You may recall several spaces where you have visited where the right garden fountain in the right space truly transformed an area. The focal point of interest, the sound that helped to establish the ambience. Few things bring life into a garden or property like the natural motion and sound of water, and then the artistic value of the fountain piece itself and the water’s own motion, which provides a feel and character of its own.
After designing and constructing thousands of landscapes and outdoor spaces over the years through our founding company, Universal Landscape, Inc., we understand the nuances of making a great space.
Inherent in the process of serving people, with the goal of helping deliver a great space or area, the questions we ask are a main tool in helping to gain clarity where there may be little in the beginning of the design and selection process.
One of our goals through Backyard Charm Boutique, beyond simply offering products we have selected because of their quality and the people who back them, is to provide not only that trust in quality, the service behind the product, but information as we can to help make the best choice for you and the spaces you are looking to create, or to transform.
One of our supports to your process of research & selection is to help provide practical, expert experience as well as insights, tips, articles, project-specific case studies, and videos in our developing “Outdoor Living Guide” section here on our site. The result of helping people to create great, memorable spaces is an important part of how we choose to measure our success. The better the decision you make in the right fountain for you and your property, the greater the chance that we can help create a space that you and those who gather in your chosen spaces will love.
A Starting Point for Fountain Selection and Considering the Larger Design Aspects of the Space
Some researching for the right fountain here may already have the space where it is going all figured out and only need help with the fountain selection itself. If you are in this category, the information in this article will address this situation with specific points to help consider and hopefully help you to make a better, quality decision that will improve your space and make your selection easier.
For those who are recreating or transforming a space, who know they want a fountain in their new space, but have more choices ahead than just the fountain itself, we’re going to take a brief moment and give a little guidance on that larger outdoor living design challenge and then hone in on the specific points we recommend considering in your fountain decision-making process.
For those with many decisions, start with the Quality of your Questions
As we stated, the Questions you ask and answer are a major factor in helping to determine the path of a design and bring a project into focus; we believe that this can help with selecting any piece of Home Décor, or in this particular case, the Fountain for your space. When dealing with thoughts of multiple items for a space during this design and purchasing phase, whether it’s a fountain, furniture, planting, or decorative containers, accent pieces, focal points, we suggest starting with the main, or larger, elements of the design first. When it comes to many elements in a setting, few will be more influential than the fountain. It has a natural magnetic means of attracting the eye with its motion in a space where most other items may be still or ruffled by wind or a breeze, but a constant motion that can stimulate the eye, while the sound attracts the ear. As in feng shui principles of design, for example, Feng meaning “Wind” and Shui meaning “Water”, these represent forces in nature. As there are different studies of design, recognizing a space and the energy desired are aspects that are worthy of note. The more the senses can be engaged, what we see, what we hear, what we taste, what we touch, what we smell, the more an area may be thought to help pull us out of our mind more at any moment and more into the space we are choosing to create as a memorable space or a space to be appreciated and enjoyed.
As a fountain is one of the most influential pieces of any setting, for not only the visual but the auditory qualities as well, there are 3 Simple Questions for starters :
- How will the Fountain look in my space?
- How will the Fountain fit in my space?
- How will the style of the piece fit into the setting I am looking to create?
These Questions are simple enough, but seem to underlie any choice of any fountain, or really any piece of Home Décor.
For these questions, we’re providing a framework of 8 standard points to consider in helping to answer these questions for yourself when selecting a fountain.
8 Standard Points to Consider When Choosing a Fountain for Your Space
- The Location
- The Sound
- The Size
- Installation Aspects
- The Look and the Style of the Fountain
- Practicality, Maintenance
- Material Composition of the Fountain
- Associated Costs, Budget & Planning
Is there a difference to consider when selecting between Residential & Commercial spaces for fountain styles and sizes?
