Do indoor water features reduce stress?

A common question we hear, both from attendees at Home & Garden shows and during in-person consultations, is: Do indoor water features reduce stress?

The answer is a resounding yes.

Research in environmental psychology shows that natural water sounds activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps lower heart rate and reduce perceived stress. Water features mimic what are known as “blue-space” environments, natural settings involving water, which are strongly associated with reduced cortisol levels and improved mood.

A natural follow-up question often arises, especially as many people now spend more time working from home: Can water sounds improve focus or sleep?

Flowing water produces a broad-spectrum, non-repetitive sound that helps mask sudden or distracting noises while supporting sustained attention. For sleep, gentle water sounds function similarly to white noise and can be especially helpful for light sleepers who are easily disrupted by environmental sounds.

Indoor water features, on any scale, offer a wide range of benefits beyond the obvious “cool factor.” Some of the most notable include:

• Improved air quality through increased humidity and the capture of dust or airborne particles

• Stress reduction

• Mood improvement

• Attention restoration

As water feature specialists, we’re often tasked with guiding clients through decisions about both type and placement of water features, indoors and out. One of the most common design-related questions we receive is: What type of water sound is the most calming?

As a general rule, a gentle trickle or thin sheet flow tends to produce calm, meditative responses, while cascading or layered waterfalls are more energizing and often well-suited for office or active spaces. Experienced designers choose sound intentionally, based on the desired emotional effect, not just aesthetics. For example, still water with subtle movement provides strong visual calm with minimal sound.

Placement plays an equally important role. Entryways are transitional spaces and benefit from grounding elements like water. Features placed near seating or meditation areas help reinforce relaxation and presence. Wellness-centered design favors simplicity and sensory clarity.

Different feature styles serve different purposes. Wall-mounted water features feel immersive and architectural, offering controlled sound in a compact footprint. Tabletop fountains provide subtlety, portability, and a personal touch. Smaller spaces often benefit from vertical or contained designs, while floor-mounted features tend to become statement pieces with a stronger sensory impact.

The calming effects of water aren’t limited to people alone. Pets can benefit as well, particularly in outdoor environments where water features serve multiple functions for the entire household—including the “fur babies.”

One memorable example is a project we completed last year in Clifton Park, NY. The client’s primary goal was to create a water feature specifically for their dogs, one of whom has only three legs. The result was a small plunge pool designed for dogs who love water, which also serves as a remembrance pond honoring pets that had been part of the family in the past.

Rather than being confined to grass alone, these dogs now enjoy an immersive, watery environment tucked into a corner of the backyard. Despite the limited space, the design integrates multiple water elements in harmony. Neighbors frequently stop by to admire how such a compact area can hold so much movement, meaning, and thoughtful design.

Featured in the Times Union

The growing interest in water features as tools for wellness is part of a larger shift in how homeowners design their spaces. We were recently featured in an article by the Times Union exploring how people are creating sanctuary and wellness-focused areas within their homes, with a special emphasis on the healing power of water.

The article highlights how indoor and outdoor water features are being embraced not just for their beauty, but for their ability to reduce stress, support relaxation, and foster a deeper connection to nature. This mirrors what we see every day; water, when thoughtfully designed, has the power to transform a home into a true place of restoration.

Check out the full article below!