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    Home » DIY Projects

    DIY Indoor Water Fountain

    by Patti Estep · Jan 12, 2025

    Jump to How-to Card
    Water shooting out of the middle of a tabletop fountain made from a bowl.
    Aerial view of a tabletop indoor water fountain over the parts including a small motor, white bowls and stones.

    This DIY indoor water fountain project is easy to make and adds a nice water feature element as a small tabletop fountain. All you need are a few elements to make this quick and easy DIY project.

    Small indoor water fountain

    Indoor fountains are so relaxing and pretty. I know Feng Shui talks about having a water element in the house but I just think it makes a beautiful decor piece.

    Today I'm showing you how to make this super easy, very inexpensive indoor water fountain. The only thing that would make it better would be a switch on the electrical cord so that you could easily turn it on and off. I did find these remote control outlet switches online that would probably work great. However, that would no longer make this pretty little fountain super cheap. Still, it's an option.

    This post contains some affiliate links (that means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, there's no additional cost to you, but I will earn a very small commission. ) i.e. as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

    Sections At A Glance

    • Supplies
    • Instructions
    • Step by Step Video
    • More Home Decor Projects
    • Water Fountain How-To Card
    Supplies for indoor water fountain, motor, stones and bowl.

    Water Fountain Supplies

    • Watertight bowl
    • Small fountain pump - This one is super cheap but it works.
    • Decorative Rocks - crafts stores and the dollar store
    • Remote control outlet switch (optional)
    Small water pump in bowl
    Place the pump nozzle where you want first. I have it here at the edge but you might prefer the middle.

    How to Make an Indoor Water Fountain

    Step 1 - Arranging the water pump

    Place the pump, especially the nozzle where you want the water to flow. I have mine off to the side but I think it would also look good in the middle.

    Small indoor water fountain with black stones and colored rocks

    Step 2 - Hide the pump and cord with decorative rocks

    Arrange the decorative rocks all around the bowl. Stack them up around the pump and cord to hide them from view.

    Step 3 - Add water to fill.

    Add water to just cover the rocks. You need enough water to fill the pump; if it is a submersible pump it can even cover the pump.

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    Then plug in the water fountain and enjoy.

    Step by Step Video

    Here's a quick video showing you how to put it all together.

    Indoor fountain made from a bowl, pump and rocks
    Many water fountain pumps have a dial that lets you control the flow of water.

    So simple, yet so beautiful. I think this would make a great gift. 

    Patti signature

     

    More Easy Home Decor Projects:

    Indoor Water Garden
    Tabletop Oil Lantern
    Succulent Birdcage Planter

    Tabletop indoor water fountain.
    Print
    4.49 from 29 votes

    How to Make an Indoor Water Fountain

    Try this beautiful indoor water fountain project that's easy to make. A small tabletop fountain adds a nice indoor water feature element to your home.
    Active Time10 minutes mins
    Total Time10 minutes mins
    Course: Home Decor Projects
    Yield: 1
    Author: Patti Estep

    Equipment

    • Submersible Water Pump 

    Materials

    • Watertight bowl
    • Small fountain pump - This one is super cheap but it works.
    • Decorative Stones - crafts stores and the dollar store
    • Remote control outlet switch optional

    Instructions

    • Place the pump, especially the nozzle where you want the water to flow. I have mine off to the side but I think it would also look good in the middle.
    • Arrange the decorative rocks all around the bowl. Stack them up around the pump and cord to hide them from view.
    • Add water to just cover the rocks. You need enough water to fill the pump; if it is a submersible pump it can even cover the pump.
    • Then plug in the water fountain and enjoy it.

    Video

    Notes

    Some pumps have a dial that lets you control the water flow. You can also consider purchasing a remote control outlet switch instead of unplugging and plugging the fountain in each time you want to run it.
    Tried this project?Tag @hearthnvine on Instagram
    Small tabletop water fountain running.

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    About Patti Estep

    Patti is the creator of Hearth and Vine, a home and garden blog filled with projects to inspire your creative side. She loves crafting, gardening, decorating and entertaining at her home in Pennsylvania. When she is not working on a project at home or searching for treasures at nurseries and thrift stores with her girlfriends, you’ll probably find her with family and friends, at a restaurant, or home party enjoying new and different food adventures.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mel

      December 25, 2024 at 3:06 pm

      Can most pumps be left on constantly? Obviously,
      Will monitor water level.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 26, 2024 at 8:14 am

        ​Mel, yes in theory. I don't know how long they actually will last. Monitoring the water level as you said is key.

