Garden/Outdoors

Using Rain Chains Instead of Gutters

Have you always been accustomed to using gutters and downspouts to deliver rainwater down the roof of your home? Downspouts are efficient in bringing water down from the gutters, but have you ever thought of using rain chains instead?

Rain chains have been used in Japan for hundreds of years. Commonly known in Japan as “kusari-toi” or “kusari-doi,” rain chains are beautiful alternatives to gutters and/or downspouts at home.

Rain chains are decorative yet functional chains made out of metal or copper cups and other chain designs. It is used to collect and transport water from the house’s roof to a drain or storage container for household use. On windy days, the chains’ ends are finished with pebbles or other kinds of weight to keep them from tussling in the wind.

Today, rain chains in Japan are commonly used in temples and gardens.


What is a Rain Chain or “kusari doi”

Rain chains, called “kusari doi” in Japanese, provides a beautiful and functional watercourse. Rain chains originated in Japan hundreds of years ago.

They are constructed with linked funnels that allow the water to flow properly through them.

There are many things to consider when choosing which rain chain is best for your home.

There are copper ones are the most popular and most durable chains available. Depending on your climate, copper rain chains will also age to a beautiful verdigris patina over time.

It would be best to determine where they will be located and how long it needs to be. Remember that their purpose is to direct water from your roof to the ground, so it’s best to have a length that comes as close to the ground as possible. The easiest way to complete it is with a basin with a hook to keep the chain from swinging around in the wind.

Consider the style you like best. The actual chain-link gutter chains help direct water straight down to the ground and tend to create more of a splash but are less costly than the more decorative cup-style gutter chains. A cup-style gutter does a better job of directing the rain downward, has a more dramatic sound as the water flows, but is more expensive and weighty than the chain-link style.

Decide if you want to include a basin beneath the gutter basins to collect the rainwater and keep the rain from pooling directly underneath it.

Rain Chains Over Downspouts

Of course, we all know how functional downspouts are for our homes. They collect water quickly and efficiently and are just usually an unnoticeable part of the home.

With, however, it is different because it does not only focus on functionality but also appeal. It is a complete marriage of functionality and design, as the chains are not just ordinary chains. There are plenty of designs and styles to choose from. You can choose to have the typical copper cups or other intricate chain designs, such as leaves and teardrop links, among others.

What really captures the essence and beauty is its aesthetic appeal. When the weather is nice and sunny, you can appreciate the beauty and intricate work of these chains. And when it’s, you appreciate how elegant it looks as waters from the roof gracefully cascade into each cup and chain as if you’re looking at a water show just outside your window sill.

If you want to collect the water, you can also easily place a basin below the. Breathtaking, easy, and functional – are surely wonderful additions to any home.

Rain Chains Online

Have you thought of buying for your home or business but don’t know where to buy them? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Japanese Style is an online store that offers a wide range of designs that you can choose from.

To add on, we have plenty of elegant cup designs that vary from flower designs to bells, bamboo, and more! We even have simple designs like diamonds, double rings, and others for those who prefer a simple yet sophisticated touch to their home décor. We offer online and a variety of Japanese items, from Japanese dinnerware to decorative garden statues.

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