Today’s artificial grass is a popular and convenient option for lawn ideas that offers a very close replica to the real thing. Specialist firms produce artificial grass that does a great job of echoing the shape, colouring and texture of natural green blades. But when it comes to maintenance it’s important to know how to clean artificial grass to keep it in top top condition.
Fake grass makes a practical grass lawn alternative in residential gardens where muddy messes are left by sports-loving children. Or it’s perfect if you have bare patches that sit under shady trees where real grass wont grow.
Daneil Prendergast from the Rug Seller explains: ‘More and more homeowners are turning to artificial grass as a quick fix, allowing them to enjoy the garden all year round.’ Read on to find out how to clean fake grass so that your lawn looks great all year round.
As the weather warms up and we want to spend time outdoors, you’ll be looking for how to clean fake grass to ensure it looks lush and green next to your decking ideas. According to Lazy Lawn the average lifespan of artificial grass ranges between 7 and 15 years. That’s with with regular cleaning to keep it well maintained.
Obviously you don’t have to mow an artificial lawn (removing this garden chore is a big bonus!), but that does not mean you don’t have to lift a finger to keep it in mint condition. Follow our guide on how to clean artificial grass to ensure it stays looking healthy and lasts longer.
Image credit: Bridget Peirson
A sand infill ensures the artificial blades stand up in an upright position. Brushing artificial grass to re-distribute the infill will brush up fibres restoring them to an upright position.
Garden and driveways company Marshalls recommend brushing an artificial laid lawn with a stiff artificial bristle broom or specialist artificial grass grooming rake. Doing this will keep the infill level and make sure it’s doing its job. Under no circumstances should you use metal or wire bristles as these can damage the grass fibres.
Spraying down an artificial lawn will remove dust, dirt, pollen and other airborne pollutants.
For a heavy soiled surface, Neograss, suggests using a 5 percent solution of household detergent in hot water, applied with a sponge mop to heavily affected areas and then rinsed with a garden hose. A jet washer is not recommend for use on artificial lawns with infill it will blow away the sand that sits between the blades of fake grass.
Image credit: Carpetright
During autumn, leaves and twigs will blow on an artificial lawn which could encourage weed growth. Remove the debris regularly with the stiff broom, grass rake or a leaf blower. Again, under no circumstances use metal.
If the artificial grass has been installed correctly weeds will not grow through. However, airborne seeds may nestle within fibres and grow on the surface especially around edges of the grass membrane.
Because any weeds that germinate will be on the surface level of the lawn, they can be easily removed by hand.
Moss is another common fake grass pitfall which can be avoided by applying a water-based weed killer with a sprinkler-headed watering can twice a year.
BBQ sauce, coffee and wine spills on artificial grass are an easy cleaning job Blot spilt liquids with a paper towel. Clean the fibres as you would a carpet, using a mix of detergent and water. Cleaning up food spills as soon as they occur can help to reduce the threat of staining. You can remove any stains left ingrained with a toothbrush.
Image credit: Lazylawn
Follow these easy steps to clear up after your dog:
Sophie Hinchliffe AKA Mrs Hinch, uses Freshly Mowed Lawn Fabulosa artificial lawn disinfectant and deodoriser to kill bacteria and eliminate odours from her artificial grass lawn.
To remove a light dusting of snow from an artificial lawn sweep with a brush or rake to a corner and remove with a plastic shovel.
To remove inches of snow, remove the top layer with a plastic shovel. Leave behind approximately one inch and remove as above.
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There’s no doubt bathroom over mirror lighting ideas are in the design spotlight right now. A lone ceiling pendant is no longer acceptable in today’s fashion-forward bathing spaces. So now’s the time to up your game when seeking out interesting bathroom lighting ideas!
‘We’ve noticed increased interest in bathroom lighting as people are becoming more adventurous in the design of their bathrooms,’ confirms Niki Wright, founder, lights&lamps. ‘Choosing lighting that complements these exciting schemes and pushes the boundaries of what is normally seen in bathrooms is a fast-growing trend.’
