DIY Faux Living Wall: How to Create a Lush Vertical Garden Anywhere
Transform any indoor space with a beautiful, maintenance-free faux living wall—perfect for home offices, bedrooms, or retail displays.
DIY Faux Living Wall: Bring the Outdoors In with Zero Maintenance
A living wall instantly transforms a blank space into a lush, natural statement. Real vertical gardens, however, can be tricky and high-maintenance. Fortunately, you can achieve a vibrant, green accent wall using faux plants—no watering or pruning required! Discover how to build your own spectacular faux living wall that freshens up your home office, bedroom, or even a retail setting.
Why Choose a Faux Living Wall?
- Maintenance-Free: No need to water, trim, or worry about lighting.
- Evergreen Appeal: Looks fresh and lush year-round.
- Custom & Versatile: Perfect for a range of spaces and adjustable to your taste and budget.
- Pet-Friendly & Clean: Safe for pets and doesn’t harbor pests or soil.
- Ideal for Aspiring Plant Enthusiasts: Enjoy greenery if you struggle to keep real plants alive.
Project Overview
This guide outlines each step to create a personalized faux living wall, based on a large (approx. 90 square feet) project. You can easily scale down the process for smaller rooms or even use the same principles for a lush headboard or compact wall art.
Key Considerations
- Wall material – drywall, concrete, brick, or wood can affect your installation approach.
- Wall size – larger installations require sturdier mounting and more plants.
- Room features – plan around windows, outlets, and vents for a seamless look.
- Budget – faux plants vary widely in price and quality, so shop around.
Materials & Tools
For a substantial 90-square-foot wall, here’s what you’ll need (adjust as necessary for your project size):
- Astroturf (artificial turf, in long pieces to cover full height of wall)
- Project board or wood trim (to act as top and bottom framing for your greens)
- Plastic netting or mesh (acts as support for securing the faux plants)
- Assorted faux plants (ferns, ivy, succulents, tropicals, your choice)
- Pipe cleaners (preferably green, for attaching plants)
- Staple gun + staples
- Saw, utility knife, or scissors (for adjusting materials)
- Wall anchors or drywall screws, if working on drywall
- Measuring tape and level
- Optional: Green floral wire (alternative to pipe cleaners)
Estimated Cost
Expect a large-scale wall to cost around $620 (including plants), though sourcing less expensive plants or creating a smaller feature can drop costs dramatically. Here’s a typical breakdown:
- Faux plants: $500 (varies based on type and quantity)
- Project board/wood trim, netting, and Astroturf: $120
Tip: For smaller walls or headboards, total costs may drop below $200-300 depending on plant selection.
Step-by-Step DIY Faux Living Wall Instructions
Step 1: Prep & Line the Wall
- Measure the area you plan to cover and mark the top and bottom boundaries with a level.
- Cut your project board or wood trim to match the width of your wall.
- Mount the project board to both the top and bottom of your planned living wall area. Use wall anchors or drywall screws for security, since the finished feature will carry the weight of turf and plants. If possible, screw directly into studs.
- This trim acts as a removable support and makes cleanup easier if you want to remove the wall later.
Step 2: Hang Astroturf
- Roll out the Astroturf and measure sections to cover the wall’s height top-to-bottom.
- Staple or secure the top of each Astroturf strip to the upper project board.
- Trim the width as needed for a close fit, and cut away for any windows, vents, or outlets (carefully use a utility knife).
- Staple the sides to the wall or trim, and finish by stapling the bottom edge to the lower support board, only after making all necessary cutouts for features.
Tip: Work in manageable strips and enlist help to keep it taut for neat, wrinkle-free application.
Step 3: Attach Netting
- Unroll plastic netting or mesh panels over the Astroturfed area.
- Focus netting in the areas you plan to heavily layer with plants (such as seams between turf pieces or any visible joins).
- Secure the netting with staples to the top and bottom trim, stretching it as flat as possible.
Step 4: Add Faux Plants
- Arrange your faux plants: Start by grouping larger, statement plants and place them at eye level or wherever you want maximum impact. Fill in with trailing vines and filler foliage. Mix heights, leaf shapes, and colors for a realistic effect.
- Attach stems: Tuck stems or hooks directly into the netting if the plant is lightweight.
- For heavier pieces or those wanting to pull away from the wall, use a small piece of pipe cleaner to twist and anchor the stem to the netting. Hide the tie behind leaves for a seamless look.
- Avoid overloading single net squares—spread weight as evenly as possible.
- Step back periodically to assess balance and coverage. Fill gaps as needed to avoid any sparse areas.
Pro Tip: Pipe cleaners are easier on your hands and simpler to use than floral wire. Choose green kinds for camouflage.
Optional Adjustments and Tips
- You can use green floral wire instead of pipe cleaners, but the latter are softer and more forgiving on your hands.
