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Homes & Gardens
Homes & Gardens
Tenielle Jordison

This Colored Glass Rain Chain Will Turn a Boring Downspout into a Jewel-Like Water Feature

A rain chain hanging at the entrance of a Japanese house with rain droplets dripping down.

If you're looking for easy eco-conscious upgrades for your yard then you need a rain chain, i.e a chain that you put in place of a downspout. Not only do they make collecting rainwater simple, they also look beautiful and create a calming sound as rain trickles down softly.

I've never seen a more enchanting rain chain than this Wayfair glass rock rain chain.. Where other types are typically made of a single-color metal, this is beautifully unique. I love the fact it's playfully multi-colored and made of glass – I can already hear the soft chimes of rain pattering down. Plus, it's a much prettier alternative than a downspout leading to a plastic rain barrel, turning rainwater harvesting into more of a garden feature.

'It’s such a lovely outdoor accessory, so beautiful especially when the light catches it,' a reviewer notes. It's currently on sale for $44.99, down from $50.99, so I'm wasting no more time in adding it to my cart. Finally, a way to collect rainwater for my garden without creating an eyesore in the yard.

Why Use a Rain Chain?

(Image credit: graham jepson via Alamy)

There are so many reasons to install a rain chain in the yard, especially if you want to be a more sustainable gardener.

It allows for rainwater harvesting by directing rainwater into a container or rain barrel (like this from Amazon).

At the same time, it helps reduce surface water run-off in the yard and pooling on your roof by directing excess water downwards and into a draining area.

They're also incredibly easy to maintain, built to withstand frosty conditions in winter. But, if your rain chain isn't working properly you may need to check it was installed correctly.

The biggest bonus of installing a rain chain is that besides water management, they look beautiful. As water trickles down, a rain chain is turned into a mesmerizing garden feature, both visually and audibly.

Why Shoppers Love this Wayfair Rock Rain Chain

(Image credit: Wayfair)

When it comes to choosing a rain chain, we are spoilt for choice. But, the Wayfair glass rock rain chain is truly unique and stands out as a more colorful alternative to the standard metal rain chains (like this copper lotus flower rain chain on Amazon).

'It’s so beautiful. You can’t tell from the picture how pretty the stones are but I love it!' one five-star reviewer shares.

Each glass rock on the rain chain is different, including blue, brown, red, yellow, pink, purple hues. There's no doubt they have a whimsical feel, making the perfect addition to a fairy garden.

The fact it measures 70" in length is also helpful, ideal for hanging from first floor gutters and pergolas.

It also has a handy S-shaped hook for easy installation.

'I hung this immediately after receiving it. That night we got a freezing rain and my chain had glistening ice from top to bottom. I sat and had two cups of coffee just looking at it. What a gorgeous art piece,' someone shares.

'I actually love this. It’s heavy and good quality,' another shopper writes.

The chain holding the rocks is made of sturdy metal and is effective at diverting water downwards.

'They should last a long time,' another shopper adds.

Perhaps the only downside is the fact it doesn't come with a basin or barrel to harvest rainwater. However, this is easily resolved by adding your own, for example with this rain chain basin from Wayfair.

For less than $50, this unique rain chain seems more than worth it. It serves as a decorative conversation-starter while also effectively redirecting rainwater downwards, either to improve drainage in your yard or to collect for eco-friendly watering in the garden.

What to Shop

Rain chain anchors can help make your rain chain even sturdier and will help you collect lots of rainwater – so long as you place your rain chain in an optimal location of your yard.

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