Acoustic panels

What is an acoustic panel?

An acoustic panel is a sound-absorbing panel designed to reduce sound reflections and improve the acoustics of a room. When sound waves hit hard surfaces such as concrete, glass or plasterboard they bounce back into the room and create reverberation. In environments with many hard surfaces and open floor plans this can lead to a noisy and stressful atmosphere where it becomes difficult to communicate, concentrate and feel comfortable.

Acoustic panels work by absorbing a large portion of the sound waves before they are reflected back into the room. The result is a calmer sound environment with better speech intelligibility, lower stress levels and increased comfort for everyone in the space.

The panels can be mounted on walls, in ceilings or integrated as a natural part of the interior. They are available in a wide range of finishes, materials and design solutions to suit different types of projects and environments, from minimalist offices to exclusive hotel lobbies.

Why choose acoustic panels?

Acoustic panels are an effective solution for creating comfortable, functional and aesthetically appealing environments. Whether it is an office, a hotel, a restaurant or a school, the sound environment plays a decisive role in how a room is experienced and used.

Modern acoustic panels combine effective sound absorption with considered design, making them a natural part of the interior rather than a technical add-on. By reducing reverberation and dampening disturbing noise a calmer atmosphere is created where people can focus, communicate and feel better, which in turn leads to higher productivity, better customer experiences and a more attractive environment.

Easy and flexible installation

One of the great practical advantages of acoustic panels is that they are easy to install. They can be mounted on both walls and ceilings using adhesive, screws or a combination of both, depending on the substrate and application.

For wall mounting, adhesive or screws are typically used depending on the wall type and panel weight. For ceiling mounting, screws should always be used to ensure maximum safety and stability. An air gap behind the panel can also further improve sound absorption, as more frequencies are then captured effectively.

Why is good acoustics important?

Good acoustics is a decisive factor in how people experience and function in an environment, yet despite this the importance of the sound environment is often underestimated when designing workplaces, schools, public spaces and homes. When sound reflects between hard surfaces such as walls, floors and ceilings, reverberation occurs that can make the room noisy and tiring to spend time in over longer periods.

Poor acoustics affects people more than many realize. High noise levels and long reverberation times can contribute to:

– Stress and mental fatigue – The brain works harder to filter and interpret sound in noisy environments, which drains energy and concentration.

– Reduced ability to concentrate – Disturbing background noise makes it harder to focus on tasks that require cognitive effort.

– Decreased productivity – In office environments poor acoustics can directly affect the efficiency and quality of work.

– Difficulty perceiving speech and communication – Long reverberation makes it hard to hear and understand what is being said, creating frustration and misunderstandings.

In work environments poor acoustics can make it harder for employees to focus on their tasks, which in turn affects both efficiency and well-being. In schools high noise levels can impair students’ ability to learn and make it more demanding for teachers to teach. Even in restaurants, hotels and other public environments acoustics play an important role in how visitors experience the space and whether they choose to return.

By improving the acoustics, calmer and more comfortable environments are created where people can communicate more clearly, concentrate better and feel more relaxed. Acoustic panels are a proven and effective way to achieve this. The result is a better sound environment that benefits staff, customers, students and visitors and that in the long term contributes to increased well-being, better performance and a more attractive environment.

How does sound absorption work?

Sound absorption is about capturing sound waves and converting the energy into a very small amount of heat, rather than letting the sound continue to bounce around the room. When an acoustic panel is struck by a sound wave the energy is absorbed by the panel’s material and converted, which causes the reverberation in the room to decrease markedly.

The effectiveness of acoustic panels is usually measured using the absorption coefficient and the absorption class. The absorption coefficient is a value between 0 and 1 that indicates what proportion of the sound energy is absorbed at a given frequency. The absorption class (A–E) is an overall measure of the panel’s performance across a wide frequency range, where class A represents the highest absorption capacity.

Factors affecting sound absorption

How effectively an acoustic panel absorbs sound depends on several interacting factors:

– Material density – Denser materials generally absorb sound more effectively in lower frequency ranges.

– Material thickness – Thicker panels provide better absorption, particularly for lower frequencies.

– Air gap behind the panel – An air gap significantly increases absorption for lower frequencies.

– Mounting method – How the panel is mounted affects how it interacts with the surrounding air space.

– Frequency range – Different materials absorb sound more or less effectively in different frequency bands.

– Professional acoustic panels are designed to provide high sound absorption within the frequency ranges most relevant to human speech, that is approximately 250–4,000 Hz. It is within this interval that disturbing background noise and lingering reverberation are most commonly experienced as troublesome.

How much do acoustic panels improve acoustics?

The effect of acoustic panels depends on the size and layout of the room and how many panels are installed. A single panel can contribute to some improvement, but to achieve a clear and measurable acoustic effect a well-considered overall solution where multiple panels work together is recommended.

The sound-absorbing felt of the panels captures sound energy and reduces reflections from hard surfaces such as concrete, glass and brick. The result is a quieter room with better speech intelligibility and higher acoustic comfort for everyone in the space.

How many acoustic panels are needed?

