Aquarium in the interior: original ideas and placement options

Closer to nature is the main goal of modern design. An aquarium in the interior of an apartment is not just a habitat for fish, small animals and aquatic plants. This is a real work of art, creating a special atmosphere and competently decorating the room. Its location plays an important role in interior design.

There are many ways to use an aquarium in the interior of a house or apartment.

Underwater world in the kitchen

Integrating an aquarium into the kitchen can completely affect the perception of the atmosphere of the room where the whole family often gathers. This is a fresh touch in the design of the room. The simplest solution is to place the container with fish on a cabinet or on the floor. This method is distinguished by mobility and ease of maintenance. Fish food and necessary accessories will be stored in the nightstand.

Perhaps this is the best kitchen apron from an aesthetic point of view

If you really want to put a large aquarium in the kitchen, it is logical to place it on the bar counter or on the island

Or built into a cupboard if the kitchen is small

Interior design can be as close to nature as possible, bringing a tiny particle of the ocean into the room. An aquarium in the kitchen interior can be placed on the dining table, become a picturesque backdrop for the bar or its base, or be built into the wall. Such a kitchen delights with its liveliness, natural appearance, is a stimulating and inspiring interior solution, and the interior with an aquarium only benefits.

Weight of the aquarium structure

When choosing an aquarium cabinet, in addition to the characteristics of the material, you must also take into account the load it can withstand, so that your existing aquarium does not break or deform it. The approximate load capacity of the cabinet is indicated by the manufacturer, or you can consult a specialist about this.

However, in order to choose the right cabinet for an aquarium and not look like a simpleton, succumbing to the persuasion of the seller, it is best to evaluate it yourself. Your attention should be paid to the back wall. Its additional fastening, an insert made of chipboard or metal, or a metal frame, can withstand the weight of even a large aquarium.

From the point of view of an attractive exterior, you should choose a cabinet based on personal preferences and the interior of the room. Various types of laminate or veneer coatings give the buyer a fairly decent choice. The same applies to metal cabinets.

An aquarium cabinet made of wood or a cabinet covered with wood veneer has a more solid appearance and can decorate any room.

The wood itself not only makes the cabinet more expensive, but also requires compliance with the technology of its processing, as well as a special protective coating with high-quality varnish. Therefore, it is quite difficult to buy a wooden aquarium cabinet of good quality without the help of a specialist. This cabinet also has special requirements for its care.

For heavy aquariums, it is better not to consider options without a metal frame. Both a metal cabinet and a metal cabinet coated with plastic or wood have the ability to harmonize perfectly with the interior of the room.

Original: drink coffee and look at fish

The modern interior is dynamic and interesting. A coffee table with a built-in aquarium is something new and original. It can be of any size - for small and spacious rooms. The table will become the highlight of the interior, certainly attracting attention, especially since, thanks to the imagination of designers, it can take on various shapes: square, rectangular, oval.

The tabletop of the aquarium table should be made of glass

Beautiful table in the form of a round aquarium

Tempered glass is usually chosen as the material for the tabletop; it is durable and can be easily removed for maintenance. A technological hole is provided for feeding the fish. Additional equipment is placed in the table frame and bottom relief. It's nice to sit and have a friendly conversation, put a cup of coffee on the glass and watch the colorful living inhabitants of the aquarium, the play of light and shadow in the water. Decorative elements: boats, pebbles, grottoes make the underwater landscape especially attractive; the design of a room with an aquarium is always advantageous. For the coffee table choose unpretentious guppies, neons, cockerels and goldfish. They will not fulfill your wish, but they will definitely become an adornment of a small water kingdom.

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Manufacturing materials

Depending on the style, functional features and cost, the material for the manufacture of most cabinets is either:

natural wood,
or chipboard,
MDF.
It is also possible to use metal elements or a completely metal cabinet in a high-tech style.

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Before purchasing an aquarium cabinet, be sure to evaluate it in terms of moisture resistance and material strength. Considering that wood, chipboard and MDF are quite hygroscopic materials, make sure that they have an appropriate protective coating that is resistant to moisture. This is especially true for the tabletop of the cabinet, which inevitably comes into contact with water.

It is necessary to select an aquarium cabinet according to the size of the existing aquarium and the overall interior of the room in which it is planned to be installed. A harmonious combination of this piece of furniture with the design of the room is one of the indispensable conditions for selection. It should, as they say, look beautiful.

In this regard, when assessing the future installation location of the cabinet in the room, before buying it, make the right choice of shape, based not only on the location, but also on considerations of your taste, style and appearance of the aquarium itself.

