The Evolution of Outdoor Fountains Into Modern Day Indoor Floor Fountains

The first civilizations to use fountains did so exclusively for practical reasons, for drinking, washing and bathing. The Romans and Greeks used these devices in order to channel water down from the mountains. The original fountains were made of marble or stone. Gravity fed water flowed through pipes made of bronze and often emerged through a rendition of the mouth of a lion or other animal. The Greeks soon discovered how to siphon water. This discovery created the first jetting fountains. Such creations were part of the evolution of outdoor fountains into modern day, pump-fed, indoor floor fountains.

By the time of the mid-Renaissance, outdoor fountains were used as theatrical pieces where dramatic jets of water emanated from mythological figures and animals. One look at the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy, the Versailles Park and Fountains in Versailles, France, or the Villa d’Este Gardens in Tivoli, Italy demonstrates the dramatic effect an outdoor fountain can have on the landscape. Such fountains draw visitors worldwide as a place to experience splendid art and beauty. Throughout history, wealthy citizens would often include their own outdoor fountains in the private setting of their gardens.

Hydraulic inventions by the Greeks along with such innovative water pumps fueled by wind power were invented and used for many centuries. Modern-day pumps have the capability of shooting water as high as 150 feet. While the original fountains from Roman times required gravity in order for water to flow, the more current innovations of the 20th and 21st centuries have allowed for a wide variety of outdoor and indoor fountains. As a result, indoor floor fountains are now possible.

At one time, indoor floor fountains were only for the wealthy classes. These days, such fountains are accessible to just about everyone with indoor electricity. Whether made of glass, metal or slate, there are countless varieties of indoor fountains for both homes and workplaces.

Such indoor floor fountains are now bringing the peace and tranquility of an outdoor fountain into otherwise lackluster environments. The dynamic quality that these fountains bring to an indoor space has the capability of energizing the space through sound, visuals and even touch. A wide variety of indoor fountains are available no matter how small or large an indoor space is. Whether simple or lavishly elegant, such pieces accent a home or office in a positive way that feeds the mind, body and soul just as the ancient fountains did centuries ago.

Polly Godwin has been an expert on indoor floor fountains since 1998 and is the owner of DesignerFountains.com, a company specializing in the highest quality floor fountains. Visit DesignerFountains.com today for expert advice and quality water fountains.