Adding outdoor waterfall design ideas to your backyard can transform it into the space you’ve always wanted. From zen and tranquil to flashy and fun, waterfall features provide a wealth of versatility to Upstate NY homeowners. One popular type of backyard waterfall is an outdoor wall waterfall, which combines the elegance of cascading water with the aesthetic appeal of a wall feature. 

Today, we’re giving you an overview of types of backyard waterfall features to choose from as well as inspirational outdoor wall waterfall design ideas! Check out these ideas for something to fit the style of your house and the overall look you wish to achieve. Whether you want traditional or modern, rustic or tropical, or anything in between, there are endless possibilities to create a backyard you’ll fall in love with all over again.

Types of Outdoor Waterfall Features

Before we jump into outdoor wall waterfall design ideas, let’s first explore some general backyard waterfall options that homeowners might consider. Each type offers its own unique charm and can be customized to fit the design and vibe of your home and outdoor area. Whether you want your waterfall feature to be the center of attention or an accent to your landscaping, there’s something for everyone.

A few different types of outdoor waterfall design ideas include:

Pondless waterfall: These are ideal for small spaces or those wanting a low-maintenance backyard water feature installation. A pondless waterfall eliminates the need for a pond or standing water. The water recirculates through a hidden reservoir, creating the illusion of a natural waterfall anywhere you want it to be.

Cascading waterfall: A cascading waterfall creates a gentle flow of water over a series of rocks or steps. These outdoor waterfall design ideas produce the peaceful sounds of a natural creek or stream. They can be designed to fit contemporary and traditional landscapes while fitting into most backyard sizes.

Rock waterfall: Rock water features, like a natural stone waterfall, create the appearance of a mountain stream. The rocks are carefully arranged to create cascades and pools, evoking a natural and organic feel as if your backyard waterfall was always there.

Wall waterfall: For a major visual impact, outdoor wall waterfall design ideas are perfect. These water features are installed directly onto a wall, allowing water to flow down its surface. This design option is versatile, fitting well within modern, minimalist, or traditional spaces.

Bonus Info: What’s the difference between a pondless waterfall vs regular waterfall, you wonder? Check out our guide to learn more after this article.

Outdoor Wall Waterfall Design Ideas for Different Home Styles

Designing an outdoor wall waterfall for your home provides an opportunity to create a captivating and serene focal point in your outdoor space. By considering the style of your house and your personal preferences, you can customize the design to perfectly complement your home’s aesthetic.

Modern and Contemporary Homes

For modern and contemporary homes, clean lines and minimalistic designs typically work best. Water features for Upstate NY homes of this style might consider sleek, sheet-style outdoor wall waterfall design ideas that have a uniform flow of water down a smooth surface.

Materials like stainless steel, glass, or concrete enhance the overall look, keeping it simple, chic, and sophisticated. Incorporate hardscaping service elements like landscaping lighting to enhance the modern vibe and create a swanky space you can keep using after dark.

Traditional Homes

To complement a traditional home style, you might want to choose a more ornate or refined design. Consider cascading outdoor wall waterfall design options with multiple tiers or levels. This can also help make the most of landscaping backyards with steep hills, making them beautiful and functional.

Using natural stones or brickwork can create a textured backdrop for the water to flow over. Add decorative elements such as sculptures or statues to enhance the overall charm and elegance of the space to reflect the character of your traditional-style home.

Rustic or Cottage Homes

For rustic or cottage homes, embrace the natural beauty of your surroundings. Materials like natural stone, stacked rocks, or reclaimed wood bring an organic feel to your outdoor wall waterfall design ideas. Complete the look by adding plants, flowers, and shrubs into the landscaping around the wall waterfall to help it all meld together flawlessly.

Consider adding a small pond at the base of the waterfall to enhance the rustic appeal and provide a habitat for aquatic plants and wildlife.

Mediterranean and Spanish-Style Homes

To create a Mediterranean or Spanish-style outdoor wall waterfall design, include decorative elements and vibrant colors. Stunning tiles in warm earth tones or a unique pattern will give your water feature a jaw-dropping backdrop. Enhance the overall look and feel of the Mediterranean-inspired environment with accents like potted plants and terracotta pottery.

Asian and Zen-Inspired Homes

If you have an Asian or zen-inspired home, you might consider an outdoor wall waterfall design that exudes tranquility and harmony. These can become additional elements of Japanese garden water features, bringing the style all the way up to the wall of your home or the edge of your outdoor space.

Smooth rocks and pebbles bring a Zen garden feel. Other popular materials like bamboo spouts or Japanese lanterns add authenticity to the design. Finish off the surrounding landscaping with lush greenery and create the perfect space for meditation or relaxation.

Tropical Homes

To evoke a tropical atmosphere from your outdoor wall waterfall design, focus on lush foliage, vibrant colors, and natural materials. Exotic plants and palm trees around the waterfall turn your backyard into your very own tropical oasis. 

It’s important to note that not all these types of plants will thrive in the Upstate NY winters. If you want more tropical-style plants, ask the professionals (that’s us) for recommendations on how to achieve this look without having to replace your plants each year! 

Landscaping Tip: NVS Waterscapes is a division of NVS Landscapes, providing you with the best water feature installation and landscaping services in Albany, Saratoga, Colonie, Schenectady, and the surrounding areas from start to finish! We’ll design the space you’ve always wanted and bring your backyard landscaping ideas to life.

Additional Backyard Waterfall Feature Guides & Inspo

With so many possibilities or beautiful backyard waterfall features, we couldn’t fit it all into one. To get more inspiration for your waterfall feature, check out these handy guides and resources:

• Backyard Waterfall Ideas for Small Spaces
• Waterfall Ideas for Backyard Garden Transformations
• Examples of Pondless Waterfall Ideas and Designs

There are so many amazing outdoor wall waterfall design ideas to fit homes of every style. No matter your aesthetic, our team of water feature installation professionals can give you the water feature of your dreams. Check out the NVS Project Planner to start planning your water feature installation project today.

When you’re ready, submit the plans to us or contact us and our team will be in touch!