What runs through your mind when you look around your backyard? Do you love your grass & seating? Even though they are both lush & beautiful, the majority of people find that if they don’t have an easily seen point of focus, or effect at least, their backyard looks less than complete.
There is no doubt that adding outdoor garden statues is the simplest avenue to give a landscape a sense of individuality. If you have ever browsed a selection of stone garden statues, then you certainly know how difficult it is to pick out “the one”. Would you decide to be loud and make a statement or rather quiet and unobtrusive? Would you pick a timeless figure or an abstract one?
We are going to review practical garden sculpture ideas in this guide to assist you in finding a piece that does not merely stand in your yard but is actually there with you.
Start with the “Why”: Setting the Mood
Statues are, by their very nature, a device to establish a certain atmosphere. Think of how your surroundings should feel and not be led by the cost or the size of the sculptures: what would be your feeling if you walked into the room? In case you wanted a peaceful, zen, like atmosphere to have your morning coffee, you could choose some types of stone garden sculptures that you could use either indoors or outside and that would have the image of Buddha or a serene meditating figure. On the other hand, if you were to come up with a more formal and grand idea, then find a classic garden sculpture that would go with your existing home decor and the trees around. It should be the goal to get a stone statue that not only reflects the vibe of your home but also goes with the plants in harmony.
Size and Scale: Don’t Let It Get Lost
Some statues may appear impressive when on display in a showroom while being out of place in your home; in most instances, this is because of improper scale.
The common misconception with these types of statues is to purchase one that is too small for very large open spaces like lawns, leading to it looking like a lost toy instead of an object that has been selected for placement within its environment. If you own a large backyard area, large outdoor garden sculptures are good choices, given their size compared to tall trees and fences. Conversely, if you own a small patio or secluded niche area, then smaller detailed pieces will have a greater sense of intrigue.
Choosing the Right Materials
The type of material and the subject of an outdoor garden sculpture are very important but the condition of the sculpture, due to being outside 24-7, must take into account where it is located and its exposure to the weather. The following chart compares the material types typically used in outdoor sculptures, including marble/stone/bronze:
- Stone and Granite: These materials are considered the best for durability since stone garden sculptures naturally weather into their environment as they age. Over time, stone garden sculptures will develop a very light layer of moss or a patina that really complements the overall appearance of the garden.
- Marble – The main advantage of marble sculptures is their high level of detail and beauty. The disadvantages of marble; however, are that it can easily be damaged by abrasive cleaning solvents and heavy air surroundings.
- Bronze – The most durable out of all materials used to create outdoor sculpture is bronze. Because of this property, bronze is used for most of the higher-end quality outdoor sculptures that will stand the test of time – weather conditions included.
Where to Place Your New Piece?
Placement is where the magic happens. You don’t want to just “drop” a statue in the middle of a lawn and call it a day. Think about your garden decor ideas for landscaping and try these tips for where to place garden statues:
- At the End of a Path: Use a statue as a destination. It gives the eye a reason to follow the walkway.
- Framed by Foliage: Tucking a stone figure slightly into a bed of ferns or tall grasses makes it feel like it’s been there for decades.
- Near a Water Feature: The sound of water combined with a beautiful sculpture creates an instant focal point.
A Quick Garden Statue Buying Guide
When purchasing your statue be sure to remember these three important factors for quality:
- Weight – the weight of your statue plays an important role, especially in areas of high winds and storms. Make sure that your statue is heavy enough to remain planted where it is created, or at least has a base that locks into place when installed.
- Detailed Finish – when examining decorative stone statues look for those that have a detailed and defined appearance with well-defined lines and features. If the finish makes your statue look “fuzzy,” most probably it was produced from a mass-produced mold.
- Maintenance – inquire about how to maintain your stone statue, either with sealants or whether to simply let it weather naturally.
Bringing Art to Life
Ultimately, when a garden statue has significance to you in any way, it is likely that it will be an excellent addition to your garden space or as part of the overall decor of your home. Whether it’s a beautiful garden statue that encourages you to relax and enjoy yourself while in the garden or a larger statue that greets visitors upon their arrival, both types of sculptures reflect the “spirit” of the garden area.
With your design ideas in mind and taking into consideration such factors as size, materials of construction and placement, transforming even the simplest of backyards into an art gallery for your guests to appreciate can be achieved very easily. Furthermore, certain curated stone garden sculptures may inspire you in the direction of developing your own personal style or taste for stone garden statues.
Are you prepared to create your own outdoor living space? Begin by examining your garden area thoroughly and determining where it is that you see space being occupied by a carved stone statue. A carved stone statue would provide a beautiful complement to, and also enhance, your home.
