20 DIY Birdhouse Ideas for Your Yard

Do you fancy yourself an amateur (or not-so-amateur) birdwatcher? Have you suddenly found yourself spending more time in your home’s outdoor spaces? These are just some of the great reasons to add a birdhouse to your property.

You can set up a birdhouse for specific species, like bluebirds, purple martins, or chickadees. Or you can sit back and let nature determine who fills the vacancy.

The world is full of beautiful creatures. We just need to take the time to stop and notice them. If you’re not sure what types of birds visit your garden, this is an excellent way to find out!

Keep reading for some awesome birdhouse ideas that will turn your backyard into an avian paradise.

1. Geode Birdhouse with Heart Windows

Create a captivating DIY birdhouse by incorporating a geode-inspired design with swirling purple and white patterns, which you can achieve with paint or resin art techniques.

Accent the birdhouse with heart-shaped cutouts to serve as inviting windows, and choose a contrasting color like white to make the design pop. To replicate the shimmering effect of a geode, use glitter or metallic elements that catch the light.

Colorful birdhouse with purple, white, and marble patterns, heart-shaped cutouts, hanging outdoors — Source: @luxybirdhouses via Instagram

2. Rustic Cottage Birdhouse with Decorative Accents

If you’re looking for a fun, creative way to give your feathered friends a place to stay, why not build them their own cottage-inspired birdhouse? Construct a cozy cottage home for your feathered friends using recycled wooden items.

For a creative twist, add an inches-tall troll door so that fairies can come by too. This DIY project can offer hours of fun, help reduce waste in your home, and show off your unique style all at the same time. Building a birdhouse has never been more exciting and thoughtful!

Whimsical wooden birdhouse with a fairy-tale design, featuring a curved roof, decorative door, and surrounded by red roses — Source: @nix.xies via Instagram

3. Bird’s Entertainment House

Decorating your birdhouse has never been easier! With the use of mahjong blocks and abstract stencils, you can paint a beautiful mosaic that will have any birds fluttering over to take a closer inspection. Create massive colorful murals out of eight-sided pieces of wood or decorate each side to show the diversity and beauty of the species.

If you ever feel stuck in the process, remember: the more creativity you put in, the better your birdhouse will look!

Colorful, eclectic birdhouse mounted on a tree, featuring playful decorations, gears, and a quirky design with a repurposed handle — Source: @robertduvallsmith via Instagram

4. Repurposed Teapot

Every bird deserves a home, and with repurposed teapot birdhouses, you can get creative in providing new birds with some shelter. A repurposed teapot not only gives you plenty of freedom to craft the perfect birdhouse for your backyard feathered friends but also repurposes an older item so it can be used once again.

Teapot-shaped birdhouse with text, attached to a wall, surrounded by green leaves — Source: @cozy_garden_features via Instagram

5. Bird’s Gazebo

Add a personalized touch to your garden with a DIY birdhouse featuring delicate pyrography illustrations of birds and flora.

This simple, cube-shaped birdhouse is a beginner-friendly project, starting with a plain wooden structure that you can easily assemble. Using a wood-burning tool, you can etch your favorite bird species or nature scenes onto the sides, creating a bespoke and artistic abode for your feathered friends.

A wooden birdhouse with a bird design sits next to a pink flowering plant in a small pot on a stone surface — Source: @emberfairy_ via Instagram

6. DIY Birdhouse with Thatched Roof and Wooden Shingles

For a DIY birdhouse like the one in the image below, you can use a sturdy cylindrical base such as a PVC pipe or cardboard tube, cover it with wooden shingles or popsicle sticks for rustic walls, and top it with a thatched roof made of straw or dried grass.

Cut out an entrance hole and attach a small dowel below it as a perch. All components can be assembled with non-toxic glue, and it’s important to sand down any rough edges to make it safe for birds.

A small round birdhouse made of wood and twine, featuring a thatched roof and an open window — Source: @jmp.creativity via Instagram

7. Natural Log Birdhouse with Whimsical Toy Topper

Dive into a fun DIY project by creating a birdhouse from a hollow log, maintaining the natural aesthetic that blends seamlessly with the woodland environment. The rough, rustic texture of the log brings an organic charm, while a simple, flat wooden platform serves as a landing area for birds.

For a playful twist, top the birdhouse with a bright, eye-catching toy that adds a pop of color and whimsy to your garden.

A plush orange fish toy with big eyes sits on a weathered birdhouse attached to a tree in a lush green forest — Source: @myfishhavingfun via Instagram

8. Sunset-Inspired Birdhouse

To create this serene sunset-inspired birdhouse, begin with a basic wooden house and paint it in soft purple shades, reflecting the calm of dusk. Sketch a scene of rolling hills on the front, using wavy lines and sunset colors for a tranquil effect. Add a sturdy perch and a round entrance for birds, then hang the birdhouse from a tree branch to provide a secure nesting place.

