The Beauty of Indoor Fountains

Indoor water fountains and their soothing beauty are available in many shapes, sizes, styles, and designs, and are crafted from a variety of different materials. From the slightest trickle cascading down into a bubbling pool to the more elaborate models that feature gushing, geyser-like spurts of sparking water, indoor fountains add not only visual appeal but they also add a sense of harmony to any living space.

The Different Styles of Indoor Fountains

Ah water, the simple, yet eternally complex essence of all living creatures. Indoor fountains help us to enhance our home's décor while reveling in the calming properties of the water. With three basic styles and a host of materials to choose from, either freestanding, tabletop, or wall-mounted, indoor fountains offer plenty of versatility as well as a number of impressive health benefits.

Doctor's offices use decorative fountains to calm patient's nerves, and large fountains are often found near shopping malls and plazas as well as in the downtown sections of metropolitan areas, to muffle the continual noise of a bustling city. Besides providing "white noise," indoor fountains and their constantly moving streams of water may also help to remove dust, pollen and other irritants from the air, making it easier to breathe.

The following are the three basic styles of indoor water fountains:

Freestanding Fountains

Freestanding water fountains, or floor fountains as they are sometimes called, are stunning additions to any type of interior decorating. Dark cherry wood and granite make for an excellent combination in this particular type of water fountain, as do glass, brushed steel, copper, and marble. Usually ranging in size from two feet to seven feet, or more, floor fountains have the capacity to hold several gallons of water, mimicking the look and feel of a natural waterfall.

Tabletop Fountains

Tabletop or desktop fountains are perfect for areas that are short on floor space, whether they’re strictly for decorative purposes, to help you relax, or for a little bit of both. Every good fountain begins with a reliable pump that stays fully submersed at all times.

As for the base, deeper is definitely better than shallow, provided that the details of the fountain aren't obscured by its depth. The bases of tabletop fountains can be made of any type of material that will withstand the constant water including glass, polished stones, poly resin, plastic, and also pottery and ceramics if they are properly sealed or glazed.

Bubbling tabletop fountains instantly create a more soothing atmosphere, turning even the most sterile of environments into a naturally serene one. Recent studies have also indicated that placing one in your home office or near your regular work space may actually cause an increase in productivity.

Indoor Wall Fountains

Like other types of fountains, many that are mounted onto walls also feature accent lighting, making for an even more interesting display. Some wall fountains are rather large and incorporate a variety of pleasing elements into their design. The most important factor to consider is the wall fountain's weight, and whether or not the wall you attach it to will be structurally sound enough to withstand the weight and constant pressure.

Some of the materials you'll find used to create indoor fountains include certain types of woods, metals, stones, slate, marble, copper, and glass. Glass fountains alone can be made in an array of styles using clear, colored, hand-blown, beveled, mirrored, and etched glass in any number of thicknesses. The actual fountains themselves can be made from many different mediums, such as acrylic, ceramic, carved marble, stones, pebbles, seashells, lava rock, and river rocks, just to name a few.

Choosing an Indoor Water Fountain

Indoor fountains allow you to bring a bit of nature into the home and enjoy the many soothing qualities regardless of the size or type you choose as the calming serenity of water is universal. There are, however, a few important things to first take into consideration before making a final decision in order to make the most of your indoor fountain.

First, decide on the type of effect you're trying to achieve by adding a water fountain to a particular room or location in your home. Are you interested in a dramatic change, making the fountain the focal point of the room? Or, does a smaller, more subtle fountain that offers a softer sounding rush of water suit your style better?

Next, what room will you be putting the fountain in, and what type of free space do you have to work with? A wall fountain could be just the right touch that an empty hallway or foyer needs to finish the look, or this type can also take the place of a picture, or grouping of pictures just about anywhere in the home.

As for the tabletop style, consider the actual weight of the fountain and whether or not you'll have ample room. These fountains should be positioned in such a way that they're able to be enjoyed from any spot in the room, but keep in mind that you'll need an electrical outlet nearby to power the fountain's pump.

Seven Benefits of Indoor Water Fountains

1. Indoor fountains can be used to display collections of colorful stones, crystals, or other small accents.

2. Water is a vital component of Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese practice that's been in existence for over 3,000 years that involves rearranging one's surroundings to balance energy levels, assuring good health, good fortune, and wealth.

3. Water fountains are said to release negative ions in the air which in turn help to elevate mood and improve concentration.

4. The calming effects of flowing water are conducive to sleep and relaxation.

5. Having an indoor water fountain in your home increases the humidity levels, helping to eliminate dry air and also encourage the growth of any nearby plant life.

6. Indoor fountains make the absolute perfect gift, either as a housewarming present or just as a beautiful, yet simple gift that will blend in with any type of home or décor.

7. For those interested in meditation, indoor table fountains are a great addition to any calming sanctuary.

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