Wall water fountains are among the most popular fountain styles because of their space efficiency and visual impact. A basic wall water fountain is much like a print or painting, adding dimension to a flat surface. Wall water fountains include so much variety, however, that they can do much more, acting as a focal point in a way a framed photograph or other piece of static wall art can’t match. Don’t underestimate the role of motion, sound and light; wall fountains provide all of these through the soothing medium of flowing water.

Let’s tour the basic styles of wall water fountains to get a better idea about which of them would suit your home or office décor the best. Wall fountains are usually divided by the materials they’re made out of, but there are lots of different kinds, so this list is by no means complete – in fact, many wall fountains combine multiple materials. Browse serenityhealth.com to see a complete selection beyond what this article describes.

Stone: Slate and Marble

Slate and marble are the most common types of stone used in wall water fountains. Marble provides a classic look that works well with white, off-white and other clean, reflective color schemes. Water enhances polished marble’s reflective qualities, adding extra brightness to a room. Slate will also work with lighter colors by providing a gentle contrast. In addition, slate has the advantage of allowing both rough-hewn and smooth styles. This makes it compatible with a wider variety of interior styles. It often works well with a darker color scheme, especially since it can be cut and colored beyond a basic smooth gray to present a natural-looking surface.

Stone fountains are often bracketed with metal, though some styles include rough or smooth stone basins instead. Aside from marble and slate, fountains in other stones and similar styles (including cemented pebble surfaces and concrete) are available.

Metal: Copper and Steel

Copper and stainless steel are the two most common metals for wall water fountains, either as borders and basin linings or as the face of the fountain itself. Stainless steel is ideal for sleek, modern interior designs, including "retro-modern" 60s-and 70s-style interiors. Copper supports more traditional styles, as its warm color goes well with wood and earth tones. You can actually get a number of different types of copper in a wall water fountain. Copper fountains are treated to prevent metal oxidization (the process that turns it green) but it can be artificially aged and etched.

Sculpted Ceramic for Home and Garden

For a truly Old World feel you can go with sculpted ceramic. These fountains often feature traditional Asian and European designs: Buddhas, lions, green men and angels, for example. These are popular garden fountains but can often be mounted indoors, where they complement rough brick and other textured walls.

Glass and Mirror-Style Wall Water Fountains

Glass, including mirrored surfaces, is an excellent choice to brighten up a room. Furthermore, mirrored fountains can actually serve as mirrors; the constant flow of water keeps them clean and polished, while the flow of water is usually not so great as to seriously distort what you see. Transparent and smoked glass is often used in business environments along with a stencil of the company’s name or logo. A more recent development is hand painted glass. The paint stays waterproof and turns the fountain into a true moving painting.