Before you get too carried away, take note that illuminating the mirror (and therefore the basin/vanity area) is just one, albeit very important, part in achieving a successful bathroom lighting scheme. Think about it in much the same way as you might plan living room lighting ideas. Consider task lighting, for shaving and makeup, as well as ambient lighting for setting a relaxing mood. A night-light, activated by motion sensor, is a good safety feature for families, too.
To help you decide how to best illuminate your bathroom mirror ideas, we have brought together plenty of fabulous design ideas. But there are a few practical points you’ll also need to consider. Read on for expert advice on safety compliance, positioning, brightness levels and installation. As well, of course, as lots of dreamy design inspiration.
Image credit: Future PLC/Alasdair MacIntosh
You may have spotted multi-wire spider pendants providing a touch of industrial design flair in small kitchen lighting ideas. Well, they can also work their magic in the bathroom, and getting the look is much easier than you might think. Simply position the ceiling rose – offset can feel more modern – then loop each cable on hooks and adjust to your perfect height.
Take care to comply with the Building Regulation’s Zone 2 safety ratings by ensuring the pendants hang at least 60cm away from the basin taps and bath. Any lighting fittings that sit within Zone 2 must be IP44 rated or above to protect against moisture.
‘Multi-wire spider pendants allow you to position the light source exactly where you need it. They can provide a good spread of light around a mirror to reduce the risk of unwanted shadows,’ says Marketa Rypacek, managing director, Industville. ‘Further individual flair can be added with coloured flex or lightshades. Either to make a statement or complement the décor of your bathroom.’
Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles
Fitting wall lights onto a simple panel of mirrored glass is a simple yet effective way to achieve a smart, contemporary look for modern bathroom ideas. The mirrored glass reflects the shape of a stylish wall light, doubling its design appeal. Look for fittings with sculptural shapes, like Original BTC’s classic Hector range, seen here.
To get this look, you’ll need to get holes pre-cut in your mirror before it is installed. First have your electrician put the lighting cables in place. Carefully measure each position so they sit symmetrically to the basin. Then either ask your local glass company to come out and template for the mirror. Or you can do it yourself on graph paper, again taking careful measurements, and send the template to them. When installing the light fitting, your electrician should take care to use rubber washers and avoid over-tightening, which can damage the glass.
Image credit: Future PLC/David Parmiter
Period homes didn’t have indoor bathrooms, let alone electric lighting! But luckily there are lots of traditionally-inspired designs that will feel authentic in older properties. Light fittings with ball joints and sconce-like shapes are a good choice. Try companies like The Victorian Emporium.
Opaline shades have a retro look and provide a softly diffused light that can work as ambient illumination when the main overhead lights are off. Get your electrician to wire them on separate circuits so they can be switched independently.
Image credit: Future PLC/William Goddard
His ‘n’ her style double basins are a smart move in bathrooms designed for sharing but it can lead to confusion when it comes to lighting two mirrors. Often, the temptation is to consider them as separate entities and light each mirror separately. But this could result in a bathroom that’s lit up like Blackpool Illuminations!
‘If you have two mirrors, and two basins, that are fairly close together, add one additional light in the middle to spread the illumination across without overdoing it,’ says Ian Cameron, creative director at lighting brand Empty State. ‘This can be in the form of neat wall lights or perhaps a trio of statement pendant lights.’
Image credit: Future PLC
In bathrooms with low or sloped ceilings, such as loft and dormer bathrooms, it can help to position task lights above the mirror rather than on either side. This effectively elongates the wash area design.
Go as close to the ceiling as you can, while still making a clear distinction between wall lights and the main ceiling fitting. Use coordinating fittings from the same lighting range to achieve a nice sense of cohesion. In this loft en-suite idea, compact wall lights are tucked neatly above the generous mirror. This draws the eye upwards and makes the room feel more spacious.
Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme
Illuminated mirrors have LEDs built-in providing a neat design solution. From an installation point of view, illuminated mirrors are designed to connect to your regular lighting ring (by a qualified electrician). They usually come with adjustable brackets and plenty of cabling to make precise positioning a breeze. Look for extra features like integral de-misting pads, shaver sockets and Bluetooth-connected speakers.
