Wind chimes make a fantastic statement piece in the home.
If you need some help with selecting wind chimes, continue reading!
What Kind of Wind Chimes Do You Want?
Wind chimes have a broad range of designs, size, materials, and other options.
The material, the tubes, and the size all greatly affect the sound of your wind chime.
Here is a list of some types of wind chimes.
Classic
When you hear the term “wind chime,” you probably first think of the traditional design.
These designs are usually comprised of a few metal tubes, which are hung vertically, a wooden striker that strikes the tubes producing sound, a wooden or metal suspension ring, and a wind sail.
Bamboo
Wind chimes are made from all kinds of wood but are most commonly made from bamboo (which is technically a grass!).
Some other types of wood used to make wind chimes are: driftwood, coconut wood, or saltwater-fishing wood (hardwoods and softwoods).
Bamboo wind chimes come in many different styles, often handmade, carved, and painted. Wind chimes made from bamboo sound softer.
Glass
Glass wind chimes are crafted from a strong type of glass that has been stained and cut into various shapes creating either an image or a design.
Some themes are animals, holidays, and objects. Glass wind chimes will play a light tinkle.
Capiz
Capiz shell is derived from windowpane oyster and has been around for thousands of years.
It can be dyed and is usually hung in layers, creating a chandelier effect.
They make very soft sounds with the slightest breeze, due to their lightweight.
How Loud Do You Want Your Wind Chimes to Be?
The largest and loudest wind chimes are made of metal.
Metal chimes produce a loud, low-toned gong.
While they may sound quieter, you’ll be more likely to hear higher-toned chimes because high-pitched sounds cut through silence or background noise better.
If you’re choosing between a large, low-pitched wind chime or a small, high-pitched wind chime, go for metal, which is always the loudest.
Think about where you live, though.
If you’re living in a mountain or near some body of water where there are a lot of wind, your wind chimes will be making noise way more than if you live in a suburban neighborhood without much wind.
When you’re wind chimes are making noise all day long, how loud did you want them to be?
Do you want to hear them loud when you are outside? Do you want to hear them inside too?
If you’re getting super loud wind chimes, it’s helpful to discuss with your neighbors about the possible noise level.
Good Idea: You want everyone to be on the same page and let them know that if the noise becomes bothersome, they can tell you, and you will take the chimes down.
Do You Want Handmade Wind Chimes?
Handmade wind chimes are unique and stunning, demonstrating a charm that store-bought wind chimes miss.
Whether it is hand-carved wood, dyed (by hand) glass, or meticulously organized capriz, there is magic in a handmade wind chime.
With no exception, given the size and comparative materials, handmade wind chimes are an added expense, as the labor is longer than store bought.
They can be purchased online at specialty or market sites, as well as at flea markets.
What Is the Purpose of Your Wind Chimes?
Are you looking for your wind chime to be loud and musical? Or perhaps just a light tease in the wind?
Some wind chimes are the best for sitting under and reading a good book; others will make for a great addition to the outdoor party you are hosting.
There are also some varieties of wind chimes that are great to hear even when you are indoors!
Is your wind chime going to go off a lot? If you want your wind chimes to be very loud, please recognize that they are going to be heard quite often.
If your wind chimes are a gift, think about the people you are giving them to and what they would want to use their wind chimes for based on their personality.
Where Are You Putting Your Wind Chimes?
Are you thinking about hanging your wind chimes on your front porch where you sit each morning having some tea? If so, you probably want something that is a bit more gentle and soothing.
On the other hand, if you would like your wind chimes to be a statement piece, get something that has some color in it or is loud- or both!
Great Idea: If you have fundraisers or other parties in your backyard often and want wind chimes that will cut through the noise, get high-pitched wind chimes!
What Is Your Budget?
It is always important to think about your budget when making a purchase.
If your budget does not allow for a handmade wind chime or a very large one, don’t worry! You can find very beautiful wind chimes for a smaller budget.
If your budget is higher, you may want to look for something larger or more custom made, or a handmade wind chime that fits your ideas!
Final Thoughts
There is a lot to consider when buying wind chimes.
After deciding on the purpose of your wind chimes, you will know what size and material you will want.
Then you will find the perfect wind chimes!