A common question when planning acoustic solutions is how many panels are required to create a noticeable improvement in the sound environment. The answer varies depending on the layout of the room and the specific acoustic problems to be solved. In some rooms a few panels can make a big difference, while larger or more acoustically demanding environments require a more extensive installation.

Several factors affect the need for acoustic panels:

– Room size and volume

– Ceiling height

– Type of floor material (tiles, concrete and wood reflect more than fitted carpets)

– Number of windows and other hard surfaces

– Furnishings and textiles in the room

– The purpose and activity level of the space

– Desired level of noise reduction

Rooms with large open surfaces, high ceilings and hard materials generally generate considerably more reverberation than rooms with carpets, curtains and upholstered furniture. More acoustic panels are therefore usually required in modern, minimalist environments.

As a general guideline it is usually recommended to treat between 20 and 40 percent of a room’s hard surfaces with sound-absorbing material to achieve a clear improvement. For environments with particularly high demands on acoustic comfort, such as conference rooms, restaurants or open-plan offices, an even greater coverage may be warranted.

It is also important to consider where the panels are placed. Strategically positioned acoustic panels on walls and in ceilings often give better results than concentrating all panels on a single surface. By combining wall and ceiling mounting, sound reflections can be reduced more effectively and a more even sound picture created throughout the entire room.

Fire classification of acoustic panels

When designing public buildings and commercial properties, fire safety is a decisive factor to consider at an early stage of planning. The fire classification of acoustic panels indicates how a material reacts in the event of fire and to what extent it contributes to fire spread and smoke development.

Within Europe the common classification system Euroclass is used, which categorizes building products based on their fire properties.

B-s1,d0

This classification means that the product has a very limited contribution to fire, very low smoke development and no flaming droplets or particles. It is a commonly occurring and often required classification for acoustic solutions in public environments.

Which fire class is required depends on the type of building, the activity and applicable building regulations. For hospitals, schools, hotels and other public buildings high requirements are often set, while lower requirements may apply to private residences. Choosing fire-classified acoustic panels ensures that the installation meets applicable regulations and contributes to a safe environment for all users.

Benefits of acoustic panels

Improved working and living environment

A well-balanced sound environment creates better conditions for work, learning and social interaction. By reducing reverberation and disturbing background noise, acoustic panels contribute to increased concentration, reduced stress and improved well-being for everyone in the space.

Increased comfort and well-being

The sound environment greatly influences how we experience a room. By dampening unwanted noise, calmer and more comfortable environments are created where people feel at ease, communicate better and feel more relaxed. It is an investment that is noticed immediately.

Design and function in balance

Modern acoustic panels are much more than a technical solution – they are an integrated part of the interior. With different patterns, shapes and a wide selection of colors the panels can contribute to the room’s identity and character while improving the acoustics. They can either blend in discreetly with the environment or serve as clear design elements that create a considered and exclusive expression.

Flexible and adaptable solutions

Acoustic panels can be mounted on both walls and ceilings and adapted to the specific needs and conditions of the project. This makes them suitable for everything from offices and schools to hotels, restaurants and public environments of all shapes and sizes.

Sustainable material choices

Made from recycled PET felt the panels offer a sustainable solution with a long service life. The material is durable, easy to maintain and retains its acoustic properties over time, making it a responsible choice for projects with high sustainability requirements.

Acoustic panels for offices

Today’s office environments place high demands on both function and well-being. Open-plan offices, activity-based workplaces and flexible meeting areas create new opportunities for collaboration and creativity, but also bring increased challenges in terms of the sound environment. Conversations, phone meetings, keyboard sounds and ventilation systems together contribute to a background level that can be difficult to shut out.

With the right acoustic panels a more comfortable workplace is created where employees can focus, communicate and perform at their best. By effectively reducing reverberation and dampening disturbing noise the panels contribute to a calmer and more harmonious working environment.

Acoustic panels in offices are typically used to:

– Reduce disturbing background noise in open-plan offices

– Improve concentration and reduce cognitive load

– Create better conditions in meeting rooms and conference rooms

– Increase speech intelligibility during presentations and video meetings

– Contribute to a professional and aesthetically appealing working environment

A well-planned acoustic solution for the office ultimately contributes to increased productivity, lower sick leave and a better working climate, factors that are important for all types of organizations.

Acoustic panels for hotels

A successful hotel experience is about more than just service and interior design – it is very much also about how the environment feels and sounds. In hotel lobbies, restaurants, conference areas and other shared spaces high noise levels and long reverberation can negatively affect the comfort and overall impression for guests.

Acoustic panels combine effective sound absorption with considered design to create hotel environments that are as pleasant to spend time in as they are aesthetically appealing. The panels help to reduce disturbing noise and reverberation, while functioning as an integrated and value-adding part of the interior.

Acoustic panels are often used in hotel environments such as:

– Lobbies and reception areas

– Conference rooms and meeting spaces

– Restaurants and breakfast dining rooms

– Lounges and bars

– Corridors and shared areas

With a wide selection of patterns and colors each hotel can create a unique solution that harmonizes with its own design profile and brand identity. The result is a well-balanced environment where acoustics, aesthetics and guest comfort work together to create an exclusive and memorable experience. When design and function go hand in hand, hotel environments are created that not only look better – they feel better to spend time in.

