The Whimsical Garden Feature That Doubles As Charming Outdoor Decor

It can often feel hard to hide common eyesores around the house and garden, such as watering hoses, trash cans, air conditioning units, and drainpipes, because of the practical services that they provide. However, if you have long bemoaned the unsightly nature of the drainpipes on your home and how they detract from the overall look and charm of your garden, there is another way! Have you ever heard of a rain chain? These vertical chains hang from the corners of buildings, guiding rainwater or melting snow to the ground in place of bulky drainpipes. They work by using vertically stacked chain links and decorative elements to give the water something to cling to as it is pulled down by gravity. 

Additionally, these chains are often considered environmentally friendly because their slow release of water allows more of it to soak into the ground rather than being channelled off into storm drains. But these charming drainpipe alternatives aren't just practical—they also make for charming outdoor decor. They are a budget-friendly patio addition that livens up a bare outdoor living space by increasing the vertical interest of your property and using sweet decorative features, such as flowers or fun creatures like turtles and bees, to add whimsy and fun to an otherwise uninteresting corner. Rain chains also emit a light, pleasant sound whenever water passes over them, adding to your auditory experience as well as your visual one. But how do you choose the right rain chain for your yard? And how do you ensure it's installed properly so it works well and lasts as long as possible? Let's have a look.

To choose the right rain chain, remember that it is both a decorative and functional garden feature. As such, it is best to look for one that is the right height for your house — the chain is often recommended to be slightly off the ground, though you don't want it too high, as the water will be more likely to splash and create a divot in the ground from a taller height. It is also a good idea to select a chain that suits your home's exterior design. For example, this faux copper lotus-shaped rain chain from Home Depot would be a great fit for a Japanese-inspired garden, and this gold bee single-link rain chain from Lowe's is cute for anyone looking to indulge in the kitsch decor trend.

To hang your rain chain, place the V-shaped gutter clip that comes at the top of the chain into the hole in the gutter where the drainpipe previously was. If you live in a windy area, you may want to utilize an anchor to keep the chain vertical. Finally, add rocks or a plant pot at the bottom to ensure the water lands gently on the ground below. If you notice that the rain isn't being funneled correctly, you could check for one common reason that could explain why your rain chain isn't working properly — the build-up of leaves or residue along the chain. In addition, if you live in a very cold climate, you may want to replace your chain with a drainpipe over winter, as water can freeze on the chain and weigh it down.