Buying guide for best garden gnomes
Do you feel as though your outdoor area could do with a little character? A garden gnome can provide just that! With designs that range from the understated to the outlandish, garden gnomes are a fun and easy way to add personality to your home.
But as with any decorative endeavor, choosing a garden gnome requires some consideration. Size, materials, colors, and distinctive features vary from gnome to gnome, and finding the right fit for your environment is key.
At BestReviews, we strive to simplify every shopping experience. We’ve done the research and trolled the market to help you find the perfect garden gnome. Check out our in-depth shopping guide below for everything you need to know about garden gnomes.
Advantages of having garden gnomes
Are you on the fence about allowing gnomes to take up residence in your garden? Here are some benefits of becoming a gnome owner.
Kids love them. There's no denying that garden gnomes have a magical air about them. Not surprisingly, most children find them utterly enchanting. Adding a garden gnome to your outdoor area is a great way to fire up your child’s imagination and can provide endless opportunities for creative play.
They can accentuate existing garden features. The right garden gnome placed in the right spot can work wonders for highlighting certain features. A garden gnome with a wheelbarrow is sure to draw attention to your favorite flower bed, while a gnome with a fishing rod can liven up a pond or water feature.
Garden gnomes provide a platform for self expression. Whether you're down to earth, hard working, quirky, or downright eccentric, there's a garden gnome out there for you. Choosing a garden gnome that reflects your personality is a great way to showcase your individuality.
- They might just bring good luck. According to folklore, gnomes were protectors of the earth, or more specifically, the treasures that lie beneath (like precious metals and gemstones). In simpler times, when matters of magic and mystery were as commonplace as computers and science are today, many believed that garden gnomes bestowed fertility upon their land and brought good luck and protection. For the most part, modern society has long since abandoned such flights of fancy. But it’s still a nice thought. After all, who couldn't use a little extra luck in life?
Types of garden gnomes
When shopping for garden gnomes, there four basic categories to choose from: freestanding gnomes, mounted gnomes, functional gnomes, and solar-powered gnomes. If you're adventurous or have a special affinity for these adorable little garden dwellers, there's absolutely no reason to limit your collection to just one type.
Freestanding garden gnomes
These garden gnomes typically stand on a base or have large, wide-set feet to ensure even weight distribution. Freestanding garden gnomes are easy to move around and can be placed on just about any flat surface. This type of garden gnome is ideal if you like mixing things up every once in a while or simply haven't settled on the perfect location for your gnome yet.
Mounted and hanging garden gnomes
Some garden gnomes can be mounted on walls or trees, while others will merrily hang from branches or hooks. Since they don’t have an actual footprint, these are great for smaller spaces. Even if you’re lucky enough to have a sprawling garden big enough to accommodate a whole village of gnomes, this unexpected placement is delightfully eye catching. Keep in mind, however, that a suspended garden gnome could plummet to the ground and shatter if not properly secured.
Functional garden gnomes
If you’re looking for a garden gnome that will do more than just liven up your garden, consider a functional option. From bird feeders and bird baths to those that act as standalone water features, you’ll find plenty of hard-working gnomes who will happily provide a service in return for a permanent position in your garden.
Solar-powered light-up garden gnomes
These innovative garden gnomes feature solar-powered LED lights that automatically light up in the dark. Whether you regularly enjoy entertaining outdoors or simply want a unique way to light up your garden, solar-powered gnomes can turn your outdoor area into a spectacularly enchanting place come nightfall.
Considerations for choosing a garden gnome
Don’t forget to consider these factors as you shop.
Characteristics
Today’s garden gnomes come in a mind-boggling array of styles. In fact, droves of modern garden gnomes have completely broken the mold by refusing to adhere to traditional dress codes and characteristics. While classic varieties are still favored by many, you’ll encounter some interesting characters along the way, as well. Bikers, zombies, surfers, and hippies are just a handful of examples of non-conformist garden gnome options.
Are you looking for something friendly and inviting? Do you want to showcase your sense of humor? Some garden gnomes are even designed to deter unwelcome guests with signs and expressions that do all the talking for you. Matching your gnomes to your personality can be great fun, and this is one element of garden gnome shopping that you won’t want to miss out on.
Materials
Garden gnomes are typically made of ceramic, stone, wood, concrete, or resin. Different materials offer different levels of durability and weather resistance.
Ceramic: While ceramic is widely available and tends to be the most affordable, it's also more prone to fading, cracking, and general wear.
Wood: Wood can offer a natural look, but it typically requires some upkeep and might not be the best option for wet or humid climates.
Concrete: This usually makes for a good, sturdy garden gnome. However, concrete can develop cracks over time, especially with frequent exposure to moisture.
Stone: Garden gnomes made of stone are ideal if you're going for a classy statuesque look. Most are unpainted and weather exceptionally well. They're not indestructible, though, and they can still crack or break if dropped or knocked over. Stone gnomes also tend to be heavier than others, so keep this in mind if you enjoy rearranging your collection.
Resin: Most resin garden gnomes are made of stone-based polyresin. This material has an appearance similar to porcelain or ceramic. Polyresin resists inclement weather quite well, but it will shatter if dropped.
Size
How do you choose the right gnome size? Consider not only your available space but also where you might want to place your gnome. A smaller gnome might go unnoticed under a large tree or alongside dense foliage. A large gnome might dwarf your prized flower bed, stealing all the limelight.
At the end of the day, your garden gnome should accentuate your outdoor area rather than overwhelm it or become lost in it.
Garden gnome prices
Much like pieces of artwork, gnomes that are similar in size and construction may come with price tags that are worlds apart. Prices can be impacted just as much by craftsmanship and rarity as they are by durability and features. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $100+ for a 10-inch garden gnome.
Under $20
Many mass-produced ceramic and resin garden gnomes fall into this price category. Some small stone and concrete varieties can also be found at this price point.
Under $50
This price bracket offers a good variety of garden gnome options. Standout designs crafted from wood or durable resin generally fall somewhere in the middle. Concrete and stone garden gnomes lean toward the higher end.
Over $50
If premium materials, one-of-a-kind designs, or extra size are important to you, expect to pay more for these qualities.
FAQ
Q. Is there anything I can do to keep my garden gnomes from fading?
A. Being constantly exposed to the elements can leave even the toughest garden gnome looking a little worse for wear. While most modern garden gnomes come with a weather-resistant finish, this might not entirely prevent fading, especially over the course of years. Since UV rays are the number-one cause of fading, we recommend periodically applying a UV protectant spray as an easy way to prevent cracking, peeling, and fading.
Q. Can a cracked or chipped garden gnome be repaired?
A. For the most part, yes, cracks and chips can be repaired. However, the best method of repair depends on your garden gnome’s construction materials. Keep in mind that you'll likely need to touch up the paint and refinish the damaged areas once your repairs are done. Unless it's irreplaceable or you're particularly attached to your garden gnome, purchasing a new one might be a cheaper, less time-consuming option.
Q. Where's the best place to put a garden gnome?
A. It's all up to you, really. The best place to put your garden gnome is wherever it makes you happiest! However, if you want your garden gnome to last as long as possible, you might want to consider positioning it away from high-traffic areas or precarious perches.
