Aquariums in the interior: types, selection and installation recommendations
An aquarium is not only a "house" for fish, but also an unrivaled decor for almost any interior. With this component, the environment begins to play with new colors, look lively and dynamic. At the same time, the atmosphere in the room where the aquarium is located is usually calming, pacifying. Today we will talk in detail about the role of aquariums in the interiors of different rooms.
Varieties and their design
Many people are in love with aquarium hobby and are passionate about keeping and breeding fish of different types, from simple and common to rare and exotic. However, the aquarium can serve not only as an object of hobby of the owners - it can make a wonderful decoration, interior decoration.
Often, the aquarium becomes a bright accent of the existing environment, making it more expressive and lively.
If the interior seems boring and monotonous, such a detail will easily brighten it up, fill it with lively colors.
Today there are several types of aquariums. Each of the copies has its own design features. Let's get to know them better.
Partitions
This is the name for the aquariums that separate the rooms. Such solutions in the interior look very original and stylish. Due to its transparency, an aquarium used as a partition in an open-plan dwelling is the ideal component.
In such settings, these separating elements add a sense of privacy while leaving the available space visually spacious and well-lit.
Partition aquariums are not always full.They can also be dry. The second options are usually set by those people who want to decorate the interior and make it unique, but also do not want to waste time keeping the fish. Such models of aquariums are designed to perform exclusively decorative function.
Wall
Aquariums of this type are characterized by an impressive width. This allows them to be fixed to the wall. Such aquariums must have absolutely transparent walls so that you can easily follow the life of their inhabitants.
It can be difficult to take care of fish living in a wall-mounted aquarium, especially when comparing such designs with classic table-top ones, where access to all the necessary parts is always open.
Experts advise keeping cichlids or goldfish in wall-mounted versions.
Aquariums of the following forms can be mounted on the wall:
- rectangular;
- square;
- semicircular.
Table
The aquarium table must have impressive dimensions. This is a large and convenient option that can be used as a complete piece of furniture. The top cover should be made of reliable high-strength glass, which is not afraid of serious loads. Such models are equipped with absolutely transparent walls, through which all the fish living in the aquarium are easily visible.
The biggest advantage of this instance is its multitasking ability. An aquarium table is both a useful piece of furniture and a unique decor that looks very expensive and stylish.
If you want to create a truly exclusive and unusual interior, then such a solution will be very successful - not in every house you can find a large aquarium that serves as a table.
If you don't want to waste time caring for the fish, you can get by with a dry version of the aquarium, in which there are no fish. There may be artificial plants and other similar decorations.
Column
This type of aquarium is considered one of the most expensive. If you wish, you can equip a spectacular version with a length from floor to ceiling. Models mounted in an already existing, ready-made column look a little simpler, not so impressive, although it is easier to take care of them.
If you decide to put an original aquarium-column in your home, then you will need to think carefully about the drain system, as well as the compressor device and container lighting.
Cylindrical designs are custom made but very expensive... In home interiors, these types of aquariums are rare. Most often they can be seen in restaurants, hotels, shopping and entertainment centers or other similar establishments.
Angular
If we are talking about arranging a small to medium-sized room, you can take a closer look at interesting corner aquarium options. These models take up quite a bit of usable space, but they will effectively decorate the interior, make it brighter and more interesting. Equipment of this kind can be built into the wall or installed on a special stand of suitable dimensions. The dimensions of the corner aquarium itself directly depend on the area of the room and the amount of free space available in it.
Architectural
These types of aquariums should be classified in a separate category. They are very different from any other type of container that everyone is used to. Architectural aquariums are part of the structure of the building in which they are located. From the outside, such solutions look very unusual and futuristic. Architectural aquariums are extremely rare as they are very expensive.
Where to install the aquarium in the apartment?
The aquarium can be placed in almost any room. The main thing is to find the most convenient and suitable place for him. It is also important to consider the style of the interior composition.
In the living room
The living room is a safe room for placing an aquarium. It is here that guests most often gather, and households relax and spend time watching TV. In the living room, you can put an aquarium of almost any type - it all depends on the area and layout of the room. Often, wall-mounted options are placed here or they are placed in pre-equipped niches of suitable sizes.
To make a lasting impression on guests, friends and relatives, large, beautiful fish (proportional to the volume of the aquarium) can be placed in the aquarium.
Such a detail of the living room interior will definitely become a unique highlight and a bright accent that will definitely not be overlooked.
If the area of the living room is modest, then the container can be used as a partition separating the work and recreation area... Thus, it will be possible to preserve the available usable area, as well as transform the interior.
In the nursery
Often, aquariums of different designs are placed in the children's room. Here it is necessary to install exclusively high-quality containers made of reliable, environmentally friendly materials. It is advisable to select not too large models.
A small tabletop aquarium equipped with fish life support systems that are safe for younger family members will be quite enough.
If the child's room has an impressive area, you can organize an aquarium built into a wall or column in it. It is best to install the equipment in the room where the teenager lives, in order to exclude any traumatic situations.
In the lobby
Oddly enough, aquariums are also installed in the lobby. In such an environment, an aquarium of almost any configuration will look harmonious. The main thing is that it matches the area of the available space. Built-in containers of impressive dimensions, complemented by beautiful lighting and various auxiliary elements necessary for underwater "pets", look very interesting and rich in the hall.
On the kitchen
An aquarium can liven up any room, and the kitchen is no exception. If it was combined with the dining room, then with the help of such equipment, you can effectively divide the space.
In the kitchen, only a reliable, strong aquarium, made from materials of the highest quality, should be present, since it is in this room that frequent temperature drops, high humidity and other similar factors take place.
