Harsh Winters and Garden Fountains

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Many people use water features to accentuate their lawn, complement their patio space, and to serve as centerpieces in their gardens. They come in a wide range of impressive designs, and offer many benefits for your home. People who live in colder climates, or experience harsh winters weather are often very apprehensive when it comes to installing water features in their own home. But, there are actually plenty of options for people in cold areas. It is important to know how to which materials to choose and how to prepare them for harsh weather.

Choosing the Right Material

Outdoor fountains are made out of many different materials. Some fountains are made of natural stone, while others are made of concrete or metal. These materials range in durability and strength. The right material with the proper maintenance can last for years, even in rough climates. When choosing your fountain, avoid materials that could chip or break easily. It may be best for some areas to choose fountains made of iron. Many companies also offer maintenance and repair kits, and the way you care for your fountain will make all the difference.

Draining for Winter

Fountains come in a wide array of sizes and styles. Some can circulate a hundreds of gallons of water, while others operate on just a few. If you are installing a water feature in a location that experiences harsh winter conditions, you’ll definitely want to choose something that you can easily drain. Units that move less water are more easily drained, and you’ll need something like that. If you leave water sitting in a fountain through those winter months, it will freeze, and that can cause major, irreparable damage to your garden fountain. You don’t want to turn on your fountain in the spring to find that it is cracked and broken from ice damage.

Protect Them from the Elements

The cold temperatures aren’t the only ways that your water can be damaged by the elements. If you want to protect your fountain from some of the more brutal effects of nature, you’ll probably want to utilize a fountain cover. Covering your fountain will protect the materials and finish during the months when you do not have it operating.

If you live in a harsh climate with heavy precipitation in the winter time, a simple cover might not be enough. If you are still worried about what Mother Nature might do to your outdoor water feature, consider purchasing one that isn’t too hard to move. Sometimes the best way to avoid the elements is to escape them altogether. During those unforgiving months, you may consider placing your fountain in a garage or shed.

 

Don’t let the fear of cold weather stop you from having water features in your own garden. There are still options for those of us who sometimes get snow and ice. Draining during freezing weather, protecting the pieces from the elements, and choosing fountains made of durable materials will allow you to have water features like everyone else!

Preparing your Garden Fountain and Pond for Winter

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From the spring through the fall, having a fountain in your garden or a pond on your property adds a beautiful touch to your outdoor setting. Those warm days are always improved by spending relaxing hours next to fresh running water. While it is important to maintain your units and keep your fountains and ponds fresh and clean throughout the year, when the winter months are approaching, there are a few extra details of which you should be aware.

Cleaning

Whether you have a garden fountain or a small pond, one of the most important things you can do to prepare them for winter is cleaning them, and removing all organic debris. The decomposition process is slowed in colder temperatures, and the slowing of this process presents problems. During decomposition, organic materials will give off toxic gases, and slowing the process allows for a buildup of these toxic chemicals. If a layer of ice begins to form, the decomposition process is slowed down even more. This is especially harmful if you have a pond that contains fish or other wildlife.

Garden Fountains

If you are preparing a garden fountain for winter, you will want to drain all of the water, and turn the pump off before the first freeze. Frozen water expands quite a bit, and ice will ruin your pump and the pieces of your fountain. There are also fountain covers that can protect the materials your fountain is made of from Mother Nature. But, in some cases, it is sometimes best to remove your fountain from the elements completely. If you expect to experience harsh winter conditions, it may be best to move you fountain to a garage or shed during those months.

Preparing Your Pond

The options for maintaining your pond are a little different than a fountain. The pump in a pond for instance, can be left on throughout the year, so that it can continue to circulate the water. The pump will help to keep the water from freezing, but sometimes those temperatures just are too low. It is a big help to have a fountain thermometer to monitor these temperatures. There are also options for pond heaters for when the temperatures get too bad. If your pond begins to freeze, you can pour boiling water in the edge of it, allowing trapped gases to be released.

Cold weather is harsh, and it can bring a lot of issues to your water features. With the many methods and techniques that are available for maintaining your fountain or pond, there is no reason why the winter should ruin your pieces. If you keep your water clean, and act early enough, you shouldn’t have any problems.

