When choosing how to decorate your patio, deck or porch for outdoor living in style this summer, don’t forget to add the element of sound in the way of wind chimes. Think all sound alike? Think again. How to choose just the right sound and design that will add a relaxing effect on the energy and mood of your outdoor living space.
Now that it’s May and the weather in most areas around the country is warming up, I have joined a small group of bloggers for today’s post. We are sharing our best tips for creating a relaxing outdoor space on your porch patio or deck.
This year more than ever, making the most of every space including our outdoor spaces, large or small, to the best of our means, has taken on a new significance.
When I was thinking about a tip to share, I knew it had to be about one of my favorite parts of the lake side deck… my wind chimes.
Many of you have even commented about them after I shared a video tour of my house two months ago and they could be heard. I love the sound of wind chimes so much that I even have them as my phone ring tone. 🙂
Wind chimes are popular decorations on decks and porches and even gardens. They also play an important role that many of us overlook when creating a relaxing outdoor space. They add a positive effect to the energy and mood of a living space.
My wind chime love started the first spring after we moved into the house. I was sitting on the deck and in the distance heard the sound of many wind chimes. They sounded so nice. One particular sound was calling out to me.
Before this, I always felt wind chimes to be noisy and not relaxing.
So I headed to my neighbor’s house to see what wind chime she had that was making the sound that was calling me to it.
It was a thin silver metal tube wind chime with a colorful stone clapper and silver circle sail/wind catcher. I bought one for myself. It is in the above photo with the ceramic bell over it. (The ceramic bell didn’t come with the chime, but was from a bell that used to have a gong, but it broke. Instead of throwing the bell out, I hung the chime from it.)
The following spring, I walked into my local hardware store and heard a display wind chime blowing in the gentle breeze outside the store that again was calling me to it.
It had a completely different sound – deeper and more resonant than the previous chime I bought. I found it so peaceful and serene. It is the copper tube chime with the turquoise butterfly sail/wind catcher made by the same company as my first chime. Woodstock My Butterfly Chime.
The black lighthouse is not really a chime, but sounds like a harbor buoy. Another outdoor sound I love.
Do All Wind Chimes Make the Same Sound?
Think all wind chimes sound alike? They do not. The sound can be totally different from the ting of metal to the hollow sound of bamboo to highly musically scaled tuned tubes – like the wind is playing an instrument.
- The easiest way to find the perfect sounding wind chime is to head to a garden supply or outdoor decor store and listen to the ones on display.
- If you don’t have this option, then you can check out this Sound Room online to listen to audio samples of a wide variety of different types of wind chimes.
What to Look for When Buying a Wind Chime
When buying a wind chime, here are a few things to take into consideration: Number of tubes, length of the tubes, the type of clapper and weight of the sail/wind catcher that hangs from the bottom.
- The number of tubes that a wind chime has determines the number of notes that it can make. Wind chimes with many tubes have the ability to combine more sounds and create different harmonies. Wind chimes with fewer tubes have a smaller range of well-tuned sound.
- The tube finish on wind chimes only affects the decorative style, which for many of us is as important as the sound.
- Overall wind chime length determines the tone and depth of the sound. Longer wind chimes produce lower, fuller tones, while shorter wind chimes produce higher pitched tones.
- The wind chime’s clapper is the piece that comes into contact with the tubes. The point of contact is carefully calculated to provide the best possible sound.
- The size of the wind chime sail/wind catcher that hangs below the tubes determines how much wind is needed to cause the wind chime to sound. Most wind chimes are designed to begin chiming in six to ten mph breezes. The less the sail/wind catcher weighs, the more sound is produced.
Metal, Bamboo or Glass Wood Chimes?
Popular material choices for wind chimes are metal, bamboo, ceramic and glass. I like metal chimes, but you may like the sound of a different material.
Metal wind chimes are the most popular because of their durability and high tuning accuracy. Only metal wind chimes can be tuned to specific tones and notes.
