Indoor water features serve more than aesthetic purposes. They are calming, soothing, and therapeutic elements within the home, with beneficial effects on emotions and well-being, radiating serene energy to the home occupants.
They come in various forms and sizes and are made from different materials like terracotta, bamboo, metal, glass, ceramic, stone, and acrylic.
Therapeutic Qualities of Flowing Water
Water represents prosperity, and its gentle sounds serve as energy boosters. It gently filters out disturbing noises and eliminates energy-sapping background sounds that disturb peace and concentration. With it gently moving and cascading, it has an amazing effect on our well-being.
Indoor Waterfalls as Flowing Art
Indoor water features possess a decorative and dramatic effect, and if carefully selected and positioned correctly, fit in perfectly with both contemporary and traditional settings. They are an eye-catching addition to any interior space, but there are no hard and fast rules on where to position them. How and where you place them depends on your taste and creativity.
Types of Fountains You Can Use Indoors
For the classic traditional look:
- Rustic traditional fountains made from natural materials like fired clay, bamboo stems, copper, steel, slate, and granite are popular choices.
For a modern, contemporary feel:
- Features made from man-made materials like PVC, glass, fibreglass, and simulated components, including new-age materials.
The three main types of indoor water fountains are:
- Standalone (free-standing).
- Wall-mounted.
- Tabletop (counter/surface placement).
Free-Standing
Great if you have ample floor space. Free-standing floor fountains are spectacular to look at. They are usually larger and heavier than wall-mounted indoor fountains and come with sturdy bases that encase their water reservoirs. They are produced from various materials, both natural and man-made and can include extras like underwater lighting.
Wall-Mounted
Wall-mounted fountains come in various designs and forms. They have high visibility and take up zero floor space. Wall-mounted water features project no more than 3 inches from a wall. A great idea if you lack ample floor space.
Tabletop
Tabletop types are the smallest and lightest and, just as their name suggests, they can be placed on a table, desk, counter, floating shelf, ledge, or display stand. There is a great assortment of designs, forms, sizes, and materials for these interior water features, much more than is available for the wall-mounted and free-standing ones.
Where to Place These Decorative Features
Indoor water features can be used in both residential and commercial interiors. They can be a part of the interior design process of homes, offices, clinics, spas, hotels, recreational clubs, restaurants, and other similar establishments. You can use them in:
- Entrance hallways
- Foyers
- Reception areas
- Offices
- Enclosed patios
- Waiting rooms
- Living rooms
- Bedrooms
- Study
- Niches and alcoves
Because of its natural element, they represent living art pieces that stylishly accentuate interiors.
5 Examples of How to Use Water as an Element of Décor
Room divider.
An open space can be partitioned into zones with standalone floor features. For instance, to divide an open living/dining area space into two distinct spaces, use a tall fountain (up to 3’6” or 1.06m).
Focal point.
Install a wall unit in a strategic position to serve as a focal point.
Dramatic centrepiece.
A tabletop centrepiece with a sturdy base, cascading water, and small scented candle lights placed in its pool will make a great centrepiece.
Sleeping aid.
The quietly flowing sounds and ripples are relaxing and tension-relieving and will lull you to sleep, especially for individuals who find it hard to fall asleep at night.
Humidifier.
As water moistens the atmosphere, so do indoor water features humidify interior spaces, helping to increase the elasticity of the respiratory walls and keep the skin moisturised and supple.
Where Design Meets Tranquillity
Flowing water is therapeutic, so having water fountains (or waterfalls) gives you as much satisfaction in its beauty and complementing nature as it does health-wise. They not only serve as decorative features but also help relax, soothe, and calm you.
(Article first published by the author on HubPages: 6/21/2010)
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