Modern Garden Decoration: Fountains and their Roots

Pure practicality was the original purpose of fountains. Water fountains were connected to a spring or aqueduct to supply drinkable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Up to the late 19th century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and more elevated than the fountain so that gravity could make the water move downwards or jet high into the air. Fountains were an excellent source of water, and also served to adorn living areas and celebrate the artist. Roman fountains often depicted imagery of animals or heroes made of metal or stone masks. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to re-create 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 19th century saw the rise in usage of indoor plumbing to provide 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.

Nowadays, fountains adorn public spaces and are used to honor individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.

The Subtle Appeal of the Outdoor Wall Fountain

A living area with a modern-day theme can also benefit from a wall fountain. They can also add an element of elegance to your decor since they are also made in modern-day materials including glass and stainless steel. Is your home or office space in short supply? The perfect alternative for you is putting in a wall water fountain. Since they are mounted on a wall you can save your invaluable real estate for something else. You may notice that many busy office lobbies have fountains. Wall fountains are not limited to inside use, however. Fiberglass or resin wall water features can be used externally. Enliven your lawn, deck, or other outdoor space with a water fountain made of these water-resistant materials.

Wall fountains can be found in a number of unique styles, ranging from ultra-sleek to traditional and rustic. The type most appropriate for your living space depends entirely on your personal decoration ideas. The materials utilzed to decorate a mountain lodge are different from that needed to embellish a high-rise apartment, the former perhaps requiring slate and the latter better served with sleek glass. The material you get depends solely on your decor ideas. Fountains are features which most certainly impress people who visit your home.