Walk into any half-decent restaurant these days and chances are, there’s greenery somewhere. Usually hanging from a beam, tucked into shelving, or dotted around the bar. And more often than not, it’s not real. Because real plants are hard work. Watering schedules, pests, sun or shade, wilting leaves… all of that becomes a problem fast when your priority is running a busy kitchen and keeping front-of-house spotless.
Artificial hanging plants are perfect for restaurant interiors, cafe dining rooms, hotel lobbies and done properly, they can lift the look of your hospitality premises without adding any maintenance headaches. And if you choose high-quality, realistic artificial trailing plants, they can bring a wealth of benefits.
Why Hanging Plants Work So Well in Restaurants
A good hanging display draws the eye upwards, fills awkward gaps, reduces echoes in large spaces and adds a sense of calm without taking up floor space. In hospitality settings, it also softens harder materials like metal, concrete or glass, especially in open-plan or industrial-style interiors.
Done right, artificial hanging plants can:
• Make a ceiling feel lower and more intimate
• Break up long walls without needing artwork
• Add texture to shelving and bar areas
• Create a subtle ‘zoning’ effect in open spaces
• Give diners a greener, fresher-feeling space – without the risk of dropping soil or leaves on the table
The Case for Artificial (Over Real)
It’s not that we’re against real plants, we’re just honest about the reality. Live greenery in restaurants is rarely a good idea unless you’ve got someone responsible for their daily care.
Artificial trailing plants solve this in one move:
• No watering, trimming or replacing
• No insects or risk of mould in damp spots
• No wilting or yellowing leaves under kitchen heat or low light
• And no damage if staff forget they’re even there
Once they’re up, they’re done. Clean them now and then and they’ll last for years.
What Makes a Good Artificial Hanging Plant?
Not all faux plants are made equal. If you’ve ever seen one with shiny plastic leaves, frayed threads or colours that don’t exist in nature, you’ll know what we mean.
For restaurants, where people are looking closely at their surroundings, it pays to invest in realistic artificial trailing plants that hold up under scrutiny. Here’s what to look for:
• Natural leaf shapes: Real plants aren’t symmetrical or uniform. Good replicas reflect that.
• Subtle colour variation: A decent trailing plant will have lighter undersides and a range of tones, not a flat green.
• Flexible, textured stems: To drape naturally over shelves or ledges – not sit stiffly.
• No visible glue or joins: The less obvious the construction, the more believable the result.
Popular Styles for Restaurant Interiors
We’ve seen a surge in a few specific types of artificial hanging plants for UK restaurants:
1. Trailing Ivy
Classic and dense – works well in pubs, rustic restaurants and modern bistros. Looks great hanging from beams or layered in troughs above banquette seating.
2. String of Pearls
Minimal and slightly quirky – often used in cafés or lighter interiors. Adds softness without overpowering.
3. Ferns and Mixed Greenery
Great for ceiling installations or to create a faux canopy effect. Mix different leaf shapes for a more natural feel.
4. Artificial Hanging Bushes
The all-rounder. Flexible, lush, and can be trimmed or tucked as needed. Ideal for filling odd corners or boosting shelf displays.
Tips for Installing Artificial Hanging Plants in Hospitality Settings
If you’re planning to use artificial trailing plants in your restaurant, consider:
• Dust access – make sure they’re easy enough to reach for a quick wipe-down every now and then
• Secure fixing – especially near air vents or doors. They shouldn’t wobble or drop
• Lighting – artificial plants don’t need sun, but they look more convincing if they’re not under cold, bright LED strips
• Groupings – odd numbers and layered heights work best. A row of three identical hanging balls won’t do much for atmosphere
Low Maintenance, High Impact
For restaurants, artificial hanging plants aren’t just a design choice – they’re a smart business one. You get the look of a fresh, lively space without handing staff another job to juggle. And with the right choice, your diners won’t care they’re faux.
If you’re after realistic artificial trailing plants that are built to last and don’t look like an afterthought, take a look at our full collection Hanging Trailing Plants. UK made, restaurant ready, and always in stock.