Frigid Weather and Garden Fountains

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Installing water features in your home’s landscape is a great way to improve the style, and even the value, of your home. Many people have them as accents for their lawn, complements for their patio space, and centerpieces of their gardens. They offer a plethora of benefits along with their beautiful and decorative styles. People who live in colder climates, or experience brutal winter weather are often very apprehensive when it comes to installing water features in their own home. But, there are actually plenty of options for people in cold areas. If you’d like a water feature in a colder climate, be sure to choose something that is easily drained, easy to move or cover, and made of the proper materials.

Drain Them

Fountains and ponds come in a wide range of sizes and styles. Some circulate a hundreds of gallons of water, while some operate on just a few. If you are installing a water feature in a location that experiences harsh winter conditions, you’ll definitely want to choose something with less water. Units that move less water are more easily drained, and you’ll need something that is easily drained. If you leave water sitting in a fountain through those winter months, it will freeze, and that can cause major, irreparable damage to your garden fountain. You don’t want to turn on your fountain in the spring to find that it is cracked and broken from ice damage.

Protect Them

The cold temperatures aren’t the only ways that your water can be damaged by the elements. If you want to protect your fountain from some of the more brutal effects of nature, you’ll probably want to utilize a fountain cover. Covering your fountain will protect the materials and finish during the months when you do not have it operating.

If you live in a harsh climate with heavy precipitation in the winter time, a simple cover might not be enough. If you are still worried about what Mother Nature might do to your outdoor water feature, consider purchasing one that isn’t too hard to move. Sometimes the best way to avoid the elements is to escape them altogether. During those unforgiving months, you may consider placing your fountain in a garage or shed.

Choose Proper Materials

Fountains come in a wide range of materials. Some are made of natural stone, or concrete, while others are made of metal or contain glass. Some of these materials are a lot more durable than others, and with the proper maintenance, can last for years, even in rough climates. Don’t choose materials that will chip, crack, or break easily. When you’ve chosen the right fountain, look into maintenance and repair kits. The way you care for your fountain will make all the difference.

Don’t let the fear of cold weather stop you from having water features in your own garden. There are still options for those of us who sometimes get snow and ice. Draining during freezing weather, protecting the pieces from the elements, and choosing fountains made of durable materials will allow you to have water features like everyone else!

Gardening Made Easy with a Simple Approach

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Gardening is a truly rewarding activity, but it can also be very time consuming. Some people stereotype gardening as an activity that is reserved for retired women who enjoy their golden years taking care of their flowers and herbs. They assume that the rest of us couldn’t possibly find the time adorn our homes with plants and greenery. But, these people are actually mistaken. The trick is to take a simple approach and opt for certain low-maintenance techniques. To build the perfect low-maintenance garden, use planters instead of your yard, grow succulents and other low-maintenance plants, and confine your garden to a small space.

Planters vs. In-ground

One of the most difficult and involved aspects of building a garden is preparing the location. For many people, that includes, tilling, digging, fertilizing, and more. The process of preparing your soil for growth is an entire project on its own. You can skip this process entirely by opting to grow your plants in containers instead of in the ground. This way, you can set up your garden in no time. You can simply organize your planters however you’d like, fill them with fertile soil, and begin the planting process.

Low-Maintenance Plants

When it’s time for the planting process, you must decide which plants you would like to grow in your garden. This is another thing that discourages the novice gardener. Many people believe that growing plants is a high maintenance, time-consuming task. For some, this is true. But, it doesn’t have to be that way for everyone. For the gardener with limited time and resources, succulents are a great family of plants to choose from. Cacti are a type of succulent, but don’t let that lead you to believe that they are not beautiful. There are many different variations of succulents, growing in many colors, shapes, and sizes. They require little water and maintenance, and look wonderful in an outdoor setting.

Limit Your Space

Sometimes, when growing a garden, people often get a bit too excited. They pick a huge location in the yard and plan to grow every little thing that piques their interest. Remember not to overdo it. This seems fun at first, but it can quickly become extremely overwhelming. Be sure to avoid this issue and save yourself plenty of time and frustration. When planning your garden, deliberately limit your available space. You may even want to place your planters on a balcony or patio. This will ensure that you save time setting up and maintaining your new garden.

