A Growing Trend: Indoor Fountains

 Many previous forms of water fountains existed for a variety of reasons prior to the present trend of indoor fountains. People have been in awe of the wonders of moving water for millennia. Maybe it’s the calming sound. Or the beautiful designs created by water flows that have been altered. Or perhaps it’s just the thought of controlling something so vital to survival.

Whatever the cause, fountains have been significant in people’s lives all throughout the world for a very long time.

Fountains were first documented in 4000 B.C. in Iran, where ceramic remains indicate they were part of garden water designs. Western fountain traditions are thought to have originated in Greece, as evidenced by archaeological remains and carvings in vases. These early fountains were simply diversionary devices for natural springs. Public fountains were not built until centuries later to serve as municipal water sources. Many cultures also used functional fountains as decorative displays. The Romans, for example, incorporated carvings and statues into public fountains, and many wealthy Pompeii residents’ private homes featured courtyard fountains. The elaborate architectural designs of Renaissance fountains distinguished them.

Circular and polygonal shapes, as well as sculptural detailing, were popular. Fountains were used as focal points.

Even though the majority of fountains were only ornamental, water was nevertheless believed by many cultures to have the ability to revive the spirit, keep youth, and provide life. The Bahamas Islands’ locals told the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon about a fountain of youth whose waters had given a man in his eighties new life. A well-established Native American community in North America was found by Ponce de Leon in 1513. It was built around a spring that many thought was the fabled “fount of youth.” The Fountain Youth National Archeological Park in St. Augustine, Florida, features a fountain that was created by walling up the spring.

Household Fountains

It is a mysterious phenomenon that indoor fountains are becoming more and more popular. Perhaps indoor fountains are the logical connection between indoor and outdoor environments, and the popularity of these features is related to the rise in gardening interests. Or maybe water is the newest substance for sculptors and interior designers who are constantly looking for the newest style. Or perhaps tabletop fountains are simply a means for us to commemorate our collective past by introducing a very scaled-down, manageable element of the grand and the historic into our homes. Whatever the cause, as more homeowners experience the joy of accessorizing and residing with their indoor fountains, tabletop and wall fountains are certain to grow in popularity.

Tabletop fountains are a great way to avoid interior design boredom—just buy a tabletop style you like and then change out the bowls or rocks. You’ll get a completely new look without the back pain that comes with moving furniture. If you make a fountain and get tired of seeing water flowing over beach mementos, simply unplug it, replace the old items with new ones, and you’ll have a new fountain up and running in less time than it takes to bake a pan of muffins. Most indoor fountains are also lightweight enough to be moved from room to room as your mood dictates. Expecting visitors: Move your coffee table fountain to a new location.