Yes, there can be, and the scale alone may be the most common and dramatic difference. While there can be large differences in the commercial needs and goals of a space versus the residential design and choice selection for those very different areas, we are going to point out that in many situations of fountain and garden or property design, there may be similarities in the decision-making for the intimacy of some smaller spaces; while larger public areas may be set to be more of a landmark and show-stopping, similar to a desired attention focal point at a residence.
We are going to proceed through the 8 Standard Points with a focus on Residential applications, though again, some points may help those selecting and purchasing fountains for commercial or park-scale space applications as well.
1) Location: Where should I place my fountain?
This answer is going to depend heavily upon the space and the nuances of the property. Let’s start with a smaller frame of reference and expand to a larger one.
Smaller spaces, front porches, smaller back porches, or balcony spaces:
Those areas that might fit a couple of chairs, limited area; obviously, the dimensions of the space are going to be a large determining factor. Suggest a wall-hanging fountain that doesn’t need to compete with ground space but still provides that soothing sound to help an area, or again, depending on the size, something that will fit, with measurement being a leading first factor, to not cause a trip hazard.
A suggestion if working with a thin walking or seating porch, balcony, or patio space: place a thinner fountain at an end of the porch or patio, possibly if walk space is competitive. Similar to this Campania MC-1 Fountain - Corten Steel Face. Measurement size of the space available and the size, the footprint of the fountain a first, main point to evaluate.
The Very Small Seating Space:
Even a small fountain that can fit on a table can complement the space while adding artistic and sound value to an even more space-challenged area. Similar to the Campania M-Series Bird Fountain or the Yoga Frog Beveled Fountain in the 2 photo feature examples here. (include product page links for both)
Driveway centerpieces or Home Entry areas:
These 2 different spaces might be ideal either for that attention-grabbing quality, to recognize the home upon pulling in the driveway, or the simple beauty of the piece and adding to the first impression desired when arriving at the home. Different feelings it might evoke, different goals, though they could be combined and accomplished in the same piece in some fountain pieces. An example of a traditional or classical style that can be used in this type of center driveway space or island is this Savannah Estate Fountain.
There are, of course, different styles more modern or natural pieces of different materials and the looks can vary dramatically. The suggestion is that, if placing something for a main driveway piece to be attention-grabbing as a goal, go for something close to 4 to 5 feet tall on the shorter side, depending again on the size of the space. If space allows, for a more dramatic piece, a fountain that is 6 feet or taller is more attention-grabbing. Natural stone or concrete block with a tiled, stucco, or faced finish as a pedestal, or retention block to build up an area for elevating, could also be a consideration if you’ve found a piece but wish it were taller. You can build a base underneath to elevate the fountain piece is an option that might be considered. The main importance is that the pedestal is strong, durable, and well built to provide a stable, long-term home that can handle the elements and weight of the desired fountain piece. All important considerations for pedestals in an effort to match the feel or need you may have in mind if desiring a taller fountain option for those eye-catching main property locations.
Front Door Walk Up Entry Areas:
Depending upon the size of the property and the layout of the home, of course, a nice spot also could be after the driveway area as a lead-in to a front door area. Again, either a wall-hanging fountain for a smaller entryway that might have a lot of wall space leading to a front door with little or no space for landscape, or even a decorative container turned into a fountain if desired to add that peaceful sound upon arrival or departure from the home. A wall hanging example we include here is the Corsini Wall Fountain.
Garden or Walkway Path Locations:
Do you have a long front entry walk into your home? Is there a landscaped path on the side of your house that serves as a breezeway from the front to back? Is there a thin walk space that you’ve created, going by pool equipment in a tighter xero lot line space, but also includes some views to the outside through some side windows? Is there a kitchen seating nook space that you love or that can use some dressing up for the view it has the potential to offer from that space you look out a lot?
