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These wind chimes are music to our ears.
By
Kate McGregor
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Kate McGregor
Kate McGregor is a freelance design writer based in Brooklyn, New York. Covering everything from curated decor round-ups and shopping guides to glimpses into the home lives of inspiring creatives, she has written for both print and digital publications such as ELLE Decor, Domino, House Beautiful, and Architectural Digest’s Clever.
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and
Nicole Pyles
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Nicole Pyles
Nicole Pyles has been writing for Better Homes and Gardens since August 2023. She specializes in gift ideas, home decor, and home and kitchen essentials. Her writing has been featured in Mental Floss, Woman's World, Ripley's Believe it or Not, and Best Colleges.
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Updated on March 12, 2024
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When outfitting your outdoor space for warmer weather, you often think about patio furniture, flowers, and even yard games—but do you ever think about sound? The best wind chimes not only offer a soothing melody, they also are a simple way to add to your backyard’s decor and ambiance. “Taking the impact of sound into account when designing or landscaping outdoor spaces can help create a more enjoyable and harmonious environment for people to socialize and connect with nature,” says Katie Dubow, president of Garden Media Group. “The sound of wind chimes can create a calming and soothing effect, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.” However, wind chimes can also create a relaxing indoor ambiance, especially if the gentle tinkling of the chime is helped along by a fan. This can help you unwind after a long day by meditating on their gentle noise. It's also an alternative way of enjoying this decor item if you live in close proximity to your neighbors and worry outdoor chimes may be too noisy. What We Researched Why You Should Get It This wind chime is made with rust resistant metals and UV treated nylon cords. Keep in Mind It may look smaller than pictured. Handcrafted in the United States, the Corinthian Bells 27-inch Wind Chime stands out for its lovely tone and durable materials. Tuned to the pentatonic C scale, this wind chime offers a timeless sound incorporating all of the major chords. Before assembly, each pipe is tested for clarity and pitch to ensure a consistent sound. The rust-resistant chime also features UV treated nylon chords for added weather-resistance and durability. Eight colors range from timeless neutrals like black, copper vein, and silver vein to subtle color pops like midnight blue, plum, or ruby splash. The clean look of this wind chime is designed to suit any decor style, but keep in mind that it may look smaller than pictured online. Product Details: Material: Aluminum | Dimensions: 3.74 x 2.24 x 27 inches | Weight: 1.85 pounds Why You Should Get It Perfect for renters, the chime attaches to the door with double-sided tape. Keep in Mind There is no alternative way to hang it. For those with limited outdoor space, we recommended the Sanosy Magnetic Wood Doorbell Windchime. The small yet mighty piece is crafted from sustainably sourced wood, and the bell is made from brass. Ideal for renters, the wind chime is hardware free and features double-sided tape for easy installation that won’t damage walls or exterior siding. We think this would make a great housewarming gift. Powered by wind or movement, the bell can signal when guests or housemates have arrived. We especially love the two wood options, mahogany or walnut. Product Details: Material: Mahogany and brass | Dimensions: 3.7 x 2.5 x 5 inches | Weight: 7.3 ounces Why You Should Get It The hollow design allows precipitation to pass right through. Keep in Mind The chime is on the quieter side. The Chime Ignis Lekato Wind Chime is great for minimalists. The sleek bamboo frame has eight metal pipes on the interior tuned to the G chord which is known for its calming, meditative, and emotional healing effects. In fact, the chime is so peaceful that it may actually be a bit too quiet depending on how much ambient noise you have outside. The hanging pendulum can be switched out for one of four included accents to coordinate with your existing decor or change up the look. Because this chime is hollow, rain and snow will pass right through and won’t warp the wooden frame. A sturdy metal loop and nylon cord makes for easy hanging. Product Details: Material: Bamboo | Dimensions: 3 x 7 inches | Weight: 10 ounces Why You Should Get It This wind chime produces a full, clear sound. Keep in Mind It takes a pretty strong wind to get going. Similar to the smaller version we listed above, the Corinthian Bells 50-inch Wind Chime is known for its rich tone. However, this model is tuned to the pentatonic scale of A—the most commonly used musical scale—for a slightly different sound. Crafted from aluminum with UV-treated nylon cords, this chime is rust-resistant and the cords will not fade or snap unexpectedly. It takes a fairly strong wind to get going, but once it does you’ll want to listen to it all day. This chime is on the expensive side, but you’re paying for quality. As we can attest, one of our editors owns the 36-inch style, and the durability is truly impressive. Gusty winds and hail storms had no impact on the sound quality or appearance of the chimes despite their location hanging in a tall tree. Our editor noted that the delicate tinkling makes for a very pleasant wake-up call and adds a calming ambiance when hanging out in the backyard on a gently breezy day. Product Details: Material: Aluminum | Dimensions: 50 x 12 x 4 inches | Weight: 11 pounds Why You Should Get It This chime is made from ash wood, which is highly weather-resistant. Keep in Mind The aluminum tubes have not been coated with a protectant, making them