Poor quality containers in such an environment may acquire defects or last not too long.
Aquariums built into the lower section of the cabinet look best in the kitchen. Here, it is allowed to use aquariums that act as an apron or window in the decor of the wall base. Such solutions look very unusual, but for them it is necessary to buy special custom-made furniture. In the aggregate of all the requirements, such an interior ensemble will cost a tidy sum, but it will be a chic decoration of the kitchen.
In the bedroom
Many people choose to set up their aquarium in their bedroom. It is recommended to place containers of medium or small dimensions here. It is advisable to select options that have a simple and laconic design that will not attract too much attention - this will prevent the owners from falling asleep quickly.
The main function of the bedroom is complete rest and relaxation after a hard day's work.
If there is an aquarium here, it should not be full of too bright and "poisonous" colors. This applies to both the scenery and the fish. Some users completely abandon the use of standard options and prefer to put imitation aquariums or their dry counterparts.
How to choose for home?
Since aquariums are available in a wide range and vary in shape and size, they can be placed in different parts of the room. The containers are placed on the table, shelf, pedestals - there are a lot of options.Wall-mounted and built-in units are popular, allowing you to save free space. You can choose the best option for absolutely any situation.
The glass tank in which fish and aquarium plants will live should not be too extravagant and avant-garde.
The main thing to consider is the convenience and comfort of the underwater inhabitants, the conditions in which they will live.
When choosing a suitable container, one must keep in mind how convenient it will be to clean it, and provide all the necessary care.
Choosing an aquarium for your home is worth considering the important features.
- Beginners and inexperienced aquarists are sure that small containers are more convenient to use, but in fact they get dirty much faster, they have to be cleaned more often, and this is not always convenient and easy.
- Professionals advise to select tanks that are wide, but not too high. In such containers, the fish will not conflict because of the "division" of the territory.
- It is important to consider the shape of the aquarium you choose. The optimal solution is rectangular structures, because more complex options can distort the picture.
- If you are planning to purchase a heavy and massive aquarium, you should take care of the most reliable and strong support.
- An aquarium of a certain volume must be chosen based on the size and number of underwater inhabitants. For example, for 1 fish, the length of which is no more than 2.5 cm, 9 liters of water is enough. Aquarium plants, stones, decorations, which often take up a lot of space, should not be discounted. A very small tank won't hold many objects.
- If the aquarium will not be dry and fish will live in it, it is necessary to additionally purchase high-quality high-power filters that will purify the water well. You cannot do without the normal lighting of the tank. To do this, you need to buy a special lamp. Plants and substrate are usually selected according to the species of fish and plants in the aquarium.
Some people do not want to waste time caring for fish (this often takes a lot of time, effort and money), so they prefer to put containers at home in which there are no underwater inhabitants. As a result, the glass tank is a purely decorative structure.
It can be filled with figurines, green algae, grottoes, pebbles and other necessary components that are suitable for the subject.
Together with beautiful lighting, such aquariums look no worse than those in which fish live.
Useful Tips
If you decide to put a tank at home with fish (or without them), it is worth listening to a number of useful tips and tricks.
- Before installing a wall model, you need to carefully consider what kind of cleaning system and lighting it will have. You should also consider how you will clean the container.
- If the aquarium is selected for zoning a functional space, it is better to give preference to rectangular models.
- The glass tank must be selected based on the basic style of the interior. You can consult the designer in advance.
- In the interiors of the classic style, aquariums with a round shape look great. Corner structures are also a good solution.
- If you want to focus on the tank, it should be placed at a certain height in the room. For example, a rounded vase-shaped container can be placed on a special glass cabinet. In this case, the aquarium will attract a lot of attention.
- If the aquarium has dark inserts, it is better to place it in a room dominated by light tones and shades. Decorations of dense colors (black, brown, dark gray) go well with contrasting, light bases. Visually, such a tandem can make a room even more spacious and interesting.
- The aquarium must be made of high quality and safe materials. If you do not follow this rule, you can run into a low-quality tank that will not be strong and reliable enough.
- The capacity of any design will look much brighter and more expressive if supplemented with high-quality lighting. Such solutions can decorate almost any interior.
Interesting interior solutions
A properly selected and installed aquarium will never spoil or distort the interior ensemble. This detail can only transform the situation, complete it. Let's take a look at some interesting design solutions in which aquariums are present.
A large aquarium built into the wall on the side of the bed will look amazing in a youth bedroom. Blue lighting will highlight the brightness and beauty of the fish tank. The walls in such a room can be finished with milky-colored coatings, and a cream carpet can be laid on the floor. Furniture and décor should showcase a "clash" of beige and pale blue palettes. Above the bed, hang a rectangular painting with a marine theme.
In a white kitchen, designed in a modern style, an apron with white reefs and blue lighting in which fish live will be a spectacular solution.
It is desirable that all furniture has clear geometric shapes and lines that correspond to modern style. Furniture for such a decor can be ordered according to individual sizes.
A large and long rectangular aquarium built into a kitchen set will be a chic addition to the interior. The furniture itself can be done in cream or white colors, as well as finishing the floor, ceiling and walls. In such an environment, it is worth placing a black table and chairs, installing pendant lamps with metallic shades.
Such an interior will look stylish, fashionable and progressive.
Fans of truly exclusive and luxurious ideas will definitely like the huge arch-shaped aquarium, installed clearly above the head of the bed in the bedroom. Such an unusual tank can be securely mounted on two pedestals on either side of the bed. To make the design look more impressive and interesting, it must be supplemented with sufficient blue backlighting.
An overview of the aqua system project, see below.