Want to welcome more wildlife to your garden? Then these bird house design ideas are for you. Every plot can benefit from the sense of life, movement, and color that fluttering feathered friends bring, and their homes can make a stunning feature, too.

Watching birds is a peaceful and relaxing activity for all ages, but providing a bird house is also beneficial to them in an environmental sense. With the bird populations sadly declining, it's good to offer a helping hand by providing a safe place for them to nest. 

There are tons of styles that you can go for, so it's easy to choose a design that will blend beautifully into your plot. We've rounded up some of our favorite bird house design ideas to get you feeling inspired – just keep scrolling to see for yourself. 

By Holly Crossley 

This bird house is a real show-stopper. Attached to a blue-grey fence behind, it feels cool and sophisticated and complements the industrial-style shelves nearby beautifully. 

Its pointed, tiled roof adds tons of visual interest and we love the black banded details too, which are used to hang it up securely. It's not just a home for birds – it's also a stylish focal point.

A lovely choice for cottage garden, this simple bird house still makes a pretty impact with its soothing tones of mint and white. Hung from a leafy tree, it makes a great spot for birds to nest (and bunting strung up nearby adds a perfect finishing touch).

The hand-painted style adds to its laid-back charm. To recreate the look, why not try painting a plain, wooden design yourself? That way, you can decorate your bird house design ideas to suit the color scheme of your plot. Head over to our best exterior wood paint buying guide for our top picks. Remember to choose non-toxic varieties to keep your bird house design ideas safe for inhabitants.

This little yellow home is perfect for small visiting birds and adds a whimsical charm to any plot. We adore the miniature details, from the trellis and window frames to the adorable scalloped roof.

Raised up on a stand, it's kept safely out of harm's way, without taking up too much room. Plus, its freestanding nature means its super versatile – simply pop along the back of a border or in a quiet spot near your patio for a splash of sunny color.

These gorgeous bird house design ideas are great for modern plots. Made of ceramic, they offer a stylish, sculptural shape that is inspired by the natural form of bird's nests.

They are the perfect size for small nesting birds and will keep predators out. Hung from a tree, they make a simple yet stunning statement.

If you're a fan of the look, then our modern garden feature has more designs you'll love.

This style is wonderful if you fancy something a little more natural for your bird house design ideas. However, it still has plenty of adorable details – just look at that sign! Tucked safely amongst the branches of a well-established tree, it's the perfect spot for smaller birds to nest in.

When attaching a bird house to a tree, try to avoid using nails as they can cause damage. Instead, the RSPB suggests to use a nylon bolt, or a piece of wire surrounded in an offcut of hose and then wrapped around the branch or trunk. Remember that trees grow thicker over time, so if you're using the latter approach, you may need to adjust it every couple of years or so.

Wind chimes are a lovely addition to a sensory garden, providing a soothing sound in the breeze. And, the smaller ones can actually attract curious birds, so why not incorporate them into your bird house design ideas?

These simple designs above look utterly adorable and will offer gentle tones as birds fly in and out. Avoid going for larger, louder chimes though, as these can startle your feathered friends and keep them away.

A minimal, triangular shape like this oozes with Scandinavian style and will look great hung up on a white-washed wall or fence. It's a pared-back look, but its subtle details make it a sophisticated choice. We particularly like the stained black roof and the small metal plaque.

The front panel detaches to make for easy cleaning once your birds have finished nesting, and there's also a handy hook on the back for simple installation. Functional and stylish, what's not to love?

Add a homely feel to your garden by incorporating heart-shaped details into your bird house design ideas. By keeping a natural finish to the materials, the look will feel rustic rather than kitsch and blend beautifully into your plot.

Hang from an apple tree for a charming scene, or in one of the best flowering trees. Complete the romantic vibe with some cottage garden plants nearby.

Go for stylish grey hues for bird house design ideas that have a touch of elegance. This lovely design provides a safe nesting spot for little birds and looks great, too. 

It's crafted from spruce wood, and painted in non-toxic stains. What's more, the front can be removed, making upkeep simple. The clean lines make it a good choice for contemporary spaces – simply attach to a wall or tree with the useful loop on the back.

If you're a fan of our tropical garden, then this bird house design may be the one for you. It's fun, it's fruity, and it will look fabulous positioned around other brightly-colored features, tree ferns, and (if you're lucky) a pool.

It's a refreshing twist on more classic designs, and the wooden perch makes a nice addition.

Bird house design ideas can be used to add a burst of vibrant color to your garden – just take a look at these bold designs. Hot pinks, ocean blues, lime greens and sunny yellows all make playful picks that are great for family gardens.

Get the kids involved by teaching them about the native birds and keep watch together. It's a great way to help them learn about nature and the sight of birds flitting in and out is good for everyone's wellbeing.