Incorporating ornamental items as part of gardening is an important part of decorating your home and garden.
Rain chains, decorative alternatives to traditional metal or plastic downspouts, are a fantastic example of what this philosophy looks like in practice. They come in a wide variety of styles as well.
Some garden supply shops offer rain chains for purchase, but they are also easy to make and customize at home. Many different objects, from recycled household items to natural objects like stones can be incorporated into a rain chain.
Here are 17 DIY ideas to inspire you and give you ideas for your own rain chain!
1. Ombre Rain Chain
These pots are connected along the chain by running the chain through the drainage hole at the base of the pot. The possibilities are endless when it comes to the decorative designs of these pots.
2. Stone Rain Chain
You can make this lovely rain chain with polished stones wrapped into the links of a chain using thin wire. The links themselves are also connected with wire spirals.
3. Copper Tubing Rain Chain
Here we see a rain chain making clever use of recycled lengths of copper tubing. The tubing helps direct even heavy rainfall safely away from the house.
4. Recycled Spoon
This is a very unique idea where the spoon handles are used to create the chain itself, while the bowls are attached along it at angles to direct water.
5. Fork and Spoon
This is a great project to put together with old silverware of your own, or with a handful found at a thrift shop.
6. Mini Flower Pots
This awesome idea features a basin at the bottom, a useful addition which helps anchor the chain and collects rainwater too!
7. Ring Rain Chain
If you are going for a sophisticated, timeless look, this style of rain chain is for you.
8. Pine Cones
If you decide to do this project or a similar one, it may be a good idea to apply a weather-resistant coating to the pinecones.
9. Stacked Mini Planter Pots
This awesome rain chain features stacked miniature planters. The attached hooks for hanging make it easy to assemble.
10. Stacked Planters
This rain chain is a good option for areas with heavy rainfall, as it is capable of redirecting a large amount of water.
11. Stacked Metal Buckets
The small metal buckets direct water into a tall, weathered metal rain barrel, all of which are made from repurposed materials.
12. Candle Holder
Another interesting way to use recycled objects in rain chains!
13. Funnel and Basin Rain Chain
This rain chain is a statement piece that complements any yard.
14. Lantern
This lovely rain barrel is an attractive way to ensure proper drainage.
15. Rain Chain with Copper Planters
This rain chain is the ultimate combination of form and function where live plants grow in copper containers!
16. Stacked Copper Buckets
The large decorative pot at the foot of this rain chain serves as an intriguing visual contrast to the sleek copper buckets that make up the chain.
17. Ceramic
This rain chain can serve as great conversation piece as well as a practical tool.