Where did Fountains Come From?

Pure functionality was the original role of fountains. Inhabitants of urban areas, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash up, which meant that fountains needed to be connected to nearby aqueduct or spring. Until the late 19th, century most water fountains operated using gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a supply of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Fountains were not only utilized as a water source for drinking water, but also to adorn homes and celebrate the artist who created it. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often times utilized by Romans to decorate their fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to mimic the gardens of paradise. To show his dominance over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains built to mark the place of entry of Roman aqueducts.

The end of the nineteenth century saw the increase in usage of indoor plumbing to supply drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to strictly decorative elements. Gravity was replaced by mechanical pumps in order to enable fountains to bring in clean water and allow for beautiful water displays.

Modern-day fountains serve mostly as decoration for community spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational activities.

Gorgeous Wall Water Features

Wall elements are a good option if the space you occupy is more modern in appearance. Also made in modern-day materials such as stainless steel or glass, they can add flair to your interior style. Is your home or office space in short supply? The best option for you is a wall water fountain. Since they are hung on a wall, these features do not take up valuable space. Commercial buildings with busy lobbies commonly have one of these fountains. Inside spaces are not the only places to display a wall fountain, however. Fiberglass or resin wall water features can be placed outdoors. Liven up your lawn, porch, or other outdoor space with a water fountain made of these waterproof materials.

Wall fountains can be manufactured in a wide array of different looks ranging from contemporary to classic and provincial. The type you select for your space is dictated by your individual design preferences. A city dweller’s design ideas might call for polished glass whereas a mountaineer might prefer a more traditional material such as slate for a mountain lodge. You can select the material most suited to your needs. Fountains are features which no doubt thrill people who visit your home.