The sound of running water can be very relaxing. It’s no wonder why a lot of people opt for a water fixture either inside or outside their home. You can get the same experience at a fraction of the cost and space with a DIY floating faucet fountain.
If you think putting in a water feature in your home costs a lot of money, think again. Of course, a full-length wall waterfall is expensive, but other alternatives exist. You may want to consider a DIY floating faucet fountain. The optical illusion effect is magical, it’ll be the subject of interesting conversations.
Contents
Building a Floating Faucet Fountain
Materials
- Waterproof Container Or Small Bucket
- Small Fountain Pump
- Epoxy Putty
- 14-Inch/35-Centimeter Clear Plastic Tube
- Small Faucet
- River Rocks
- Water
Tools
- Measuring tape
- Sharpie/Marker
- Dremel
- Glue gun with hot glue
- Drill
- Circle Saw
- Drill Attachment
Instructions
Setting Up Your Base
- Position Your Container: Select the spot for your fountain and place the waterproof container or bucket there. This will be the catchment area for the cascading water.
- Install the Pump: Situate the small fountain pump in the center of the container to guarantee an even flow of water. After positioning, fill the container with water, immersing the pump completely.
Constructing the Illusion
- Tailor the Plastic Tube: With precision, measure the clear plastic tube against your desired faucet height. Mark any necessary cuts with a sharpie. Should the tube need shortening, carefully trim it to size using a circle saw.
- Mount the Faucet: Drill a hole at the tube’s end to fit the faucet’s base snugly. Fit the faucet into this hole and use epoxy putty to seal and secure it. Give the putty ample time to dry, adhering to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Join Tube and Pump: Attach the tube’s other end to the fountain pump’s outlet. You might need to reinforce a secure and leak-proof connection with hot glue.
Finishing Touches
- Conceal the Mechanics: Use river rocks to cleverly disguise the pump and the bottom part of the tube, ensuring nothing obstructs the pump’s intake or the tube itself.
- Operational Test: Energize the fountain pump and observe the water’s graceful ascent through the tube before it exits through the faucet. Adjust the pump to get the water flow just right. If you notice splashing, rearrange the rocks or tweak the faucet’s position to keep the water contained.
- Enhance and Adorn: Surround the fountain’s base with additional river rocks for a polished look. Introducing plants or ornamental items around the fountain can further elevate its charm.
Click on any image to start the lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox.
Incorporating Plants Around Your Fountain
Incorporating plants around your floating faucet fountain can transform your outdoor space into a tranquil oasis, enhancing the magical illusion of water flowing freely from an unsupported faucet. Carefully selected foliage complements the fountain’s whimsical charm and integrates it more seamlessly into your garden’s landscape.
Here’s how to achieve a harmonious blend of flora and water, elevating the allure of your floating faucet fountain.
Choose Complementary Plants
Select plants that echo your floating faucet fountain’s style and colour scheme. Consider sleek, architectural plants like ferns or bamboo for a modern setup. For a more whimsical fountain, opt for flowering plants with soft, flowing forms. Ensure the plants thrive in the moisture levels around your fountain for a lush, vibrant surround.
Create a Theme
Establish a theme around your floating faucet fountain by selecting plants contributing to a cohesive look. Whether it’s a tropical paradise with palm varieties and brightly colored flowers or a serene zen garden featuring moss and bamboo, the theme can guide your plant selection process, making your fountain the centerpiece of a well-thought-out landscape design.
Layer with Different Heights
Introduce a dynamic visual interest by planting flora of varying heights around your fountain. Start with taller plants at the back, medium-height plants in the middle, and ground cover or low-growing plants at the front. This arrangement frames your floating faucet fountain beautifully and draws the eye upward, enhancing the illusion of the faucet floating in mid-air.
Add Color and Texture
Incorporate a mix of plants that offer a variety of colors and textures to create a visually engaging setting for your floating faucet fountain. Flowering plants add pops of color, while plants with variegated or uniquely textured leaves provide visual interest even when blooms are absent. This diversity complements the fountain’s enchanting appearance, making it stand out even more.
Consider Planting Water-Friendly Flora
For fountains placed in areas with ample water splash, opt for water-loving plants or those that can tolerate wet soil. Plants such as irises, hostas, and ferns thrive in moist conditions and will flourish around your fountain, creating a lush green backdrop that accentuates the beauty of your floating faucet fountain.
Use Pots and Planters
If changing your garden’s layout isn’t an option, or you prefer a more flexible arrangement, consider using pots and planters. This approach allows you to experiment with different plant combinations and positions, finding the perfect setup to complement your floating faucet fountain. Potted plants can easily be moved to accommodate seasonal changes or to refresh the fountain’s surroundings.
By thoughtfully incorporating plants around your floating faucet fountain, you create a captivating garden feature as a natural gathering spot. The combination of flowing water and verdant plant life enhances the visual appeal of your outdoor space and promotes a sense of peace and well-being.
Enhancing Your Fountain with Lighting
Enhancing your floating faucet fountain with lighting highlights its magical appeal during the day, transforming it into a mesmerizing focal point at night. Strategic lighting can accentuate the water’s movement and the illusion of the floating faucet, creating an enchanting ambiance in your garden or patio area.
Here’s how to illuminate your floating faucet fountain to ensure it captures the imagination at all hours.