- Metal wind chimes come in a variety of melodies, and can even be tuned to well-known songs and themes. Metal wind chimes are also waterproof and rust resistant. You don’t have to worry about them chipping or losing their beauty, so they’ll last a long time.
Bamboo wind chimes are not as durable as metal wind chimes. The tones of bamboo wind chimes are hollow, deep and resonant. Although they cannot be tuned, these wind chimes can emulate relaxing sounds like rain or exotic drums.
- Choose bamboo wind chimes for a natural and environmentally friendly way to relieve stress, with tones that will soothe the soul.
- Since bamboo is a natural material and lightweight, some splitting can occur that may alter the sound quality over time.
Ceramic, Glass, and Seashell wind chimes are typically chosen for their decorative style and color rather than for their sound which can produce a gentle tinkling to noisy clanging.
Where to Hang Wind Chimes
I found that the placement of wind chimes matters. Most well-made wind chimes, are tuned to begin “chiming” at 6 to 10 mph wind speed. If you place them in a spot that gets too windy, the sound of the wind chimes may not be appealing.
- Hang your chime where the wind can reach it from as many directions as possible. An open corner is ideal when hanging the chime from a building. Experiment with hanging your chime at different heights.
- I chose to hang my wind chimes as a group in the open corner by my kitchen door to create more visual impact, just as I do inside my house with decorative accessories. I also placed them here so I can hear them inside the house when the doors and windows are open.
- Avoid hanging your chime within two feet of a wall or too close to plants, furniture and anything that might obstruct or divert the breeze. If you have a screened-in porch, you may find that even the screens will impede the breeze enough to prevent your chime from ringing.
- Try hanging your chime in different locations during different times of the year. The prevailing winds change seasonally. If you own a collection of wind chimes, you can create an environment of sound all your own.
Experiment with the chimes you have. My chimes hang on the lake side of the house. There they have the added benefit of alerting us to changes in wind direction, and incoming weather!
The Type of Wind Chime I Want to Add to My Collection
I like my three chimes, but if one breaks, my next wind chime purchase will be one of the Corinthian Bells® that are tuned to a musical scale. I like the sound of this copper one.
How to Hang Wind Chimes
When hanging your wind chime, hang it directly from the “O” ring or loop at the top of the chime. Don’t extend the top string of the chime by adding chain or string. This may cause the entire chime to swing, when only the center string and clapper should move. (I didn’t follow this advice for the lighthouse chime and it does swing, but I like the visual look of its length.)
To hang my collection of chimes:
- I drilled a small hole in the underside of the roof and then screwed in heavy duty hooks. I placed the “O” ring over the hook. To make sure they were secure, I twisted wire around the hook and ring.
Other hanging options:
- If you would like to hang a wind chime in a garden to keep the birds away, hang it from a Shepherd’s Hook.
How to Extend the Life of Your Wind Chimes
- To enjoy your wind chimes for years, hang them in an area that is not exposed to long term direct sunlight.
- Occasionally wipe off your chimes with a damp cloth to remove any build-up or mold.
- Bring your chimes in during extreme weather. Store in an unheated area like a garage or shed.
Wind Chimes Make Nice Gifts
If you are looking for a special gift, Wind Chimes make a great Mother’s Day, hostess or housewarming gift. There are many decorative styles and price ranges from which to choose.
Do you have a wind chime hanging outside your home? If so what type is it?
