Types of Fountains: How to Choose One For Any Home
Make a splash with your home decor.
If you’re looking for an elegant, classy way to decorate your home inside or out, look no further than a fountain! This fountain guide explores everything you need to know to choose the right fountain for your space, including the various types, power sources, materials, and the stellar features available.
Use our table of contents to skip to the sections you most want to read:
Outdoor Fountains
Indoor Fountains
Types of Fountains
Fountain Power Source
Fountain Materials
Fountain Features
Outdoor & Indoor Fountains
Outdoor Fountains: Adding an outdoor fountain is a nice way to give your outdoors an accent that elevates the look of your home. You can incorporate these lawn ornaments anywhere from your garden to your pool area, front yard, flower bed, porch, or back deck. The soothing sound of running water will greatly add to the relaxing vibe of your outdoor oasis.
Outdoor fountains are meant to withstand the elements and are made from durable materials that stand up to inclement weather and its effects. Rust-resistant and weather-resistant outdoor fountains like the ones below ensure the longevity of your gorgeous outdoor decor.
Indoor Fountains: Installing a fountain may seem like an outdoor project, but did you know that there are several types of fountains, including options for indoors? Fountains don’t have to stick to decorating your outdoor space! You can choose one of the indoor types of fountains to elevate the inside of your home and add peaceful serenity. A tabletop fountain can be a beautiful centerpiece on your dining table or accent piece in your living room. There are also sturdy wall fountains available to serve as unique wall decor.
Indoor fountains are typically not as big as outdoor fountains, so you don’t have to worry about your space being easily overtaken. Before bringing your fountain inside, it’s still a good rule of thumb to measure out the space you have available and align it to a fountain with the right measurements for decor that fits perfectly. Read more about these different types of fountains in the section below.
Types of Fountains
There are 5 main types of fountains to choose between, whether you’re looking for an indoor or outdoor fountain: floor, tabletop, pool/pond, and wall fountains. Birdbaths are an additional type of outdoor fountain to explore. These different fountain styles make it easy to accommodate your design vision for your space.
Tabletop Fountains: Looking for a beautiful, unique centerpiece for your dining or entryway table? A tabletop fountain can surely make a statement. These pieces can compliment your space and incorporate feng shui through the soothing energy of the running water. Some tabletop fountains contain LED lights that create a peaceful atmosphere with the gentle illumination and running water.
Floor Fountains: Floor fountains are the most popular type of fountain. They can sit anywhere on the floor inside your home or outside in your yard, garden, or flower bed. Outside floor fountains may require you to do some digging to secure the base and reservoir of your fountain in place to prevent the fountain from tipping over or being unsteady.
Pool/Pond Fountains: Pool and pond fountains are smaller than standard fountains since they are meant to accessorize and add a decorative element to your bigger body of water. They circulate their water through a pump and then into your pool or pond. Some even include a spray option to create a captivating water show.
Birdbath Fountains: If you’re someone who loves interacting with nature, birdbath fountains are certainly for you. Birdbath fountains are terrific lawn items for those who want to decorate their garden and love watching birds, stop by since they are designed meant to attract birds and encourage them to take a bath. These fountain types can be styled in a flowerbed, garden, or as a stand-alone yard ornament.
Wall Fountains: If you don’t want to dig up a place in your yard but still want to enjoy a fountain, consider installing a wall fountain outdoors or as decor. These fountains create the same ambiance and tranquility as floor fountains with a different configuration. They also have the same benefits as other kinds of fountains, including improving air quality and promoting relaxation. Wall fountains indoors are also elaborate decor pieces sure to make any home feel more cultivated.
Fountain Power Source
Every fountain requires a power source to make it run. Here are the three main power sources for most types of fountains.
Electric-Powered Fountains
The thing to remember when installing an electric fountain is to install it near an outlet, since they need to be plugged in to function. You will need to use a power cord with your fountain if you want to place it somewhere in your yard that isn’t near a plug.
Solar fountains are very convenient since they don’t have to be hooked up to any electrical outlet to run. They still function like other outdoor fountain types on the market, but use energy from the sun to power the flow of the water. This can be very beneficial if you have a large garden and are looking for a beautiful lawn fountain that doesn’t require an extension cord or to be placed near a plug.
Indoor solar fountains work the same as outdoor solar fountains. Place them facing a window, so their solar converting piece can collect the sunlight and power the fountain.
No fountain is the same in its makeup. Here are the different materials to note when choosing a fountain for your home.
Resin: Resin is one of those extremely popular birdbath and fountain materials thanks to its durability. High-quality polyresin (as it is sometimes known as) can usually resist inclement weather and circulating water, making it ideal for outdoor placement. You can also find an impressive array of designs and even colors. Resin fountains are durable and high enough to resist inclement weather and circulating water. They also can come in different colors and can mimic other materials.
Fiberglass Fountains: One of our favorite fountain materials is fiberglass since it is lightweight, making it easy to move around and carry if you ever want to style it differently or place it in another spot. Fiberglass fountains are also very durable and long-lasting, which is a major plus when you’re looking for a perfect lawn and garden decorative piece that you can enjoy for years to come, even after a major storm or intense weather periods. There are hundreds of fiberglass fountain designs to choose from to fit any design style in your home.
Metal Fountains: Metal fountains include a lot of versatility in their materials and color. These types of fountains are made with very durable materials to give you long-lasting use and function. The dark bronze of brass and copper fountains can add a rustic touch to your decorations, while stainless steel options can make your space seem more sleek and bright.
Ceramic Fountains: Ceramic fountains are glossy pieces that can add color to your garden or living room with their intricate designs. This material is very durable, which means it's long-lasting. If you place it outside, it can withstand weather conditions without fading. These types of fountains make excellent statement pieces in any yard or home thanks to their colorful appearance.
Concrete: If you are after that more traditional aesthetic of the gray and weathered fountains reminiscent of old manors and tiny European town squares, concrete is the right type of fountain for you. This durable cast material is designed to weather naturally and comes in a range of beautiful and vintage-looking styles and designs.
Fountain Features
Fountains alone are enough to elevate your atmosphere, but special features like the ones outlined below make them an even better addition to your space. Here are great features to look for when choosing a fountain.
Lighted Fountains
Lights in your fountain cast a gorgeous warm glow in your flower bed or around your home at night, illuminating your walking path and highlighting your garden while making your fountain more beautiful at the same time. These lights can be powered by batteries or electricity. Fountains with decorative lights are also beautiful decorations and make your space feel more cozy.
Having a control switch for your fountain is critical for water conservation. The flow-rate control makes sure the flow of your fountain is at a pace that won’t cause the water to overflow or trickle out of the top of the bowl. This feature allows you to be in complete control and make sure no water is wasted. Flow-rate control also gives you the option to adjust the sound of the water to fit your mood, from bubbles to gentle flowing.
Pumps are necessary for fountains to circulate the water through their system and reduce the algae build up that can occur without the constant movement of water. Some fountains do not come with pumps, requiring you to purchase one separately, so pump-included fountains are a beneficial budget-friendly option.
Now that you know more about the different types of fountains and their unique features, it’s time to find the perfect fountain for your home!
