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12 Best Outdoor Fountains to Bring Serenity to Your Backyard or Patio

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There’s something undeniably relaxing about the sound of trickling water in a backyard, whether from a nearby stream, a frequented bird bath, or a stylish outdoor fountain. It’s like an instant reminder to breathe deep and unwind, inviting you to take a moment’s pause beneath the sun or linger in your garden just a little bit longer. If you’ve been dreaming about cultivating a more tranquil escape right in your own backyard, a water feature might be the perfect addition to your space. 

The best outdoor water fountains do more than just look pretty; they make a statement and set a mood, helping to drown out neighborhood noise, attract wildlife, and give your outdoor space a sense of intention. And with so many beautiful options on the market, you’re sure to find an outdoor fountain that suits your style, space, and budget.

Below, we’re rounding up 12 of the best designs on the market, ranging from small space-friendly pillars that would be a great addition to a petite patio, to sprawling basin designs that make every day feel like vacation. We’ll also walk you through important considerations, like how you plan to power your fountain, the pros and cons of certain materials, and maintenance requirements. Consider this your starting point for a backyard you’ll never want to leave.

01

Best Overall

Ripple Water Fountain

Williams Sonoma

$279.95

Made of durable cast stone, this tranquil outdoor fountain is timelessly elegant and totally self-contained—no outside water source necessary. Instead, it pulls water from an internal reservoir using a submersible electric pump, though it will need to be hooked up to a power source. Arrange it on your deck or nestle it in a garden bed among greenery to reinforce its zen-like appeal.

02

Best Splurge

Colebrook Fountain

Rejuvenation

$1329.00

With a sleek black design and a statement shape, Rejuvenation’s Colebrook backyard fountain is the upgrade your backyard deserves. Sized to an impressive 43 x 26 inches, it holds the presence to anchor an entryway or serve as the focal point in a garden, with a generous bottom basin that will attract birds and lucky pennies alike. The pump comes included, but you’ll need power nearby to get it up and running.

03

Best Tabletop

PlantiqueDesigns Tabletop Jade Water Garden Fountain with Live Succulents

Etsy

$95.49

You don’t need to have a sprawling backyard to find your inner calm. Case in point? This tabletop outdoor fountain, which would look right at home on a bistro set or backyard dining table. The pump has an integrated light, and the cord can be placed in an inconspicuous spot so that it’s barely noticeable. Best of all, the piece comes outfitted with smooth river rocks and live succulents, though the seller will replace them with faux versions if requested. “I love this little fountain,” says one happy buyer. “I picked this one specifically because of the live succulents that came with that totally elevate this little fountain and make it feel so natural. It was easy to put together and looks great.”

04

Best for Gardens

Ula Round Fountain

Pottery Barn

$349.00

It’s a good idea to shop for an outdoor fountain with placement in mind, to ensure you find a style that suits your space. We love the minimalist look of this concrete and greystone water fountain, and the upright design means it won’t take up too much valuable ground space in your garden. Bonus: It recirculates water, so you won’t have to keep filling it up, and even comes with pebbles for the top.

05

Best Large Design

Milwood Pines Serovpe Weather Resistant Floor Fountain with Light

Wayfair

$229.99

Measuring in at a whopping 40 inches tall, this eye-catching backyard water fountain has a sense of presence that can’t be matched. The unique design boasts not one, but four bowls that allow the water to cascade from top to bottom, and built-in LED lights that make it even more magical after dark. The included pump can be modified to move water faster or slower depending on your preferences, and the whole piece is made of resin, so it’s lighter and easier to move about than some other styles. “I love, love, love this water fountain,” says one recent buyer. “I put it on my back deck under my pergola. At night, it has just the right lighting and sounds very zen.”

06

Best Stone Design

LiquidArt Fountain

Perigold

$1586.00

If you find yourself wishing you had a natural spring or brook in your backyard, you’ll want to shop for a fountain that mimics that vibe. This design from LiquidArt looks just like the real deal, with reinforced concrete rocks that are nearly indistinguishable from something you’d find on a hike. The included pump moves water at 530 gallons per minute, sending it cascading over the various nooks and crevices, creating a one-of-a-kind sound that’s tranquil and transportive.

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07

Best Classic Design

Amelie Bird Fountain

Pottery Barn

$269.00

We love the sweet songbirds on this idyllic water fountain, which has an elegant, beveled edge and circular shape. It’s made of cement, sand, and stone, so it’s built to last. It’s also only 10 inches in diameter, so it can easily nestle into smaller corners or spots where you need a bit more interest. Just make sure to locate it near a plug; the cord is 6 feet long, so you have a bit of wiggle room.

08

Best Modern Design

17 Stories Gray Resin Waterfall Outdoor Fountain

Wayfair

$419.99

Backyard fountains can tend to skew inherently traditional, but we always have our eye out for designs that lean more modern, too. This graphic and sleek design does just that, making it an excellent choice for any home or backyard that feels more minimalistic. Not only is the black resin striking, but it dispenses water in an eye-catching “sheet” rather than a traditional spout or trickle. Bonus: The top of the fountain doubles as a planter. “Perfect fountain for a small space,” says one buyer. “The plant holder at the top is a nice touch; we get lots of compliments!”

