Bronze Water Fountains

Archive for the ‘Fountains and Home Decor’ Category

If you are looking for a beautiful fountain that can be a soothing work of art, then perhaps you should consider a wall fountain.

Indoor fountains add style and grace as well as tranquility to any home. Many of these fountains are in fact beautiful works of art with water as an accent. Several interior decorators have used specially designed, and custom-built wall fountain in homes they have decorated. However, for many homeowners and business owners, there are less expensive wall fountains that provide an affordable option. Many of these wall fountains range in price from approximately $200.00 to as much as a few thousand dollars.

If you are looking for a beautiful fountain that can be a soothing work of art, then perhaps you should consider a wall fountain. Many are created of natural material such as slate, copper, glass, pebbles, and river rock. Wall fountains artistically blend naturally color rocks, stone, and metal to enhance a room with the soothing sound of water.

For a completely different type of wall fountain, consider hanging an art wall fountain created by Harvey Gallery. These are wall fountains that overlay authentic oil paintings. These wall fountains use copies of works, which resemble artist Picasso, Renoir, and Monet. The actual flow of water is combined with optional lighting to create something completely unique and special. The price of some of these works
of art can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

Finally, water wall fountains made of tempered glass provide a contemporary, distinct and elegant look that combines an artistically water and deep etched images on glass for a beautiful tranquil work of art.

Wall fountains, single face, or façade fountains as they are also known by have been around for centuries.

It is impossible to know who actually invented wall fountains, but I can safely say they were not invented in the western world. Wall fountains have been discovered in the ruins of Pompeii, and in the Middle East,
and sketches of gardens and fountains on the walls of ancient Egyptian tombs have sketches have been found of gardens with fountains. Evidence has been found of fountains existing during the second and third Dynasty of China.

Evidence of wall fountains has been found both inside homes and buildings as well as outside. They were probably used for both a decorative purpose as well as for daily washing. A hypothesized use of wall fountains was the prevention of servants and spies from eavesdropping on sensitive conversations.

Wall fountains were an essential part of the ancient Greeks and Romans culture, yet only the wealthy had indoor fountains. Outdoor fountains were multiple-tier basins and elaborately sculptured wall fountains, with rock, marble, bronze, and limestone being the most common used materials to create these functional works of art. With out the invention of electricity, the ancient Greeks and Romans used gravity to power the fountains.

Moving ahead in history, in medieval Europe, wall fountains were used in courtyards, and in monastery gardens. Decorative masks and gargoyles were added to many fountains for visual appeal and to conceal the plumbing. The European fountains drew their design from Greco-Roman as well as Persian influences.

When we move ahead to the present, we find that the popularity of wall fountains has increased among homeowners across all economic boundaries. Wall fountains are found on decks and patios providing homeowners with the relaxing to the soothing sounds of flowing water. Because of their ability to go in narrow areas, many homeowners have installed wall fountains along their walkways.

Wall water fountains are available in a several different styles and designs, which will create a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. Wall fountains made from natural stone have been favorites for centuries and continue to be even today. Water flowing over natural rock and stone brings out the beautiful colors embedded within the rock. These fountains have a look and feel, which encompasses everything style range from natural, antique to ultra contemporary.

There are several different types of wall fountains that we have today. Of course, the antique lion head waterfalls, which for centuries were only found in castles, estates, and mansions, today can be found crafted in inexpensive stone options for those who desire the look of these popular wall fountains for their homes. Another option is the beautiful steel wall fountains that provide a contemporary appeal. Another contemporary fountain is crafted from lightweight stainless steel that does not stress the walls. The shinning steel does reflect the water, producing beautiful rainbow effects.

The extreme beauty of copper wall fountains blend with any décor and any budget, because they are available in several sizes and styles. Of the various materials that wall fountain have been crafted from, glass has become very popular and is available in several different options including frosted, etched, and beveled.
Glass wall fountains are also come in several different colors as well as combinations with materials such as wood, stainless, copper, and bronze to provide a unique looks and styles.

