Large venues have a lot going for them: space, scale and impact. But anyone who has sat in the middle of a vast dining room or event hall knows the downside. Guests often want privacy, a little cosiness, and the feeling of having a space that’s just for them.

The traditional fix is to build walls. Solid partitions do create privacy, but they also cut off natural light, interrupt sightlines and can make a once-airy room feel closed in. So how do you give guests the intimacy they’re after without losing the openness that makes your venue special?

The answer is surprisingly simple: use plants.

Why solid walls aren’t the answer

Permanent dividers are expensive, inflexible and hard to undo. They block daylight from reaching the rest of the room, and they can leave guests feeling boxed in rather than cosseted. Once they’re up, your floor plan is largely fixed.

Planting offers a softer, smarter alternative. It defines space without enclosing it, so light, air and a sense of openness still move through the room while guests enjoy a greater sense of seclusion.

Three ways to divide a space with planting

1 – Trough planters

Long, structured troughs make excellent “living partitions”. Placed end to end or in an L-shape, they mark out a boundary around a table or seating area, and the planting inside can be chosen to give the right balance of height, density and texture. They can be chosen to match your interior – whether that’s sleek and contemporary or warm and rustic. They’re also movable, so you can reconfigure your layout for different events or seasons. 

2 – Tall floor plants 

For a more flexible approach, statement floor plants add height and instant presence. Grouped together, they create a leafy screen that softens sightlines and muffles the feeling of a busy room, without stopping the light. They suit venues that want to refresh a layout quickly or define zones on a trial basis before committing to a permanent change.

3 – Hanging planters

Don’t forget the space above. Hanging planting draws the eye upwards and creates a sense of “ceiling” over a smaller area, which makes that zone feel more enclosed and personal even when there’s no physical barrier at floor level. Hanging installations are ideal where floor space is tight, or where you want to add drama and a layer of interest to the room.

The business case for planted privacy

Creating intimate spaces isn’t only about looks. It makes commercial sense too.

• It maximises floor plan efficiency. Planted dividers let you make better use of the space you have, creating distinct zones without sacrificing capacity or losing the flow of the room.
• It creates a “VIP feel”. Cosy booths and private dining pockets feel exclusive, which guests value. These are the spaces people remember, book and talk about.
• It protects your open, airy aesthetic. You get the privacy without the heaviness of walls, so your venue keeps the light and spaciousness that drew people in to begin with.
• It stays flexible. Planted features can be moved and adapted as your needs change, unlike permanent construction.

Getting it right

The most effective planted dividers are designed around the venue. The right height, plant choice and placement depend on your layout, your lighting conditions and how your guests use the space, and good planting also needs to be looked after to stay looking its best. That’s where an experienced partner makes the difference.

At Benholm, we’ve spent over 30 years designing, installing and maintaining planting for commercial venues across the UK, from hospitality and events spaces to corporate interiors. Our team can take you from concept to installation, with our maintenance service keeping everything looking as healthy as the day it was installed. If you’d like to explore how planting can transform your space, take a look at our biophilic design approach.

Ready to create more intimate spaces in your venue? Get a quick quote or call our team on 0808 175 4430.