19 Easy Homemade Water Fountain Ideas

Water fountains can add a peaceful and relaxing element to any outdoor space. I’ve found that making your own fountain at home is a fun and rewarding project. With some simple materials and a bit of creativity, you can create a beautiful water feature to enjoy in your garden or patio.

These 19 easy homemade water fountain ideas offer something for every style and skill level. From repurposed items like teapots and whiskey barrels to more elaborate designs with stone and bamboo, there are plenty of options to choose from.

I’ll share some great DIY fountain projects that can help transform your backyard into a tranquil oasis.

1. Tabletop Zen Garden Fountain

I love creating small, peaceful spaces at home. A tabletop Zen garden fountain is perfect for this. It’s easy to make and doesn’t take up much room.

To start, I get a shallow tray and fill it with sand. I add some small rocks and pebbles for texture. Then, I place a small pump in the center.

I hide the pump with larger stones or a decorative bowl. Water flows over the stones, creating a soothing sound. I often add a few air plants or succulents around the edges.

This mini fountain brings a sense of calm to any room. It’s great for meditation or just enjoying a quiet moment.

2. DIY Teapot Water Fountain

I love the charm of a teapot water fountain. It’s a fun way to upcycle an old teapot. To make one, I drill a hole in the bottom of the teapot for the pump tubing.

I place the pump in a sturdy basin or pot. Then I position the teapot above it, supported by bricks or a stand. I feed the tubing up through the hole and into the spout.

When I turn on the pump, water flows from the teapot spout like it’s pouring tea. It creates a soothing sound and eye-catching focal point in my garden.

I can decorate around the base with rocks or plants to complete the look. This project is simple but makes a big impact.

3. Recycled Wine Bottle Fountain

I love turning old wine bottles into beautiful water features. It’s a fun and eco-friendly project that adds charm to any space. To make one, I drill small holes near the bottom of each bottle for the tubing.

I arrange the bottles in a pleasing pattern, often in a circle or cascade. Then I connect them with tubing and a small pump. The water flows from bottle to bottle, creating a soothing sound.

This fountain looks great on a patio or in a garden. It’s a unique way to reuse bottles and create art. Plus, it’s a conversation starter when friends visit.

4. Stacked Stone Bubbling Fountain

I love the look of stacked stone fountains. They bring a natural, rustic charm to any outdoor space. To make one, I start by choosing flat stones of various sizes.

I stack the stones carefully, making sure they’re stable. A small pump goes at the base to circulate water. I drill a hole through the top stone for the water to bubble up.

The sound of water trickling over stones is so soothing. It’s perfect for a patio or garden corner. This project takes some patience, but the result is worth it.

I add small plants around the base to soften the look. It becomes a beautiful focal point that attracts birds and butterflies too.

5. Ceramic Pot Fountain

I love ceramic pot fountains for their elegant simplicity. To make one, I start with a large ceramic pot and a submersible pump. I drill a hole in the bottom of the pot for the pump cord.

Next, I place the pump inside and fill the pot with water. I add decorative rocks or pebbles to hide the pump and create a natural look.

For extra flair, I sometimes stack smaller pots on top, creating a multi-tiered fountain. The water bubbles up through each level, creating a soothing sound.

Ceramic pot fountains work great on patios or in small gardens. They’re easy to maintain and can be moved around as needed. I find them a perfect way to add a touch of tranquility to any outdoor space.

6. Tiered Terracotta Pot Fountain

I love creating tiered terracotta pot fountains for my garden. They’re easy to make and look great. I start with three terracotta pots of different sizes.

I drill holes in the bottom of the two smaller pots for the water to flow through. Then I stack them, largest to smallest.

I place a small water pump in the bottom pot and run the tubing up through the holes. The top pot gets filled with water, which cascades down through the tiers.

I often add some pebbles or plants around the pots to make it look more natural. The sound of trickling water is so relaxing in my backyard.

7. Cascading Bamboo Fountain

I love the look of cascading bamboo fountains. They create a peaceful, zen-like atmosphere in any space. To make one, I use several bamboo pieces of different lengths.

I cut the bamboo just above the nodes to prevent water collection. Then I arrange them in a stepped formation. Each piece has a small spout or bucket attached to direct water flow.

I hide a pump at the base to circulate water up through the tallest bamboo. The water then trickles down through each level. The gentle sound is so relaxing.

This project requires some careful planning and assembly. But the end result is a unique, natural water feature that’s sure to impress.

8. Solar-Powered Bird Bath Fountain

I love solar-powered bird bath fountains. They’re easy to make and maintain. You don’t need fancy tools or skills.

To build one, I start with a simple bird bath. Then I add a small solar fountain pump. These pumps are cheap and work well in sunlight.

The fountain creates moving water that birds love. It attracts more birds to my yard. Plus, it’s eco-friendly since it uses solar power.

I clean it regularly to keep the water fresh. The pump needs occasional cleaning too. But overall, it’s a low-effort way to enjoy birds and nature.

9. Miniature Fairy Garden Fountain

I love creating miniature fairy garden fountains. They’re magical additions to any small outdoor space. To make one, I start with a small container like a shoebox lid.

I drill holes for water to flow and for the pump cord. A tiny submersible pump works great for this project. I often use small pebbles or decorative stones to hide the pump.

For the fountain, I might use a small ceramic pot or even a seashell. I arrange moss, tiny plants, and fairy figurines around it. LED lights can add a enchanting glow at night.

