Gutter downspouts are a necessary functional feature for every home, carrying rainwater away from the roof and foundation. But with a little creativity, they can also become an attractive design element that enhances your home’s curb appeal. Here are 7 downspout alternatives that add beauty while still effectively controlling water drainage.
Rain Chains
Rain chains, also called rain chains or water chains, are both decorative and functional alternatives to traditional downspouts. These chains are attached from the gutter down the side of the house, providing a waterfall effect when it rains. The flowing water is a beautiful feature while also effectively directing the rainwater away from the home’s foundation.
Rain chains come in a variety of designs, from simple links to ornate Asian-inspired shapes. Copper is a popular material for its natural patina development over time. But rain chains also come in aluminum, steel, and plastic. Consider a matching metal to other trim details on your home. Or opt for a contrasting style to make the rain chain a prominent focal point.
Sculptured Downspouts
Custom fabricated downspouts transform a utilitarian feature into a work of art. Copper is commonly used to shape downspouts into curves, spirals, and other shapes. But other sheet metals like steel, zinc, and aluminum can also be used.
Opt for abstract shapes or decorative features like leaves, vines, or animals. Match other home accents or go for something completely unique to your personality and style. Place these sculpted spouts in easily visible areas to enhance curb appeal.
Molded Downspouts
Seamless molded plastic downspouts are an affordable and low maintenance option to create a decorative look. Available in different colors and shapes, these molded spouts conceal the gutters for a streamlined appearance.
Choose a neutral color to blend with your exterior palette or make a bold statement with a contrasting bright hue. Smooth curves, corners, and straighter lines are possible. Place the downspouts in subtle areas or prominent corners to highlight their form.
Downspout Planters
An attached planter is a clever way to turn standard downspouts into an attractive focal point. Choose an elongated planter that fits snugly around the downspout. For ample planting space, extend the planter below the gutter and down the side of the home.
Fill the planter with cascading flowers, trailing vines, or even bushy herbs. The greenery will draw the eye while softening the home’s architecture. Go for a variety of colors and textures for maximum visual appeal. Just be sure the plants won’t block proper drainage when they mature.
Rain Barrels
Rain barrels are one of the most environmentally friendly downspout alternatives. Attached to downspouts, these recycled containers collect rainwater runoff that would otherwise go to waste. The stored water can then be used to water lawns, gardens, and outdoor plants.
Choose plastic or wooden barrels in earthy muted tones that complement your color scheme. Or select brightly colored barrels to double as cheery decorative accents. Paint, stencil, or decouage found objects onto plain barrels for extra personalized flair.
With proper mosquito-proof screening and redirected overflow, rain barrels prevent standing water issues. Their sustainable water conservation is both beautiful for the planet and your yard.
Downspout Disguises
Disguising downspouts is an ingenious way to camouflage their presence for a cleaner look. One idea is a trompe l’oeil mural painted to match the home’s siding and extend over the gutter and downspout area. The eye is drawn to the artwork rather than the drainage fixture.
Use surrounding architectural features to tuck pipes behind. Position downspouts to empty behind landscaping elements like trellises or garden bed edging. Or attach a drainpipe extension to carry water far away from the home’s foundation before exiting.
Matching downspout colors to the siding also diminishes their appearance. Keep them subtle, while still functional, with colors like white, tan, brown or grey.
Indirect Downspout Drainage
Downspouts don’t necessarily have to empty straight down, directly beside the home’s foundation. There are several options to relocate drainage further from the house.
Use elbow joints to angle downspouts away from the structure before reaching the ground. Attach downspout extensions to carry the water well away from the home before releasing. Or tie gutters into underground pipes that empty into drain fields.
Consult local building codes for proper water diversion requirements. Then get creative with inconspicuous downspout positioning and redirection methods for an exterior that doesn’t sacrifice style for function.
Conclusion
While necessary for every home, downspouts don’t have to be an eyesore. With a little creativity, you can transform standard downspouts into beautiful design statements. Choose from rain chains, sculpted spouts, disguised pipes, planters, rain barrels, and more based on your personal taste and home style. Improving curb appeal, these attractive downspout alternatives prove drainage solutions can both beautify and protect your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some inexpensive downspout decorating ideas?
Some budget-friendly ways to decorate downspouts include painting them to match your home, disguising them with murals or plants, adding elbow joints or extensions, or attaching simple rain chains.
How do you turn a downspout into a garden?
Attach a decorative planter that fits snugly around the downspout. Extend the planter below the gutter and down the side of the home for ample planting space. Choose plants like cascading flowers, trailing vines, or bushy herbs that won’t block drainage.
What can I use instead of gutters?
Some gutter alternatives include low-profile parapet gutters, channel or trench drains, driveway edge drains, and French drains or dry wells that redirect water through underground pipes.
Should downspouts drain above or below ground?
It depends on your property, but most building codes require downspouts to drain a minimum of 5 feet away from the home’s foundation, either above or below ground. Choose whichever method best diverts water away from your home’s perimeter.
How far should downspouts extend from house?
Downspouts should extend at least 4 to 6 feet from the home’s foundation. Use elbow joints and drainpipe extensions if needed to adequately divert rainwater runoff away from the structure.
How do you hide a downspout?
Disguise downspouts by painting them to match siding, using surrounding features to conceal them, attaching planter boxes, adding elbows and extensions to redirect drainage away from the home’s walls, or disguising them with murals, vines, or other camouflaging decor.