We just got our first robin of the season here, and if there’s any better sign that spring is here, I don’t know what it is. In fact, birds of all stripes (feathers?) are one of the most iconic parts of spring, ranking right up there with fresh blooming flowers. So if you’re getting ready to do some major spring decorating, a few nods to the birds can give your space a wonderful, fresh, springy feel, especially if you aren’t the type to go all-in with pastels and floral prints.
Nests
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Maybe one of the simplest and most popular ways to add a little avian touch to your spring decor is with decorative birds nests. These can be big or small, and used as anything from a table centerpiece to a small ornament. Usually made of small, woven twigs and featuring tiny faux eggs, little model birds, or even feathers, these petite nests can be tucked into your existing decor, adding a little visual surprise and a touch of spring, even if you don’t make any major changes. And because they aren’t at all expensive (often about a dollar or less), you can easily add as many as you want for little pops of spring.
Bird Cages
Similarly, old fashioned or antique bird cages make fantastic spring accent pieces. They don’t have to contain a real bird, of course (though you could certainly put an egg-filled nest or simple ceramic bird inside), but should have a little stylistic flair: we’re not talking a bird cage you got at your local pet store, but one that belonged to your grandmother. An authentic, aged antique finish works perfectly here, but if you want something a little springier, consider repainting in a bright, bold color. Decorative bird houses can work, too, but won’t have the same whimsical, ethereal quality of a really beautiful bird cage.
Statuary
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If you want to be a little sneakier, look for small ceramic bird figurines that you can nestle in amongst your existing decor items. Replacing one item in a small cluster with a decorative bird is a great way to add that little touch of spring to your decor, and as with the nests, smaller ones scattered throughout your house can make a nice visual surprise. It’s also easy to find practical decor items (like candle holders, jars, vases, boxes, or book ends) that feature bird designs and make for a perfect, sneaky way to incorporate birds into your spring decor.
Prints
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Of course, there’s always also the easy way: simply hang up pictures, prints, or paintings of birds (or nests or bird cages, for that matter) on the wall. For a spring look, you don’t want artwork with colors that are too intense or dark, and personally I think pretty pastels are best reserved for floral artwork, so my recommendation is to look for something lighter and sketchier, or sepia toned. Antique scientific drawings and other sketchy, smudgy drawings are popular right now, particularly as part of a cottage, French country, or industrial style.
3D art
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Heftier wall art, like pieces made of wood or metal, can work really well too. These are a good option if you want a single, more assertive piece to act as a visual focal point (rather than several smaller paintings or prints). Pieces made with wood have a nice rustic, hand-hewn quality that can lend a touch of earthiness to your spring decor, while pieces made with thinner pieces of metal or wire (especially ones that make elegant use of white space) are great if you decide to repaint for spring, as they help draw attention to the color of your walls.
Lighting Fixtures
Last but not least, you can also replace one of your existing lighting fixtures with one that’s bird themed. The easiest way to do this is to swap out (or simply add) a table lamp or floor lamp. Lamps with bases designed like tree branches and adorned with tiny metal birds are pretty easy to find and have a look that’s just far enough outside the traditional design to be eye catching. You can also go a bit more abstract, with pendants designed to look like old fashioned bird cages or even inverted egg baskets. These are both a bit trickier to install and more permanent, but are also a little less overtly springy, so it wouldn’t be unreasonable to leave them in place year round.
Birds are pretty popular throughout all of home design, which makes any or all of these items simple and generally pretty affordable to find. Combined with a good spring cleaning and lots of fresh air, peppering your decor with a few avian touches is a great way to usher in the season. What are some of your favorite ways to decorate for spring?
