Backyard Fountain Ideas to Beautify Your Yard & Encourage Relaxation
Create the oasis you deserve.
There's nothing like the sound of running water to bring a sense of calm and tranquility to your backyard! Thankfully, you don't need a nearby stream, oceanfront views, or even a pool to achieve the soothing sights and sounds of water. Check out these 31 backyard fountain ideas to discover all the ways you can incorporate a stunning water feature into your yard.
1. Incorporate a Planter-Fountain Combo
Combine your love of plants and water with this backyard fountain idea! Look for a fountain that has one or more built-in planters for a beautiful display on your deck or patio.
Place a small fountain near your outdoor reading spot. This way, you can enjoy the sound of trickling water as you get lost in a book or enjoy a drink.
Imagine you're in a garden beside a Tuscan villa with this outdoor fountain idea. All you need is a rustic stone fountain in a tan or terracotta finish. Extra points if it has elaborate carvings and embellishments.
For this backyard fountain idea, you just need a faux waterfall fountain! These fountains can be as small or as large and life-like as your space allows. The result is a realistic-looking water feature that will add to the landscape of your yard.
Although we love the look of natural stone fountains, sometimes you need a bit more color. This patio water fountain sports a vibrant turquoise finish that adds to the beauty of the piece.
Enjoy your fountain – even at night – with this backyard fountain idea. Opt for a fountain with built-in lights to draw the eye and add accent lighting to your yard or patio space.
Go with a solar-powered fountain so you don't have to run extension cords from outdoor outlets to your preferred fountain spot. This smart garden fountain idea uses a solar-panel to keep the fountain running, even when there isn't a lot of sunlight. This allows you to place your fountain almost anywhere in your garden!
Water and fire are a classic combination of natural elements, so why not pair them together in your backyard? Look for a fire table with a built-in water feature (like the one above) or position a water fountain close to your fire pit to wow your guests.
Have a container garden on your patio or deck? Add a fountain to the mix! Not only will this add to the beauty and enjoyment of your space, but it will also encourage birds and pollinators to stop by for a drink.
Draw attention to your flower beds with this backyard garden fountain idea. Use a solar-powered fountain or simply run the power cord beneath landscaping pebbles to achieve this look in your garden. The birds and pollinators will also love this new addition to your garden beds!
Save space on a back deck or patio by installing a wall fountain. Not sure you have the exterior wall space to support a wall fountain? Just go with a wall fountain that has a floor base! These fountains are designed to rest on the ground but have high backs so they appear mounted or built into the wall.
Turn your dreams of a zen garden into a reality with a soothing water feature. This backyard water fountain idea incorporates a large stone fountain surrounded by plants so you can really relax and get in touch with nature. Check out our guide on Zen Garden Ideas & Design Inspo for more ideas like this one.
For this idea, you'll need a fountain with a deep water basin, landscaping rocks, and water plants that thrive in moving water. These include plants like water lettuce, water irises, and other semi-aquatic plants. The result is your very own backyard water garden.
Sometimes the best backyard fountains blend right in with your landscaping. This rock fountain idea incorporates a large stone fountain tucked among smaller rocks and decorative grass plants for a natural look and feel.
Just because you're short on yard space doesn't mean you have to compromise on your dream of having a water feature – you just need to get creative! Place a small tabletop fountain in the center of your patio dining table or on a side table so you can still enjoy the sights and sounds of water.
Go with a large-scale fountain to really make a statement in your backyard. Whether you position a full-size fountain in the center of a gravel patio or in the middle of a grass lawn, you can't go wrong.
Add decorative flair to your patio with a classic tiered fountain. Available in a range of sizes, you're sure to find the one that fits your patio space, whether you go with a tabletop or full-size option.
Give neighborhood birds the star treatment by adding a floating solar fountain pump to your birdbath. You can also go with a birdbath that has a built-in fountain. The added water feature will make baths all the more fun and refreshing. Perhaps the best part? The consistent movement of water helps discourage mosquitoes from laying eggs in your birdbath during the summer months.
Tip!
The brighter the sun, the more powerful the fountain output. Make sure your bird bath is wide enough to catch the fountain spray if using a floating solar fountain pump. This will limit the need for water refills.
19. … Or Put a Fountain Pump In a Backyard Pond
If you already have a pond in your backyard, you can easily add a fountain to it! Whether you use a floating solar pump or go for a more permanent setup, you'll be so happy with the results.
Use landscaping rocks, stone tiles, or paving stones to define the space around your fountain and give it a polished look. You can also plant small flowering plants or foliage around the base of your fountain for a vibrant display.
Incorporate a fountain with built-in figurines to add personality to your backyard. This fountain features a pair of adorable pups, but that's just one example! Choose from water fountains with fairies or garden gnomes, Greek sculptures, or other animals and birds to best suit your preferences.
Create a path from your patio or back door to your fountain using gravel or stone pavers. Add a bench close by to encourage relaxation.
Who says you only need one backyard fountain? Incorporate a double water fountain or two of the same fountains to expand your backyard water feature.
Position a trio of urn-style fountains on your patio, along your garden walkway, or in a garden corner to create the ultimate water feature. Not only is this pleasing to the eye, but it also helps make the sound of running/trickling water more pronounced.
Complement your backyard with a fresh, contemporary fountain. Look for square fountains with waterfall spickets (like the one pictured above) to lend a clean, modern feel to your backyard.
If you love the look of a running stream in your backyard but don't want to DIY your own, go for a fountain instead! These lengthy fountains look the most natural when surrounded by plants in a garden bed or along the edge of a patio.
Backdrop your patio dining table or bar area with a stunning fountain. This way, you can wow your guests and set the tone for evening cocktails and alfresco dining.
Add a sculptural water fountain to your backyard for an artsy statement and a soothing water feature. The movement of the water will only add to the display!
Create a wholesome, rustic feel in your backyard with a tiered barrel-style fountain! If you love the laid-back look of farmhouse style, this type of fountain will help you transition the look to the exterior of your home.
Place a fountain beside your chaise lounge or patio daybed so you can sunbathe or take a nap to the soothing sound of water. Opt for a fountain designed to be quiet to keep the vibes relaxed.
Get inspired with DIY fountain ideas like this one! As long as you have a fountain pump, power source, and a fountain medium, you can DIY your own fountain. The above idea uses a watering can fit with a fountain pump to "water" a small pond. However, you can also create your own fountain using a planter with a fountain pump anchored by rocks.
Tip!
Review Types of Fountains: How to Choose One For Any Home and this list of the 13 Best Outdoor Water Fountains for Your Yard to find the perfect fountain!