Select the Right Lighting
Choosing the appropriate lighting for your floating faucet fountain is crucial. LED lights are a popular choice due to their energy efficiency and longevity. Consider waterproof LED spotlights to focus light on the faucet and the water flow, enhancing the illusion of suspension. Submersible lights placed in the water container can create a glowing effect from beneath, adding depth and intrigue.
Play with Colors
For an added dramatic effect, opt for colored lights. Colors like blue and green evoke a serene, aquatic feel, while warmer tones like yellow or orange create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Some LED lights come with color-changing capabilities, allowing you to customize the ambiance to suit any occasion or mood.
Highlight the Surroundings
While the floating faucet fountain should be the main focus, don’t overlook the importance of lighting the surrounding area. Soft, ambient lighting can illuminate the plants and features around the fountain, creating a cohesive nighttime landscape. Consider solar-powered garden lights an eco-friendly option for accenting walkways and highlighting planting areas.
Consider Safety
Safety should be a top priority when installing lighting around your floating faucet fountain. Ensure all electrical components are waterproof and correctly installed to prevent any accidents. If you’re unsure how to install outdoor lighting, consulting with a professional electrician safely is advisable.
Use Lighting for Special Effects
Experiment with different angles and positions of lights to achieve unique effects. Lighting the water from below can emphasize the magical appearance of the floating faucet, while backlighting can create a dramatic silhouette. Play around with the intensity and direction of the lights to discover the most captivating setup for your fountain.
Create a Focal Point
Proper lighting can turn your floating faucet fountain into a stunning focal point after dark. Use it to draw attention to this enchanting feature, guiding the eyes of your visitors toward the centrepiece of your garden. Doing so ensures that the magic of your floating faucet fountain can be fully appreciated at any time of day or night.
Incorporating lighting into your floating faucet fountain setup enhances its beauty and extends the enjoyment of your outdoor space into the evening. With the right lighting design, your fountain will be a captivating spectacle, enchanting viewers with its illuminated allure.
Design Variations for Floating Faucet Fountains
Design variations for floating faucet fountains are as boundless as your imagination, allowing this enchanting feature to seamlessly integrate into any outdoor or indoor space. Whether your aesthetic leans towards the sleek and modern or the whimsically rustic, a floating faucet fountain design complements your style.
Let’s explore some creative possibilities that can transform your space with the magic of a floating faucet.
Victorian Faucet
A classic floating faucet fountain design is perfect for those who appreciate timeless beauty. Opt for a traditional brass or copper faucet with an aged patina to evoke a sense of history and elegance. Pair this with a simple, yet refined, basin below to catch the water. This style suits formal gardens and courtyards, offering a focal point that whispers of bygone eras.
Minimalist Faucet
Embrace the sleek lines and simplicity of modern design with a floating faucet fountain that features a chromed faucet and a clear, geometric basin. LED lighting can be added to highlight the water’s path, creating a dynamic play of light and shadow. This minimalist approach suits contemporary spaces, where the fountain can serve as a subtle yet captivating centerpiece.
Rustic Faucet
Opt for a rustic design to create a fountain that feels like it’s been a part of your garden for ages. Use a weathered garden tap and a wooden barrel or stone basin for the water. Incorporating elements like moss or surrounding the base with cobblestones can enhance the fountain’s rustic appeal, making it a cozy addition to cottage gardens or country backyards.
Fantasy Faucet
Floating faucet fountains lend themselves wonderfully to whimsical and fantasy-inspired designs. Imagine a faucet suspended over a brightly colored ceramic pot, surrounded by fairy garden accessories or small sculptures. This playful approach invites creativity and can be a delightful project for children, sparking their imagination with the magic of water floating in mid-air.
Zen Faucet
For a serene and meditative space, design your floating faucet fountain with Zen principles in mind. Use a bamboo faucet over a simple, stone basin filled with smooth pebbles. The gentle sound of water trickling down creates a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for meditation gardens or as a peaceful corner in your home.
Artistic Faucet
For those who view their garden as a canvas, the floating faucet fountain offers an opportunity to express artistic flair. Experiment with unusual materials for the faucet and basin, such as sculpted glass or custom metalwork. Incorporating art pieces as part of the fountain design can turn it into a striking sculptural feature that reflects your personal taste and creativity.
Seasonal Faucet
Adapt your floating faucet fountain to reflect the changing seasons or upcoming holidays. Seasonal plants, decorative elements, and themed lighting can transform your fountain for occasions like Christmas, Halloween, or spring celebrations. This flexibility ensures your fountain remains a focal point year-round, adapting to the festive spirit of each season.
Exploring design variations for your floating faucet fountain allows you to create a unique feature that resonates with your personal style and enhances your living space. Whether you aim for elegance, whimsy, or serenity, the floating faucet fountain is a versatile element that can bring magic and beauty to any setting.
Conclusion
Creating a floating faucet fountain introduces an element of magic and serenity to any space, blending the charm of optical illusions with the calming presence of flowing water. Through thoughtful design choices and incorporating lighting, plants, and personalized touches, this DIY project can be tailored to reflect your unique style and preferences. Ultimately, the journey of crafting your own floating faucet fountain not only enhances your environment but also offers the satisfaction of bringing a touch of enchantment to your daily surroundings.
