How to Hang a Suncatcher (And Where to Put It for Maximum Rainbow Magic)

There's something deeply satisfying about watching a suncatcher spin in a sunbeam, scattering little rainbows across your walls. But getting it hung just right — so it actually catches the light — takes a little know-how. Here's everything you need to know.

The best spots to hang a suncatcher

The golden rule: hang your suncatcher where direct or indirect sunlight hits it for at least part of the day. South- and west-facing windows are ideal in the Northern Hemisphere, since they get the most afternoon sun. East-facing windows work beautifully for morning light.

Great spots include:

• A sunny kitchen window over the sink
• A bedroom window that gets afternoon light
• A glass door or sliding patio door
• A covered porch or pergola (for outdoor-safe suncatchers)
• A ceiling hook near a skylight

How to hang it

Our suncatchers come with an S-hook or clasp at the top. From there, you have a few options:

• Suction cup hooks — the easiest option for windows. Press firmly onto clean glass and let it set for a few minutes before hanging. Rated for up to a few pounds, which is plenty for acrylic suncatchers. Be sure to clean the glass well for the best adhesion. 
• Tension rods — great for hanging multiple suncatchers across a window without any hardware.
• Ceiling hooks — for a floating, mobile effect. Use a small screw-in hook in a ceiling joist or a removable adhesive hook rated for the weight.
• Curtain rods — thread a thin ribbon or fishing line through the ring and tie it to the rod for an easy, no-damage hang.

How high should it hang?

For window hangs, aim to position the suncatcher so the widest part sits in the brightest part of the window — usually the middle third. Too high and it catches the frame shadow; too low and it misses the direct light.

For ceiling hangs, eye level or just above tends to look best and lets the light refraction hit the walls rather than the floor.

Keeping it spinning

Acrylic suncatchers spin freely when there's airflow — a slightly open window, a ceiling fan on low, or even just the natural convection in a warm room. If yours isn't spinning, try a swivel hook (also called a spinner hook) between the hanging point and the suncatcher. These small ball-bearing swivels let the piece rotate freely without tangling.

Outdoors

If you're hanging a suncatcher outside, make sure it's rated for outdoor use. Acrylic holds up well to sun and rain, but some hardware (like certain jump rings) can rust. Look for stainless steel or coated hardware, and bring it in during extreme weather.

The short version

• South or west-facing windows = best light
• Suction cup hooks = easiest install
• Add a swivel hook if you want it to spin freely
• Keep it in the brightest part of the window frame

Now go find your sunniest window. 🌈