Gardening isn’t just for the people who have the whole day at their disposal. Some of us don’t have the time or skill, but still would also enjoy having a little plant life around to keep the energy fresh in our homes. There are options for the gardener in this predicament. If you use planters, grow succulents, and limit your growing area, you’ll hardly have to do any work at all!

Build a Classic Garden Setting

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Building a garden and cultivating a collection of plant life is one of the most gratifying feelings a person can experience. There are so many choices for what you can do with your garden space that it can be hard to settle on a certain style or theme. The simple, classical theme is one of the most beloved styles when it comes to garden design. The classic garden allows the visual and the atmosphere to speak for itself. To create a beautiful classical scene, opt for shrubs and flowers, a classical tiered fountain, and hand-crafted stone outdoor furniture.

Flowers and Shrubbery

The composition of a classic garden scene is actually fairly simple. The intricacies and details come from how the plants and flowers are arranged. When choosing plants for your classic garden, keep your list fairly short. All you will need is a collection of shrubs and selection of a few of your favorite flowers to add a bit of color to your space. The main design of your garden should be determined by where your shrubs are placed. You can even design them in a way that your garden has deliberate pathways. You can then accent your setup with the colorful flowers and vines.

Classical Tiered Fountain

When it comes to choosing a fountain for your classical garden, there is one main option that overshadows the rest. This option is the classical tiered fountain. A classical garden will seem nearly incomplete without the presence of a grand tiered fountain to finalize the look and feel of your space. Taking nods from ancient Rome and on, these amazing structures evoke an old-world feel while creating a scene that is welcoming and soothing. There are a wide range of sizes and styles to choose from, some complete with sculptures and figurines. There is sure to be a fountain that is perfect for your scene.

Stone Outdoor Furniture

Your garden is a place of peace and serenity. To better enjoy your time there, it is important to choose some outdoor furniture so that you can have a place to sit and absorb the beauty of your space. While they are countless styles and materials used to produce outdoor furniture, one of the best options for a classic garden setup is the use of stone furniture. The right stone benches, stools, and tables are perfect for complementing your scene. There are options made from granite, jade, marble, and more. The designs, ranging from smooth and basic to textured and intricate, are all great accents to a natural scene.

With all of the styles and designs that are always becoming available, sometimes the most desirable option is the simple, classic one. When it comes to designing a garden, the classic look is always a good choice. With the right plants, a beautiful fountain, and some classic stone furniture, you can have a classic scene in your own backyard.

 

Complete Your Bedroom Setting with a Wall Fountain

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Your bedroom is one of the most important rooms in your home. Even if you don’t spend many of your waking hours there, it is still a place where you spend a large amount of your time. It is important that your bedroom space is comfortable, relaxing, and supportive of a healthy night of rest. Sleeping well is often taken for granted by most people, but it is extremely important. A good night of rest works wonders for your health, mood, and your overall day. One specific enhancement to your bedroom can help to make all the difference. The installation of a wall fountain enhance the scene of your room, mitigate unwanted noise, and support a great night of rest.

Interior Style

The most obvious improvement that comes along with installing a wall fountain in your bedroom is the changes it makes to your scene. A water wall can completely transform your interior environment. There are a wide range of sizes and styles of wall fountains. There are variations made of stone, glass, metal, and more. There are even pieces that double as stunningly detailed works of art. With the many approaches that are taken with designing wall fountains, there is sure to be something to fit the style of your bedroom.

Noise Mitigation

Another noticeable characteristic of indoor fountains is their ability to mitigate unwanted surrounding noises. This is great for people who may live on busy streets and active neighborhoods. The steady flowing sounds of the water aren’t so loud that they drown everything out and become their own distraction. Rather, the gentle sounds help to make the surrounding noises blend together and fade into the background. This creates a much more tranquil environment, allowing you to find peace in the privacy of your bedroom.

Sleep Support

The steady water sounds that help those noises to fade can also help you get a better night of rest. Often referred to as white noise, the constant, unchanging sounds of the cascading water is a common tool used for improving rest. The consistency of the sounds makes for a sleeping environment that allows you to peacefully experience a full range of sleep patterns with no distractions. Many people purchase noise machines specifically to accomplish this goal. Indoor fountains are a great alternative; not only are they able to help you sleep better, but they also serve as a beautiful enhancement to your room.

