Turning adversity on its tail and making it work to your advantage is what a rain chain is all about. The malleability and natural beauty of copper is used to throw up various combinations of a practically usable yet a beautiful object to match the architecture of a home. Copper rain chains are more known for their aesthetics than for their efficiency to transport water. These appear even more beautiful if you have a garden around the home. However, a rain chain on its own will not add any value, and instead will appear out of place for a simple building with no creative design in its appearance.

A copper rain chain is the extension of the gutter and replaces the mundane pipe that is generally used. The gutters themselves are installed to avoid water seepage and damage to the building structure. These copper rain chains were first introduced in Japan over a century ago and are still in use. These chains are easy to install and are hung below the hole in the water spout of the gutter. The chains may consist of simply, interlocking rings, or small pieces of art, hung at regular intervals, one below the other, which funnel the water into the outlet system present on the ground.

They may resemble blue bellflowers, lotuses, multiple coils of chains or even a line passing through a row of fishes. The beauty is even more apparent when various colours are used. The sparkle and shine due to the flowing water make them a truly attractive showpiece for your home.

The freedom to replace the pipe system has thrown up many options for the customer. The shapes incorporated range from flowers, to bells, copper bowls, and fruits like pineapples and grapes.

Copper rain chains are beautiful to watch when the water rushes down these chains, with queer little jerks and vibrations. These also produce tinkling and chiming sounds, compared to the hollow gurgling sounds of a pipe. These chains are not fixed to the walls and so are free hanging, with no need for clamping. There is no danger of seepage through the walls unlike a broken pipe. Also, there is no need for bends and joints to guide the water towards the ground. These chains can be installed by a single hook at the top. These can be unhooked repaired or painted and reinstalled without much effort. The jingling sounds produced when a breeze flows through them, creates a cheerful and pleasant atmosphere around the home.

The variety of copper rain chains available are enormous. Their prices are quoted for each foot of the chain length. The price increases proportionately to the complexity of the design involved. One can even have a birdbath attached to these chains, so that it appears as a natural structure rather than an artificial accessory. Lead coated copper rain chains, which can be coloured using suitable paints are also available.

One can also design such a rain chain at home. The versatility of copper allows for intricate designs which are also resistant to damage due to the force of water. For precisely this reason, working with aluminium has its own limitations. While it is far cheaper compared to copper, it does not add up in terms of aesthetics. The lasting durability and beauty of aged copper makes it superior to other metals.

Gone are the days when one dreaded the onset of the rains, for its potential to ruin the walls and the woodwork. Now, one waits eagerly for the water to come rushing down the rain chain and play their unique piece of music.