Our love of water is why we want to bring it into our homes in the form of water gardens, waterfalls, ponds, fountains, and yes aquariums.

People all over the world are attracted to water. We need it to drink in order to survive. We wash with it, and we use it for our entertainment and enjoyment. Every year thousands of people around the world flock to oceans, sea, waterfalls, lakes, and large ponds to relax and enjoy the soothing sound of water in motion.

Water, both moving and still has therapeutic values and is one reason why we are so attracted to it. It has been proven that moving water gives off negative ions that balance the positive ions in the air that has been generated by modern living, which is one reason why the air feels and smells so clean after a spring rain.

Our love of water is why we want to bring it into our homes in the form of water gardens, waterfalls, ponds, fountains, and yes aquariums. In the mid 1980?s, the popularity of outdoor water gardens began to emerge. Today, countless individuals have installed ponds, and fountains both outside in gardens, but also inside their
homes. Granted the indoor fountains are small versions of the ones seen in country mansions. However, though small, these beautiful water displays, or décor still produce the tranquil feeling we receive from their larger cousins.

The three main types of water décor are:

Indoor Waterfalls:

By installing an indoor waterfall in your home, you provide your family and yourself the relaxing visual and sounds of water in motion. An indoor waterfall also has other advantages as well, such as adding to your décor. There are countless varieties of designs, styles, and materials that are used today. Some indoor waterfalls will suit décors that have an old world appeal while other are more suited for modern or traditional style homes.

There are two basic types of indoor waterfall, the wall hanging waterfall, and freestanding waterfall, giving you plenty of choices to place your waterfall. Both styles came in several different sizes, from small tabletop designs to ones that are over 6 feet in height and width. However, it is important to note that for the larger
wall hanging waterfalls, the wall you intend to hang it must be able to support the weight. Once properly hung, however, larger wall hanging waterfalls do provide very impressive looks and have more potential for the sounds of flowing water to be heard more clearly.

Waterfalls can be crafted from several different materials and finishes ranging from very modern to that of a more traditional décor. Frames made from stainless steel and or copper are very popular. Their finishes can be either shiny for a modern look, or tarnished to give a more antique look. As with natural waterfalls,
natural stone play a very important part and are often feature as smooth pebbles. Slate, provide a rainbow of natural colors when wet and is especially effective when used in indoor waterfalls.

Indoors Fountains:

Indoor fountains like indoor waterfalls are available in a variety of different materials and styles to fit any décor. Many times the two names are waterfall and fountain interchangeable when it comes to home décor. However, when most people speak of a fountain, they imagine either a tabletop or freestanding marble, or rock fountain. Tabletop fountains are a delightful display of flowing water for any home. They can be used as a centerpiece, or as an ornamental feature on a sideboard or small table.

Fish Aquarium:

Aquariums are probably the most familiar form of water display for many people. As a child, most people had a small fish bowl sitting on a desk or table. While the majority of individuals keep aquariums because of the fish, and as a hobby, there is also a great amount of potential for aquariums to be used as part of the
home décor. The bubbling sound of water that comes from the filter, and the beautiful colors and movement of the fish produces a tranquil feeling for most individuals, which is one reason why many doctor?s and dentist offices have installed aquariums in their waiting rooms.

As with fountains and waterfalls, aquariums are available in a wide range of sizes, and styles. You can purchase aquariums small enough to sit on a table, to aquariums that are free standing. There are even aquariums that are built in to walls and some that are so large they act as walls. The only disadvantage of aquariums over waterfalls and fountains is that the maintenance of an aquarium is much higher than for that of a waterfall or fountain. In addition, you also have to add in the feeding and care of the fish that you put in the aquarium, which you will not have with a waterfall or fountain.