more susceptible to the elements. Crafted by professional musicians, the Chimes of Ireland Woodstock Seascapes Wind Chime offers a highly impressive, unique sound. This wind chime is designed to play notes from the Irish folk song “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.” Ash wood is highly durable against inclement weather, and the aluminum tubes, colored a light emerald green as a tribute to Ireland, will not warp or rust. That said, they haven’t been treated with a protectant. This chime also comes with a removable wind catcher screen. Product Details: Material: Ash wood and aluminum | Dimensions: 5.25 x 25 inches | Weight: 1.1 pounds Why You Should Get It This chime would make a great gift thanks to its thoughtful details and recognizable sound. Keep in Mind Colors may fade over time with exposure to sunlight. For people who prefer deeper tones, we recommend the UpBlend Outdoors Premium Wind Chime. Crafted from rust-proof aluminum, this wind chime plays “Amazing Grace.” An extra-large wind catcher is included for when you want a louder or more intense sound. Choose from eight finishes—white, red, silver, gold, blue, black, black remembrance, and black memorial—to coordinate with your outdoor space. The remembrance and memorial options feature pendulums with quotes engraved on them. We think it would make a nice bereavement gift. Product Details: Material: Aluminum | Dimensions: 29 x 2.75 x 5.75 inches | Weight: 1.3 pounds Why You Should Get It Glass is rust-proof and reflects the light for a prismatic effect. Keep in Mind High winds can cause the glass to crack since it’s more fragile than metal or wood. For those who want a statement piece, we recommend the Bellaa Wind Chimes Capiz Rainbow Sea Glass Wind Chime. This model relies on the natural sound the sea glass pieces make when they collide. It’s important to note this chime is not suited for areas with extremely high winds as the glass might break, and the strands are prone to tangling. While glass is more fragile than metal, it will not rust, and it also reflects light for a pretty look. This could also be a nice choice to keep indoors. Product Details: Material: Sea glass | Dimensions: 6 x 27 inches | Weight: 0.8 pounds Why You Should Get It The cascading design produces a complex sound that avoids the sharper notes found on other chimes. Keep in Mind The many individual chimes can easily get tangled. The Epartswide Wind Chime offers a crisp, relaxing sound. Because the tubes are thicker and of varied lengths, the sound is not only richer than you might find with less complex designs, but deeper as well. This model is a great choice for those who want to avoid the sharp sound produced by other metal wind chimes. The distinctive spiral design makes this wind chime a chic piece of decor as well. The aluminum is rust-proof, and the wooden top plate is weather resistant and so as not to warp under heavy rain. This wind chime also comes with three different S-hooks for hassle-free installation. Just note that it is easily tangled due to the many individual strands. Product Details: Material: Aluminum and wood | Dimensions: 0.4 x 36 inches | Weight: 10.6 ounces Why You Should Get It The materials are biodegradable for less environmental impact. Keep in Mind There is less sound variation compared to other styles of chimes. Crafted for longevity, the Nalulu Classic Bamboo Wind Chime features a stainless steel hook and double coating of protective varnish to ensure you can enjoy these soothing sounds for years to come. The varying lengths of the tube’s tongues differentiates the notes, offering the deep sound associated with bamboo chimes. Each of these wind chimes is handcrafted in Indonesia from sustainable, biodegradable materials and strung together to deliver a rich, clear sound, though it’s a bit one-note compared to chimes with varying lengths. There is a removable pendulum that hangs from the bottom. Product Details: Material: Bamboo | Dimensions: 5.9 x 5.5 x 18 inches | Weight: 1.72 pounds Why You Should Get It The portable wind chime doesn’t require installation. Keep in Mind It should only be used indoors as the wood will warp on contact with water. A chic alternative to hanging wind chimes, the Hatsukaze Suruga Bamboo Basketry Wind Bell is one of the best wind chimes because of its portability and zero-fuss installation. For those little to no outdoor space, this tabletop wind chime uses passing breezes, ceiling fans, and air conditioners to trigger its sound. The bamboo frame is light and easy to move, while the interior ironware is sturdy and delivers a soothing sound. Handcrafted from natural materials, this wind chime is ideal for those who prefer a softer, subtler sound, as it won’t be very loud. The chime is meant for the indoors only as it will warp or break apart on contact with water. The checkered pendulum can be easily removed or replaced with something different to suit your style. Product Details: Material: Bamboo and iron | Dimensions: 4.7 x 9.8 inches | Weight: 1 pound Why You Should Get It Aged bronze and brass are durable materials that can withstand damp, high-wind weather conditions. Keep in Mind Chain extensions and additional hooks must be purchased separately. The Cosanti Originals Patina Wind Chime is made from aged bronze and brass to offer a vintage feel. Petite in size, this chime is great for those without a ton of space or those who’d prefer a more discrete wind chime. Because of the natural aging of the material, each chime is one-of-a-kind and subject to color variation. Chain lengtheners and extra hooks can be purchased to help the chime best fit your space. The manufacturer describes the sound as “bright, high pitched, and reedy.” Product Details: Material: Bronze and brass | Dimensions: 2 X 9.5 inches | Weight: 0.75 pounds Why You Should Get It The shell top is domed to more easily direct wind into the chime. Keep in Mind The many different strands may become tangled in transit. The Elian Contemporary Coconut Shell