Testing the water flow is important before setting it up in the garden. I make sure it’s not too strong for the small scale. These cute fountains bring life and whimsy to any fairy garden.

10. Galvanized Steel Tub Fountain

I love using galvanized steel tubs for DIY water fountains. They’re durable, affordable, and add a rustic charm to any outdoor space.

To create one, I start with a large galvanized tub as the base. I drill a hole for the pump cord and add a submersible pump inside.

Next, I stack smaller tubs or watering cans on top, creating tiers for the water to flow through. I secure everything in place with waterproof adhesive.

For a finishing touch, I often add water plants or decorative stones around the edges. The gentle sound of trickling water makes this fountain a soothing addition to my garden.

11. Repurposed Old Sink Fountain

I’ve found a clever way to upcycle an old sink into a charming water feature. It’s simple to do and adds a unique touch to any garden.

First, I plug the sink’s drain and overflow holes. Then I attach a fountain pump to the faucet using flexible tubing.

I place the pump in a bucket of water to test it. Once I confirm water flows from the faucet, I’m ready to install it outside.

This project turns a discarded item into a focal point. It’s an eco-friendly option that saves money and reduces waste. Plus, it creates a soothing sound of running water in my outdoor space.

12. Watering Can Pouring Fountain

I love the whimsical charm of a watering can pouring fountain. It’s a clever optical illusion that looks like a floating watering can endlessly pouring water.

To make one, I use a clear plastic tube to support the can and pump water up through it. The water flows out the spout into a flower pot or basin below.

This DIY project is quick and easy. I can put it together in under an hour with some basic supplies. It doesn’t use much water either – just enough to keep recirculating.

I think it makes a fun, eye-catching feature for any garden. The gentle trickling sound is so relaxing too. It’s sure to be a conversation starter when friends visit.

13. Stacked Slate Rock Fountain

I love the look of stacked slate rock fountains. They add a modern, zen-like feel to any outdoor space. To make one, I start by choosing flat slate rocks in varying sizes.

I stack the rocks carefully, making sure they’re stable. Between each layer, I add a small pump and tubing to circulate water.

The water trickles down the rocks, creating a soothing sound. I often place LED lights around the base to highlight the water’s movement at night.

This fountain works well in corners or as a centerpiece. It’s pretty low-maintenance too. I just need to top up the water and clean the pump occasionally.

14. Indoor Fish Tank Fountain

I love the idea of combining a fish tank with a fountain. It creates a unique and soothing focal point in any room. To make one, I start with a small aquarium and add a submersible pump.

I carefully position rocks and plants to hide the pump and create a natural look. The water flows gently over the rocks, making a relaxing sound.

Fish swimming among the bubbles and flowing water add movement and life. I make sure to choose fish species that can handle the water flow.

This fountain requires regular maintenance like any aquarium. But the calming effects and beauty make it worth the effort in my home.

15. Vintage Copper Kettle Fountain

I love the idea of turning an old copper kettle into a charming water fountain. It’s a great way to upcycle and add character to my garden or patio.

To make this fountain, I’d start by finding a vintage copper kettle at a thrift store or flea market. Then I’d drill a hole in the bottom for the pump tubing.

I’d place the kettle on a sturdy base like a large ceramic pot or wooden stand. Inside, I’d put a small submersible pump connected to the tubing.

When turned on, water would flow out of the kettle’s spout, creating a soothing trickling sound. I could surround the base with rocks or plants for a finished look.

This vintage-inspired fountain would make a unique focal point in any outdoor space. It’s both decorative and relaxing.

16. Repurposed Jar Waterfall

I love this creative water fountain idea using old glass jars. It’s simple to make and looks great. I start by collecting different sizes of glass jars.

Next, I attach them to a wooden frame or ladder. I make sure to secure them tightly. Then I add a small pump at the bottom jar.

I run tubing up through the jars to create a cascading effect. When I turn on the pump, water flows from jar to jar. The sound is so relaxing.

This fountain is perfect for small spaces. I can adjust the jar sizes and arrangement to fit anywhere. It’s a unique way to reuse old jars and add charm to my garden.

17. Pebble-Pot Pouring Fountain

I love this simple yet elegant fountain idea. It uses a large pot filled with smooth pebbles as the base. A smaller pot or jug sits on top, tilted to pour water over the pebbles.

The water trickles down through the rocks, creating a soothing sound. A hidden pump recirculates the water back up to the top pot.

I find this design easy to customize. You can use different pot shapes, sizes, and colors. Changing the pebbles also alters the look and sound of the water flow.

18. Modern Cube Fountain

I love the sleek look of a modern cube fountain. It’s a simple yet striking design that fits well in contemporary gardens. To make one, I’d start with a large hollow cube made of concrete or metal.

I’d add a pump inside the cube to circulate water. The water flows out from the top of the cube, creating a smooth sheet as it cascades down the sides.

LED lights can be installed to illuminate the falling water at night. This creates a beautiful glowing effect. The cube can sit in a shallow pool or on a bed of river rocks for drainage.

This fountain style works great as a focal point in a minimalist landscape. It’s also easy to maintain since there are no complex parts.

19. Driftwood Fountain

I love using driftwood to make a unique water fountain. It’s easy to do and looks great in any garden. First, I pick a large piece of driftwood with interesting shapes.

I drill holes through it for the water to flow. Then I attach a small pump to one end. I hide the pump in a basin filled with rocks and water.

The water trickles down the driftwood, creating a soothing sound. I added some plants around the base to give it a natural look. This fountain is perfect for small spaces or as a focal point in larger gardens.