Garden Overheated by Heatwave? Reflective Decor May Offer Relief

In the heat of summer, finding ways to keep outdoor spaces cool and comfortable is essential for enjoying time spent in the garden. Andy Wu, the founder of Backyard Oasis, a company known for providing high-quality and long-lasting outdoor products, offers expert advice on how to create a cool and comfortable outdoor seating area.

**1. Select Heat-Resistant Materials**

When choosing garden furniture, it's crucial to consider materials that are heat-resistant. Metals like aluminum and iron can absorb and radiate heat quickly, making surfaces uncomfortable to touch. Instead, opt for wood materials such as teak or eucalyptus, which are naturally weather-resistant and heat slower. Resin wicker and plastic composites with UV-stable, heat-reflective properties are also good choices for staying cool outdoors.

**2. Opt for Light Colors and Reflective Surfaces**

Light or bright colors like white, sand, pale gray, or soft green reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it, enhancing coolness. Avoid dark-stained wood or dark cushion colors like black or navy, which retain heat, especially in unshaded areas. Incorporate reflective garden decor such as mirrors, glass, or white-painted surfaces, which bounce away the sun’s heat and prevent the area from warming excessively.

**3. Use Breathable, Quick-Dry Fabrics**

Cushions made from fabrics that allow airflow and dry quickly after rain, such as polyester or acrylic blends with heat-reflecting properties in light shades, enhance comfort by reducing sweat and heat retention when seated.

**4. Provide Shade and Flexibility**

Ensure your garden seating is placed under some form of shade—a parasol, pergola, or trees—to protect furniture from direct sunlight and reduce heat buildup. Use modular or movable furniture pieces to adjust seating positions according to the sun’s angle and create airflow.

**5. Maintain Wooden Furniture**

If choosing wooden furniture, apply protective, color-maintaining treatments to reduce fading and cracking caused by heat and humidity, preserving both appearance and comfort.

By combining heat-resistant, light-colored materials with breathable cushions and strategic shade, you can create an outdoor seating area that stays comfortable and cool even in the hottest weather. Reflective decor elements further enhance the cooling effect by reducing heat absorption in the garden space.

Water gardens create a refined outdoor space and can serve as a statement piece. Outdoor living expert Andy Wu has measured temperature reductions of up to 5 degrees Celsius in spaces outfitted with reflective gear. Chrome decor and mirrors are popular choices for reflective garden decor due to their ability to add intrigue and functionality, deepen the field of vision, and increase the sense of space.

Danielle Le Vaillant, an interior stylist and art director at Cox & Cox, recommends introducing a mirror in pergolas or indoor-outdoor spaces to help create an outdoor lounge-style setting. Outdoor mirrors are available in various styles, from contemporary crittal-style panes to gothic arch designs. A larger reflective piece, like a mirrored coffee table or mirrored screen, will have a more significant impact in terms of reducing heat.

Shiny or glossy decorative items, like reflective planters, shiny garden sculptures, or furniture with a little glimmer, can help keep sunlight moving rather than staying stagnant. Patio umbrellas in lighter tones, such as cream or soft pink, promote a more serene feel during a heat wave.

A minimalist, modern outdoor furniture set with a certified acacia wood natural finish and a robust steel frame can be a focal point in any setting. For those looking to make a bold statement, consider a large mirrored wall or mirrored wall art to significantly reduce temperature in a garden and make the space feel more spacious.

By following these expert tips, you can create an outdoor living space that is not only stylish but also comfortable and cool, ensuring you can enjoy your garden even during the hottest summer days.

Embrace color and texture in your outdoor living space by incorporating furniture made of weather-resistant materials such as teak or eucalyptus, which offer a rustic, yet modern appearance.
To further enhance the cooling effect, consider adding reflective art pieces, mirrors, or white-painted surfaces to your garden or outdoor living area. These elements help bounce sunlight away and prevent heat from building up.
Use fabrics that promote airflow and quick-drying capabilities to keep cushions cool and comfortable, even during heat waves. Opt for light-shaded materials with heat-reflecting properties.
Place seating areas under shaded elements like parasols, pergolas, or trees, to protect your furniture from direct sunlight and reduce heat absorption. Welcoming flexibility in your outdoor furnishings allows for easy adjustments as the sun moves.
Incorporate light colors and light-toned decorative items, like chrome decor, mirrors, or patio umbrellas, to create a more serene atmosphere in your garden.
To make a statement and boost the cooling effect in your outdoor living area, opt for larger reflective pieces, such as mirrored coffee tables, mirrored screens, or even a mirrored wall or wall art, to significantly reduce heat and increase the sense of space.