Apr 10th 2025
A Garden Lover’s Style Guide to Fountains
Fountains are one of the most classic and dynamic elements of gardens and outdoor spaces. In addition to creating a stunning focal point, fountains also create an inviting and serene ambiance with the soothing sound of flowing water and beautiful design styles.
By incorporating the right fountain style, you can create a transformative space that will elevate your garden’s charm and create a peaceful retreat that delights the senses. Take a look at the different types of garden fountains and some of our tips for choosing the right design for your landscape.
Tiered Fountains
Tiered Fountains offer a traditional and sophisticated design - perfect for formal spaces, classic gardens, or courtyards. Inspired by European estates and classical courtyards, these fountains feature multiple levels where water cascades down to create a soothing effect. Tiered fountains pair beautifully with symmetrical landscapes, manicured hedges, and ornamental topiary.
Some of the Tiered Fountains from our collection include the Classical Tiered Fountain, Tiered Tureen Fountain, and Finial Fountain with Pineapple. The pineapple, a favorite design piece for the top of the fountain, is a symbol of welcome and hospitality. We are able to add a variety of design pieces as the finial and add configurations of 2 to 5 bowls in various sizes.
Design Tip: To enhance the grandeur of a tiered fountain, surround it with colorful flower beds and add a bench nearby to create a perfect spot for relaxation. In the evening, use ambient lighting to highlight the fountain’s details at night.
Statuary Fountains
Statuary fountains feature human form or animal form figures that bring character and charm to your garden. Incorporating figures like the Dancing Girl or Piper of the Garden helps create a playful ambiance, while animals such as dolphins, lions, birds, turtles, or other creatures help to enhance the elements of the natural landscape.
Our most popular statuary fountains include the Dancing Girl Figure, Four Frogs Fountain, and La Brezza. For more statuary fountain figures, take a look at all our statuary that is suitable for fountains.
Design Tip: Choose sculptures that reflect your personality and position your fountain at the center of a garden room or at the end of a vista for the most dramatic effect.
Wall Fountains
Wall fountains are the perfect solution for smaller gardens, patios, or courtyards, bringing the soothing presence of water without taking up any ground space. They can be as simple as a set of bowls or have a more intricate design complete with statuary, masks, or rosettes.
Our Estate Elements collection offers a variety of wall fountain options for all garden styles, including our wall fountain designs with figures, Perspective Trellis Dolphin Wall Fountain, Lead Wall Shells, or Lion Wall Fountain.
Design Tip: Accentuate your wall fountain with climbing plants like ivy or surround it with colorful blooms and lush greenery.
Unique Fountain Designs
We know that every garden setting and style is unique, which is why we work closely with homeowners and designers to create custom water features to incorporate into all types of outdoor spaces. We have created custom fountains, fountain features for pools, and developed many unique styles over the decades. Some of our client favorites are our Lead Boy Riding Dolphin Fountain, Elegant Finial Fountain, Goose Fountain, and Tree of Life Fountain.
Design Tip: Use native plants to enhance and highlight your fountain, or place it near a small pond or pool area to create a harmonious water feature.
Charming Birdbaths
For garden lovers who enjoy attracting birds and pollinators, a birdbath fountain serves both aesthetic and ecological purposes. These fountains provide fresh, moving water, making them a favorite spot for birds and other garden animals.
Some of our popular classic birdbath designs include the Boy Holding Shell With Birds, Classic Birdbath, and Corinthian Birdbath.
Design Tip: Place the birdbath fountain in a quiet corner to create a sanctuary for birds to perch on, and surround it with colorful perennials to create a picturesque setting.
Learn more
For more inspiration for your future projects, we invite you to view our Project Gallery or visit our Estate Elements collection to view our selection of fountains and other garden elements.