If you have space, there is no reason why you could not combine all three of these types of water displays. They each in their own way are very attractive and can complement each other in a larger home. If your home is large enough perhaps, you could place a large wall hanging waterfall in your entry, a beautiful fountain in a sunroom and an aquarium in the family room to being you hours of enjoyment no matter what room of your home you were.

If you wish to install a fountain on your property, the chances are good that you will directly contact a fountain manufacturer.

Countless manufacturers do sell their fountains directly to the public so that they can provide the best service to the consumer. In addition, if you need assistance with the installation, or
filing a claim during the warranty period, the manufacturer is the most knowledgeable party and therefore will have the information on file concerning your particular unit to provide the assistance you require.

It is vitally important to know what materials are used in the fountain’s construction before purchasing it. This also holds true if you are planning to install a floating fountain in a pond. PVC is a material, which provides durability, and buoyancy is often used in the manufacturing of floating boat docks, and is also used in the manufacturing of the base for floating fountains.

You will also need to know how the pump itself has been manufactured. If there is any chance that debris could get into your pond from rain runoff, then you will need to install a trash pump that has the capability of pumping water, which is mixed with debris. Pumps that are intended for clean water will fail much faster
is used in water that contains even the smallest amount of debris, including dirt particles.

Check on Warranties Offered

Many reputable manufacturers provide warranties with their pumps and fountains, which you may never need. However, if circumstances do arise, then you will need the warranty in order to file a claim. It is important that you understand the terms of the warranty. Unfortunately, such things as operating a clean water pump in water that contains debris, or installing the wrong type of equipment, may void your warranty. By dealing directly with a reputable manufacturer, you can providing them with the needed information to ensure that you are installing the proper pumps and equipment for the type of pond that you have, thus ensuring that your warranty will be valid if you us it.

When choosing a fountain for your home or yard you must consider your size restrictions.  The size of the fountain you choose should be determined by whether your home or yard is small and compact or large and rambling.

Small Fountains

Small outdoor fountains create harmony in your garden without obstructing the view. Several small outdoor fountains are larger replicas of tabletop fountains whose design, will fit into your garden. Other fountain styles may be placed on a patio to add variety and enhance the space.

It is important to realize that some small fountains are intended for ponds. Pond fountains have a very clear advantage in that there is no need to connect them to a water source. These fountains float on the surface of the water, drawing water for their spray from the pond.

When speaking about fountains, the term small can refer to a fountain used in a pond, which is roughly 20,000 square feet in size. For ponds that are approximately 160 feet in diameter, a small floating fountain may be the perfect size. Fountains of this size can use a 1 /3 horsepower pump, while fountains used in larger ponds will require a stronger pump. Therefore, when purchasing your floating fountain, make sure you are familiar with the size of pond it will be installed.

When purchasing a fountain for your pond, you have to keep in mind the depth of the water. If you have a rather shallow pond, then you should consider using a filter cage for the pump. This will keep the spray head out of the mud and from getting clogged. A good rule of thumb is to use a filter cage for any pond that
is six feet deep or less.

Large Fountains

If you are a homeowner who has water on their property, there are times you may wish you could fill it in, especially if you have children and do not want them near it or if you don’t have the time to keep it clean. Instead of considering filling it in, consider transforming it into a truly stunning part of your landscape.
Depending on the size of your pond, you may be able to add a large outdoor fountain to transform your pond into a tranquil place to spend time outdoors.

However, many homes don’t have large lakes or ponds on their property. However, there are beautiful fountain sculptures that can enhance your garden. Another suggestion is the use of three tier fountains or strategically place stone pillars with water cascading down as waterfalls make wonderful additions to any garden.

Several major corporations have huge corporate offices. These companies strive to make their campuses look as beautiful as possible, for both their employees and as a positive facet of the community. Many add outdoor fountains to runoff ponds or man-made lakes, set up picnic tables, and have the area professionally landscaped to provide a relaxing environment for employees to enjoy.

When designing your home and its surrounding landscape, consider balancing the different elements to ensure that no single feature overwhelms the other.

