Indoor Artificial Green Walls
An indoor artificial green wall is specified differently from an outdoor one, and the differences are not cosmetic. Inside a building the panel never sees UV, but it does meet fire regulations, acoustic requirements, air handling, cleaning schedules, and — above all — people standing one metre away from it. This page covers what changes when the wall moves indoors.
What Changes Indoors
| Factor | Indoor requirement | Outdoor equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| UV stabiliser | Not needed; indoor foliage carries no UV grade | Essential — compounded into the PE before extrusion |
| Fire classification | Often required by the building; selected lines tested to EN 13501-1 | Rarely specified |
| Viewing distance | 0.5–2 m — density and realism are judged closely | 3 m and beyond |
| Warranty | 5 years | 3 years anti-fade |
| Cleaning | Vacuum or low-pressure air; dust is the main issue | Rinse with water |
| Weight loading | Ceiling and partition fixing often governs, not the wall | Wind load governs |
Fire Performance Is the First Question Indoors
In a commercial interior, the fire question usually arrives before the design question — from the building’s fire engineer, the insurer, or the fit-out contractor. It is worth settling it early, because it constrains which lines you can use.
Standard UV panels carry no fire classification. Selected constructions are tested to EN 13501-1, and the test report is issued against the construction that was actually tested — so the build you order has to match it. We supply the report with the order rather than as a marketing claim on a web page. If your building has a specified requirement, tell us the classification and the application (wall lining, ceiling, escape route) and we will confirm which line applies before you design around it.
Density and Realism at Close Range
Indoor walls are looked at, not driven past. Two things decide whether the wall reads as planting at 1 m:
- Density — how much backing shows through. Trade density hides the grid at conversational distance; standard density is for high ceilings seen from below.
- Layer depth — a mix with two or three foliage heights casts its own shadow and reads as depth. A single-species panel at uniform height reads flat, however good the leaves are.
If the wall will be photographed — a reception backdrop, a retail photo spot, a hotel lift lobby — specify high density and a layered mix, and approve it on a physical sample at the distance the camera will use.
Acoustics and Air Handling
Foliage panels absorb some high-frequency sound and break up a hard flat surface, which is why they appear in meeting rooms and open-plan offices. They are not a substitute for an acoustic treatment specified by an acoustician: expect a modest reduction in reverberation, not a controlled acoustic environment.
Panels do not obstruct air handling in any meaningful way, but they should not be fixed across supply diffusers or smoke detectors. On a wall with services, a stand-off frame keeps the greenery clear of the wall face and preserves access.
Where Indoor Green Walls Go
- Reception and lobby walls — the most common installation, and the one where density matters most
- Meeting rooms — a softer backdrop behind the camera
- Retail and F&B — feature walls, photo spots, brand installations
- Corridors and lift lobbies — long runs where seams must not show
- Event and exhibition stands — reusable backdrops that pack flat and re-hang
- Residential feature walls — living rooms, stairwells, home offices
Application-specific detail sits on the office, hotel, and retail and restaurant pages.
Installation Indoors
Indoor installations are simpler than facades but less forgiving of error, because the finish is inspected closely. Three practical points:
- Start from a true datum. Panels interlock on a grid; if the first row is not level, the error accumulates across the run.
- Stagger the joints. Lining up every vertical seam produces a visible grid under downlights. Offset alternate rows.
- Plan the last panel. Walls are rarely an exact multiple of 0.5 m. Decide in advance whether the cut panel sits at a corner or behind a fixed object.
Four 50 × 50 cm panels cover 1 m²; one 100 × 100 cm panel covers 1 m². Add 5–10% for cuts and openings.
Cleaning and Longevity
Indoor panels are cleaned with a vacuum brush attachment or low-pressure air, once or twice a year depending on the space. No water, no feeding, no replacement of dead planting. Indoor foliage carries a 5-year warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fire-rated panel indoors?
It depends on the building and the application, not on the product. Many commercial interiors require a classification for wall linings; residential projects usually do not. Confirm with the fire engineer, then match the line to that requirement.
Will an indoor panel fade near a window?
Indirect daylight does not degrade indoor foliage. Direct sun through glass over long periods will eventually shift colour — for a wall in a conservatory or a full-height south-facing window, use an outdoor-grade panel instead.
Does it look artificial up close?
At 30 cm, a mid-grade panel is recognisable; at 1 m, much less so. Order a sample and judge it at your actual viewing distance rather than from a catalogue image.
Can it be used in a bathroom or a kitchen?
Yes, with ventilation. PE foliage is not affected by humidity, but standing condensation on the backing is worth avoiding. It is not a substitute for a bathroom-rated wall finish.
How heavy is it on a partition wall?
A 50 × 50 cm panel weighs 0.675 kg, so 1 m² is about 2.7 kg. The fixing, not the panel, is usually the limiting factor on lightweight partitions.
What is the minimum order for an interior project?
1 panel for any of the 34 ready-stock 50 × 50 cm designs, dispatched in 5 working days. Production panels start from 50 m² per design.
Can you match a brand colour?
Yes, as a custom recipe from 200 panels. For smaller projects, choose the closest stock design — see custom artificial green walls.
Send your wall dimensions, the fire requirement, and the destination to [email protected], or request a free sample panel. For the full system overview, see artificial green wall systems.