As we become more entrenched in urban life, there’s been a burgeoning trend to incorporate elements of nature into our interiors. Artificial green walls have emerged as an innovative solution to bring this piece of nature inside our living and working spaces, even when it’s difficult to grow and maintain real plants. If you’re mulling over the idea of integrating an artificial green wall into your space, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
What Exactly is an Artificial Green Wall?
Green walls, sometimes referred to as vertical gardens or living walls, have been part of the architectural scene since the 1930s. The traditional green wall would involve an entire wall, from floor to ceiling, teeming with vibrant foliage. However, an artificial green wall mimics the aesthetics of the natural green wall, using faux plants, without the upkeep associated with living plants.
The Art of Going Artificial: Benefits over Natural Green Walls:
— Cost Efficiency of Artificial Green Walls
Living green walls are breathtaking and almost surreal, but establishing and maintaining them requires substantial investment. Not to mention, the setup often requires specialist intervention.
Living green walls require specific growing media, a consistent drip irrigation system, and precise lighting conditions. After purchasing the plants, there’s also the setup cost and the ongoing maintenance of the system. These walls have a complex drip irrigation system, which requires constant maintenance to function effectively. In addition, plants require regular pruning and replacement, escalating the upkeep cost further.
An Australian green wall company estimated a 500 square foot live wall to cost upwards of $76,000, with an annual maintenance fee of around $11,000. It’s a substantial figure that deters many from the idea. On the other hand, an artificial green wall can cost significantly less, with the additional advantage of almost zero maintenance costs.
— Aesthetic and Functional Advantages of Artificial Green Walls
Not only are artificial green walls visually appealing, but they also offer numerous functional benefits. They help in deflecting water away from walls, add an extra layer of insulation, and reduce noise pollution.
One significant advantage of artificial walls is their benign effect on your property’s structure. Living green walls, especially ones with climbing plants like ivy, can pose a threat to the structural integrity of your home if not properly managed. Similarly, indoor living green walls can increase moisture levels, leading to potential mold growth. Artificial green walls circumvent these issues entirely, as they don’t require any moisture and don’t threaten your property’s structure.
Maintenance is another factor that makes artificial green walls a preferred choice. Living green walls need professional maintenance to avoid plant death and consequent losses. On the contrary, artificial green walls require minimal upkeep. Moreover, unlike living green walls that have a lifespan dictated by the plant’s root space and the life of the media panels, artificial walls don’t have this constraint, making them a long-term, sustainable choice.
— Unleashing Creativity with Artificial Green Walls: Where and How to Utilize Them
Artificial green walls can bring a lively, organic touch to almost any space, and the only limit is your imagination. Here are some inspirations to consider:
- Lighting up a bright hallway
- Enhancing ambience in a restaurant, salon, or office waiting area
- Adding charm to a dining room
- Providing a touch of greenery to a patio or balcony
- Concealing an unsightly wall
- Offering privacy from prying neighbours
- Covering up dull fencing
- Enlivening modern hallways
- Lifting the spirit of a dark porch
- Remember, there are virtually no restrictions on where you can place these walls. Let your creativity take the lead!
Securing Your Artificial Green Wall: Selecting Location and Materials
Knowing why artificial green walls are a practical alternative to living walls is the first step. Now, let’s delve into the process of acquiring one for your residential or commercial space. It’s important to consider the location of your artificial green wall, as it can influence the material choice.
For indoor installations, there’s a great deal of freedom regarding the materials for your artificial green wall. Since indoor walls won’t face harsh weather conditions, materials such as fabric leaves will maintain their fresh look for years post-installation. However, if you’re placing the green wall in a high-light area, like beneath a skylight or adjacent to a glass wall, you might want to consider the following.
Outdoor installations require a more careful selection of artificial plant materials. Most artificial green wall panels can withstand various weather conditions such as rain, ice, and wind (except silk-based ones), but sunlight can be a major concern. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can rapidly fade the color of artificial plants if they’re not adequately protected.
If you’re installing an artificial green wall outdoors, ensure that the artificial plants contain UV protection. Although there are UV sprays and other solutions available to shield artificial plants from UV effects, purchasing panels made from synthetic materials with inherent UV-protection will simplify your task.
In essence, there are no stringent rules for setting up an artificial green wall, aside from avoiding obvious fire hazards. You are free to choose any wall or flat surface that suits your design vision. Let your imagination and personal preferences guide your journey to a greener interior.
Introducing Elegant: Your Destination for High-quality Artificial Green Walls:
Our products, designed for both indoor and outdoor decor, pledge to deliver an authentic and immersive experience that brings a refreshing touch of nature to any space.
Our valued clientele includes importers, distributors, and chain stores worldwide. As a trading company with an in-house factory, we hold the advantage of maintaining cost control, ensuring stable prices, and providing efficient lead times.
With Elegant, your quest for high-quality artificial green walls ends. Our comprehensive range of products, designed keeping in mind the interests and requirements of clients, assures value for your investment. Step into the world of Elegant, and allow us to elevate your spaces with our touch of verdant charm.