What’s the Best Place to Get Garden Statues?

Gardens always have a certain feel to them, almost magical. They captivate us with bright colors and sweet smells, giving us a great option to create a beautiful environment. One of the best ways to do that is with wonderful garden statues. Statues will help maximize a garden’s beauty and harmony. There is no wrong way to buy a statue; it is a personal preference where and how we buy our garden statues.

Usually, the best place to get garden statues is in-person (at yard sales, home decor, hobby, or other stores), as in-person means seeing, measuring, and/or touching the statue. Buying a statue online is an option when looking for something unique or not locally available.

Choosing the perfect garden statue can be daunting; we must consider many factors before buying one. Let’s start with the style of the garden and home. Luckily, almost every style of home and garden is easily matched with a statue. Read on to find out a little more about where to get your first garden statue!

Types of Garden Statues

If someone enjoys a more contemporary style, they can try a glass or abstract stone statue for the garden. For French-style homes and gardens, try the ceramic statues.

The neoclassical homes and gardens look lovely with traditional stone statues. There are so many different styles and materials to choose from.

For some reason, when talking about statues, we usually imagine free-standing figures of people. We can have any statue we want, from figures of gnomes to pets to flamingos.

Speaking of garden gnomes, here is an interesting story about them. Did you ever wonder why people have them in their gardens? The name comes from the Greek word “genomos” which means earth dweller. Gnomes are mythological beings whose statues were used to protect gardens, buried treasures, and crops. So, many people nowadays decorate their gardens with these cute little gnome statues.

Are you already hooked on garden statues? Wonder where to buy garden statues? We will tell you where to buy garden statues and how to choose the best one for your garden!

Remember, decorating a garden with statues or any other garden ornament is a process, and it should be done with patience and a lot of planning.

Is It Better to Buy Garden Statues Locally or Online?

Buying statues in person is advantageous so we can see, touch, measure, and examine the statue before purchase. However, it does not matter whether we buy garden statues in person or online. If we live in a place where we cannot buy a garden statue in person, we can buy it online.

Before buying a garden statue in person or online, find the right garden focal point. Finding the perfect setting for the statue is almost more important than the statue itself.

A good focal point, for example, can be away from the windows and doors or at the end of the path. This depends on the size of the garden and the shape and size of the statue.

Find a place in the garden that is aesthetically appealing and protects the statue. People usually forget to consider wind as a danger.

Wind will influence how we will anchor our garden statue. This depends on the material of the statue. The concrete or metal statue is heavy and won’t tumble over, while the lightweight statues will.

Once we have found that perfect spot, it’s time to find the perfect statue.

Best In-Person Places to Buy Garden Statues

Home decor, hobby stores, or yard sales are the best in-person places to buy garden statues. There is an advantage when purchasing a garden statue in person that online shopping does not have – buyers can see the statue and touch it.

A statue’s size is important because larger pieces are generally more expensive. The same goes for the material. Better materials generally cost more than less-durable materials.

Measuring the garden space where the statue will be placed is important. We could take a photo of the garden space and take it with us when buying a statue. It will help us to visualize how the statue will complement the garden space easily.

Best Online Stores to Buy Garden Statues

The internet has an endless list of websites where we can buy garden statues. They offer a large range of sizes, styles, and prices. Use websites that are recommended by reliable companies and have a secure online payment, and there will be no trouble at all.

There are many online stores to buy garden statues. There is a large selection of them in online stores, like garden ornaments, statues, animal sculptures, outdoor statues, and busts.

Most of these garden ornaments websites have a great selection of statues. Anything that pops into our minds can be found online. They offer various garden statues such as Japanese garden ornaments, Chinese, oriental, cherubs and angel statues, mythological statues, and so on.

All of these different types of garden statues are harder to find in the store. It’s much easier to purchase them online.

If I were researching or getting ready to buy a garden statue today, I’d start looking online to get a feel for what I like. I’d use Home Depot and Amazon (click here to go to Amazon with a ready-loaded “garden statue” search in a new window) as my research jumping-off points.

