Using Water in Home Decor and Design

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.

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