Moon gates impart atmosphere. The circular portals beckon you into garden spaces with their striking shape and rich cultural roots. While elaborate ornamental gates grace Chinese gardens, modest DIY versions also pack visual punch.
Installing a basic moon gate lends new possibilities for your outdoor living area.
Determine the Best Spot for your Moon Gate
Moon gates shine when thoughtfully placed to control views or access. First, decide your goal.
Welcome Guests
Positioned front-and-center, moon gates make a grand garden entrance. Frame the path to your door or anchor a front bed filled with colorful plantings.
Guide Visitors
Strategically place moon gates along winding garden paths to pique curiosity about what lies ahead. Use them to transition between unique spaces for an exciting reveal.
Divide and Hide
Let your moon gate denote separate garden “rooms” for dining, play or relaxing. Alternately, block unattractive utility areas from sight using this circular barricade.
Other Siting Tips
- Ensure good sight lines so the form shows clearly
- Allow breathing room so the structure stands out
- Consider how shapes and textures complement your location
Select Your Moon Gate Design Features
Standard moon gate architecture spotlights the empty circle penetrating a wall, but customizable options exist. Reflect your personality through conscious choices.
Determine Dimensions
Do you want an intimate mini moon gate or bold full-scale version? Smaller openings feel cozy; expansive styles make a dramatic statement. Just ensure proper proportions against surroundings.
Pick Building Materials
Traditional materials like stone or brick tend toward Old World charm. For more modern spaces, mix things ups with woods, metals or glass used solo or combined. Complement or contrast your home’s existing finishes.
Choose a Shape
While circular is classic, consider flat-topped, pointed or even asymmetric silhouettes if you crave a unique statement. Just take care not to disrupt visual flow and harmony.
Add Special Touches
Further customize your moon gate with extended walls, built-in benches, decorative tiles or overhead arbors. Then spotlight the structure with placed pots, vines trailing overhead or clever garden lighting.
Source Materials and Build
Now for the fun part – bring your moon gate design to life! Assess time, budget and skill level to pick the best construction method.
Buy a Pre-Made Gate
Quality ready-made gates mean no fuss, but limit intricate details. Balance cost savings against customization restrictions to see if this streamlined route works.
Hire Landscaping Pros
Develop plans with a pro designer online or in person for robust moon gates infused with custom elements. Talented landscapers then handle the entire installation process.
Construct Your Own DIY Moon Gate
Channel your inner craftsperson to build a moon gate from scratch. This rewarding do-it-yourself project saves money using basic tools and widely available materials for a weekend backyard build.
Once installing your charming new moon gate, enjoy how fascinating vignettes emerge throughout your transformed garden. Guests wander further down meandering paths. Distant flowers tempt closer inspection. Divided spaces flow in harmony.
Pause within the circular portal and sense the stillness at the threshold. Then continue on through with peaceful optimism about what is waiting on the other side – much like the ancient Chinese nobles’ hoped-for hospitality.
At day’s end, gather again around your personal good luck charm. Toast warm summer evenings or harvest’s bounty knowing fortunes bloom for all fortunate enough to pass this way.
