7 rain chain ideas to collect rainwater in a decorative way
The trend for rain chain ideas is big news this year as part of making your garden more sustainable. It’s one of the most innovative ways to collect precious rainfall water but it adds more than just that. They’re so much prettier than industrial-looking downpipes and water spouts that it’s no wonder everyone wants to add one to their garden.
The best rain chains are generally dainty designs formed by strings of objects that catch the sunlight to add an enchanting sparkle to your garden. Designs like delicate open flowers that cup the water or pretty link chains the water cascades down add a beautiful ornamental detail to your garden.
Rain chains also slow the movement of water too, adding the soothing sound of tinkling for a calming outdoor vibe. Our round-up of ideas includes expert suggestions on choosing from the different styles of rain chains, as well as the various garden locations where they will work best.
1. Add rain chains to a water feature
Rain chains can be added to water feature ideas to harvest rainwater that feeds the design. Underpinning this beautiful idea by designers Naomi Slade and Ed Barsley is the theme of water management and control, within a garden design that is beautiful, enjoyable and a pleasure to be in.
Large galvanised re-purposed water tanks double as cascading ornamental ponds beautifully planted with a range of bog plants. The tanks store and save water for later use, which is becoming increasingly important as summers seem to be getting more dry every year.
Water from the pergola over the deck is collected and channelled into the tanks via rain chains. The guttering downpipes are disconnected, with all run-off going into the tanks as usable water.
The water from rain chains can be directed to flow into a range of different water features in your garden, such as fountains, ponds and bird baths.
2. Use rain chains to water flowerbeds
Using your rain chain ideas to water flowerbeds is one of the most creative low maintenance garden ideas. It puts harvested rainwater to good use while saving yourself the chore of having to physically water the garden on sunbaked days.
“You can allow a rain chain to reach a flowerbed, which will then irrigate the flowerbed every time it rains,” explains drainage expert Jess Thomas. “To do this, dig a small depression into the ground where the chain will meet the soil, and line this area with pebbles to aid drainage and prevent waterlogging. You should also secure the chain to the ground, as this will prevent it from causing damage in high winds.”
It’s an easy step from here to create a rain garden, a landscaping idea to capture and absorb excess rainwater so the water drains away slowly. It’s a great route to go down if you’re looking for ideas on where to put drainage in your garden, as rain gardens drain the water away from hard surfaces naturally, and prevent it from overwhelming drains.
Jess Thomas is the managing director of Drainage Central and an expert in the drainage and plumbing industry. Jess continually provides valuable insights on a wide range of industry topics, and is dedicated to helping homeowners find effective solutions to their drainage problems, including rainwater harvesting.
Shop rain chains for your garden
This cup-shaped metal rain chain by Schrader is perfect for birds to sip from (H254xW7.9xD7.9cm).
Aluminium black powder-coated rain chain by Monarch formed of 20 lotus cups that extends to 8.5 feet.
This brass rain chain in a distinctive modern link design is easy to attach to a gutter with a simple hook at the top of the chain.
3. Use rain chains to encourage wildlife
“If you choose a rain chain design that incorporates a place to perch, birds can use the water collected at points along the chain as drinking water,” says Jess Thomas. “With this in mind it’s a good idea to choose cup-style rain chain ideas as there are more options available, from simple functional designs to more decorative styles.”
Birds love the sound of running water, so if you have a rain chain you’ll find more birds visit your garden as they will be attracted to the noise of the water cascading. They will perch on the rain chain and drink from the cups or take a shower in the gently cascading water. You can also consider adding a rain chain to a bird bath.
Rain chains are also one of the best ways to make your garden more eco-friendly too.
4. Direct water into a super stylish rain barrel
A rain chain can be used to redirect rainwater from a roof or gutter into a barrel or water butt, so the water can then be used on plants in the garden or to water houseplants indoors. There are many benefits from using rainwater for your plants as it doesn’t have the same chemicals as tap water. So it’s a good idea to tap into collecting as much as you can.
One of the easiest ways to do this is to use a rain chain to divert runoff from your roof into a water barrel. If space is tight you can now get smart wall-hung features that take up less space, such as in this design by Sam Proctor of Chiltern Garden Design. This looks more like an art installation than a water butt.
Rainwater collects in the copper guttering, then flows into sleek blue wall-hung fibreglass water butts via stylish rain chains. Copper is a good choice for your rain chain ideas as the metal will gradually develop a patina over time.
As this outdoor space shows, rain chains can be a really effective way to elevate your small garden design ideas.
5. Feed a pond via rain chains
If you’re thinking about adding garden pond ideas to your outdoor space, rain chains are an easy way to introduce sound and movement without going to the trouble and expense of installing a fountain.
The trickling sound of rainwater is immensely soothing. You can easily capitalise on this calming sound effect by hanging a rain chain over a pond as well as helping to keep the water level high naturally.
This idea works well for water bowls and container ponds too, especially for small contemporary gardens if space is tight.
6. Make a bold statement with supersized rain chains
Water plays a big role in this garden design by Catherine MacDonald, which was a big hit at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show. The centrepiece is a zinc pavilion that channels rainwater via supersized rain chains with distinctive circular links into a rill at its base. Well-placed seating turns the space into a real retreat.
Going large with your rain chain ideas adds a sculptural design element that looks good as well as being a stunning way to capture rainwater. The soothing sound of the trickling water combined with a backdrop of lush green ferns and beautiful flowers such as astrantia and peonies helps turn this garden into a serene place to linger. These design elements together create a calming and tranquil sensory garden.
7. Use a rain chain to create a Japanese-inspired garden
Flowing water is a big element in Japanese garden ideas. Fountains, ponds, reflection pools and other water features are added to the mix to help create a quiet, tranquil space, as the sound of moving water is conducive to a more soothing environment that’s ideal for meditation and other calming Zen-type pursuits.
For that reason, rain chain ideas are often a key feature in Japanese-inspired garden designs, especially when used in combination with smooth pebbles, washed stones or simple water bowls.
Since ancient times rain chains have been widely used in Japan, primarily as decorative features that create a mesmerising display during rainfall. These rain chains typically consist of a series of cups, links, or other decorative elements that work together to control the flow of water, and this is very much where the inspo for the rain chain ideas that are currently trending comes from.
Using rain chains to manage and direct the flow of water in your garden can be a really useful way to prevent flooding and waterlogged soil.
If your garden is in an exposed location, opt for link-style rain chains as these are more resistant to wind than cup-style chains, making them a more practical option for your space.