If 2025 was the year of rain barrels, 2026 is fast shaping up to be the year of the rain chain. Once upon a time, it was a centuries-old Japanese garden feature that barely anyone had heard of in the USA. Now, though? Well, it’s cropping up everywhere and all over our social feeds, and for good reason.
On paper, the concept of rain chains is simple enough; instead of sending rainwater down a plain downpipe, they instead guide that liquid gold gently through a series of cups, links, or sculptural chains and into a water butt or rain barrel.
The result? A soothing water feature that lets you harvest every single raindrop without lifting a finger.
It’s an undeniably sustainable gardening option for watering your backyard, especially when droughts are on the rise.
Still, there’s no denying that the true appeal of rain chains lies in their beauty.
A Rain Chain to Suit Any Garden
Available in copper, steel, or decorative designs, rain chains look like living sculptures as they direct water flow away from walls and foundations, helping to reduce splashback and erosion.
Best of all, it doesn’t matter what style of garden you have; there’s something to suit everyone.
For that classic look, you can find rain chains crafted from traditional copper cups, like this Lotus Rain Chain from Amazon. On the other hand, a minimalist link option, like Walmart’s Topadorn Ring Rain Chain, offers a sleek, modern edge.
If you've never been one for tradition, don't worry; there are still plenty of options available to you. There's the oh-so-chic glass rain chains, like Amazon’s Raindrop Garland Glass and River Stone Suncatcher Rain Chain, for example.
And you can even get them kitted out with bells, too, if you want to maximise that sensory element; Etsy's Long Iron Hanging Pine Cone Rain Chain is perfect for this.
Last, but by no means least, there’s those decorative designs that double as conversation starters. One of the big talking points at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show in the UK, for example, was The Songbird Survival Garden’s rain chain featuring the silhouettes of classic songbirds.
Support indie designers, then, and find one that speaks to your personal aesthetic; we have our eye on this unusual Black Origami Rain Chain on Etsy – but there are plenty more to choose from (including this Long Antique Copper Iron Rain Chain with Hummingbirds & Flowers from Etsy).
Think Outside the Rain Barrel
Naturally, rain chains work beautifully when paired with a water barrel or trough for harvesting.
That being said, many gardeners and landscapers have begun to buck the trend by using them to feed a bird bath or a miniature pond instead. It's a great way to up the ante on your wildlife garden, giving birds and pollinators a place to drink and thrive.
The Big Trend for 2026
So much more than just functional gutter alternatives, rain chains are an easy way to bring beauty, sustainability, and sound into your outdoor space. And, as more gardeners look for eco-friendly yet stylish solutions, we have them pegged as the big must-have for 2026.
Who'd have ever thought we'd be counting down the days until the next rainstorm, eh? Happy shopping...
