effect with a collection of small statues. Keep in mind that the dimensions of the statue should be dictated by the size of the garden.
In a small garden, it’s best to opt for small statues. A large garden or one that’s very simple and nicely trimmed could use a bigger accent feature. Choose the statues in accordance to the dimensions and conditions on the site.
There are many different ways in which you can display a garden statue. For example, you can create frames in your landscaping to highlight these ornaments and to make them stand out more.
Place a garden statue beside an entrance to create a nice first impression to anyone who comes to visit you. The statue will look like a guardian of the entrance, making your home memorable to anyone visiting or passing by.
Ponds and swimming pools mix well with statues. You could, for example, place some small animal statues around the perimeter of a pond to crate a more dynamic look for this whole area.
One of the most common mistake when working with garden statues is choosing the wrong dimensions and creating uncomplimentary compositions. If you want to decorate a small area of your garden, a small statue should be your first choice.
Small statues are also a good option when decorating a certain portion or a garden or yard that is somehow delimited from the garden as a whole. This lounge platform is a really good example for that.
Using too many statues is another common mistake. It’s important not to overdecorate. you’ll make the garden look cluttered and not at all as relaxing and inviting as you’d want it to be. A single statue or modest dimensions can be a great focal point if placed properly.
If you want to use a statue as a decoration for a pool or pond, take into consideration the size of the water feature before selecting the statue. A small pond with a waterfall could use a small statue although a larger one with a simple and abstract design could be a valid option.
In some cases, the bright colors of the plants and flowers contrast with the statues, especially those made of concrete or cement. You can take advantage of the situation and find the perfect balance between them.
There’s usually no point in displaying garden statues if they can’t be seen. So try to position them in relation to the view you have when looking out the window or the area visitors see when passing by or using the deck or outdoor lounge space.
You can complement a garden statue with river stones or rocks that have interesting shapes. Similarly, plants and trees can help bring out the beauty of a statue or make it blend in, depending on the case.
Statues can be placed alongside pathways to break the monotony of the décor. You can also use a statue to accentuate a curve or a more secluded area in the garden.
Medieval statues can help you decorate a secret enclave in a way that gives it a mystical look. You can dedicate a whole portion of the garden to create a gallery of statues.
To maintain the beauty of your garden statues for as long as possible, it’s important to give them proper care. Painted statues should be kept in enclosed areas, protected from the elements. You can also keep them in exposed areas if you coat them with liquid car wax.
Marble statues are the ones that last the longest, keeping their beauty over time. Immediately after them are the statues made of bronze and other metals which can also last for a long time. However, they will weather over time and gain a patina.
Cement and concrete statues are very common in most gardens. They are less resistant than the other types mentioned before but still more long-lasting than plaster statues and those with wood bases.
Plaster and wood statues and ornaments are usually not recommended for outdoor use. Still, they can be used outside in protected areas or if they are seasonal or holiday ornaments such as the ones used for Halloween.
Garden statues can be used to create a themed décor. For example, you can make your garden look like a space for Alice in Wonderland. Similarly, you can use statues to create a zen space, ideal for relaxation and contemplation.
Large statues can make a space look cramped and messy so make sure the proportions are right compared to the space you want to place the statue in. Bad placement can ruin everything.
Seal the statues to prolong their life. Water sealer should be used once a year for all concrete statues. Make sure you wash them prior to sealing to ensure best results.
Use stepping stones to highlight the path towards your statue enclave or to simply complement the overall décor of the garden. Outdoor furniture can also be used in a similar manner.
The style you choose for your garden statues should complement that of the garden and the house. A shabby chic or country-style arrangement can be really charming. Avoid creating clashes between ornaments.