10 Chicken Coop Ideas That Look Great—and Keep Your Hens Happy

Get an All-in-One Coop

Pre-built coops like this one help maximize space. "The layout [allows] the run to go the entire length of the coop—which means space for the chickens to [forage] under the coop," says Jill Siragusa, chief marketing officer of Horizon Structures. Plus, you can choose from many charming designs, like this barn-style option.

Include Litter Shelves

A litter shelf beneath the roosting bars is helpful, since chickens do most of their droppings at night while roosting.

"This simple shelf captures everything in one easy-to-clean area," says Alysha Whitfield, founder and designer of Bee.Jeweled.Coop. "It's a game-changer that transforms daily maintenance from a dreaded chore to a quick morning task."

Whitfield recommends using a coconut or coffee bedding litter. "These materials are wonderful because they absorb moisture, prevent odors, and let you easily sift waste and leave clean bedding behind," she says.

Add Herbs to Nesting Boxes

Sprinkling herbs in your nesting boxes doesn't just beautify them—it also helps keep your coop protected.

"[I used] the various aromatic herbs that I grew in my garden—such as lavender [and] mint—and sprinkle them in the nesting boxes along some pretty edible flowers like roses, marigold, and chamomile," says Lisa Steele, a fifth-generation chicken keeper and the founder of Fresh Eggs Daily. "It looks so pretty and helps to calm sitting hens—and keep bugs out of the nests."

Hang Curtains

Hanging curtains across your nesting boxes can add a playful touch to the interior design of your coop—and they don't have to be fancy.

"Hens like dark, private spots to lay their eggs, so the curtains are functional as well as fashionable," says Steele. "They can help deter chickens that might decide they want to start eating some eggs, and can also encourage hens to sit on the eggs to hatch them into chicks."

You can even use curtains to create a cohesive theme in your coop. Steele, for instance, hung a matching curtain over the door from the coop out to the chicken run. "It helps to keep the drafts out in the winter. The chickens were suspicious at first, but quickly got used to walking through it," she says.

Design a Cottage-Inspired Coop

A cottage-inspired coop with classic white finishes is a timeless look that blends beautifully into residential settings. "I love using a clean white exterior with contrasting dark hardware—it creates a polished appearance that we all appreciate," says Whitfield.

Whitfield's favorite part is adding personal touches, like a seasonal wreath on the door and colorful hanging planters. "These little details add so much personality and warmth, making the space inviting for both you and your chickens," she says.

Try an A-Frame Coop

You can't go wrong with a classic A-frame coop. It's simple but flexible and can be customized to meet your individual needs. "Examples include changing the placement of the roost bars, nest boxes, windows, or doors," says Siragusa.

You can also incorporate bars, boxes, or dividing walls to create designated areas within the coop for birds, supplies, or work spaces, she says.

Strategically Place Windows

The windows in your coop can make a big difference. "I'm a big fan of long horizontal windows placed high on the coop walls," Whitfield says. "They bring beautiful natural light inside, so you'll never need electrical lighting during daytime coop visits."

Whitfield uses fixed plexiglass for these windows, as she finds they're safer and more insulating than glass. "This is a feature adapted from the horse barn my parents built back in 1994," she notes.

Just make sure to accommodate for airflow too. "In our coop design, we have four breeze windows below the large clear windows, creating perfect cross-ventilation during summer heat," Whitfield says. "These smaller windows have charming wood shutter doors and are covered with [chicken wire] for security."

Wallpaper Your Surfaces

Another practical-yet-pretty feature is a wallpapered surface. "I'm a big believer that chicken keeping should be both joyful and beautiful," Whitfield says. "For instance, a wallpapered back wall inside the coop creates a delightful surprise when you open the door; its smooth surface makes wiping down so much easier."

Place Herb Planters Near the Run

Whitfield finds that landscaping around a coop helps integrate it into outdoor areas, especially in suburban neighborhoods. "I love placing herb planters near the run," she says. "They look pretty while providing fresh herbs that benefit your chickens' health. Plus, some fragrant herbs help deter pests!"

Opt for a Gable Roof

It's natural to think about the interior features of your coop, but the roof can also provide a slew of benefits. "A classic gabled roof not only supports excellent ventilation and temperature control, but also creates that charming, house-like silhouette we all love," Whitfield says.