Where to Place an Aquarium in Interior Design: 5 Ideas

In the past, aquariums were almost mandatory elements of interior design in nearly every Soviet apartment. Today, many consider keeping a miniature underwater kingdom at home a luxury they can't afford: it's expensive, time-consuming to maintain fish and aquatic plants, and there's nowhere to place an aquarium.

Answering all questions briefly, one can confidently state: aquarium keeping costs no more than skiing or ballroom dancing and requires even less time. You can place an aquarium equipped with modern lights and air pumps almost anywhere - the only requirement is that direct sunlight should not shine on it.

1. Exhibition of Achievements: Underwater World in a Cabinet

An aquarium in a cabinet or on a shelf is not a new idea: they were always placed there. Few people bought special stands for aquariums. A built-in illuminated glass block can become a striking decoration for a dining room or library. However, an aquarium cabinet should also be custom-made in this case. Try to position it with some clearance.

The situation where a special cabinet is not needed is a kitchen unit. An aquarium built into the space between wall cabinets and floor modules looks unusual but eye-catching, stylish, and practical. It is easy to adjust lighting, aeration, and drainage in this setup. A more labor-intensive but visually impressive option is an aquarium as a kitchen backsplash or window above the stove.

2. Oceanic Order: Vertical Aquarium Tower

A column in the hallway, living room, or kitchen-dining area will become a focal point for family and guests. The key is to provide panoramic views and vibrant lighting, introduce beautiful fish, and plan access for water changes and compressor and light adjustments.

Cylindrical stands for such a structure are custom-made, together with the aquarium, and they are quite expensive. If you ignore the module and make a square or rectangular column instead, its base can even be made from gypsum board and steel profiles (or wood if necessary). A vertical aquarium can also be corner-shaped.

3. You Are a Painting, I Am a Portrait: Wall-Mounted Aquariums

An aquarium resembling a painting is a complex but incredibly eye-catching structure. It hides a steel rack inside, which supports the heavy glass box. On the outside, it replaces fire, water, plasma, liquid crystal displays, and anything else you can watch. Prepare the surrounding space for endless contemplation: when there is such a painting on the wall, it's better to ensure dim lighting, place a sofa or armchair nearby, and expect guests not to want to leave.

Often, aquariums are built into partitions between functional zones rather than solid walls. These constructions can sometimes be fully planned around aquariums and designed with their presence in mind. Besides zoning, such living partitions become a source of light on their own.

4. Magical Lantern: Aquarium Under a Bar Counter

A home bar is always a place for creative experimentation with finishes. It can also be decorated in various ways. However, an aquarium built into a bar counter is still rare. Such beauty should not be enjoyed alone - better to organize a glamorous party around the aquarium-bar or at least a chill-out session for collective meditation. The secret to the appeal of an aquarium under a bar is lighting - it's good to plan several options, including dynamic ones.

5. Fish in a Bottle: Small Mobile Aquariums

The previously mentioned aquarium placement options are still rather expensive. What to do for someone who wants to incorporate a small aquarium into the modest interior of a typical small apartment?

Miniature aquariums resemble elegant glasses or vases - sometimes large glass bottles, electric light bulbs, or chemical flasks. You won't be able to keep many fish in them. However, such an aquarium can be placed anywhere: on a shelf, on a desk, or on a windowsill. Note that not just any windowsill will do; preferably a northern or eastern one - the rule about direct sunlight not shining into the fish tank still applies.

Otherwise, there are no hassles with mini-aquariums - they're easier to clean, water changes simpler, and decoration adjustments more straightforward. You can also get closer to the inhabitants of the deep sea: design-wise, but we're still responsible for those we've tamed.