- Tabletop fountains use running water as a means to provide a decorative accent piece to a room. Designed to help you relax and feel as though you are surrounded by water will help aid with focus and mental clarity in order to get tasks completed. Electric tabletop fountains can be used in any location where there is an electrical outlet. The fountain plugs into a wall so that a small pump can filter water up to a tiered surface and can fall below. Fountains have a visual impact, as well as a soothing effect from the sound of flowing water.
- Fountains can be made out of natural materials such as ceramic, stone, glass, copper and stainless steel. Most fountains consist of slate or ceramic plates that are hung from copper tubing in which the water drops down and falls into a bowl or square surface. Other popular fountains are bamboo flutes which are strategically placed to have water trickle in and out of each flute down to the pool or dish of water below. Bell fountains include small copper cups in which the water fills up each one and then falls into the fountain below, creating a subtle chine that adds tranquility to the fountain. Most fountains run from a 120-volt electrical plug that sends electricity to the water pump that pumps the water. Newer designs include battery-operated or solar-powered tabletop fountains that are great for traveling or those who have mobile offices.
- Utilizing a tabletop fountain will help to drown out unwanted noises, such as those in a large office setting or a busy household. Most tabletop fountains can be used both indoors and outdoors because they are made from natural materials. There are several design varieties that tabletop fountains can come in such as glowing candles, broken pots or jars, glowing spheres, spiral staircases, curved towers, cherubs and decorative resin forests. Another feature is the ability to adjust the water flow to go from a subtle trickle to an even flow, depending on one's mood. Other features include LED lighting that can be placed inside of the fountain and accent lights that are placed directly above the fountain and shine down on the water.
- Most tabletop fountains are around 6 to 12 inches in width and have a water basin that is 2 to 3 inches deep. Larger fountains can create a strong focal point on a patio table. Some fountains are designed for those who only have a small space to work, such as a desk. Fountains can be anywhere from 3 to 12 inches tall.
- One of the first things to go wrong with tabletop fountains is the pump system. Many people walk away from the fountain and do not realize that it's still on, therefore causing added wear and tear on the pump. Some fountains, such as those made out of copper, can begin to develop a patin that can be difficult, if not impossible, to remove. Protecting the copper surface with a water repellent such as Rain-X will help to preserve it.
