14 of the best bird baths 2022: from the modern to the classic

By Klaudia Mihalova

Published: Monday, 16 May 2022 at 12:00 am

Watching wildlife enjoy the garden as much as you do is a wonderful thing, and providing plants for birds, plus supplementary food and water is an easy way to encourage feathered visitors. A bird bath is one of the best ways to attract birds to your garden.

While many of us put out bird food in bird feeders, bird tables and bird boxes, many of us forget to provide water. Birds need bird baths to drink from but also to bathe in – essential to keep their feathers clean and for preening. Water is especially important in winter and summer, when natural sources may be frozen or dried up.

If you want to encourage more wildlife into your garden, take a look at our guides to helping hedgehogs and building a hedgehog house. And to get a closer look, consider check out our recommended bird watching kits for kids and wildlife cameras.

Where to put a bird bath

Put your bird bath near some cover, such as a large shrub or hedge – this will give them a sense of security and give them perches for preening on. Ensure that they can see their surroundings from it easily (to look out for predators) and keep it away from cats.

Place your birdbath out of direct sunlight so that the water doesn’t become to warm or uncomfortable. Placing a bird bath in a shady spot will reduce evaporation, and slows the growth of algae.

What kind of bird bath is best for birds?

A good bird bath is sturdy and easy to clean and refill. Ideally it should have shallow sloping sides to give a shallow approach to the water. Ideally, water depth needs to range from 2.5 cm to 10 cm, as different species prefer different depths. Rough, not smooth, sides will also mean that birds won’t slip and can grip on with their claws.

How to clean a bird bath

Ideally, a bird bath should be rinsed out daily and cleaned thoroughly every week to avoid a build-up of bird droppings, dead leaves and algae. Wear gloves and use a household disinfectant, making sure you rinse thoroughly.

Types of bird bath

Bird baths can be as decorative as they are functional. Some are designed to sit on an existing piece of garden furniture, some are on pedestals and can be placed as a focal point in a border, and some are hanging. Whether you’re looking for something modern, simple or a statement piece you are sure to find the best bird bath for you among our suggestions.

How to stop water freezing in a bird bath

To prevent water in a bird bath freezing in winter, add a small ball to the water. It will jog about in the breeze, keeping an area ice free. Alternatively, use some hot water from the kettle to defrost an area.
We’ve carefully selected 14 of the best bird baths on the market in contemporary and classic designs to help you find the best bird bath for your garden.  

Choose a bird bath from our selection of styles, which includes contemporary bird baths as well as traditional styles.

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14 of the best contemporary and classic bird baths 

Foras Rainbow Sandstone Bird Bath 

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Whether you have a courtyard, large set of porchway stairs, patio or a full garden, this rainbow  bird bath designed by Foras is a warmly coloured and decorative way to invite birds into your outdoor space.

Rainbow sandstone has natural striations that differ in shade, design and colour.  Carved from a single block of sandstone, the effect is a unique centerpiece that’s seamless and smooth. In addition, the bowl is relatively lightweight and can therefore be moved easily around.