From there, I’d see what in-person options are available at the local nurseries, decor stores, and big-name stores (like Walmart and Home Depot). Find what you like – and voila. Save up for that fancy garden statue you like best.

How Much Do Garden Statues Cost?

Depending on the size, style, and material, garden statues can cost anywhere from $10-20 up to a couple of thousand dollars.

• To spend less than $100 on a garden statue, expect to buy a smaller statue.
• Medium-sized garden statues generally cost several hundred dollars minimally.
• Larger statues may cost several hundred to several thousand dollars.

We can create a wanted impact in the garden with various materials, but it will cost money. Concrete and cast stone are mass-produced, and statues are available in various sizes and styles.

Hand-carved statues are original and unique pieces of work, so they are expensive. On the other hand, there are copies of the original statue, and they are usually less expensive.

Bronze statues are the most expensive of all. The original garden statues in the USA are made with the so-called lost wax method. This process is very intensive, and thus it is expensive, but you will get an authentic piece of art.

How Much Does It Cost To Ship a Garden Statue?

Shipping policies usually vary depending on the seller. In some cases, shipping can be free, while in others, it can go up to $600. Again, it depends on the seller, but also it depends on the size and the material of the statue. Insurance and import duty fees may be extra.

The seller should walk you through the options when you’re buying. If you’re importing the statue, know that you may be responsible for any duties (taxes or fees) related to importing the statue.

This is part of why I generally stick to buying local garden art and statues, as import duties and fees tend to be complex!

What Are Garden Statues Called?

Garden statues are also called lawn or garden ornaments.

A garden ornament decorates landscapes such as gardens and parks. Some of the most common garden ornaments are statues, fountains, furniture, bird baths, sundials, planters, and pedestals.

Garden statues are made of many different materials, such as metal, stone, wood, concrete, glass, and resin. The material will determine the price of the statue. Choosing a material for a garden statue is a personal choice, but there are some things to consider.

Some materials might last longer depending on where we live and the climate. For example, high humidity or salt air climates can be rough on the statue. So, consider these factors before buying a garden statue.

Garden ornaments, especially statues, have a long history. Most likely, the beginning of garden statues had a religious connotation. The Egyptians were the first who erect statues for aesthetic reasons in their temples.

The Mediterranean civilizations determined the connection between the gardens and the garden ornaments. After all these centuries, the trend of garden ornaments is still alive.

What Are Most Outdoor Statues Made Of?

Most outdoor statues are made of metal, stone, wood, concrete, glass, and resin. All these materials have advantages and disadvantages depending on location, climate, personal need, and durability.

So let’s dive deeper into the garden statues’ materials so we can choose them more easily.

Metal

Metal has been used for making statues for many centuries. Garden statues are usually made of stainless steel, bronze, brass, copper, aluminum, and lead. Metal is durable and strong, so it is easy to work with and shape into all forms.

Metal can be heavy if it’s thick, but if the statue is hollow, it shouldn’t be too heavy. Buying in-person or online will probably depend on both sale and shipping prices (depending on the size and metal used).

Here are some of the common metals used in garden statues and ornaments.

If you have a lot of children in the yard prone to licking things, perhaps think about steering clear of any lead-based garden statues or ornaments.

Stone

Stone statues are natural and practical. Stone is a durable material that can last for many years, even centuries.

Stone is heavy, so buying this in person and getting it home will be your most budget-friendly option. Shipping a stone statue will likely be expensive.

Here are some commonly-used natural stones used in garden ornaments and statues.

Concrete

Concrete is durable, heavy, and earth-toned, so it looks great in the garden. It collects mold because it is porous, so sunny spots for a concrete statue are a good option.

Concrete-based statues will likely be heavy, so those shipping costs could add up quickly. Buying a concrete statue in person will likely be the best bet.

ItConcrete also gets a separate shout-out or listing because it’s a man-made type of stone and is amazingly versatile.

Ceramics

Ceramics has beautiful colors, but it isn’t durable. Put the ceramic statue in a secure place where it won’t fall easily. Ceramics can be porous; it depends on the finishing.

