Modern Garden Decor: Garden Fountains and their Roots

From the beginning, outdoor fountains were soley meant to serve as functional elements. Residents of urban areas, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash, which meant that fountains had to be connected to nearby aqueduct or spring. Until the late 19th, century most water fountains functioned using gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a source of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Fountains were an excellent source of water, and also served to decorate living areas and memorialize the designer. Roman fountains usually depicted images of animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks. Muslims and Moorish landscaping designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller models of the gardens of paradise. Fountains played a significant role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exert his power over nature. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to exalt their positions by including decorative baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.

Urban fountains made at the end of the 19th century functioned only as decorative and celebratory adornments since indoor plumbing provided the necessary drinking water. Impressive water effects and recycled water were made possible by replacing the power of gravity with mechanical pumps.

Beautifying city parks, honoring people or events and entertaining, are some of the purposes of modern-day fountains.

The Elegance of Wall Fountains

A living area with a contemporary design can also benefit from a wall fountain. If you want to accentuate your modern-day decor, look into adding one made of stainless steel or glass. Is space limited in your home or place of work? A wall water fountain might be the perfect solution for you. Since they are installed on a wall, these features do not take up precious room. You may note that many bustling workplace lobbies have fountains. Indoor spaces are not the only places to install a wall fountain, however. Think about using fiberglass or resin for your outside wall water feature. Back yards, patios, or other outdoor spaces needing a stylish touch should include a water fountain made of one of these waterproof materials.

Wall fountains can be manufactured in a wide array of different looks ranging from contemporary to classic and provincial. Your decoration plans determine the most appropriate kind for your needs. The materials used to decorate a mountain lodge differ from that needed to beautify a high-rise apartment, the former perhaps requiring slate and the latter better served with sleek glass. Your personal decor plans determine the material you select. Fountains are features which no doubt impress folks who visit your home.