The writing’s on the wall, they say. Now the plants are, too. Green walls, aka living walls or vertical gardens, have grown in popularity in recent years, especially in urban areas. They are everywhere, from front yards to corporate offices to art museums. It’s never been easier to learn how to create a living landscape wall for your home.
So, what exactly is a green wall? How does it work? Could you include one in your own home or landscape design? And why would you even want to? We’ll explore everything you could possibly want to know about the eco-friendly craze that is green walls. Table of Contents:
Grass walls have become a popular home decor trend, bringing the beauty of nature indoors. A grass wall is essentially a vertical garden made from artificial grass panels or turf. With the right materials and tools, you can easily create a stunning grass wall in your home or event space
In this simple guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to DIY your own grass wall, from planning and prep to installation and decor. Follow these tips and you’ll have a gorgeous, green backdrop in no time!
Benefits of Grass Walls
Before we dive in let’s look at some of the benefits that make grass walls so popular
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Provides a fresh, lush look without the maintenance of live plants. Artificial grass stays green without watering or sunshine.
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Adds elegant natural texture to any space. Grass walls instantly make a room feel more modern and upscale.
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Versatile for use indoors and outdoors. Grass walls work in any space!
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Complements all styles. Grass walls work with traditional, modern, rustic, or eclectic decor.
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Makes a stylish photo backdrop. Grass walls create an Instagram-worthy scene for events, parties, and photoshoots.
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Low maintenance once installed. Just occasional dusting or vacuuming to keep it clean.
Now let’s get into the details on how to make your own beautiful grass wall!
Choosing Artificial Grass for Your Wall
The key material for any grass wall project is the artificial turf. You’ll want grass that looks realistic but is durable enough for long-term use. Here are the factors to consider when choosing your grass:
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Indoor vs. outdoor. Make sure to pick turf safe for your intended use. Indoor grass has a lush, soft texture while outdoor turf is more hardy.
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Pile height. This refers to the length of the grass blades. Longer piles around 1.5-2 inches give a fuller look.
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Density. Denser turf with more grass blades per square foot looks more natural.Aim for around 90 ounces per square yard.
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Color. Select a natural, deep green shade for the most realistic appearance. Avoid neon-bright hues.
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Backing material. Outdoor grass should have drainage holes and a slip-resistant backing. Indoor turf normally has a soft fabric backing.
Many home improvement stores sell artificial grass by the square foot. For large wall installations, a turf roll may be more cost effective.
Planning Your Grass Wall Design
Once you have your artificial grass, take some time to plan out your grass wall design. Here are some key steps:
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Measure the area you want to cover with grass and calculate the square footage. Leave a few extra inches for trimming.
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Map out the layout. Decide if you want to arrange full grass panels, cut geometric shapes, or a mix. Use a grid on the wall with tape to visualize.
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Pick a pattern or theme. Get inspired by images of grass walls online and choose a cohesive look, like stripes, waves, frames or foliage.
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Select decorations. Order any faux plants, vines, branches or accessories so they’re ready to incorporate.
Having a solid plan will make installing your grass wall smooth and efficient. Now let’s get to the construction!
How to Install a Grass Wall
Installing a grass wall is a relatively easy DIY project. Here are the key steps:
Gather Your Materials
You’ll need your artificial turf and the following supplies:
- Staple gun & staples
- Scissors
- Utility knife
- Tape measure
- Level
- Adhesive (indoor grass glue or outdoor construction adhesive)
Prepare the Mounting Surface
Make sure the wall is clean and smooth. For outdoor walls, apply weatherproof sealant first.
Measure and Cut the Turf
Lay grass on the floor and trim to fit your planned shapes and sizes using a utility knife.
Affix the Grass Pieces to the Wall
Use a staple gun to attach the edges of each grass piece. For smooth walls, apply adhesive to the backs before mounting.
Decorating Your Grass Wall
Once installed, get creative with decor! Add faux vines, flowers, butterflies or other accents using hot glue, staples or Command strips.
And that’s the basics of installing an artificial grass wall! Next let’s go over some decorating ideas and maintenance tips.