Ceramics tend to be fragile, which can mean bulkier packaging. This can make them expensive to ship, even if the statue itself isn’t heavy. Be sure to compare prices when buying locally versus online.

The porous ceramic statue holds water, which will crack during the freezing winter. But also, ceramics can be non-porous. It depends again on the finishing. So, choose this version instead.

Resin

Resin is lightweight and durable. Because it is soft, resin statues hold an unbelievable amount of detail. But, the resin might fade in an especially hot or cold climate.

The resin statues may need some padding during shipping, but it’s also usually durable enough that it doesn’t need a crazy amount of wrapping. Be sure to price shop, but these statues are usually safe to buy either in-person or online.

Glass

Glass is colorful and subtle. It is an amazing material that bends light, so the visual effects are astonishing. But glass is very fragile, so try to put the glass statue in a protected spot.

Glass statues will need an astonishing amount of padding during shipping – whether you bought it online and are getting it shipped to your home OR if you’re getting it home from the store.

Personally, I wouldn’t buy a glass statue (too many children in my backyard garden for it to be safe), but you do you.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

Outdoor statues bring life to a garden; there is no doubt about it. Any garden ornament will give personality to the garden and home. If we’re buying our first garden statue, whether online or in person, consider elements like style, focal point, and the size and shape of the statue.

Buy a garden statue that you like and enjoy looking at. It doesn’t matter if it is a contemporary, classical, or Avant-guard piece. It only matters that you like it. The viewpoint will depend on the size of the garden.

Do you want your garden statue to be seen from the kitchen or bedroom? Perhaps you prefer a more dramatic effect, like placing the statue at the end of the garden path or in cave niches.

And last but not least, the size and shape of the statue is the last factor to consider before the purchase. If we choose a large statue, it might overpower the garden.

On the other hand, if we choose too small, it might visually get lost in the garden. Depending on the budget, choose the suitable material for the statue, or go crazy and buy what complements the garden the best.

Buying the statue in person is great because it is easier to visualize how it will look in the garden. It’s different when we see a marble statue in front of us, with all the beautiful colors and textures.

But to be fair, online garden statue shopping has its advantages also. More diverse and unique statues can be found online that we cannot find in a home decor store. Not to mention we can choose a statue from the comfort of our homes.

Every option has its advantages. Choose the one it suits you and your needs the best.

Resources

Learning from your own experience is essential, but learning from others is also intelligent. These are the sources used in this article and our research to be more informed as homesteaders.

• Choosing a Garden Statue or Garden Sculpture? What’s the difference and does it matter? (2015, July 25). Garden Accents. https://gardenaccents.com/blogs/news/choosing-a-garden-statue-or-garden-sculpture-what-s-the-difference-and-does-it-matter
• Garden Statues: 7 Tips for the Perfect Placement. (n.d.). Triangle Gardener. https://www.trianglegardener.com/garden-statues-7-tips-for-the-perfect-placement/
• Hoepf, T. (2012, April 11). Garden sculpture has long, illustrious history. Auction Central News. https://www.liveauctioneers.com/news/features/acn-columnist/garden-sculpture-has-long-illustrious-history/
• Mathews, R. (2019, January 19). Garden focal points & features – the art of placement. Successful Garden Design. https://www.successfulgardendesign.com/garden-focal-points-features-the-art-of-placement/
• Mathews, R. (2015, May 28). Garden focal points – Statues and sculptures: How to choose the right ones. Successful Garden Design. https://www.successfulgardendesign.com/garden-focal-points-statues-and-sculptures-how-to-choose-the-right-ones/
• The Complete History of Garden Gnomes & Why They Are Wonderful. (n.d.). Sunnydaze Decor. Retrieved October 25, 2022, from https://sunnydazedecor.com/blogs/news/the-complete-history-of-garden-gnomes-why-they-are-wonderful
• Top tips for choosing a garden sculpture. (2017, January 5). John Brown | Sculptor. https://johnbrown-sculptor.co.uk/top-tips-choosing-sculpture-garden/
• Types of Garden Ornaments. (n.d.). Beyond the Veranda. https://www.beyondtheveranda.com/types-of-garden-ornaments/