Water Feature Ideas and Why You Should Have One in Your Garden

A well-designed outdoor space isn’t reserved for plants and paving slabs – it’s important to think about creating a relaxing environment where you can unwind. One way of doing this is to add garden features that enhance both the aesthetic and ambiance of the garden such as a water feature or water fountain. These beneficial, sculptural objects introduce the soothing sound and mesmerising flow of trickling water which can help transform your garden into a serene retreat, as well as adding visual interest.

A water feature can be as simple as a birdbath or as grand as a swimming pool. No matter the size, a well-placed water element is the perfect way to enhance your landscape design and enjoy the tranquility of moving water in your outdoor area.

Here, we explore different water feature ideas that suit different garden sizes and styles, and share some of the added benefits of having running water in your garden.

What are the benefits of having a water feature in your garden?

Peace and calm

The flow of water is known for calming our busy brains. Whether it’s a trickling Water Wall or a water bowl with playful bubblers, the soothing sound of water brings a lovely ambiance to the garden and can help create a relaxing, tranquil environment.

Soften hard landscaping

If you have a small space dominated by fencing, a Water Wall or wall-mounted fountain can help break up the dominance of hard-landscaping materials in your garden design. Our Petal Water Wall and Stainless Steel Water Wall are both minimalist but eye-catching, and will soften the boundaries of your outdoor space.

Noise cancelling

The sound of moving water has an added functionality beyond bringing about the feeling of relaxation. It can help mask unwanted exterior sounds such as traffic. If your seating area suffers from interruption by the sound of passing cars or pedestrians, why not add a water fountain to drown out the noise?

Create a focal point

Landscape ideas are often grand and impractical in small gardens, but one which works again and again is to create a focal point. Often these are created around an existing tree or by adding a sculpture, but if you choose to incorporate a water fountain, you tick the box of visual appeal but gain the added benefit of water in your garden.

Water feature ideas for your garden

Now you know all about the benefits of incorporating water into your garden design, have a look through our list of some of the most popular styles of water features and fountains to suit every style and space.

Show Stopping Tiered Water Fountains

Enchanting and ethereal, a tiered fountain is a striking addition to any design. Inspired by intimate courtyards of the Mediterranean, Crucello (top left) is a free-standing, self-contained fountain designed to lift intimate outdoor spaces with the tranquil sound and movement of water.

Elegant Water bowls

Is your garden pondless? If the answer is yes, but you’d like to incorporate a garden pond or pool, why not swap the koi pond and water lilies for an elegant water bowl instead? Our Mimeo and Ekho (top right) fountains look beautiful surrounded by plants or as stand-alone features.

Atmospheric Sphere Water Fountains

If you’re looking for a more contemporary water feature or fountain, look for a garden sphere water sculpture. The globe-like shape adds intrigue and can add an element of fun to your garden design. Our Dark Planet Fountain has a water pump which pushes water from a reservoir beneath the sculpture to a concealed spout. Water then bubbles out from the centre of the sphere and playfully trickles over the polished puddle stones.

Striking Water Walls

Water Walls are a versatile option for adding a water feature into the garden. As we’ve mentioned already, they can be very successful at softening hard landscaping. Wall fountains are popular as focal points for a pond or rill, too and we love how our verdigris bronze Filigree Water Wall (top right) draws the eye from the natural stone rill to the aquatic plants and matching verdigris hurricane lamps.

Magical Water Chalice

Contemporary gardens suit more modern materials. Stainless-steel is well suited to water features because of its strength and durability. It also allows for more creative designs. Chalice is a sundial reimagined as a water feature. Unlike a garden fountain, flowing water clings to Chalice’s mirror-polished outer surface, creating the illusion of a stainless-steel hemisphere slowly revolving on its axis.

How do I choose the right water feature for my garden?

Consider your own personal style and the design of the space intended for your water feature or fountain. This will help you decide on which materials to choose and the size of the piece. It’s also important to consider the purpose of your water feature. Think back to the benefits we listed above. Do you need to mask unwanted noise or are you looking for an eye-catching focal point? These questions will help you determine which water feature is right for your garden or outdoor space.

Get in touch

If you’re considering incorporating a water feature into your garden or outdoor space, but are unsure which style or design to choose, our team would be happy to start a conversation with you. Email enquiries@davidharber.com to start your creative journey with us.