When crafting your home’s landscape, consider incorporating a water fountain as a unique feature. With roots dating back to ancient Egypt, water fountains have played a significant role in various cultures worldwide. Today, they can take the form of vibrant statues or serene bubbling urns that create a peaceful ambiance in small gardens. We’ve curated twenty-five innovative water fountain landscaping ideas to help you decide how to best incorporate a water feature into your yard.
From DIY-friendly projects to designer-worthy installations, our suggestions cater to both beginners and professionals. Whether you have a formal garden or an eclectic space with Zen-inspired elements, we’ve got ideas for every style. Many modern fountains are self-contained, reusing the same water and requiring minimal plumbing. Plus, they come in an impressive range of sizes, making them suitable for even the smallest of yards.
Browse our collection to find inspiration for your own outdoor oasis.
Water Fountain Inspired by Zen Garden
Typically, Japanese-inspired water features comprise a serene blend of water flowing from bamboo channels into a tranquil pond or basin. This harmonious arrangement is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where it symbolizes not only the rejuvenation of one’s spirit but also the rebirth of the physical self.
Two Tier Bird Bath and Fountain
While your fountain doesn’t necessarily need to be the focal point of your outdoor space, this understated two-tier design can bring serenity to a garden area surrounded by vibrant annuals and daylilies. The compact top basin, with its gentle flow, creates a tranquil oasis that attracts neighborhood birds seeking a refreshing drink or a brief respite from their busy schedules.
Classically Influenced Bronze Fountain
Elevate your outdoor space with a timeless two-tier fountain, perfect for creating a sophisticated ambiance on even the most humble patios. And with an array of vibrant hues now available, you’re sure to discover a shade that harmonizes seamlessly with your garden’s unique character.
Two Tier Cascading Courtyard Fountain
The focal point of this home’s entrance is a visually striking two-tiered fountain, where water flows freely between the shallow basins, creating a mesmerizing display akin to a refreshing downpour. As the sun dips below the horizon, strategic lighting adds an extra layer of drama and visual appeal to the courtyard entryway, transforming it into a warm and inviting space.
Fountainscape Made From Cast Stone
With an increasing desire to create serene outdoor spaces, it’s no surprise that cast stone fountains have become incredibly popular. One such stunning example can be seen in this water feature, which adds an extra layer of visual interest by being situated on a base of smooth white river rocks.
Artistic Tiled Spanish Water Fountain
Elevate your outdoor space with a touch of old-world charm by incorporating beautiful ceramic tiles into a Spanish-inspired tiered fountain. While constructing a complex fountain may be beyond the capabilities of most DIY enthusiasts, you can easily upgrade an existing base using readily available ceramic tiles from a hardware store.
Two Tier Fountain in Formal Garden
Within the meticulously trimmed boxwood hedges, a striking formal tiered fountain takes center stage. Its durable construction, crafted from weather-resistant resins, ensures a long-lasting presence, defying the test of time and harsh environmental conditions.
White Water Fountain With Lion’s Head Motif
A visually striking feature, the fountain is comprised of four distinct tiers that culminate in a series of shallow bowls and ornate pedestals. Standing at an impressive height of almost six feet, this masterpiece was meticulously hand-stained to produce its crisp white hue.
Ground Level Fountain in a Corner Landscape
A splash of color and serenity can be achieved by placing a self-contained fountain within an informal garden setting. The combination of white brick and red flowers framing the fountain adds a pop of vibrancy to the corner, drawing attention without overpowering the surrounding greenery. This flexible design element allows for creative placement throughout the garden, elevating areas that may have previously gone unnoticed.
Cast Stone Courtyard Fountain
Elevate your Mediterranean-style abode with a timeless touch courtesy of this beautiful, cast stone fountain. The rustic charm and elegance it brings to the space is undeniable.
Natural Fountain Disappears Into River Rocks
By incorporating fountains into rock gardens, you can create a seamless blend between nature’s design and human-made features. One such example is a pondless waterfall or fountain that appears to be an integral part of the landscape. The water flows from the top, mimicking a natural seepage into the ground. This concept harmonizes perfectly with small corner rock garden ideas, as showcased in 26 Beautiful Small Corner Rock Garden Ideas.
A hidden water basin and pump system are cleverly integrated into the ground to recycle the water, resulting in a visually stunning and harmonious combination of rock, water, and greenery.
Surround Fountain With Edged Garden Bed
Incorporating flowers into your garden fountain design is an attractive concept that can add a pop of color to the surrounding area, transforming it from bare to beautiful. One creative approach involves planning a raised flower bed to flank the fountain, which not only adds visual interest but also helps to soften the overall aesthetic and keep the space looking lush.