The meeting of two elements: fire and water

The imagination of designers knows no bounds. It would seem that there is enough space in the house to install an aquarium. But they suggested a fireplace. Why? It turns out that the combination of imitation fire on logs and the beautiful water world becomes extremely effective. Those who decide to combine an aquarium with a fireplace will have a lot of work ahead of them.

Chic aquarium around the fireplace in the living room

It will be easier to combine an aquarium with a fireplace if the latter is an imitation and not a real hearth

The process will turn out to be quite labor-intensive; you need to correlate the electrics of the fireplace and the aquarium so that they do not intersect, and try to ensure that in the event of a leak, a short circuit does not occur. But when all the issues are resolved and the two elements - fire and water - are on the same plane, the impression will be amazing. Now you can not only admire the dance of the flame, but also watch the movement of beautiful fish and vibrant flora.

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Aquarium equipment

Before you buy an aquarium cabinet, evaluate its functionality. This can be an open or closed cabinet. The latter offers an excellent opportunity to hide aquarium equipment and accessories inside. Stylishly designed doors can give the cabinet a more attractive exterior.

Most aquarium cabinets require special holes in their back wall for wires, hoses, etc. This is very convenient for connecting aquarium equipment. If the cabinet you like doesn’t have them, don’t worry, you can make them yourself or with the help of a specialist.

Choosing the right cabinet for an aquarium, taking into account its functional and aesthetic purpose, is not as difficult as it seems. With this, you can not only organize a place for your pets to live, but also, by incorporating this piece of furniture into the cozy interior of your room in an original way, you can pleasantly embellish it.

Living room and aquarium: made for each other

The aquarium in the living room interior looks great and fits well into any style solution. It is not only a decorative element, but also creates a unique interior, makes the atmosphere cozy, helps you relax after a hard day, distract yourself, and switch from negative emotions to positive thoughts.

Even a few minutes of watching fish greatly improves your mood

A small aquarium does not take up much space and is easy to transport

The floor-standing version of the aquarium in the interior of the apartment takes up a lot of space and is suitable for spacious rooms. If you have to save every centimeter of usable space at home, then it is better to integrate an aquarium with an underwater landscape into the wall. Built-in containers give a special mood and become a kind of living picture that will never get boring. Aquariums are integrated into a chest of drawers, a cabinet, they can connect two rooms with a picturesque translucent “window”. The corner design allows for successful use of space, looks original, and creates a panoramic view.

A massive aquarium is perfect for zoning a room

“Living pictures” are popular - flat rectangular aquariums on the wall. They are framed with a baguette, which gives the feeling of a real work of art. Designers suggest incorporating the underwater world into a billiard table, into the space above the sofa or at its head. The aquarium under the TV in the interior looks very interesting.

In a flat picture aquarium you can keep only the most unpretentious fish

You can not only buy a suitable container, but also order a design for an aquarium in the interior of your apartment according to your drawings. The size should correspond to the area of the living room, not overload the room, the presence of other decorative elements should be taken into account - floor vases, figurines, and so on.

Tall aquarium in the interior of a modern living room

Important. The shape of the aquarium should be in harmony with the style of the living room. If it is classic or romantic, a nice rounded interior aquarium will do; if straight, laconic lines predominate, you should opt for the rectangular version.

“Water ribbon” as a decoration for the kitchen-living room

The location of the beautiful underwater kingdom is important. The aquarium should be clearly visible from anywhere in the room. Choose a place comfortable for fish at some distance from radiators or speaker systems.

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Briefly about the main thing

Until recently, aquariums were purchased only for keeping fish. The main emphasis was on the process of caring for them. Today, such products are becoming elements of fashionable modern design. With their help, space is zoned, lighting is organized, and unusual, exclusive decoration is created. An aquarium with or without fish can decorate any functional room. To fill it, a rich assortment of decor can be used, allowing you to create an amazingly beautiful underwater kingdom. Watching his life calms the psyche and charges him with positive energy.

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Interior partition

Sometimes an aquarium is installed for the purpose of zoning space. Instead of a boring ordinary partition, an amazing, ever-changing underwater landscape with mysterious lighting appears. This idea is especially good for open-plan rooms. Transparent glass does not darken the room, adds light and air to it, but at the same time allows you to isolate yourself and get the necessary privacy.

You can enjoy the beauty of this aquarium from both rooms that it separates.

An aquarium can divide a room in an original way, becoming an interesting design solution, but you need to remember a few rules:

Too much bright sun can stress aquatic life and lead to their death.
The stand for the container should be strong and easily support the weight of the aquarium.
The container is placed so that it can be viewed from all sides.
For easy cleaning, the space around the aquarium is left free.

A large aquarium can be built into a wooden cabinet

Or place it in an open arch

It is good to use a glass container to differentiate between the living and dining areas, the kitchen dining area and the work area. The filling of the aquarium should be harmoniously combined with the decoration of the room. To use the space most ergonomically, things are stored under the aquarium.