        Reply
    2. Ladin

      January 04, 2024 at 6:33 am

      Thanks for the tutorial. Is it safe and suitable enough to be used as a water fountain for cats to drink of?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        January 04, 2024 at 8:55 am

        It would seem so but I'd check with your vet to be on the safe side.

        Reply
    3. Phil

      May 24, 2022 at 6:10 pm

      Is there a lot of splash outside the bowl?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        May 25, 2022 at 6:30 am

        Phil, I haven't noticed any splash. However, the manufacturer of the pump I used says that the flow rate is adjustable so I assume it would depend on how you set it.

        Reply
    4. Georgia Luz

      March 21, 2022 at 3:43 pm

      Where did you get the white bowl for the waterfall fountain? Thank you.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        March 21, 2022 at 3:49 pm

        Georgia, I bought that bowl at an odd lots store but on the back it says Cravings by Chrissy Teigen stoneware. The bowl is 8 inches. I hope that helps. 

        Reply
    5. Elinor

      March 22, 2021 at 6:49 pm

      Hello!
      I keep a pot of water at a low simmer on the stove but my apartment is still a bit dry & I do not want to buy a humidifier. (too unlikely I'd keep up with the filter changes! Plus, that's a lot of plastic after awhile!) Do you feel that the air is any less dry since you started running your water filter?
      Thank you!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        March 23, 2021 at 7:05 am

        Elinor, I never thought about the fountain offering humidity. The water does evaporate over time and needs to be refilled but it's pretty slow. Certainly not as much as a humidifier. I guess it does offer a little humidity into the room but I really haven't noticed.

        Reply
    6. Cassandra

      November 24, 2020 at 1:57 am

      Thank you for sharing, such a brilliant idea. I tried to make it too. so easy and simple. i wish i could share the picture with you.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        November 24, 2020 at 8:27 am

        So glad you liked it Cassandra. I'm sure it's beautiful!

        Reply
    7. Ana

      June 06, 2020 at 10:23 pm

      This is a lovely fountain! How deep is the bowl you used for this project?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        June 07, 2020 at 6:36 am

        Ana, my bowl is about 3 inches deep.

        Reply
    8. Valda Meiers

      February 12, 2020 at 9:05 am

      What a Great idea - thanks for the share!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        February 12, 2020 at 10:26 am

        Glad you like it Valda!

        Reply
    9. Linda Krenz

      February 11, 2020 at 7:26 pm

      So beautiful! I've been wanting to incorporate some Feng Shui into my decor and this is a fantastic way to do it!

      Reply
    10. Susan M

      February 10, 2020 at 7:40 pm

      LOVE this fountain. I'm definitely going to make something like this in my backyard! So less expensive than what you can buy!

      Reply
    11. Loren

      February 10, 2020 at 1:17 pm

      I love water fountains, the sound of the water is so soothing. I didn't know that they are so easy to make, I may try it.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        February 10, 2020 at 2:58 pm

        Thanks Loren, I hope you get a chance to make one.

        Reply
    12. Carole West

      February 10, 2020 at 9:37 am

      Seriously it's that easy? well something to think about after my seed starters head outdoors. I have this one area where I can do something fun so I've been changing it out and when I transplant seedlings this may be a fun option. I've had a huge break from diy projects and think I'm ready to dive back in.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        February 10, 2020 at 9:44 am

        Yes, it's that easy. I hope you try it soon and let me know what you come up with.

        Reply
    13. Deana Landers

      February 10, 2020 at 8:43 am

      I love the thought of having a water garden in my home. What a great idea! Thank you for this .

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        February 10, 2020 at 9:00 am

        Thanks Deana, I'm so glad that you like it.

        Reply
        • Hope

          April 11, 2022 at 5:03 pm

          Have you figured out how often you need to clean everything out so it stays hygienic? Just wondering before I make one!

        • Patti Estep

          April 12, 2022 at 7:32 am

          Hope, I have not noticed too much of a problem. After a while, you will notice that the water level is low due to normal evaporation. That's a good time to change the water. You can use distilled water if you are concerned as it won't cause any potential calcium or lime buildup. Also, vinegar is a good cleaning agent. You can put some in the fountain and let it run for an hour or so. All in all, it's pretty easy to remove the pump and rocks to clean since it's so small and basic.

    14. Michelle Leslie

      February 10, 2020 at 7:16 am

      I love water features in all shapes and sizes, but I never even thought about making one for our indoor space. So clever Patti. Thanks so much for the inspiration.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        February 10, 2020 at 9:01 am

        Thanks Michelle. Simple but sometimes those are the best, right?

        Reply
    4.49 from 29 votes (29 ratings without comment)

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