‘Bathroom mirrors with integrated lighting not only provide great lighting to look at your reflection in, but also help to combat the glare that is sometimes reflected when installing separate lights,’ adds Trinity Owhe, Design Expert, Victorian Plumbing. Choose a design with LEDs around the full perimeter of the mirror to illuminate from every angle.
Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme
Adding mirror lighting when you’re in the midst of a major reno is rarely a problem as new wiring can be installed before the walls are plastered. ‘If you don’t want the disruption of running new wires inside nicely plastered walls. Or an in-wall install is going to be tricky for whatever reason, you can hang pendants from the ceiling adjacent to the mirror, so that they act as wall lights,’ says David Amos, CEO, Amos Lighting + Home.
Connecting new lighting through the ceiling is far simpler and less messy than drilling out walls, assuming there is an accessible loft space above. It’s very likely there’ll be lighting cables already up there that your electrician can easily connect into. ‘Pendants used in this way are also a stylish choice, providing a beautiful aesthetic that frames the mirror,’ adds David.
Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole
Many bathroom furniture collections include built-in lighting that is perfectly poised above the mirror. Incorporated into a light pelmet, downlights can be operated with the main bathroom light switch or separately on a pull-cord for extra flexibility.
Look for furniture incorporating LED downlights for energy-efficiency – a great way to save energy at home. Choose lamps (a.k.a light bulbs!) with a colour temperature that suits your needs. For applying makeup, aim for lamps rated 4800-5000K, which is considered best for achieving naturally day-lit results. If you’d prefer to see a healthy glow when you look in the mirror aim for 2700K.
Above all, avoid cold, white LEDs, above 5000K. These will make skin appear sickly no matter how much blush you layer on!
Image credit: Future PLC/David Parmiter
There’s nothing wrong with lights above your mirror, provided they are close enough to the wall. This ensures you’re not overshadowing them with your head when you lean in. But for optimum illumination of the face, with no dark eye-bags or five-o’clock shadows, side mirrors are the way forward.
‘Task lighting at the bathroom basin area is really about the lighting of the face,’ says Sally Storey, creative director of John Cullen Lighting. ‘Without doubt the best solution is two wall lights either side of the mirror. This gives the correct side light that will balance the face.’
Image credit: The Watermark Collection/Matt Clayton
Some light fitting designs have become so iconic they will never date. And so the investment is one that will last for years to come. Plus, you can always take expensive light fittings with you should you move home! Designer brands known for timeless lighting include Flos, Louis Poulsen and Artemide.
Splashing out may not cost as much as you think. If you choose the right designer fitting, just one can go a long way. In this compact cloakroom the mirror is illuminated by a single IC light, designed by Michael Anastassiades for Flos. It has enough design impact to make a strong impression all on its own.
There’s no doubt that mirrors in the bathroom benefit from task lighting. Where exactly you position task lights really depends on what you are using the mirror for. In family bathroom ideas where the mirror is used to quickly check clean faces or spot spinach in teeth, the lights can be above, to the side or all around the mirror.
However, if you use the mirror for close-up work like applying makeup, shaving and plucking brows, good results are key. The lights should be on both sides of the mirror, at roughly eye-level. You can also have a light above of course.
‘This is because placing a light on either side of the mirror evenly illuminates your face, whereas only having a light above the mirror will highlight the top part of your face, which can create unflattering shadows around your eyes and nose,’ explains Matthew Currington, Technical Director, The Lighting Superstore. ‘The amount of light you’ll need will depend on the mirror size. For a general guide, 1200 lumens is the ideal brightness – this is around 80 watts for incandescent lamps or 15 watts for LED.’
Ideally, you should aim for multiple layers of lighting in your bathroom, including the main ceiling lights, atmospheric mood lights and of course a light or two to make it easier to see your reflection in the mirror. ‘Wall lights on either side of a mirror are the most flattering. But, in a small bathroom layout, these may make a space feel cramped, so it’s important to choose lighting that suits its size,’ says Matthew Currington, Technical Director, The Lighting Superstore.
‘In a small space, consider placing LED strip lighting above the mirror to illuminate the space above it, as this creates a great atmosphere and gives the illusion the room is larger than it is,’ adds Matthew. ‘Backlighting a bathroom mirror is a great way to add an extra glam factor to your space, while providing essential lighting. Consider using dimmable lights which will be bright enough to do your makeup or grooming but can be toned down to create a more relaxing atmosphere.’