and Oyster Wind Chime is made from pieces of Capiz oyster shells and dried coconut shells that are strung together. Ideal for those looking to bring a coastal sensibility home, the materials evoke thoughts of relaxing seaside while also adding texture to your space. Choose from orange, blue, purple, or white shells. This wind chime delicately swings and emits a light and soft tone; it’s not tuned to any particular scale or note. The top canopy is dome-shaped, which helps to direct the breeze into the shells. This piece is easily tangled, however, and may need to be untangled straight from the package. Product Details: Material: Coconut and Capiz shells | Dimensions: 5 x 27 inches | Weight: 0.39 pounds Why You Should Get It This solar-powered wind chime will gently light up at night. Keep in Mind The moon at the top of the chime may not complement all outdoor decor styles. The Place & Time Spring Bronze Solar Wind Chime is a blend of an outdoor night light and wind chime. At the top of the solar-powered wind chime, there is a moon-shaped accent with a small glass sphere that lights up at night. It's a wonderful way of brightening up a dark porch without an overwhelming amount of light. The chimes have a bronze color but are actually made of iron, increasing its durability and minimizing the cost. You'll appreciate their gentle tinkling sound, which won't create too much noise while you are enjoying your outdoor space. However, the actual design may not fit in with all aesthetics. Product Details: Material: Iron, glass, and plastic | Dimensions: 5.8-inch diameter, 29.5-inch height | Weight: Not listed For a wind chime with clear sound and precise pitch, we recommend the Corinthian Bells 27-inch Windchime. Tuned to the pentatonic scale of C, this wind chime offers a rich and deep tone with every breeze. However, for those looking for a different sound, we like the Chime Ignis Lekato Wind Chime which is tuned to the G chord. This offers a deeper sound which aids meditation and overall emotional wellness. One factor to consider when choosing a wind chime is durability. If you live in an area that gets plenty of rain and wind, metal or wood will better weather the elements outside. Especially with wood, look for options that have been treated with protectant to prevent warping and mildew. If you live in a temperate climate or plan to put your chime indoors, glass tends to offer more opportunities for elaborate designs and fun colors. Different materials also produce different tones (more on that below). If your wind chime is going indoors, measure the wall space and take into account nearby photos or objects that might be disrupted or damaged by its movement. Outdoors, it depends on how noticeable you want the chime to be. Most measurements listed account for the total length; chain lengtheners or shorteners can be purchased to customize how it will hang. Size factors into the sound quality as well. The longer the tubes or pipes, the deeper overall sound. It’s safe to assume that the smaller the wind chimes, the higher and lighter the notes. For Dubow, begin by figuring out what sound you want. “There are many kinds of wind chimes varying in sizes and materials, and finding the best variety depends on the ambiance of your space,” she says. “Some widely-used wind chime materials include bamboo, metal, glass, and wood. Each material produces a unique sound. Bamboo makes a gentle, soothing sound, and metal is sharper.” Look for a wind chime with a variety of tube or pipe lengths for an especially rich, harmonious sound. According to Dubow, the length of the tubes or pipes on a wind chime determines the vibration frequency. “Longer wind chimes produce deeper tones, while shorter chimes produce higher tones,” she explains. “The best type of wind chime [...] makes a sound that enhances the overall ambiance of the outdoor space and resonates with the existing décor or theme of the area.” The thicker the tubes, the richer the sound. Look at what scale or chord the pipes have been tuned to, if any. The most common pentatonic (musical) scale is A, but C and G are also popular for their deeper and richer notes. Aluminum is the best (and most common) choice for outdoor wind chimes Not only is it rust- and peel-resistant, but it’s also able to withstand high winds and precipitation without accruing damage over time. For moderate climates, Dubow recommends a glass wind chime. “They’re lightweight and create a soothing and soft sound,” she explains. Indoors it all comes down to personal preference for design and notes since you don’t have to worry about the weather. The most common are tubular, bell, and decorative chimes. “A bell chime features small metal bells that produce a bright jingling sound, providing a playful atmosphere for your outdoor space, while tubular chimes come in many sizes, materials and create a deep, clear sound by using metal or wooden tubes,” says Dubow. Decorative chimes tend to have more elaborate designs and are best kept indoors, while tubular and bell wind chimes are suitable for outdoor use. This article was written by Kate McGregor, a freelance design and home goods writer, and Nicole Pyles, who has been a freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens since 2023. To determine the best wind chimes currently on the market, McGregor looked at materials, tone, type of wind chime, and price point. For expert advice, she spoke to Katie Dubow, QVC guest for Cottage Farms and president of Garden Media Group. Get a Good Night’s Sleep with These White Noise Machines:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Wind-Chimes-of-2023-tout-efb5aa09093c4d5a8036c4f7e311206e.jpg "Bring Soothing Tones to Your Yard's Soundscape with One of Our Favorite Wind Chimes (3)")
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The Bottom Line
What to Know About Wind Chimes Before Shopping
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Your Questions, Answered
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