top of page

RAIN CUPS AND RAIN CHAINS

Beautifully Crafted Alternatives to Traditional Downpipes
Rain Chains and Cups

Our premium rain cups and rain chains provide a visually striking and highly functional alternative to conventional downpipes, creating an elegant cascading flow of rainwater from roof level to drainage. Inspired by traditional Japanese rainwater systems, they combine architectural beauty with practical water management for homes, gardens and commercial projects.

Manufactured from high quality copper and stainless steel, and zinc, our rain cups and rain chains are designed for long term outdoor performance and excellent weather resistance. Copper remains a popular choice for its natural corrosion resistance and the attractive patina it develops over time, while stainless steel offers a clean contemporary appearance with exceptional durability and low maintenance.

Supplied in convenient 2.5m packs, designed to suit common installation heights, but the system is intentionally flexible.

Suitable for both heritage and modern properties, rain cups and rain chains add movement, sound and architectural interest to any exterior setting. Available in a wide range of styles and finishes, most designs are now offered in both copper and stainless steel, making them ideal for residential, commercial and landscape design applications.

 

RAIN CUPS

Decorative Rainwater Solutions Inspired by Traditional Japanese Craftsmanship

Our decorative rain cups provide a beautiful alternative to standard downpipes. Designed to guide rainwater visibly from roof to ground, each chain transforms rainfall into a calming architectural feature. From the soft rounded forms of Coppa to the faceted geometric profile of Cupa, the collection combines heritage inspiration with refined contemporary craftsmanship.

 

Coppa Rain Cups


Inspired by traditional Japanese rain chains originally used on tea houses and temple buildings, the Coppa Rain Cups provide an elegant and decorative alternative to conventional downpipes. Water gently cascades from cup to cup, creating movement, sound, and visual interest during rainfall.

The name Coppa is derived from historic European and classical forms associated with bowls, vessels, and rounded cups, reflecting the smooth flowing profile of the design itself. With its softer curves and balanced proportions, Coppa offers a timeless appearance suited to both traditional and contemporary architecture.

Cupa Rain Cups


The Cupa Rain Cups reinterpret the traditional Japanese rain chain through a more architectural and geometric form. Inspired by the clean lines and symmetry often found in Japanese design, the tapering hexagonal cups create a striking visual rhythm as water travels gracefully through the chain.

The name Cupa draws from classical Latin inspired forms connected to vessels and crafted objects, while also reflecting the angular nature of the design. With its faceted tapering profile, Cupa combines traditional craftsmanship with a sharper contemporary character, bringing sculptural detail and movement to exterior spaces throughout the year.

RAIN CHAINS

Beautifully Crafted Japanese Style Alternatives to Traditional Downpipes

Our decorative chain designs offer an elegant alternative to conventional downpipes. Designed to guide rainwater visibly from roof to ground, each chain creates movement, sound, and architectural detail during rainfall while adding sculptural interest throughout the year.

 

Pipe Ring Chain


Inspired by traditional Japanese rain chains once used on tea houses and temple buildings, the Pipe Ring Chain combines simplicity with rhythm and movement. Formed from repeating circular pipe links, supplied in 8m packs to be gathered in groups of four to create a 2.5m drop, the design creates a sculptural flow of water while offering a clean architectural appearance. The clustered arrangement produces a fuller visual effect and a calming water feature during rainfall.

Double Link Chain


The Double Link Chain takes its influence from traditional Japanese kusari doi rain chains, where linked forms guided rainwater elegantly from roof to ground. Featuring paired interlocking links, supplied in 5m packs, this versatile design can be installed as a single drop for a minimal appearance or grouped in pairs to create a 2.5m drop for greater visual impact. The open structure allows water to cascade naturally while maintaining a refined and understated character.

Square Link Chain


Drawing inspiration from the geometric forms found in Japanese tea house architecture, the Square Link Chain offers a more defined and contemporary interpretation of the traditional rain chain. Constructed from grouped square links, supplied in 10m packs to be gathered in groups of four to create a 2.5m drop, the design creates strong linear detail and a striking sense of symmetry. During rainfall, water travels gracefully through the chain while the repeating forms provide year round architectural interest.

PRODUCT GUIDANCE

Designed to be seen, not hidden

Typical applications

  • Gutter outlets

  • Hopper heads

  • Canopies

  • Porches

  • Garden buildings

  • Courtyards

  • Water features

  • Architectural rainwater displays

  • Rainwater harvesting systems

 

They are particularly effective where the rainwater system is intended to be seen rather than hidden.

​​

Installation guidance

Rain cups and chains should be installed vertically beneath a suitable rainwater outlet, hopper or discharge point.

The top should be securely fixed to the outlet or supporting bracket. The bottom should discharge into a suitable drainage point, such as a gulley, gravel trap, rainwater channel, planter, water butt or soakaway.

For best performance, ensure the cups or chains hang clear of walls, windows and delicate surfaces. In exposed locations, or where the cups or chain may move in strong winds, the bottom can be secured or weighted to reduce movement.

During installation, the rain cups and chains can be shortened by removing cups or links, or extended by joining packs together. This allows the installer to adjust the finished length on site to suit the exact height between the outlet and the ground, gulley, planter, water butt or drainage point.

Important notes

Rain cups and chains are a decorative rainwater drainage product and should be specified with consideration to roof area, rainfall intensity, outlet size and local exposure.

For larger roof areas or critical drainage locations, please contact us for guidance before ordering.

© Good Directions Ltd 2026

bottom of page