Beautiful bird houses add charm and character to a garden all year round. Hang one from a porch post or place one in a garden border, and it earns its place even before birds move in. There are plenty of bird house ideas that work just as well on a small patio as in a bigger, open backyard.

The right design can help garden birds in winter by giving them somewhere to shelter. Wood is generally a good choice, as it provides insulation and allows some moisture to escape, while metal can heat up quickly if it's in direct sunlight. Whatever material you choose, position it away from strong sun, wind and rain. Keeping it separate from your bird feeders so feeding birds don't disturb a nest.

With so many decorative designs to choose from, you don't need to compromise on style to make your outdoor space more welcoming to wildlife. Anthropologie's Victorian Manor Birdhouse is a standout option with its miniature mansion resemblance, but it also features a removable back wall to make cleaning easier. West Elm's Scout Regalia Birdhouse Kit comes ready to assemble, and can be decorated to suit your style, while Terrain's Woven Seagrass Birdhouse Hut offers a rustic charm but will need to be hung in a sheltered spot.

From traditional, practical designs to more elaborate statement pieces, we've rounded up 16 beautiful bird house designs to help encourage birds into your garden and make the space their home.

A beautiful bird house goes further alongside a few simple ways to help birds in October, and a bird bath in the right spot means visitors have fresh water close to home.

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