If you take this idea further, you may want to consider working with an interior designer and landscaper who focus on Feng Shui which is the practice that if the elements are in balance within the home, then there will be harmony in that setting.

When you add an indoor fountain to a dry room, it increased increase the moisture in that room. The principles of Feng Shui believe that water represents fluidity and if there is not enough water in an environment, it will make you resistant to change. On the other hand, too much water results in a lack of form and structure. Therefore, it is vital to keep all the elements in balance so that no one element
becomes excess and ultimately destructive.

You need to consider the environment in which you plan to place a home fountain when selecting one. If your garden is small garden, adding a fountain can offer added moisture that your plants can use. On the other hand, you can place a fountain in a work area to provide a more relaxing environment. Cultures all over the world view water as a symbol of life, flowing with the environment instead of resisting it. Indoor fountains can be placed in home offices where the calming effect of the fountain can help ease the struggles of new ideas, studies, and concepts, helping you to work with these ideas instead of resisting them.

Incorporating Fountains into Outdoor Space:

Home fountains can offer a natural ambience of sight and sound to your home when you are hosting parties, or simply for your own pleasure. If you are lucky enough to have a natural waterway, pond, or lake on your property, then perhaps you should consider adding a fountain to create water display where you and your guests can socialize and relax. If you design your outdoor fountain in accordance with Feng Shui, then keep in mind the relationships between the five elements fire, earth, metal, wood and water as well as the eight directions.

In Feng Shui, every direction is linked with different concepts. For example, knowledge and creativity are associated with the North and with the element of water. Discovering the best way to orientate your fountain may in fact truly enhance your creativity or contentment.

If you are lucky enough to have a pond or lake on your property, then consider using one of many stunning fountain options to enhance your lake or pond.

You can go online and discover several affordable lake fountains, which will perfectly suite the layout of your property. If you are unsure as to what size fountain  would enhance your lake or pond best, you can always consult with a landscape designer to advise you.

An experienced landscape designer can quickly survey the layout of your entire property, the dimensions of your pond or lake and inform you of fountain what would work best for you. A landscape designer may also suggest creating a design using multiple fountains if your pond or lake is large enough.

For safety purposes, fountains should never be placed in a lake or pond where children or people swim and play. Theoretically, it is safe to be in the water with an operating fountain however, with electrically wires, parts, and various cords underwater, there is a risk of people becoming entangled in the wiring. In addition, there is the risk of electrocution, however, this is highly unlikely. If you want to also use your lake or pond for recreation as well, there are special fountains that are designed for use in pools. However, the pumps of these fountains are clean water pumps and not intended to be used in a natural or man-man lake or pond.

Floating fountains have a pump close to the surface and a spray head at the surface level of the water this disperses water in various attractive patterns into the air.

If the main reason that you are adding a fountain to your pond is to aerate the water for fish or for the prevention of alga growth, then a surface aerator or a bottom-based aerator is your solution. On the other hand, if your desire is to create a beautiful water display, which will also aerate, then a floating fountain
model, may be the solution. Floating fountains have a pump close to the surface and a spray head at the surface level of the water this disperses water in various attractive patterns into the air.

The floating fountain has to be held secure in place. This can be done by securing it with shoreline ropes or an anchor. Shoreline ropes are more convenient to use and able you to pull the unit to shore when ever it requires maintenance. Unfortunately, anyone else can also accomplish this, making your fountain valuable to vandalism or theft.

Anchoring a Floating Fountain:

By dropping an anchor beneath the unit in the water, it will hold the fountain in place and reduce the risk of your fountain falling to vandalism and reliably secures your fountain in place. However, the main disadvantage is that if your fountain is in a pond more than a couple of feet deep, then in order to get to it and clean the fountain or change a lamp, you’ll have to use a boat to get to your fountain. This also means that you’ll have to have a place where you can secretly store your boat, so that no one else can get out to your fountain.

