If you’ve ever peeked inside your chicken coop and thought, “This could use a bit more charm,” then you’re not alone. Decorating your hens’ laying boxes might sound a little extra, but it can actually encourage laying, create a cleaner space, and — let’s be honest — bring a little joy to your daily egg collection. Whether your family yard is rustic and rambling or suburban and small, you can give your nesting area a glow-up that’s equal parts functional and delightful.
Here are six fun and family-friendly nesting box décor ideas that add character and comfort — without going overboard.
Add Soft Liners with Patterns That Blend with Your Garden
Start with the basics: comfort and cleanliness. Instead of plain old straw, try washable nest liners with soft patterns — think leafy greens, rustic plaids, or even sunflowers. These not only make the boxes comfier for your hens (which can encourage laying), but they also look pretty cute if your coop’s open-air or visible from your yard.
Bonus: patterned liners hide dirt between cleanings and give your space a cohesive feel if your garden has similar tones.
Repurpose Wooden Crates and Add Chalkboard Labels
Rustic, easy, and aesthetic. You can repurpose old fruit crates or wooden wine boxes into nesting boxes — just line them with hay and prop them up at hen height. Then add tiny chalkboard labels on each one with your chicken’s name or a little flower doodle.
Kids love checking “whose box” has eggs, and the mix of handwriting and wood gives a farmhouse feel that fits right into cottage-style yards.
Frame Each Nesting Box with Climbing Vines or Herb Pots
If your chicken coop is near your garden or back fence, why not blend the nesting box zone with natural greenery? Install a trellis over or beside the nesting area and plant a fast-growing climber like jasmine or morning glory.
You can also place potted herbs like lavender, mint, or rosemary nearby — they help repel insects and make the air smell fresh. It’s practical and looks magical, especially in early morning light.
Hang Lightweight Curtains for a Cozy Cottage Look
This might sound over the top, but chickens love privacy — especially when laying. Hanging small fabric curtains (using a tension rod or twine) in front of the nesting boxes gives them a little peace and adds a soft decorative touch.
Choose a fabric that fits your family yard vibe — muted florals for a country garden, neutral cottons for modern minimalist spaces, or gingham for a farmhouse look. They’re also easy to remove and wash.
Use Vintage Picture Frames or Wall Art (Yes, Really)
If your nesting area is part of a larger decorative shed or garden coop, you can add humor and charm by placing small vintage-style picture frames above or around the boxes. Think pressed flower art, rustic farm sketches, or even framed “chicken rules” signs.
Keep it minimal — you don’t want to clutter the area — but one or two light wall accents give it the feel of a true backyard feature rather than just a corner for eggs.
Install a Tiny Shelf for Seasonal Decor and Family Touches
A narrow floating shelf above your nesting boxes can hold tiny seasonal decorations — like mini pumpkins in fall, a pinecone or holly sprig in winter, or even an egg cup vase in spring. You could also frame a child’s drawing of your chickens or add a small sign with your flock’s name.
It’s a small, sweet way to make the space feel part of the family yard, not just a functional structure.
Final Thoughts
Decorating your chicken laying boxes doesn’t need to be expensive or time-consuming. Most of these ideas use things you might already have at home — a spare plant pot, an old curtain, a wooden crate. The goal is to make your hens feel cozy and your coop feel like it belongs in the heart of your family yard. A little charm goes a long way, and let’s be honest — if you’re collecting eggs every morning, it’s way more fun to do it in a space that makes you smile.