Installing water features in your home is always a great idea. Not only does it enhance the living experience and overall atmosphere of your abode, but it can also help increase the market value of your investment if you decide to put your house on the block. It is a well-kept secret among real estate professionals that adding a water feature such as a fountain in a residence almost always raises the asking price for the property.
However, the question is which type of fountain should you put in your home? There are basically two types of fountains—indoor and outdoor. As their names imply, indoor fountains are located in interior spaces such as the living room, dining room, bedroom, or any other room. Outdoor fountains, meanwhile, are located in the garden, patio, front yard, porch, or other similar al fresco areas.
Choosing the right fountain for your home
The difference between indoor and outdoor fountains is more than just location though. If you are thinking of getting a water feature for your home, consider the following factors that will help you decide whether to go with an indoor fountain or an outdoor one:
Size
Indoor fountains are usually more compact and portable in design. They range from small tabletop fountains to designs with stands and pedestals. There are also some large indoor fountains such as waterfalls that can be built on a large blank interior wall. However, in terms of scale, outdoor fountains are definitely bigger. They can be part of a larger water feature such as a swimming pool or a pond. There are also fountains such as a spitters and aerators, which make use of existing water in a lake or pond.
Material
In general, both indoor and outdoor fountains may be made of the usual materials such as natural stone, concrete, metal, and glass. However, indoor fountains can be made of more delicate materials such as ceramic or even plastic. They can also be more sculptural and intricate in nature.
Outdoor fountains, meanwhile, are usually made of sturdier materials since they need to withstand outdoor elements such as rain, dust, wind, etc. Outdoor fountains are usually made of stone, concrete, and other natural materials such as wood or bamboo.
Maintenance
Any type of fountain requires upkeep and maintenance, in order to ensure that they are functioning properly and efficiently. They should also be cleaned regularly to prevent the growth of organisms such as algae and mold, which are harmful to human health. However, indoor fountains are generally easier to maintain since they are smaller.
A little DIY (do-it-yourself) maintenance and troubleshooting is all that’s needed. On the other hand, larger outdoor water features and fountains may require professional care and maintenance due to their size. They may also be more susceptible to damage from the outdoor elements.
Investing in an indoor or outdoor fountain
Whatever type of fountain you may choose, installing a water feature in your home should be treated as an investment not only toward increasing the atmosphere of well-being in your living environment, but for increasing the market appeal of your home.
It is important to choose the right supplier that will work with you to design and install the right fountain that will suit your vision. Regular maintenance and upkeep should also be performed. You may even want to consider periodic renovations to update the look of your home through newer water features and fountains. All in all, a reputable and professional fountain supplier will make sure that the water feature functions well and reliably through time to provide you with years of pleasure and enjoyment.