Make the most of your bedroom space, and your sleeping environment. Your bedroom should be a place where you can always find peace, comfort, and relaxation. The simple installation of an indoor water fountain can totally transform your space into the perfect sleeping location. Create the bedroom of your dreams.

Indoor Fountains in Homes with Small Children

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Indoor fountains are a great addition to any home. They enhance the look and feel of your interior setting and allow you to transform your home environment. They come in a wide range of styles, designs, and sizes, including wall mounted fountains, tabletop fountains, and free-standing floor fountains. There is a style of fountain for every home, even homes with small children. Because of certain hazards, there are some fountains that are more suitable than others. If there are small children in your house, there are a few specific things you will want to avoid.

Choking Hazards

One of the first things that come to mind in a discussion of child safety is choking hazards. Children are curious creatures, and often use their mouths to help explore that curiosity. Later in life, we all learn that it isn’t best to put something unfamiliar in our mouths, but kids are still learning. For this reason, it is very important to keep choking hazards away from them. There are many fountains that include small detachable pieces. Avoid fountains that have stones, pebbles, or rocks, as children can easily take them from the fountain.

Free-Standing Pieces

Floor fountains are popular choices in many homes, but they are not always the safest decision. If you would prefer a free-standing floor model in your home, consider the shape of it. Is it a wide, sturdy piece that is firmly planted in its location, or is it a tall, slender piece at the mercy of the slightest push. Don’t forget how experimental children can be. They can easily knock things over, intentionally or not. This can be very dangerous for them. You don’t want one of those tall piece fall over and hurting your child. Be sure to keep this in mind when choosing a fountain for your home.

Arm’s Reach

The easiest way to keep your child safe is to keep the dangers out of arm’s reach. If they can’t get to something, then it poses no threat. So, be strategic with the placing of your fountain. Wall fountains are probably one of the best choices for accomplishing this task. A wall mounted fountain over a piece of furniture would be very hard to get to. Avoid locations where your child may be tempted to climb, and search for spots that they feel are impossible to reach.

Having children in your home doesn’t mean you can’t have fountains. Their abilities to improve air quality and support sleep and stress reduction proves quite the opposite. You just have to be very aware of your decision. Keep any potential problems at bay by avoiding a few specific hazards. Your home will be beautiful and you and your children will be happy and safe.

Learn to Keep Algae Under Control

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A private pond is a beautiful addition to many homes. Ponds accentuate the beauty of the home and enhance the outdoor environment, providing a tranquil spot for people to relax and find a little peace. Ponds are definitely a beautiful thing, but they require maintenance, or else they won’t be so attractive. Neglected and stagnant ponds will begin to see a rapid buildup of algae and a certain smell that is, in no way, a pleasant one. If you have a pond, or are planning to have one built, be sure to take certain precautions. To keep you water clean, provide aeration, remove debris, and add pond chemicals, if necessary.

Aeration

Aerating your water is probably the most important thing you can do to keep your water clean and fresh. The process of aeration involves dissolving oxygen into the water supply, and this process can be achieved in many ways. Many people use pond fountains, or aerators. These devices pull water from the top few feet of the pond and shoot it into the air. As the water splashes back down, it breaks the surface of the water and mixes it with the surrounding oxygen. This process is so important because it allows the process of decomposition to happen much more efficiently. If the algae and organic materials are able to break down faster, they won’t stick around and start to smell.

Skimming Debris

One way you can make it a little easier on your pond is by taking time to manually remove debris from the water. It is common for wind and rain to wash leaves, sticks, and other materials into your water. These materials will begin to decompose in your pond, releasing gases during the process, and can eventually begin to become a real nuisance. With a regular cleaning, your pond will look beautiful, and your water will be fresh.

Pond Chemicals

Regular skimmings will keep the leaves and sticks away, but, there is only so much you can do about algae. Sometimes, you have to bring out something a little stronger. There are several fountain chemicals available to keep these nuisances at bay. Adding a little to your water can provide stunning results. Regular cleaning with chemicals that combat the growth of unwanted materials is a sure way to keep your water clean and free of bacteria and algae. Find which one is right for your body of water.