Ground Level Fountain Is Subtle Focal Point
At the heart of this meticulously manicured English garden, the fountain takes on a subtle presence. Rather than commanding attention with a showy display, it effectively serves as a calming focal point, achieved by cleverly placing the basin below ground level. This design choice imbues the feature with a serene quality, blurring the lines between traditional pond and fountain.
Vessel Fountain Surrounded by Terracotta Hedge
Sited atop a pedestal and nestled among lush potted boxwoods, the large basin features small holes along its sides that allow water to seep out as it reaches a precise level of fullness. When considering such a design, it’s essential to factor in the need for a more powerful pump capable of rapidly filling larger containers.
Lion’s Head Fountain Surrounded by Raised Garden
The classic aesthetic of a lion’s head fountain can be effortlessly achieved through a simple yet thoughtful design. To create this harmonious visual effect, the fountain is elevated by constructing a sturdy foundation that doubles as a striking bookend, seamlessly integrating with the adjacent seating area around the pool.
Unusually Shaped Marble Fountain
Standing at the entrance, a striking fountain welcomes visitors with its unconventional angular design, a refreshing departure from typical circular water features. The surrounding geraniums, being robust and easy to maintain, make for a perfect accompaniment to this unique outdoor attraction.
Classic Public Fountain
Throughout Europe, picturesque public spaces often feature stunning outdoor water features like this two-tiered fountain. The same aesthetic can also be found in Central and South America, showcasing a shared architectural heritage between the continents.
Fountain Raised on Bird Bath
Transforming your front yard into an oasis is just a stone’s throw away, literally. With the right inspiration and materials, you can create a self-contained fountain that’s both visually appealing and soothing to listen to. For instance, you can set up a charming miniature fountain in your front yard, adding a touch of serenity to your home’s exterior. To make it happen, start by scouting out resin fountain kits at local home improvement stores or online marketplaces.
These DIY-friendly kits usually come with everything you need to get started, including the necessary piping and decorative elements.
Pine Cone Fountain With Scalloped Rim Basins
The design features a timeless aesthetic, characterized by intricately carved scalloped bowls and a majestic pinecone perched atop. This symbolism is deeply rooted in spiritual traditions, where pinecones are often associated with the third eye – a symbol of regeneration and enlightenment. The connection to religious iconography is also notable, particularly in relation to the Vatican’s pinecone emblem, which carries profound significance in various cultures.
Water Fountain Made From an Urn
Create your own version of this captivating pot water fountain as a DIY weekend project. Ditch the traditional spout and cascade setup, instead opting for a visually appealing approach where water bubbles up from the spigot. This innovative design creates another self-contained fountain, with the flowing water captured by a basin situated beneath large river rocks.
Fountain Build From Stepping Stones
Create a unique and visually appealing stacked stone fountain by repurposing stones from previous projects or using an artificial stone kit. This flexibility allows for a wide range of design possibilities, from intricate to understated, giving you the freedom to tailor your water feature to your personal style.
Stone Fountain Surrounded by Bromeliads
The concept of garden fountains featuring lion heads dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was a popular feature in their gardens. The tradition continued through the ancient Greek and Roman eras, and today you can choose from a range of colors and sizes that blend seamlessly with your outdoor space. For this particular fountain, a raised bed filled with Aechmea bromeliads adds an extra layer of visual interest, creating a unique and captivating display that’s sure to draw in the eye.
Tall Ornamental Grasses Hide Fountain
When envisioning a water feature for your outdoor space, it’s essential to consider the scale and harmony with the surrounding landscape. In this case, the three-tiered fountain is surrounded by tall ornamental grasses and flowers that add visual interest. To ensure the focal point of the fountain doesn’t get lost among the foliage, you’ll want to balance its height with the overall surroundings.
This might mean choosing plants or trees that won’t overpower the fountain’s stature, creating a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.
Patio Fountains Surrounded by Flower Boxes
Transforming an underutilized outdoor space into a tranquil oasis can be achieved by incorporating a visually striking water feature, such as a fountain. The juxtaposition between the smooth, sleek base of the fountain and the rugged texture of the surrounding stone tiers creates a captivating visual contrast.
To further enhance the ambiance, consider adding planter boxes filled with vibrant flowers and dainty foliage around the fountain’s base, allowing their delicate beauty to soften the overall aesthetic.
Fountain From Urn and Brick Pond
While this above-ground urn fountain may appear diminutive, its compact size allows it to double as a small pond, providing an ideal environment for Water Lilies to flourish.