For all of these, depending on the space, if your lifestyle is one that often says to friends or family, “meet us out back,” and they take a walk path leading from the front of the house to the back, there’s so much that can be done in so many different ways. Of course, depending upon your climate for the planting potential if space allows, or to add a nicer ambience for you and those who you wish to enjoy your home and the intended spaces you show people to walk in your property. After the stepping stones, a concrete or paved walk path, a feature fountain can stand out. (Note: remember to also position the fountain to be viewed from inside the home through a window, if possible, always.) Similar to the small blue Rumba Fountain our founding company installed in a Boynton Beach residence in the 2 design photos we’ve included here.
For a picked focal point to draw people in from the start of the walk or leading close to the desired arrival toward the back, a suggestion: wind the path a little to add a little relaxation to the walkway and then add a fountain. Add a fountain along the walk to break up the space if you like and want that spot to be enjoyed, and it is one that makes sense to you for your property.
This might make the most sense for those who have a property where the side of the house is really the main garden area and the best opportunity to have a beautiful garden space. The xero (zero) lot line property has become increasingly popular as the years go by for new developments. Those homes that don’t really have a front or backyard, and the transition space from the front to the back is the one chance and the one opportunity with the property to make an outdoor space that is special and can really make a difference to the ambience and desired feel of the home for you.
We suggest, if space and opportunity allow, that you treat this not only as a transition space but as a unique area all of its own. You and your guests might actually have a small seating spot if desired; for the smallest spaces, maybe a little bistro set with a small table and wrought iron or other style chairs that suit your desired style.
The fountain location can help to break up the path; pick a spot that you can lead people in from the front, maybe at a midpoint or towards the back, a small one by the start of the path with a larger one at the rear, back of home area possibly where the majority of the time spent will be.
Again, when possible, make the placement in front of a window to increase the enjoyment of the fountain location. The more vantage points you can see the fountain, let alone hear it, your increasing the amount of spots it can be enjoyed from, you increase the influence of the piece on the area and increase the return on the investment.
For your patios, pool areas or seating gardens:
To select the best fountain location for these spaces, I would first think of the differing views of the area.
As a designer’s approach, the first consideration is the best focal point placement in the area. For added return on investment, think not only of the space from the seating area but also when entering the space. You’ve got 2 immediate points to think of to help choose a spot. If there is a location placement for the fountain that satisfies both of those views, with the same choice, that’s adding value with one choice to 2 different spots to enjoy the placement.
When you’re designing an outdoor space, it's nice to think of creating “different outdoor rooms” or spaces that can be linked together, or spaces that offer a transition from one area outside to another, or from inside the home space to a space or connection outdoors.
To increase the choice value of the fountain further, if possible, is there a view from the front door or an inside seating area, a living room, dining room, kitchen area or bedroom possibly or some other space in the home that has the ability to see this outdoor space? If so, then a suggestion is to include this point in the conversation, to include this reference point specifically in the location placement decision. If you can pick a spot where the fountain can be enjoyed in view from inside the home, from the space where you enter the space, and from a seating area or main seating area outside, it's similar to triangulating that location, or providing value to all three of those locations.
With our founding design & contracting company, amongst other central element features, we’ve built natural, real rock waterfalls on projects large and small, from smaller intimate residential areas to park-scale features at public properties.
With Garden fountain installations of any kind, there’s always a thought that comes to mind with each project when deciding the location: a simple question we suggest asking for those struggling with the thought. If, after considering the above questions and points of view for the placement of your fountain’s location, if after thinking of the seating space view, the entry to the area view, and the view from inside, I suggest you ask yourself an additional question to help simplify it further :
If this fountain were a TV, and you wished it to be seen from as many different spots as possible, where would you place it?
That should help.
In the end, your fountain truly does serve as a form of entertainment, when in doubt, pick the spot where you can enjoy it from the most vantage points as possible. By doing so, you increase the enjoyment of it and multiply the value of enjoyment by multiplying the value by viewpoints alone.
Fountain Distance Location:
As an important element of choosing the location is the distance you might select to place the fountain, we’re adding some points to consider on this factor. The different areas we’ve mentioned are going to, of course, offer their own challenges and advantages, depending upon your space.
