Incorporating greenery into indoor spaces isn’t just a trend—it’s a full-on plant revolution. Gone are the days of a single sad ficus in the corner of an office. Now, living walls (aka green walls or vertical gardens) are taking over, bringing lush, Instagram-worthy backdrops to corporate offices, retail spaces, and even high-end hotels. It’s biophilic design at its finest, seamlessly blending nature with modern interiors for an environment that feels less “sterile corporate cube” and more “luxury jungle retreat.”
Think of a living wall as the glow-up version of your houseplant obsession—but instead of a couple of pothos vines on a shelf, you’ve got an entire wall of greenery, purifying the air, boosting productivity, and making your space feel like a high-end rainforest café. And let’s be real: if a room doesn’t have at least one trailing vine in 2025, is it even interior design?
Whether it’s a tech startup looking to reduce employee stress, a retail store creating the perfect backdrop for selfies, or a restaurant cultivating its own fresh herbs, living walls are making indoor spaces feel fresher, more dynamic, and just plain cooler. And with the right lighting—like a Highland™ Track Light—these vertical gardens can thrive year-round, even if your office has the same amount of natural sunlight as a vampire’s lair.
What is a Living Wall?
A living wall is a vertical surface covered with plants, either hydroponically (without soil) or in a lightweight growing medium. Unlike simple potted plants, these installations are carefully designed to support plant life on walls using modular panels, irrigation systems, and specialized lighting to keep the greenery thriving. Living walls can be freestanding or attached to existing structures, making them adaptable for various spaces.
Why Are Living Walls Gaining Popularity?
Living walls are a perfect solution for businesses looking to create healthier, more inviting spaces. Here’s why they’re growing in popularity:
1. Health & Wellness Benefits
• Improved Air Quality – Plants absorb toxins and release oxygen, naturally purifying indoor air.
• Reduced Stress & Increased Productivity – Studies show that greenery in workplaces boosts concentration, reduces stress, and enhances employee well-being.
• Sound Absorption – Living walls help dampen noise, creating a calmer environment in offices, stores, and open-plan workspaces.
2. Aesthetic & Branding Appeal
• Enhancing Customer Experience – Retail stores, hotels, and restaurants use living walls to create a memorable, Instagram-worthy atmosphere that attracts customers.
• Luxury & Sustainability – Companies looking to emphasize eco-conscious branding are using living walls as a statement piece to showcase their commitment to sustainability.
East Center, Toronto, Canada
3. Space Optimization & Energy Efficiency
• Maximizing Greenery in Small Spaces – Not every business has room for an indoor garden, but vertical greenery makes it possible to add plants without sacrificing floor space.
• Natural Insulation – Living walls help regulate indoor temperatures by reducing heat loss in winter and absorbing heat in summer, leading to energy savings.
How Businesses Are Using Living Walls
Corporate Offices
Many modern offices are embracing biophilic design, integrating living walls in lobbies, conference rooms, and communal spaces to foster a more engaging and productive work environment. Companies like Google, Amazon, Etsy, and Adidas have embraced vertical greenery in their offices, recognizing its impact on employee wellness, creativity, and productivity.
Google Headquarters in Chelsea, NY – In collaboration with Greenery NYC.
Retail & Hospitality Spaces
Hospitals, luxury hotels, spas, and retail brands are embracing living walls to create calm, restorative environments. These lush vertical gardens promote relaxation, enhance brand identity, and bring a fresh, inviting energy to any space. A prime example is the Auckland Shores Hospital Zen Garden, where Soltech grow lights help sustain a vibrant, healing green space for patients and staff. Read more about this visionary healing garden here: Auckland Shores Hospital Zen Garden.
North Shore Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand – In partnership with Outside In Plantscaping.
Restaurants & Cafés
Dining spaces benefit from the organic and immersive feel of a living wall. Many restaurants are using vertical gardens to grow fresh herbs and edible plants, creating a farm-to-table experience while adding to the aesthetic charm.
Bird & Wolf Café – North Andover, Massachusetts.
Key Considerations for Installing a Living Wall
If you’re considering adding a green wall to your space, here are some important factors:
✔️ Lighting – Plants need the right amount of light to thrive. Grow lights like the Highland™ Track Light provide full-spectrum lighting to support healthy plant growth, even in low-light environments. Designed for both functionality and aesthetics, it features dimmable settings for customizable brightness and an anti-glare lens to reduce harsh reflections—making it perfect for seamlessly integrating greenery into any space.
✔️ Irrigation & Maintenance – Living walls require automated irrigation systems or regular watering schedules to keep plants hydrated. Some businesses hire interiorscapers, specialists in indoor plant design and maintenance, to care for their installations.
✔️ Plant Selection – The type of plants used in a living wall depends on lighting, humidity, and maintenance levels. Popular choices include ferns, pothos, philodendrons, and moss varieties, which are low-maintenance and adaptable to indoor conditions.
✔️ Space & Structural Support – Living walls can range from modular panels to large-scale installations that require structural support. To ensure the best setup for your space, reach out to our specialists for a photometric lighting report and expert guidance on achieving optimal plant growth and design integration.
Final Thoughts: A Green Investment for the Future
Living walls aren’t just eye candy—they’re a game-changer for any space looking to blend sustainability, wellness, and style. As more businesses embrace biophilic design, these lush vertical gardens are popping up in offices, stores, and restaurants, making interiors feel fresher, healthier, and way more Instagram-worthy.
Thinking about going green (literally)? Check out Soltech’s full-spectrum grow lights to keep your living wall thriving year-round—because plants deserve the spotlight too!