With a floating fountain, you must have a ground fault interrupting circuit breaker, or GFCI on the pump and lighting circuits. Many cheap fountains do not include a GFCI. If the floating fountain you have purchase does not include the GFCI, then you will have to purchase this equipment yourself. Separately, it will coast you about the same as a floating fountain, which has it already in place. The GFCI protection needs to be placed close to the shore to reduce the cable length that has to be run underwater. This reduces the chance that it will create problems.

Water fountains added to gardens also have several other benefits such as they tend to repel mosquitoes.

If your passion is gardening, then it is pretty safe to guess that you spend a majority of your time in your garden. Your friends and family when they visit also enjoy the peace and beauty you have created and a water fountain can add to its beauty. Water fountains added to gardens also have several other benefits such as they tend to repel mosquitoes. Another great benefit is that a fountain will prevent algae from grown and clouding up the water.

Manufacturers make several different types of fountains for you to choose from to place in your garden and every fountain has two main parts you need to consider. They are the spray head and the pump. The spray head creates a dimensional water display. You do not want the spray to be larger than your pond, nor do you want it too small. Ideally, the shape, height, and width of the spray from the fountain should be balanced harmoniously with its environment.

If you do your gardening yourself and don’t have a gardener or landscaper, then  you want to ensure your fountain will not create any technical headaches, which you cannot solve. A major problem for many fountains is when they fill with rainwater and debris clogs and even damages the pumps. To avoid this problem simply use a trash pump instead of a clean water pump. Trash pumps are efficient and do not  clog, making them an excellent investment for your fountain. Another accessory  for your fountain is an automatic timer if you do not wish for your fountain to run continually.

For ponds in area that can flood, consider using a lightweight pump-out adaptor, which comes with most fountains, can help you avoid any serious damage to plants and flowers that would not survive if your pond flooded.

Water fountains can be stunning and dramatic additions to any yard, garden, or grounds.

Whether your property has a natural pond or you want to create a pond to enhance the beauty of your garden, the beauty of water in motion can enhance and create a sense of serenity, romance, and beauty. However, before you add a fountain to any pond, whether natural or man-made, there are a couple of technical matters you need to consider when selecting the type of fountain you need.

The first thing in which you should consider has to do with aesthetics. There is no right or wrong when dealing with personal taste. However, it is best if the shape, height, and width of the spray from the fountain are balanced harmoniously with its environment. In other words, you do not want the fountain to be too small for the pond that it is not lost within the pond, nor do you want it so big that it over shadows the pond. To help with this, there are several different types of spray heads, which control the height, width, and radius of the fountain spray, changing the looks of the fountain completely.

Spray Head Patterns for Landscaping Fountains:

There are several different types of spray head patterns one such is the three-tiered spray head, which creates a multi-dimensional set of arched water, which almost resembles a flower bloom opening. Three-tiered spray heads are perfect for many large, open ponds, or scaled down to fit a fountain whose  dimensions are wide as it is long and tall. For windy locations, you may wish to install a geyser spray head. This produces a narrower jet of water, which rises vertically from the center. This reduces the chance of a person enjoying the area around the fountain getting sprayed when a strong winds blows.

These are just two of the many other types of spray heads available. Each different spray head can produce an arc or arcs of different heights and intensities depending on your desire. In addition, lights can be added to your fountain with lighted spray heads to create the perfectly illumination for nighttime viewing. It may
be more convenient and cheaper to use area lighting, however once you see the beauty of a fountain glowing from underneath and within you may wish to install the fountain lights. Some can even be programmed to change colors to suit the occasion, and ones that are more expensive can be programmed to flash in time with music.

The last yet, most important part of a fountain is the pump. There are two basic types of fountain pumps available, which are clean water pumps and trash pumps. There are an extremely limited number of ponds that are suitable for clean water pumps. Trash pumps, despite their name are the better pumps. These are designed to work with water that can contain debris. They will keep your pond beautiful, cleaner, and last longer than clean water pumps. In short, trash pumps offer more for your money.