- Want a bolder or more colorful look? Add faux flowers or colored foliage here and there.
- For rental spaces, use removable adhesive hooks for lighter displays, or keep the wall smaller and avoid heavy plants.
- If you wish to try the concept on a mini scale, consider making a faux living wall art piece on a blank canvas or a vertical planter crate.
Maintaining Your Faux Living Wall
- Dust every few weeks with a soft duster, microfiber cloth, or vacuum using a brush attachment.
- If plants look dull, wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth or use a gentle spritz of water (remove plants before cleaning Astroturf or netting).
- Check for loose stems or falling plants after cleaning and re-attach if necessary.
- Rotate or rearrange stems to refresh the look over time.
Customization Options
- Scale down to a framed headboard, door surround, or art-sized vertical feature.
- Mix and match different styles of faux plants such as ferns, succulents, and tropicals for added dimension.
- Vary plant density—use more trailing plants at the top for a cascading effect, and compact growth toward the bottom for a garden look.
- Incorporate removable panels for easy updates or seasonal changes.
- For retail or commercial spaces, choose flame-retardant faux plants for added safety.
Cost-Saving Ideas
- Shop discount stores or the clearance bin for faux plants.
- Mix high- and low-quality plants; use premium pieces for focal points and fillers elsewhere.
- Repurpose old faux garlands, wreaths, or wall vines you already have.
- Consider covering only part of the wall or making a narrow vertical stripe of ‘greenery’ for a dramatic look at a lower cost.
Design Inspiration
A faux living wall is a striking backdrop in a home office, dining space, nursery, or even as a retail display. The design possibilities are nearly endless; you can go for a classic English garden style with traditional ivy and boxwood, a modern tropical vibe, or dramatic sculptural succulents. The formality or wildness is yours to decide.
| Style | Best For | Main Features |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional (Ivy, Boxwood) | Bedrooms, living rooms | Classic, lush, uniform look |
| Tropical (Palms, Large-leaf Ferns) | Home offices, bathrooms, retail | Bold greens, statement foliage |
| Eclectic (Succulents, Mixed Plants) | Art walls, dorms, modern spaces | Textural, sculptural, fun mix |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I install a faux living wall on any surface?
A: Most surfaces will work, including drywall, wood, or brick. For concrete or brick, use masonry screws or strong adhesives to anchor the project boards or frame before attaching the turf and netting. Always test a small area first, and if you rent, check your landlord’s policies on wall modifications.
Q: How heavy are faux living walls?
A: Weight depends on project size and density of plants, but most medium-sized faux living walls can weigh 8–20 pounds. Large-scale installations can exceed this—ensure secure anchors and supports are used, especially if covering from floor to ceiling.
Q: Are faux plants safe indoors for people with allergies or pets?
A: Yes! High-quality faux plants do not produce allergens or mold, and most are safe for pets (check for choking hazards if your pets chew on things). They’re ideal for anyone with allergies or for spaces where live plants struggle.
Q: Can I reuse the materials if I move or want to change the wall?
A: Absolutely. The project board system and pipe cleaner attachments make it easy to disassemble. You can repurpose the plants and netting for new projects or move the wall to a different space.
Q: How do I clean my faux living wall?
A: Simply dust it with a microfiber cloth or soft duster. For deep cleaning, dampen a cloth with water and gently wipe the foliage. Avoid harsh cleaners on plastic or fabric leaves.
Q: Will pipe cleaners really hold heavier plants?
A: For most faux plants, green pipe cleaners create a strong secure loop. For especially heavy pieces, double up pipe cleaners or use thin floral wire, anchoring to the netting or even the board trim if needed.
Q: Is a faux living wall a good option for commercial spaces?
A: Yes—faux walls are popular in offices, restaurants, and shops for visual impact without upkeep. Opt for flame-retardant faux plants for added safety in public spaces.
Final Thoughts: Your Own Indoor Oasis—No Green Thumb Needed
With a bit of planning and creativity, anyone can add a bold, green statement to their space with a DIY faux living wall. Whether you want a dramatic full-wall feature or a small, refreshing accent, the possibilities are as infinite as your imagination. Save on cost by adjusting the project’s size or plant selection, and enjoy a maintenance-free, ever-lush sanctuary—right at home.
References
- https://abeautifulmess.com/diy-faux-living-wall/
- https://www.bloomingartificial.co.uk/help-centre/topics/about-artificial-plants/how-to-make-artificial-living-wall
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS3F6FTqXfw
- https://abeautifulmess.com/easy-diy-living-wall-art/
- https://abeautifulmess.com/easy-faux-weaving-diy/
- https://abeautifulmess.com/category/statement-walls/
- https://smart.dhgate.com/step-by-step-guide-to-creating-a-stunning-diy-greenery-wall-for-any-space/