More Outdoor Patio, Porch and Deck Decorating Tips
To continue to read more tips and ideas to make the most of your outdoor living space, be sure to visit:
Use Pillows & Throws
from Ann at On Sutton Place
One of my favorite things to do to cozy up our porch & patio is to add soft furnishings…specifically pillows and throw blankets. Our front porch is covered, so I use pillows year round. For our patio, which is not covered, I keep pillows in our family room, and bring them out when needed. Use colors that coordinate with your home, or use the colors of the season. Adding a throw blanket to chairs and sofas during the cooler months of the year makes your outdoor space comfortable and inviting, and adds some extra color too. I’ve been asked many times what I do if my porch pillows get wet…and the answer is that I don’t do anything! I simply wait for them to dry out…which they eventually do. To get more information about the porch decor pictured above, click {HERE.}
Use One Element to Tie Everything Together
from Lory at Designthusiasm
The single most effective way to turn your patio into a cozy outdoor room is by adding a unifying element that ties everything together. The best way I know to do that is with an outdoor rug. Start with a conversation area comprised of neutral furniture. Use as much seating as comfortably fits in your space, with sofas and chairs facing each other, possibly arranged around a coffee table. Accent your pieces with decorative pillows and other pretty decor. Then add a rug to pull everything together. An outdoor rug helps define the borders of your space, adding a sense of intimacy and warmth. You can use colors that mirror the tones in your pillows and decor or stay neutral to allow the opportunity to easily update your palette each year. If you approach the space as you would an indoor room, you can be sure a rug underfoot will deliver a cozy summer patio. You can read about the evolution of our patio as we refined our space or join me at Designthusiasm for more decorating tips and ideas for living your life with casual elegance.
Add a Wreath
from Yvonne at StoneGable
Nothing adds summer punch and pizzazz to your porch and front door like a big wreath filled with summer blooms! Talk about WOW factor, my friend! Making a front door wreath is not hard to do with a few easy tips! My very best wreath making tip is to double the base wreaths! Easy, right? Doubling the base wreaths will give your creation a designer look! Doing this one thing will make a huge difference in the way a wreath looks! If using a grapevine wreath like the SUMMER FRONT DOOR WREATH, put two wreaths together with wire or zip ties. What a difference! Even if you are not using a grapevine wreath, add one as the bottom layer! The idea is to give a wreath more visual weight and bring the wreath away from the door a little. In the SUMMER FRONT DOOR WREATH DIY, I am sharing a formula or recipe so you can make a fabulous wreath every time!!!
Bring the Inside Out
from Rhoda at Southern Hospitality
Outdoor spaces are my favorite, and I’ve found that it’s easy with just a few tips to make an outdoor space comfortable, cozy with the feel of a real room and extension of your indoor spaces. Adding cozy outdoor rugs, cushions and pillows to a space is a definite must for an outdoor space. Plants also add life and texture, as well as artwork, side tables to place a drink, hanging lanterns for cozy ambient lighting. If you add all those elements to your outdoor rooms, they will instantly feel like home.
Add Some Shade
from Janet at Shabbyfufu
Summer is a long season here in the south! We often use our outdoor areas as an extension of the home, and strive to ensure that they are comfortable. Not only do we want to keep ourselves and our guests cool, but it’s essential to shield everyone from the sun and provide protection from the rain. One of the most budget friendly ways to add shade is with a patio umbrella. There are so many color and size options available and currently many are on pre-season sale. If you have a yard or small garden space, consider a pop up cabana or canopy. Another great option is a pergola to create the feel of an outdoor room and fill with seating to enjoy. For more ideas on freshening up your patio for the warm months, click HERE.
Outdoor Lighting
from Sheila at Maison de Cinq
One of the things I love about French farmhouse style is how it really captures that romantic feeling – even when those spaces are outdoors! Last year we revamped our outdoor living space, but since we don’t have electricity out there, and I didn’t want to spend money to add it, I decided to go the European route and add romantic outdoor chandeliers. After all, what’s more romantic than eating by candlelight? It’s amazing how different it looks now, and how much cozier it feels! Come on over to Maison de Cinq to see how much ambiance they add, as well as lots more French farmhouse inspiration!
Achieve a Collected Look
from Cindy at Rough Luxe Lifestyle
Achieving a collected look on your porch or patio is easy if you mix and match styles, finishes, and textures for interest. Add character and charm by combining the old and the new. Mix in your found treasures for personality and fun. Please come over to Rough Luxe Lifestyle to get the rest of my tips, and to see our porch!