Decorating Your Grass Wall
The fun part about grass walls is personalizing them to match your style. Here are some easy ways to decorate your nature-inspired feature wall:
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Add faux floral arrangements – silk flowers, ferns, and succulents make great accents.
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Incorporate vines or branches – raffia, jute, or faux vines create a lived-in look.
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Use decorative objects – mirrors, frames, wall art, or signage complement the grass.
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Play with color and texture – paint designs, affix colorful shapes, or add moss or stones.
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Create focal points – a large floral piece or unique object draws the eye.
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Highlight with lighting – spotlights, sconces or hanging bulbs enhance the drama.
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Make it seasonal – update decor for holidays like leaves and gourds in fall.
Take inspiration from your existing home decor and let your creativity run wild!
Caring for and Maintaining Your Grass Wall
Artificial grass is quite low maintenance, but here are a few tips to keep your grass wall looking fresh:
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Dust regularly using a handheld duster or vacuum extension hose. This prevents buildup.
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Spot clean stains immediately with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Don’t use harsh chemicals.
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Brush the grass to fluff flattened areas. A stiff bristled broom works well.
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Check for loose pieces and re-staple or glue down edges as needed.
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Freshen decor by updating faded flowers or accent pieces. Replace as needed.
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For outdoor walls, rinse off dirt with a garden hose occasionally. Allow to fully dry before rehanging.
With just occasional cleaning and upkeep, your grass wall will stay beautiful for years to come!
Inspiring Grass Wall Ideas
If you need a little design inspiration before creating your own grass wall, here are some gorgeous examples to spark your creativity:
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A bold abstract floral against a vivid blue backdrop
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An organic look with real-looking leaves, branches and moss
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A fun polka dot pattern in contrasting green hues
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An eye-catching living room focal point with hanging bulb lights
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A modern kitchen accent wall with sleek black frames
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A breezy Palm Springs vibe with rattan, palms and macrame
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A playful kids’ room accent with colorful shapes and decor
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A cheerful party backdrop with tissue pom poms and tassels
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An elegant entryway feature wall with metallic vases and mirrors
The options are truly endless when it comes to personalizing your grass wall to match your home’s style!
FAQs About Grass Walls
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about installing and maintaining grass walls:
How do you attach grass to a wall?
Use a staple gun for drywall or wooden walls. For masonry, brick, or concrete, apply construction adhesive first.
What can I use instead of grass?
Alternatives like faux hedge, moss sheets, or fabric backdrops can mimic the look of a grass wall.
Should I seal outdoor grass walls?
Yes, use an exterior sealant made for artificial turf to protect it from weathering and extend its lifespan outside.
How often should it be cleaned?
Indoor grass walls only need cleaning every 2-3 months. Outdoor walls may need monthly rinses and more frequent dusting.
Can you mount things into the grass?
Yes, use small nails, staples, or even velcro strips to hang decorations without damaging the grass backing.
How long will an artificial grass wall last?
With proper care, an indoor grass wall can last 5-10 years. Outdoor walls may need replacing after 2-5 years due to sun exposure.
Bring the Outdoors In!
Adding a grass wall to your home is an easy weekend project that makes a huge visual impact. With so many options for styles, textures, and decor, you can create a grass wall perfectly suited to your space. Just gather a few basic supplies, follow the installation tips, and unleash your creativity for beautiful results!
Incorporating this trendy twist on vertical greenery into your decor instantly elevates the ambiance of any room. So go ahead and bring the vibrant colors and organic allure of nature inside your home with a showstopping grass wall.
Step 1: Choose a Structure
Your structure depends entirely on personal preference. You can use any of the above media with your choice of wooden or container structure.
Before you start your green wall installation, make sure the spot you’ve chosen gets enough sunlight for the plants you want to grow. If you’re making an indoor green space, keep in mind that you’ll most likely need some sort of artificial light source to keep your plants healthy.
Note: It’s a good idea to keep in mind the wall that you’ll be hanging your structure on in case of water damage. Make sure the surface won’t be damaged easily by your irrigation.
Living Walls vs. Green Facades
Living walls and green facades may appear similar, but they are not the same. While living walls consist of plants that are rooted into a vertical surface, green facades are made up of plants with their roots in the ground, which naturally grow on a wall or fence (such as vines, ivy, and other climbing plants).