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Basic Aqua Design Styles

Aqua style is a new trend that is gaining momentum in popularity. But it is already possible to identify the main styles of this direction.

Dutch

This style uses a large amount of different vegetation in its design and is therefore called “Herbalism”.

Iwagumi - Japanese rock garden

This style involves decorating an aquarium from stones of various sizes and shapes.

German

This is a moderate style. Algae, driftwood, and stones are used to decorate the aquarium.

Taiwanese

This style “recreates” the seabed. Stones, driftwood, various seaweeds and decorative elements such as ships, castles, etc. are used for decoration.

Remember that aquarium design is divided into two categories: natural and artificial themes.

If you decide to decorate your interior with an aquarium, then remember, it is very important to pay attention to the creation of microflora, then it will not require painstaking care!

The comfort of the water world in the bedroom

Lovers of peace, comfort and a magical underwater landscape install an aquarium in the bedroom. It is usually not overloaded with decor and furniture, so a transparent container with exotic colorful plants and stones will be a bright detail.

In the bedroom, an aquarium is great for decorating the wall above the head of the bed. It can be small and elegant

Or huge, occupying most of the wall

Pros of placing an aquarium in the bedroom:

Blue and greenish tones have a beneficial effect on the nervous system, help you relax and relieve tension.
The open surface of the water will have a moisturizing effect, which is especially important in houses with central heating.
Modern silent equipment will not disturb a restful sleep.
LED lighting will serve as an original night light.
A cabinet or console table is enough for an aquarium.

If the flickering of fish is annoying, you can choose the wabi-kusa style option, in which plants grow under and above water. Since there are no fish, frequent cleaning will not be required, and there will be no characteristic odor.

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Aquarium over the bed

An aquarium can replace the headboard of your bed. You will fall asleep and wake up with the fish. The dimensions of the aquarium vary according to your preferences. If a large aquarium is too much for you, then you can put a smaller aquarium.

A very creative option is an aquarium of a non-standard shape. It can be located not only above the headboard, but also above the head. You will literally be immersed in the sea element.

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Where to put the aquarium

An aquarium is always a bright accent, so most often it is placed in living rooms to surprise guests, or in bedrooms to relax before bed.

In living rooms, a vessel with fish is used as a small table, for example. If the aquarium is large, then it can be placed in front of the sofa: this will make it more convenient to observe waterfowl.

The artificial pond will also delight children: they will certainly enjoy watching the life of fish. You can decorate an aquarium based on the plot of your child’s favorite cartoon.

Tip: the aquarium can be placed in the middle of the kitchen or room, thereby zoning the space. In the kitchen, you can thus separate the space where you cook from the space where you eat. In the living room behind the large aquarium, you can make a corner with a rocking chair for privacy and quiet reading.

If there is a library in the house, then a vessel with aquatic inhabitants will organically fit there and create a feeling of calm.

In large living rooms, it would be appropriate to integrate an aquarium into furniture or a partition. A water tank will also look impressive as a kitchen apron.

Owners of a large bathroom can place a fish tank there too. By the way, it is not necessary to place only fish in the aquarium. You can also get by with corals and plants: this option will also look impressive.

Large aquariums for home: advantages, reviews

If you decide to buy an aquarium for your home , we recommend that you first decide what size it will be. Here, try to realistically assess your own capabilities. Large aquariums have both disadvantages and advantages.

As reviews from many owners of large aquariums show, they have the following advantages:

The interior of the room with an aquarium, which occupies part of the room, looks simply gorgeous. A transparent wall that separates 2 rooms looks very effective.
Illumination of a water tank can become an original lamp. The aquarium will create an interesting atmosphere due to water reflections and shadows of water inhabitants.
In a large aquarium there are more opportunities to create an integral natural complex , where you can place plants, stones, and even exotic fish. You can install various technical devices for fish, and these devices will not be so noticeable.
A wall that will be decorated with a large aquarium does not need additional decoration. And, if you place the tank in the wall, you can significantly save the total space of the room.

Big

Has a number of advantages

Stylish

Round aquarium for home: advantages

A round aquarium for home is especially popular among people . People began to install it since the 50s of the last century. The aquarium was chosen because it had an unusual shape and relatively low cost. However, people did not have much choice, but a round aquarium could be seen on the shelves of any zoological store.
Back in the mid-9th century, many people believed that a round aquarium was a glass ball in which goldfish should swim. This was confirmed by the paintings of some artists of those times. In their paintings they depicted aquariums that had a rounded shape.