Your pond is one of the main elements of your landscape. It is a defining feature of your home and its surroundings. It’s important that you keep it looking fresh and presentable. With proper aeration, regular cleanings, and pond chemicals, you can be sure that your pond is as beautiful as it was meant to be.

Support Your Health with an Indoor Fountain

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Indoor fountains are great additions to any home. People install fountains inside of their homes for a wide range of reasons. Some people are looking for ways to enhance their decor, while other people may be looking for a way to find peace or mitigate distracting noise. But, did you know that installing an indoor fountain in your home also serves health benefits? It may not be something that people immediately think about, but it is very true. Indoor fountains help to support your physical, mental, and emotional health. These priceless benefits make indoor fountains a must-have in your home.

Physical Health: Air Quality

An impressive feature of indoor water fountains that is often overlooked is their effect on indoor air quality. Many people are not aware that running an indoor fountain is just as effective as running an air purifier. The main difference is that the fountain is much more attractive, and will do a lot more for the style and class of your indoor space. They even help to humidify the air when the weather has left it dry and harsh. After installing a fountain inside your home, your breaths will begin to be a lot more beneficial. Your lungs will surely be grateful.

Mental Health: Stress and Anxiety

At this day and age, stress and anxiety are just about as common as having mobile phones. With all of the effects of going to work, having a family, and living everyday life, many people find themselves in an unhealthy state of mind. They allow their stress to get the better of them, and never find a sense of peace. Don’t allow it to become that bad for you. The white noise produced by the steady and consistent sounds of flowing water have been known to help reduce stress and ease anxiety. Be sure to find the time to relax and unwind.

Emotional Health: Seasonal Affective Disorder

During the winter months, many people suffer from a temporary form of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder. This disorder causes the appearance of depressive symptoms during a certain type of year in people who otherwise have stable mental health. It is common for it to occur during the winter, and many people attribute it to the lack of outdoor stimulation. Outdoors, nature produces an abundance of negative ions; they have been known to improve mood and reduce stress. Indoors, electrical devices and appliances produces positive ions, which have a negative effect on people. Fountains help to balance this by producing more of the pleasant negative ions that people are missing from nature.

Not only will an indoor fountain improve the look and feel of your home, but your body will benefit from the change as well. With your new installation, you can look forward to support for your physical, mental, and emotional health. A small change to your environment can have a profound effect.

 

 

Create a Cozy Outdoor Scene with the Perfect Fountain

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There is nothing quite like spending an evening relaxing outside. The fresh air and the soothing breeze take you to a state of mind that could not be accurately described with words alone. Whether you’re reading one of your favorite books, spending quality time with loved ones, or taking an afternoon siesta, it’s always great to get a breath of fresh air. Do you have a place in your home where you can go to escape after a long work week? Create a cozy little space for relaxation in your own backyard. With the right frame, comfortable outdoor furniture, and a soothing water feature, you’ll be ready to transform your space.

Framing Your Space

One of the main elements that will define your cozy outdoor spot is the way you frame it. The main goal when framing a space like this is to create a sense of privacy without completely cutting you off from the outside world. A great choice for this kind of setting is to build a canopy with flowing outdoor curtains. This will allow you to relax in peace and still get those cool breezes. Another great way to accomplish this goal is to line the space with trellises and make a fence of beautiful vining plants. It is a great looking and natural way of setting the boundaries of your space.

Relaxing Outdoor Furniture

Once you’ve decided how you want to frame your space, your next main step is figuring out how to want to fill it. With the goal of having a cozy, relaxing oasis, be sure to opt for furniture that will provide you with maximum comfort. There are a wide range of outdoor sofas and chairs designed specifically for taking it easy. If you want to take it to the next level, get a few hammocks and create a center for relaxation. Find what’s right for you, then take a load off.

Soothing Outdoor Water Features

Installing a beautiful water feature in or around your newly designed space will be the icing on your relaxation cake. You will be able to complete your environment with the perfect fountain, spillway, or waterfall. The steady flowing sounds of the water will create a soothing soundtrack that mitigates unwanted noise and helps to reduce stress. There are a wide range of outdoor water features, and they come in all shapes and sizes. There is sure to be one to fit your space.