A painted birdhouse hangs from a tree branch, featuring a pink and orange sunset design on its roof — Source: @artbyschulze via Instagram

9. Tiny House Replica

A birdhouse that is a replica of your main house can make for a fun and creative conversation starter. Not only will the birdhouse be an eye-catching piece to have around your garden, it will also offer a chance to show off your style and creativity, as you can customize it according to the materials that you have on hand. Plus, you’ll be providing shelter and a home for friendly feathered friends when they come over to take a break from the world outside.

Miniature birdhouse resembling a real home, painted in soft blue and white, with a tiny porch and steps, placed in a garden setting — Source: @backyard_birdlife via Instagram

Weathered wooden birdhouse with a round entrance, mounted on a tree in a forest setting — Source: @lite.gront.som.hanger.ner via Instagram

10. On Post Birdhouse

Making a simple on-post birdhouse out of planks is an easy and creative way to give nature a home. Our feathered friends would be happy nestling in the cozy, rustic wooden structure while you sit on the porch and enjoy their company from afar.

A white birdhouse stands in a field of yellow flowers under a clear blue sky — Source: @suzeloveslife via Instagram

Rustic wooden birdhouse on a metal post, featuring hand-painted flowers and a bluebird, set in a wooded outdoor landscape — Source: @brendaklinehikes via Instagram

A green birdhouse on a post stands in a grassy field under a cloudy sky, with trees and a plowed field in the background — Source: @capturekismet via Instagram

Artistic wooden birdhouse with carved details and leaf accents, mounted on a post with a planter of pink flowers on top — Source: @birdhousesunday via Instagram

11. Hanging Birdhouse

Nothing quite compares to the sight of a hanging birdhouse suspended by a metal pole, hook, and all. It carries with it a sense of whimsy, of something special that feels almost magical. It’s as if we’ve conjured a home for our feathered friends in the air itself, hanging them up like dainty Christmas tree ornaments.

Birdhouses on a rusted metal frame in front of a shed — Source: @wildflowervintageandrustic via Instagram

12. ‘The Compound’ Birdhouse

Instead of just having one birdhouse in your garden, why not multiple tiny ones layered and beside each other? This tiers effect will have the birds flocking to multiple homes in no time, cheerily chirping away as they hop together along their multiple-roofed paradises.

Three small, colorful birdhouses attached to a tree trunk, each with a painted flower design — Source: @__annirose__ via Instagram

A decorative birdhouse with four colorful compartments on a black stand against a textured beige wall — Source: @altstaterecycling via Instagram

Birdhouses in various colors on a wooden fence, with plants climbing up, a small white cabinet, and gnome figures in the corner — Source: @chippernelly via Instagram

Rustic wooden birdhouse village with multiple small houses and a church-like design, nestled among lush garden flowers and greenery — Source: @doodinne via Instagram

Whimsical birdhouses stacked on a twisted, gnarled branch against a clear blue sky — Source: @martian_rose via Instagram

White birdhouse with green roofs and a painted sunflower, mounted on a wooden barrel, surrounded by trees and a fence — Source: @tuesdaybirdsong via Instagram

13. Multi-Unit Birdhouse Condo

To achieve the multi-unit birdhouse condo design, select durable lumber and cut it to size for the back, sides, base, and a slanted roof. Drill evenly spaced circular entrances using a hole saw to create individual compartments for the birds. Stain or paint the wood for a sleek finish, and consider contrasting colors for visual impact. Add a singular faux window for charm and ensure proper ventilation and drainage for the bird’s comfort. Attach the structure to a post or tree, creating not just a bird-friendly habitat but also a striking garden feature.

A multi-level wooden birdhouse with circular openings stands outdoors, mounted on a post, surrounded by trees — Source: @mrssaredonovan via Instagram

A weathered birdhouse with a blue and white roof, featuring three circular openings, sits on a white shelf next to a potted plant — Source: @sommerhusliv_hele_aaret via Instagram

14. Mossy Cottage House

What could be more mystical and rustic than a mossy cottage house for the birds? A birdhouse made with natural, weather-worn materials like moss and twigs gives backyard birds an inviting place to call home.

Best of all, these unique nests can be enjoyed by you too—just think of the charming addition that this mossy cottage house will make to your garden!

Weathered wooden birdhouse with mossy roof, mounted on a pole in a garden — Source: @staceysiegelglass via Instagram

Weathered wooden birdhouse on a post, surrounded by climbing vines — Source: @susiecouch via Instagram

15. Cartoon-like Birdhouse

A cartoon-like birdhouse can be a really cute addition to your garden. With markers and some creativity, you can draw cartoon faces on it and give it its own unique personality.

Hang the birdhouse high up on a tree, or in a cozy corner of your patio; then watch as birds flutter around it and come to take refuge in it during stormy days.