Goldfish

A tank of this type was brought to European countries from China. In that country, since ancient times, people kept fish in round vases. Initially, the dishes were opaque porcelain, but over time they began to make glass aquariums.
Rectangular aquariums appeared a little later, around the end of the 9th century. Thanks to their own advantages, they have become classics. But people still believe that fish should live in a round aquarium.

A glass tank with water, fish and various plants goes well with any home interior. It is especially often installed in a children's room, where a round aquarium can replace a night lamp or interior decoration.

Thanks to its rounded shape, the aquarium has no seams or frame. The tank produces a feeling of weightlessness.
It’s a shame, but that’s where the positive aspects of the round aquarium end.

Round aquarium for home: disadvantages

Small volume. The largest volume of such an aquarium for home is 50 liters. If it is larger, it will become fragile. As a rule, round aquariums with a minimum volume of 5 liters and a maximum of 20 liters are found on sale. You probably understand that you cannot put many fish in such an aquarium.
Bulge . Not every person likes it when aquarium glass distorts. If you look into this tank for a long time, your eyes will get tired. In addition, not every fish can exist calmly in such conditions.
Small bottom. Fish that live at the bottom of a round aquarium have little space for a normal existence. Therefore, you must select plants and decorative elements correctly.

Has some disadvantages

Decor. There is little space in a round aquarium, the tank has a view from any side, so you cannot glue some kind of background inside. You can install any large element in the central part of the aquarium.
Equipment. It is impossible to attach any device to the rounded walls. Therefore, you need to attach it to a snag or purchase the equipment that is built into the tank lid. In addition, it will be quite difficult for you to find a filter or a small aerator.
Service. You will not be able to clean rounded walls with an ordinary scraper. To do this, you will have to use a sponge or a special brush. You will also have to change the water much more often, but this drawback is not considered so significant.

Decor

Corner aquariums are made of durable materials such as anodized aluminum and are reinforced with protective frames. Modern technologies make it possible to produce corner aquariums in various geometries, making them ultra-fashionable pieces of furniture, which has become the key to their high popularity.

The selection of plants and fish for a current aquarium is carried out without any special restrictions at the request of the owner and taking into account the interior design. You just need to take into account the volume of the aquarium for the correct number of its inhabitants. In a small container, large fish will not be able to develop and reproduce normally, so it is better to choose small fish such as guppies, cockerels, Gurov or lalius. This way you can create an amazing living decor item that gives relaxation and peace.

It is necessary to select the color of the corner aquarium itself and possible background patterns on its walls, which often depict objects or plants of the underwater world. On the back wall you can use special wallpaper with a view of plants or a water landscape. If in doubt, it is better to let an experienced specialist design the aquarium to create an individual and unique design to the owner’s taste.

Corner aquariums come in hemispherical and trapezoidal shapes. The curved semicircle creates the effect of a lens and a large volume of water. It must be remembered that small aquariums require more care, and the fish will be cramped in it. The larger the container, the more space for residents and the easier it is to carry out various types of work in it. The corner type of aquarium copes perfectly with this problem, making the impossible possible, occupying a lonely corner.

You should take into account the location of the corner, where there must be an electrical outlet nearby. It is advisable to avoid noise devices such as a TV or stereo system, as well as heating devices or a microwave oven. The aquarium should be located in an easily accessible, quiet place away from windows and doors.

Advantages and disadvantages

Tanks at an angle are made of durable glass with aluminum frames. Modern technologies enable manufacturers to produce corner tanks of unusual shapes. They can be in the shape of a hemisphere or trapezoid. The hemispherical tank looks stylish and unusual. The curved shape creates the illusion of large volume; the fish in such a tank appear larger. It is recommended to place hemispherical tanks in darkened corners of the room, as they glare from light.

The weakest point of a corner tank is the far seam, which is not visible in a filled reservoir. Due to high pressure, the seam may leak, which cannot be immediately determined. Before installation, it is recommended to carefully check the seams for leaks.

Advantages:

fits well into any room interior;
does not take up free space in the room;
gives the room coziness;
fits in a small apartment.

Corner aquariums are placed on a special cabinet, strong shelf or table in the corner.

Disadvantages of a large aquarium: user reviews

A large home aquarium also has its own disadvantages. Let's highlight the most important ones:

A large aquarium has large dimensions. Placing such an artificial reservoir indoors places special demands on the strength of the surface and its horizontal position. If you deviate from the horizontal, you will disrupt the uniform distribution of water pressure on the glass. As a result, the risk of an accident will increase, and the inhabitants and neighbors living below you will suffer.
An aquarium that is placed inside a wall cannot be cleaned . Therefore, in order to clean the water regularly, you will need to use special devices.
The cost of a large aquarium is very high. In addition, you should take into account that you will have to use the help of specialists to install the tank. And their services are also sometimes expensive.

Has some disadvantages