If you’re opting for wall lighting on either side of the mirror, ensure the light fittings are no more than 30cm away, to optimise their effect.
‘If you’ve gone for a wall fixture above, hang this between five and 10cm, centred above the mirror. For overhead lighting, consider using LED downlights to create a softer illumination. Avoid light bulbs that are too bright, as they will create harsh shadows,’ says Matthew Currington, Technical Director, The Lighting Superstore.
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Mirrors have always been an interior designers secret weapon for their simple, space-boosting abilities. But they don’t need to be reserved for indoor use only, as these garden mirror ideas prove.
Mirrors are a great addition for any garden, with the power to totally transform the space. Garden mirror ideas are especially useful in small courtyard gardens, on roof terraces and limited balconies to add an extra dimension. A great budget garden idea, mirrors are another accessory like cushions and rugs that are readily available for outside use, creating the perfect outdoor living room space. Adding a new dimension to gardens by increasing a sense of space and reflecting light into more shady spots, it’s important to ensure you hang your mirror at the correct height and in the best position.
As the trend for taking interior style outdoors continues to grow, garden mirrors are becoming more and more popular, so check out our garden decor ideas to see if one could work for your outdoor space.
Image credit: Charlested
Buy now: Gardenia inside outside window mirror, £200, Charlested
Use a window mirror, hung on a wall and nestled among the foliage, to create the illusion of a secret garden hiding just behind the wall. Position the mirror so it reflects parts of the garden not easily seen to trick the viewer into thinking there is more garden to come! To delight little ones, why not hang a smaller window mirror lower down the wall to act as a window into the ‘fairy garden’ beyond.
Image credit: Rockett St George
Buy now: Black metal window pane arch mirror, £180, Rockett St George
For a relaxed feel, position your garden mirror leaning against an outside wall. This way you can easily change the angle to reflect the sky if there’s an incredible sunset, or get the perfect selfie with visiting friends. You’ll need to make sure your mirror is safely secured though, especially if you have young children on pets, so look to attaching it to the wall with a long chain so it won’t fall.
Image credit: Future Plc/Jamie Mason
An arch-shaped mirror is a great way to add some elegant style to a courtyard garden, and really open up a typically wee space. Take inspiration from stylish restaurants and hang a mirror behind a dining set-up. This will allow diners to see more of what’s going on in the rest of the room (or garden) and make them feel less enclosed or cramped.
Image credit: Future Plc/ Olly Gordon
Make your garden mirror feel like part of the decor by painting the frame in the same shade as the fence. Matching the colours allows the mirror itself to be the focal point, rather than the frame. This idea is perfect for creating a cohesive, well-styled garden scheme.
On-trend colours such as the black stain, seen above, is a striking colour choice for garden fences and mirrors to enhance the surrounding greenery. Add pops of contrasting colour by painting flower pots bright and using vibrant accent cushions.
Image credit: Future Plc/Lizzie Orme
A strategically placed mirror gives the garden an added sense of depth. To take this outdoor interiors trend one step further you could hang an overmantel mirror halfway up the wall to recreate the illusion of a mantelpiece. A familiar interior layout used in the garden helps create an outdoor living room idea.
Image credit: Garden Trading
Buy now: Fulbrook Rectangular Mirror, £175, Garden Trading
Of course 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. Another top tip, to make the space feel bigger, is painting the walls white as the colour will reflect better and create a sense of airiness.
Image credit: Future Plc/Tim Young
Add interest and atmosphere to an area of the garden where entertaining takes place, beside a dining area or quirky garden bar idea. The reflection adds another dimension to proceedings, while of course reflecting back any lighting and elements of decoration used to dress the space.
In this stylish garden an arched shaped mirror is placed perfectly within the arch of a climbing plant to accentuate the curved lines to soften the look.
Image credit: Future Plc/Lizzie Orme
Making an impression with vertical planting, then elevate the look even further by placing mirrors behind to make more of a feature of your pots and plants. In this city garden a white walls is enhanced with the addition of a gothic-style window mirror which sits behind an evergreen plant – shining a light onto the greenery.
Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole
Create your own outdoor mirror out of an old window frame using mirrors that you can pick up in craft stores. This old discoloured window frame has been transformed into a stunning statement mirror that matches the outdoor seating area perfectly.
This garden is an all-round fine example of upcycling ideas for the garden – from the budget mirror to the DIY pallet garden furniture.
Image credit: Future Plc/Andrea Jones
Have you ever thought a small room was twice the size? Only to realise upon closer inspection that it is in fact an illusion, created by a well-placed mirror. When you can’t see the edges or a defined shape of a mirror it blends in seamlessly to a space.
In a garden space this works brilliantly to give depth to a flower bed and soften corners. It also helps to reflect light, ideal in a small shady corner of the garden.
Image credit: Future Plc/Lizzie Orme
A mirror placed against a wall at a low level can beautifully accentuate flowers perfectly. When you’d put the hard work in to get the plants looking their best, you’ll want to show them off to their full potential. A mirror can cleverly cover all angles, giving you more of an overall effect.
This is a clever way to make your planting efforts go a little further too. Perhaps you don’t have enough budget to go for extra plants? A strategically placed mirror can double the amount of plants – without having to double the garden budget.
Image credit: Cuckooland
Here, a French-style mirror with shutters adds a certain charm to an outdoor patio area. The chalky green shade is the perfect colour for the mirror to blend in to the surrounding foliage.
Image credit: Cox & Cox
Buy now: Elegant outdoor mirror, £250, Cox & Cox
Replicate a living room idea by including traditional-style furniture in the garden. Add some wow factor to your garden walls with an outsized mirror. This generous garden mirror creates a very convincing illusion to a garden beyond.
If you have flora and fauna that is worth showing off, then double-up the effect with an oversized mirror.
Image credit: Future Plc/Polly Eltes
A well-placed mirror can add a splash of colour and interest to a boring old stone wall. This mirror acts as a constantly changing work of art reflects a oak tree in the distance, it will change from green to shades of amber as the seasons progress.
Image credit: Cox & Cox
Buy now: Maroq Outdoor Mirror, £40, Cox & Cox
Use quirky shaped mirrors to add decorative interest. This charmingly shaped mirror creates a window-like portal into another world. Proving mirrors don’t have to be large to work wonders, this petite distressed mirror adds character to an otherwise plain brick wall.
Absolutely, they are a great tool for reflecting sunlight and if positioned cleverly, can help to make your a small garden look bigger.
An illusion mirror can create dramatic effects such as appearing to be a garden gate in a wall or hedge, or even a window. Whichever design you choose, an outdoor mirror is a transformative accessory not to be overlooked. But there are a few things to consider. Firstly, what will it be reflecting? Don’t place your mirror opposite a wall with drain pipes or air ducts, but reflect the leafy interest in your garden instead. Using full length mirrors will help to create the illusion of a garden beyond. Consider using a hardy framed indoor mirror outdoors. Often especially designed garden mirrors are made of plastic or polished metal and won’t achieve the right look (you don’t want your garden to look like a child’s soft play area!)
The best place to position a garden mirror is against a wall, fence or shed that faces back in towards your garden.
Don’t place mirrors too high up or anywhere they are likely to impact bird flight and don’t position mirrors in the path of direct sunlight, where they are likely to become a fire hazard.
Traditional outdoor mirrors can be heavy and must be secured to the wall with the correct fixings. Modern acrylic mirrors are lighter and come in a variety of styles which are easier to hang.
The great thing about this simple garden idea is that it needn’t be at great expense. You might have an existing mirror indoors that you can upcycle and give a new home outdoors. If doing this make sure you use the right paint or sealant to ensure your garden mirror looks the part and is weatherproof. Failing this, you could use a normal mirror outside, but be prepared for it to stain and have a weathered patina. Almost like an antiqued or mercury finish mirror, little spots and marks will appear on the surface over time, and the change in temperature could cause small cracks. If you’re happy for this to be the case, then yes absolutely you can use a normal mirror outside!
Additional words: Holly Walsh
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