For a seating area, a suggestion is, where and when able, to make sure you place the fountain in an area where you can appreciate the sound of it, not only the visual. Makes sense to place it where you can hear. For the record, we’re giving that advice. Place it where you can appreciate the sound of it; this decision will increase your enjoyment of the fountain.
How far is that? How far from where I’m seated should I place the fountain?
The answers to those are going to depend upon a few factors:
- Is there a lot of traffic or neighborhood, or surrounding noise for the area you're placing the fountain? If so, you may wish to consider, depending upon your space a larger fountain or one that has more “Splash Points” or points or streams of contact and splashing the fountain, more sound by water splashing that the fountain produces. We’ll get more into this in the sound section.
- The size of your space versus the fountain chosen. Again, an insight into the importance of the sound of the fountain versus the desired sound effect you are hoping for. We’ll cover this in the sound section as well.
In short, if you can place the fountain closer to the seating area, within 15 feet of your seating area, this is close and should do well for many spaces. If you’re able to place it closer, depending again on the size of the fountain and the sound quality, that could be a consideration. It’s advised that you base this distance in part on the sound that the fountain will produce, and we are making efforts, all the time, to increase examples of different sounds of fountains to help you with your decision points on this factor.
Depending upon the fountain you choose, those with more splash points, more drops of water hitting water in different spills the fountain(s) might provide, the more sound. Some taller fountains should be able to be heard further away. Several fountains, even with a splash height of 2 or 3’ high, depending upon the stillness and quietness of the space your in, low surrounding ambient sounds in a rural area, for example, will be easier to hear much further it may be tested, than the same feature in an urban area, that has more surrounding sound in the air. Some fountains on our site, we have examples of, with 2 to 3’ of splash height, can be heard at 30’ away, even with urban sound, with a 6-lane main county highway just behind the property we used as a sound check for some fountains, within a half mile, as in one of our examples.
Again, the section on sound will also cover this more in depth with insights we hope to provide better decision-making information for you to consider.
As a rule of thumb for the distance to place the fountain in seating areas or pathways, we advise that you don’t place the fountain in a location where it can be tripped over easily. Provide a good walking space around it. For example, an average residential sidewalk or pathway is 3 feet wide. If you can provide 3 feet of walking space in front of the fountain for those passing by, that should be ample space provided.
Fountain Location Placement:
Don’t forget to consider and take Advantage of Good Window Views from Inside
As mentioned earlier on location placement, a recurring thought we suggest is to always consider the attempt to satisfy enjoyment from multiple different spots with one choice, whenever possible. Be greedy. Try to get the most enjoyment from the selection and purchase of your fountain as you can. Maximize the return on it.
A question we always ask when designing the placement of a water feature: Can I satisfy a visual or sound desire for more than one area of my home and garden with this decision?
Some other points and suggestions: always go for the most “bang for the buck.” Always try to maximize the return you can get for your decision and see if you can improve multiple areas with the one choice.
The easiest consideration is the “Front Door Entry View”. Is there a window view leading to the back that is visible and plays a part of the home as soon as you enter into the home through the front door? Many homes are designed to present people with the opportunity to take advantage of this layout and tie the feel of the inside of the house with the artistic opportunity of the property, which is immediately able to play a part. Many might ignore the opportunity that the outside of the home can enhance the view and feel of the inside. Many of those we serve realize the artistic opportunity the garden area and the views of the property can help enhance the ambience and feel of the home inside, as well as an added retreat quality and feel outside.
That first view entering the home, that front door view, if that’s a factor, that’s a prime point to consider for a fountain placement.
Family Room. Master Bedroom or other bedroom windows or Doors with windows or sliding glass doors- another prime space that can be appreciated from the inside.
Dining Room Windows: think of the daily enjoyment or those holiday occasions, birthdays, or special events. Then add lighting and a backdrop behind the fountain, and if you have this kind of setup and the space allows, it can elevate the space again, with the art outside as the backdrop.
