A DIY Indoor Fountain With Plants and LED Lighting

There is something peaceful about sitting near flowing water—the gentle sound, the reflections, and the greenery around it can instantly make a space feel closer to nature. But bringing that experience indoors usually means buying a ready-made decorative fountain. So, I decided to build one myself, using one of the simplest and most versatile construction materials: cement.

The idea was to create a small indoor landscape rather than just a fountain. I wanted water to continuously flow through a cement structure, surrounded by stones and live plants, while soft lighting from beneath the water added to the atmosphere.

What started as a simple idea to make an indoor fountain gradually became a small piece of nature that I could build from scratch.

1. Cement & Sand
2. Pebbles
3. 4mm thick thermocol Sheets (StyroFoam)
4. Cotton Gauze roll
5. Mini Water Pump -5V
6. LED Strip -5V
7. PVC Pipe, 40cm- 15mm Diameter
8. PVC Elbow 90 Degree - 15mm Diameter
9. PVC End Cap - 15mm Diameter
10. PVC Tube (for pump), 30cm - 6mm Diameter
11. General Purpose glue
12. Brown Acrylic Color
13. Paint Brush
14. Soldering Iron

The first step is to create the basic lightweight framework of the fountain using Styrofoam (thermocol) sheets. Four sheets, each measuring 50 × 40 cm, were used to form the main structure.

A rectangular 20 × 30 cm opening was carefully marked and cut into each of the four sheets. These openings were aligned with each other so that, when the sheets were assembled, they would form the central space required for the fountain's water reservoir.

The Styrofoam provided a lightweight and easily workable base, allowing the overall shape of the fountain to be formed before applying the cement layer.

1. The next step is to prepare the water pipe assembly, which would be positioned between the Styrofoam sheets and used to distribute water across the fountain.
2. First, small water outlet holes were made along the PVC pipe at approximately 1 cm intervals. These holes were carefully created using either a small drill bit or a soldering iron. The closely spaced openings allow water to come out at multiple points and create a more uniform rainfall like flow over the fountain surface.
3. After preparing the holes, an end cap was fitted to one end of the pipe. An elbow connector was attached to the other end, followed by a short piece of PVC pipe.
4. A 6 mm flexible tube was then connected to the small PVC section using hot glue, creating the connection through which water from the pump would enter the distribution pipe.

1. Two of the four Styrofoam sheets were used to create the main body of the fountain. The previously prepared pipe assembly was placed along the top section of the sheets, and its dimensions and position were marked carefully.
2. Using a soldering iron, the marked profile was cut into the first Styrofoam sheet to create a slot for the pipe assembly. The same profile was then transferred to the second sheet and cut as a mirror image, allowing the pipe assembly to fit securely between the two sheets when they were joined together.
3. A separate opening was also created in the bottom section of the structure to provide space for the water tank and pump system. This opening would later allow access to the pump and provide the required space for water storage.
4. Once all the required cuts were completed and the fit was checked, the two Styrofoam sheets were aligned and firmly glued together, forming the basic body of the fountain.

1. With the main Styrofoam body assembled, the next step is to make the structure stronger and more durable. The remaining two Styrofoam sheets were attached to the two sides of the main structure, enclosing the body and giving the fountain its overall shape.
2. To reinforce the Styrofoam and create a strong surface for the final cement finish, cotton gauze and a cement-sand mixture were used. The mixture was prepared using:
3. 1 glass cement
4. ½ glass sand
5. 1 glass water
6. The ingredients were mixed thoroughly to form a thin, dilute slurry that could easily penetrate and bond with the cotton gauze.
7. Using a paintbrush, the cement mixture was first applied to the surface. The cotton gauze was then placed over the wet mixture and gently pressed into position. More cement mixture was applied over the gauze using the brush, ensuring that the fabric was completely saturated and bonded to the surface.
8. This process should be repeated over the entire structure, covering all required surfaces with the gauze and cement mixture. Once dry, the reinforced layer forms a stronger outer skin over the Styrofoam, providing a suitable base for the subsequent cement finishing layers.

1. After the reinforced gauze layer had dried, the next step was to give the fountain a stronger, thicker outer surface and begin creating the final concrete-like appearance.
2. A thicker cement-sand mixture was prepared using the same quantities as before, but with less water:
3. 4 glass cement
4. 2 glass sand
5. 2 glass water
6. The ingredients were mixed thoroughly until a smooth, workable mixture was obtained.
7. Using a small trowel, the mixture was applied evenly over the entire reinforced structure. The cement-sand layer was spread carefully to cover the cotton gauze completely while gradually building up the thickness of the surface. This layer also helped smooth out the structure and gave it a more solid and sturdy concrete appearance.
8. Once the entire structure was covered, it was left undisturbed for sufficient time to set and dry properly before moving on to the next stage of finishing.

1. The mixture is made thick enough to hold its texture while still being workable with a brush.
2. Instead of creating a completely smooth surface, the mixture was applied using a trowel or spoon with uneven strokes. This technique intentionally created small variations, ridges, and rough patches across the surface, giving the structure a more natural rock and concrete appearance.
3. The entire structure was covered in this manner, paying attention to the edges and uneven areas to make the finished fountain look more like a naturally formed stone structure.
4. After completing the application, the fountain was left to rest and dry further, allowing the cement layer to properly set before moving on to the next stage of construction.

1. Once the cement surface had completely dried, it was time to give the fountain its final natural appearance. Acrylic paint and a paintbrush were used to add a natural brown stone-like finish to the entire structure. The paint was applied carefully over the rough cement texture so that the surface retained its natural, earthy appearance.
2. With the painting complete, the fountain was ready for its final setup.
3. The water pump pipe was connected to the pipe assembly inside the fountain, and the LED strip was placed inside the bottom water tank. The reservoir was then filled with an appropriate amount of water, making sure that the pump remained properly submerged.

Finally, a few small live plants were placed in the designated spaces on the upper section of the fountain. Space were filled with suitable soil or growing medium, and the plants were carefully placed and secured. The arrangement was kept simple and natural, allowing the plants to grow and gradually spread over the cement surface.

The greenery adds a living element to the otherwise solid cement structure, making the fountain feel more like a small natural landscape. Combined with the flowing water and soft LED illumination, the plants complete the calm and refreshing character of the fountain.

After checking all the connections and ensuring that the water level was sufficient, the power supply was switched on. The pump began circulating water through the fountain while the LED strip illuminated the reservoir, bringing the completed fountain to life.

Now, all that is left is to sit back, enjoy the sound of flowing water, appreciate the greenery, and relax. What began as simple Styrofoam, cement, and a few basic components has now become a small indoor corner of nature—a place to chill, unwind, and enjoy a moment of calm!!