From simple to large-scale, these serene ideas add so much value to your home.
The start of spring is a great time to start a new landscaping project—before all you want to do is lie out in the sun instead of working in it. While there are plenty of outdoor additions that'll amp up your curb appeal, water features might be our favorite. Water features—think fountains, ponds, and even outdoor showers—add a serene, calming mood to your space. No matter what your yard currently looks like, there are elegant water features that'll fit right into your space and elevate it in the process.
Whether you're adding one to your patio, garden, or backyard, there's something for everyone. For example, in a cottagecore fairy garden, consider putting in a wishing well and some bird baths. If you're going for a zen garden look, a serene koi pond is a must. These 17 water feature ideas below range from simple DIYs to large professional projects, so outdoor spaces—and budgets—of all kinds can find their perfect match. Make a splash in your backyard with these relaxing water features.
Additional copy by Nikhita Mahtani.
A spa pool is a shallow part of a larger swimming pool that may be designed to appear separate from the main body of water. We love that this water feature ups the versatility of a normal swimming pool—the shallower depth is perfect for just dipping a toe in. This serene spa pool is located just outside of a Cortney Bishop–designed home in Charleston.
If you're not ready for a real natural swimming pool (one that uses a biological filter, plants, and pumps to clean the water instead of chlorine), you can opt for a "natural" swimming pool instead. In this backyard by OAD Interiors, this water feature takes on an organic shape and is surrounded by native plants, allowing nature to take center stage.
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Does an outdoor shower count as a water feature? We're going to say yes, because it adds a spa-like feel to your yard and increases your resale value. This one by designer Sheldon Harte is quite sizable with a more bohemian aesthetic, but you can design yours to coordinate with your home's style.
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An outdoor tub is the ultimate place to relax. This water feature is probably one you would only use occasionally (when the weather is perfect), but with the right design, it can transform your backyard into a resort spa.
This water feature may be a somewhat obvious choice, but how can you go wrong with a swimming pool? You’ll be able to take a dip in it at any time for a mental reset, and if you have kids, it’ll keep them occupied for hours on end. You can also outfit it any way you want, from picking the tiles you desire to playing around with the shape.
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Bring some European flair into your backyard design scheme with a statue fountain. Depending on its size, you could nestle it in among your flowers or make it a statement piece right at the center of your outdoor space. There are many different design options you can take, from cute cherubs to Greek-inspired goddesses, so it simply depends on the vibe you’re going for.
A water wall is a feature that's perfect for minimalists. Simple yet chic, you can watch water flowing down the exterior and have a meditative moment.
If you love the idea of having a gorgeous water feature in your backyard but don’t want to hook up a fountain pump, look no further: A bird bath is a low-key option that you’ll only have to replace with clean water about every two to four days. It’ll help attract feathered friends to your space, too.
This one is for the truly dedicated, but the finished product is well worth it. Koi ponds provide hours of entertainment watching fish swim around. These water features are vibrant conversation-starters, and you can even add different plant options to them, like water lilies and begonias, for a more varied feel.
Bubbling fountains are great water features for those with tiny yards. You can choose a small one in any material or shape that suits your space and enjoy the soothing sound anytime you want.
If you are lucky enough to already have a stream flowing through your backyard, make it more of a focal point by keeping the landscaping and plant life around it clean and well-maintained.
If your backyard has sloped or uneven features, a waterfall is a great way to use that to your advantage. Adding some natural stones or plants will help draw attention to it and make it look like a part of the natural landscape.
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Instead of leapfrogging from one end of your pool to the other, construct a water walkway for a seamless path. Even if it's more for looks than anything else, it'll bring a unique, whimsical vibe to a pond or fountain.
If you’re a fan of rustic, country-cottage–inspired styles, you really can’t go wrong with a wishing well. It lends a certain storybook charm to an outdoor area—and it doesn't have to be functional! You might even use this structure to cover up a feature of your backyard that you don't like.
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Wall fountains are a much bolder statement for a backyard than a statue or bubbling fountain since they usually tend to be much more dramatic in size and structure. By using high-quality materials like granite or marble, you’ll be able to bring an upscale feel to your backyard with ease.
A small, standalone pond is an easy way to bring nature into your backyard, especially if you're not ready to commit to a massive water feature just yet. You can even do this yourself with a simple home kit, and in time, you’ll be able to see your pond become a thriving water ecosystem in its own right. And who knows? By that time, you might just be ready to add a waterfall or fountain into the mix.
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