Make the most of your backyard, and take advantage of the beautiful days. Creating a cozy space where you can go to relax and enjoy the outdoors is a priceless investment that you will benefit you in many lasting ways. Reduce your stress and take a breath of fresh air. With the right canopy or fence, some comfortable furniture, and a soothing fountain, you’ll have a brand new space before you know it!

Attracting Birds to Your Backyard

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The weather is warm and welcoming, and the animals are as busy as ever. Are you an animal lover? Observing animals go about their daily routine can be truly fascinating. It is, at once, much simpler and more complex than our own lives seem to be. Sometimes, people spend hours at a time just watching birds and other animals. Some even do it in their own backyards. Do you enjoy watching birds? There are a few ways you can send out invitations for friendly feathered visitors.

Plant Life

The type of greenery you have thriving in your landscape plays a large part in which animals are found near your home. Trees are an obvious magnet for bird activity. If you have trees in your yard, you are sure to see a wide range of bird activity, but there are other plants that birds like, as well. Consider planting specific things that birds like to eat. Some of the best choices are berries, sunflowers, and honeysuckle. If you draw them in with a food supply, you can be sure to see a lot of them.

Bird Feeders

Growing a collection of plants is not the only way you can attract hungry birds. Another great thing you can do is install bird feeders in your yard. They are a great way of blurring the line of wild animal and pet. Hang your feeder in a visible spot, and keep it filled with bird seed. You’ll be able to watch birds come and go on a regular basis. It is a situation that works out well for both parties involved.

Birdbaths and Fountains

Finally, after considering locations to house and feed the birds, there is one more thing you can consider: recreation. Animals of all sorts love the presence of flowing water. One of the best things you can do to attract birds to your home is install a small fountain or birdbath for them to splash in. There are a wide range of styles and designs of outdoor fountains available. They will attract you favorite birds while adding a fresh sense of style and class to your outdoor setting.

If you love observing birds, create a space where they will love to spend their time. You can turn your backyard into your own little bird sanctuary. With some trees, the right plant life, food, and water, birds won’t be able to resist your place!

 

A Few Do’s and Don’ts of Indoor Water Features

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Are you looking for the perfect way to enhance your indoor space? One of the best ways to can transform the interior of your home is by installing the perfect indoor water feature. There are a wide range of choices, from floor models and tabletop fountains, to wall-mounted pieces that can take up the size of a picture frame, or the entire wall. With so many choices, it’s important that you make the right one. The decision making process can seem overwhelming, but it is a process that is well worth it. Before making a purchase, consider these do’s and don’ts.

DO:

Consider Your Theme

There are many styles of fountains that you can choose from for your new indoor scene. When choosing what’s right for you, be sure to consider the rest of your space. Do you have a modern or contemporary theme? Maybe your scene is more classic, or natural. Whatever it may be, be sure to choose a fountain that also fits your style.

Consider the Use

People install fountains inside their homes for a plethora of reasons. Some people want something that will help them sleep, so they choose a wall fountain to place near their bed. Others place a tabletop fountain on their desk to help them concentrate while working or studying. Be sure to keep these reasons in mind, and be sure to make a choice that complements your needs.

Pick a Location First

Once you have decided where you want your fountain to go, it will help to easily narrow down the decision making process. Are you decorating the living room? Maybe you should consider a floor model. Wall panels are great for entrances and bedrooms, while tabletop pieces are perfect for offices and studies.

DON’T:

Choose the Wrong Size

With all of the choices available to you, it’s important to choose a fountain that fits the size of your space. A fountain that is too small can end up seeming useless and insignificant. One that is too large can be distracting and unattractive. Be sure to consider this prior to making a purchase.

Expose Dangers to Children

If you have small children in your home, this narrows down your choices a bit. Many fountains come with small detached pieces, such as stones or rocks. Others pose a threat of toppling over from a inquisitive little one. Be sure to choose options that also keep your children safe.

Indoor fountains are a wonderful investment. They enhance the beauty of your home and create a calm and soothing atmosphere. With all of the styles and designs of indoor fountains, there is sure to be something that is just right for any space. Keeping these guidelines in mind will make the decision making process even easier!