09

Best Birdbath

MountainArtConcepts Hanging Solar Water Fountain

Etsy

$87.95

This royal blue outdoor solar water fountain has a hint of sparkle that will please guests and feathered friends alike. Hang it in the corner of your deck, porch, or patio for an eye-catching addition to your space—just keep it close by so you can be sure to see all the visitors it brings by. “Lovely focal point on our porch,” shares one 5-star reviewer. “Can’t wait until birds find it!”

10

Most Stylish

Glitzhome Turquoise Artichoke Ceramic Fountain

Amazon

$242.99

If you’re less concerned with your fountain looking like one with nature and more concerned about making a statement, shop for a colorful option, like this turquoise ceramic fountain from Glitzhome. With its eye-catching details (yes, that’s an artichoke!) and sleek upright design, it’s well-suited to a patio, garden, terrace, or anywhere else that just needs a little pop of personality.

11

Most Unique

John Timberland Modern Curve Outdoor Floor Water Fountain

Amazon

$279.99

With a unique undulating shape and faux stone finish, this freestanding water fountain is the perfect finishing touch for any modern outdoor space. It comes equipped with a pump and 6-foot power cord, with an integrated LED light that you can turn on and off with ease. “Absolutely beautiful with wonderful waterfall sound,” says one 5-star reviewer. “Love the modern design, but the best part for me is the color…a beautiful natural brown tone, which is exactly what I wanted.”

12

Best Solar Powered

Teamson Home 4-Tier Cascading Solar-Powered Water Fountain

Amazon

$299.88

Nothing says “set it and forget it” quite like a solar-powered fountain, which relies on the sun’s rays to keep the fountain pump moving. This tiered jar design comes with a solar panel you set up nearby in order to power the fountain. With it, it’ll circulate 5.8 gallons and power the LED lights found in the mouth of each jar. “It really adds a nice touch of elegance and tranquility to the outdoor space,” says one recent buyer. “The stone gray color and the design with the stacked bowls look beautiful and natural. The sound of the water is gentle and very soothing—not too loud, just a nice, relaxing background sound. You can really notice the difference it makes in creating a peaceful atmosphere.”

Types of Backyard Water Fountains


Running/Bubbling Fountains

Your classic backyard water fountain, running and bubbling styles often have one source of water output and feed directly into their own basin, recycling the water as needed. Though they can vary in shape, size, and form, most running or bubbling water fountains are shaped like basins, urns, or pedestals.

Tiered Fountains

For a more dramatic look, you can consider a tiered water fountain, which uses the same functional mechanisms to pull water into the fountain, trickling down from one level to the next in a cascading effect. These types of fountains can often produce more sound and can be more visually dynamic. They’re also often taller to achieve that tiered effect.

Birdbath Fountains

Designed most often as a shallow basin, birdbath water fountains are the best of both worlds, providing you with the gentle sound of trickling water and a means of enticing birds to your yard. Keep in mind, these styles are often shallow for the bird’s safety, and will have to be refilled much more frequently than your traditional backyard water fountain.

Solar Fountain

Solar fountains can take any of the above forms, with one main difference: they’re powered by the sun. While most fountains require a lengthy cord to power their pump system, solar-equipped fountains will charge with the sun, making them the more flexible option for decorating a yard without a reliable power source nearby.

Backyard Water Fountain Materials


Backyard water fountains can be made from a variety of different materials, such as:

  • Natural stone
  • Resin
  • Cast stone or concrete
  • Metals like copper and bronze
  • Glass or acrylic

Natural materials will generally be more reliable and possess a better ability to withstand various weather environments. That said, there are perks to alternative materials, too. Finishes like resin can be lightweight and easy to install or move around; ceramic opens up a bevy of color and design options for those looking for something with a bit more personality; and cast stone or concrete designs give you the look of a natural material at a more reasonable price point.

Frequently Asked Questions


What maintenance do outdoor fountains need?

While outdoor fountains are not a maintenance-free backyard addition, they’re relatively easy to upkeep. You’ll want to stay on top of the water level required by your fountain; most designs will lose water to evaporation, especially on hot days, so plan to top yours off every few days. Forgetting to do so can cause your pump to burn out.

You’ll also want to clean your outdoor fountain and pump regularly to prevent the buildup of debris, algae, and deposits. Always consult the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning; typically, a quick soak in a mixture of white vinegar and water and a gentle scrub is all it takes to keep things running smoothly.

Where should outdoor water fountains be placed?

How much does an outdoor water feature cost?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Heather Morgan Shott

Heather Morgan Shott is an award-winning consumer news reporter and lifestyle writer with over 20 years of experience. Previously, she was the Vice President of Content and Marketing for the $3.5B Better Homes & Gardens collection at Walmart. Prior to that role, she oversaw digital content strategy for Meredith Corporation's Home Group, which included Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Better Homes & Gardens, and Southern Living. Additionally, Shott was Editor-in-Chief of Evolve Media's parenting vertical and editorial director at XO Group (formerly The Knot). She has held staff editor positions at National Geographic Traveler, Parents.com, Brides.com, and Wine Spectator. She is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at Hunter College in New York City to become a licensed clinical social worker specializing in perinatal mental health.

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Alyssa Longobucco

Alyssa is a freelance writer, editor, and stylist with a background in interior, food, and lifestyle content. The recent recipient of an interior design certification, she has over a decade of experience in the digital and magazine industry helping readers digest design trends and providing actionable expert advice for creating a home and life they love.

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