Vibrant blue birdhouse with a curved roof, decorated with colorful hand-painted houses and silhouettes, set against lush greenery — Source: @cnnkusevi via Instagram

Fishing-themed birdhouse painted green, featuring a 'Gone Fishing' sign, miniature fishing rod, wooden door, and tiny bench — Source: @fly.awayhomes via Instagram

Rustic gray wooden birdhouse with miniature cutout decorations, a 'Good Morning' sign, and a feeding tray filled with birdseed — Source: @muckelkim via Instagram

Colorful birdhouse with blue roof and yellow walls, decorated with painted branches, attached to a tree on a stone-filled ground — Source: @garyd14_ via Instagram

16. Luxury Birdhouse

Take luxury to the skies with a luxury-inspired birdhouse! Perfect for pampered, discerning birds, this luxury birdhouse features custom paint jobs, each adorned with famous luxury brands. Choose from LVMH’s iconic Louis Vuitton pattern or his-and-hers Chanel prints.

Black birdhouse with gold Louis Vuitton branding and a yellow bow on top, placed on a rustic wooden bench — Source: @jzdesigns_ via Instagram

17. Hand-Painted Floral Birdhouse

To craft this vibrant birdhouse, start with a pre-made or handcrafted wooden structure. Choose a deep blue as the background, reminiscent of a night sky, and paint elaborate, colorful flowers that command attention and add a sense of whimsy. Accentuate the edges with polka dots and complementary patterns for an extra layer of detail. The lively picket fence motif around the base injects a playful, storybook charm.

Colorful birdhouse with floral and sun designs, featuring purple accents and polka dots, set against a garden backdrop — Source: @rstcraven via Instagram

18. Repurposed Birdhouse

You can use repurposed materials like wood, metal, and stones to construct your unique house. The possibilities are endless when it comes to adding color and detailing!

Transform it with repurposed paint or repurposed glass gems for an added touch of sparkle. With a little creativity and repurposing, you can make your backyard scenery one-of-a-kind!

Two colorful birdhouses and a small potted cactus on a wooden shelf against a brick wall, surrounded by greenery — Source: @moja_hobyradionica via Instagram

19. Simple Rustic Birdhouse

Transform your garden with a DIY rustic birdhouse that embodies the charm of upcycling. Begin with salvaged wood and repurposed tin to construct a durable shelter, ensuring each creation is unique with its own set of characterful imperfections. For a personalized touch, add hand-carved decorations—think nature-inspired motifs like flowers or birds.

Wooden birdhouse hangs on a tree with pink blossoms — Source: @oakknollcreations via Instagram

Rustic wooden birdhouse made from reclaimed wood, featuring a glass window detail and weathered design, set in a garden with flowers — Source: @tuesdaybirdsong via Instagram

Wooden birdhouse on a tree stump surrounded by lush greenery and plants in a garden setting — Source: @__awalktoremember__ via Instagram

Rustic wooden birdhouse with a metal roof, tiny painted doors, and twine detail, placed beside pink hydrangeas in a white vase — Source: @avintageglow via Instagram

Rustic birdhouse with horseshoe decor, heart-shaped holes, and leafy vines, small planter below on a sunny day — Source: @california.microgreens via Instagram

Weathered wooden birdhouse with a pinecone decoration, set against a soft pastel sky and rolling hills in the background — Source: @cutiepinwheel via Instagram

Wooden birdhouse with a painted bird design, hanging in a garden with green hedges and trees in the background — Source: @magnolia_birdhouses via Instagram

Rustic wooden birdhouse with a circular entrance, decorative driftwood, and red screws against a blurred indoor background — Source: @sird1 via Instagram

20. Sculptural Birdhouse

A sculptural abstract birdhouse is so much more than just a home for your feathered friends. It can also be a work of art, made with beautiful ceramic and set to stand proudly in your garden.

In the same way that traditional sculptures are often considered masterpieces, this modern twist on avian architecture should also be recognized as a creative piece of artwork. Providing birds with a safe space to nest has never looked better!

A quirky black ceramic birdhouse with a red eye, white geometric teeth design, and a small opening on a textured background — Source: @lisagowdyceramics via Instagram

Handcrafted ceramic birdhouse shaped like a human face, with expressive painted eyes and an open mouth serving as the entrance hole — Source: @lisagowdyceramics via Instagram

Whimsical ceramic birdhouse shaped like a colorful monster with yellow eyes, sharp teeth, and a wide open mouth as the entrance — Source: @lisagowdyceramics via Instagram

How do you attract birds to a birdhouse?

First, birds are most likely to seek out birdhouses when they are nesting. For most species, this occurs in the spring. Make sure your birdhouse is set up in your yard before the season starts, and avoid messing with it as the time to nest grows near.

Provide plenty of nesting materials in the spring, so that your local birds don’t have to venture far to get what they need. This can include dry grass, twigs, hair, string, or wool.

It’s also a good idea to have a food source in your yard. This can be a bird feeder, pollinator garden, or berry patch, depending on the types of birds you want to attract.

Where is the best place to hang a birdhouse?

The best place to hang a birdhouse can depend on the most common species in your area. Some birds prefer houses in wide-open fields. Others prefer to nest in sheltered areas with lots of trees.

Wherever you decide is the best spot for your birdhouse, make sure to hang it at the right height. Most songbirds like to nest in houses 5 to 10 feet above the ground.

20 Birdhouse Ideas That You Can DIY