When designing commercial spaces, businesses often debate between traditional decor elements (such as artwork, partitions, and artificial plants) and green walls (also known as living walls). While traditional decor is familiar and easy to implement, green walls provide significant long-term value, from lower maintenance costs to energy savings and employee well-being benefits.
At Natura, we specialize in integrating sustainable, cost-effective biophilic solutions that not only enhance aesthetics but also deliver real financial returns. This guide will compare green walls vs. traditional decor, helping you determine which is the best investment for your space.
Green walls, or living walls, are vertical plant installations designed to bring nature into built environments. They can be installed both indoors and outdoors, providing aesthetic and environmental benefits.
Types of Green Walls:
Unlike traditional decor, green walls offer functional benefits such as air purification, noise reduction, and energy efficiency, making them a smarter long-term investment.
Many businesses opt for traditional decor such as framed artwork, artificial plants, or wallpaper. While these solutions may seem cost-effective upfront, they often come with hidden expenses, including:
Comparing Initial Costs vs. Long-Term Value
Feature |
Traditional Decor |
Green Walls |
Upfront Cost |
Lower |
Moderate to High |
Maintenance Costs |
Frequent replacements |
Minimal upkeep |
Energy Savings |
None |
Reduces heating/cooling costs |
Employee Benefits |
None |
Boosts well-being, productivity & creativity |
Sustainability |
No impact |
Eco-friendly & improves air quality |
While traditional decor has lower upfront costs, green walls deliver ongoing savings and business advantages over time.
Green walls act as natural insulation, reducing heating and cooling expenses. By blocking heat in the summer and retaining warmth in the winter, they help regulate indoor temperatures.
Lowers HVAC usage, cutting energy costs by up to 30%
Reduces temperature fluctuations, creating a more comfortable environment
Absorbs sunlight, minimizing heat buildup in glass-heavy offices
Pro Tip: Install green walls on sun-exposed surfaces to maximize thermal efficiency.
Unlike traditional decor, which is purely aesthetic, green walls actively improve indoor air quality by filtering out pollutants.
Removes toxins such as carbon dioxide and formaldehyde
Increases oxygen levels, improving focus and reducing fatigue
Decreases allergens, leading to fewer employee sick days
Business Impact: Improved air quality results in a healthier workforce, reduced absenteeism, and higher productivity.
Pro Tip: Choose air-purifying plants like ferns and snake plants to maximize benefits.
For property managers and business owners, green walls elevate commercial real estate value and make spaces more attractive to tenants.
Eco-friendly features boost leasing appeal
Contributes to WELL & LEED certifications, improving sustainability scores
Enhances brand image by showcasing a commitment to green initiatives
Pro Tip: Businesses that incorporate biophilic design can command higher lease rates and attract top-tier tenants.
Self-watering irrigation systems reduce manual upkeep
Drought-resistant plants thrive with little attention
Moss walls require zero watering or sunlight, making them the lowest-maintenance option
ROI Advantage: Unlike traditional decor, which requires frequent updates, green walls are built to last—saving businesses money in the long run.
Pro Tip: Enroll in a plant maintenance program (like Natura’s) to keep green walls vibrant year-round.
Many assume green walls are high-maintenance, but modern living walls require minimal care.
Businesses looking to optimize long-term value should consider these key advantages of green walls:
Energy Efficiency – Reduces costs by lowering HVAC usage.
Health Benefits – Improves air quality, reducing employee sick days.
Higher Productivity – Aesthetic green spaces increase focus and creativity.
Sustainability – Supports eco-friendly initiatives, improving corporate responsibility.
Property Value – Enhances leasing appeal and contributes to sustainable certifications.
Bottom Line: Green walls pay for themselves through ongoing savings, environmental benefits, and workforce performance improvements
At Natura, we specialize in customized, cost-effective green wall solutions for commercial spaces. Our services include:
Expert design & plant selection for maximum longevity
Professional installation tailored to your space
Smart irrigation systems to minimize maintenance
Ongoing care plans to keep green walls lush and thriving
With over 40 years of experience, Natura helps businesses create beautiful, sustainable environments that deliver long-term value.
Ready to enhance your workspace with a green wall that delivers real ROI?
Contact Natura today for a consultation and get a free quote to see how green walls outperform traditional decor in cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and workplace well-being.