Acoustic panels for schools

A good sound environment is a fundamental prerequisite for learning, concentration and well-being in school environments. High noise levels and long reverberation can make it harder for students to focus on teaching and absorb new knowledge. At the same time it negatively affects teachers’ working environment and makes it more difficult to communicate clearly and effectively in the classroom.

Acoustic panels combine effective sound absorption with modern design to create inspiring and functional learning environments. By reducing reverberation and dampening disturbing noise, speech intelligibility is improved, which creates better conditions for both teaching and learning at all ages and in all subjects.

Acoustic panels in schools are used in:

– Classrooms and teaching spaces

– Corridors and common areas

– Dining halls and lunch rooms

– Libraries and study halls

– Auditoriums and assembly rooms

Made from recycled PET felt the panels offer a sustainable and robust solution well suited to the everyday demands of a school. The material is durable and tough, considerably more resistant to impacts and daily use than many traditional acoustic solutions, making the panels particularly suitable in environments where they are subjected to intensive and sometimes rough use.

With a wide range of patterns and colors schools can create unique environments where acoustics and aesthetics interact. The panels not only contribute to a better sound environment, they become a natural part of the interior and help to create modern, welcoming and inspiring learning environments for students and staff. When sustainable materials, considered design and effective acoustics are combined, school environments are created where both people and activities have the best possible conditions to develop and flourish.

Acoustic panels in restaurants

The sound environment is an important part of the restaurant experience, but it is also something that is far too often overlooked in planning. In restaurants with hard materials such as glass, concrete, stone and large open surfaces sound can bounce between walls, ceilings and floors and create high reverberation and a noisy atmosphere. This makes it difficult for guests to converse comfortably and negatively affects the overall experience, regardless of how good the food is or how professional the service is.

Acoustic panels are an effective and proven solution for improving the acoustics in restaurants. By absorbing sound waves and reducing reverberation a more balanced and comfortable sound environment is created where guests can converse without having to raise their voices. The result is a calmer atmosphere that contributes to increased well-being and a more exclusive feeling, which in turn benefits the restaurant’s reputation and profitability.

Benefits for staff

For restaurant staff improved acoustics also brings significant and concrete benefits. Lower noise levels reduce the daily sound load and create a better working environment where communication between colleagues becomes easier and clearer. This can contribute to reduced stress, better collaboration and increased efficiency, not least during intense working hours when communication and coordination are most important.

Design that reinforces the restaurant concept

Modern acoustic panels also combine function with aesthetics. They are available in a wide selection of colors, shapes and finishes, making it possible to create tailored solutions that harmonize with the restaurant’s interior concept and visual identity. The panels can be mounted on both walls and ceilings and simultaneously serve as decorative elements that reinforce the character of the space and give guests a strong overall impression.

Whether it is an intimate bistro, a hotel restaurant or a large dining hall, acoustic panels can contribute to a noticeably better sound environment. By investing in professional acoustic solutions a restaurant environment is created where comfort, design and function work together to give guests a better overall experience and a strong memory to take home.

How acoustics affect the guest experience

A restaurant’s success is about far more than food and service. Guests’ overall experience is influenced by a range of factors, and research shows that the sound environment plays a considerably greater role than most restaurant owners and interior designers are aware of.

A restaurant with high noise levels and long reverberation is experienced as stressful and tiring, even if the food is of high quality and the service is excellent. Guests who cannot hear each other are forced to raise their voices, which further worsens the noise level in a constantly escalating pattern that is well known in the industry.

By installing acoustic panels restaurants can break this cycle and create a more balanced and inviting sound environment. When reverberation decreases it becomes easier to hold natural conversations, which contributes to a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere where guests can focus on their company and their experience.

Improved acoustics can also have a direct positive effect on the restaurant’s profitability. Guests who enjoy themselves tend to stay longer, order more, return more often and recommend the restaurant to friends and acquaintances. A well-planned acoustic solution can therefore become an important and profitable competitive advantage in an industry where the guest experience is always at the center.

Acoustic panels as design elements

Modern acoustic panels have evolved from being purely functional sound absorbers to becoming an important and appreciated part of today’s interior and architectural solutions. In addition to effectively improving acoustics they contribute to creating visually attractive environments where design and function interact in a natural way.

With a wide range of patterns, shapes, colors and materials acoustic panels can be adapted to harmonize with the room’s other interior elements. They can be designed as discreet features that blend seamlessly into the environment, or as bold and prominent design elements that give the room character and identity. By using panels on walls and in ceilings architects and interior designers can create dynamic and memorable surfaces that give the room a more exclusive and considered expression.

In modern office environments acoustic panels are often used to reinforce the company’s visual profile and brand identity, while contributing to a better working environment for employees. In the hotel and restaurant industry they help to create an inviting atmosphere where guests can socialize and enjoy themselves in a comfortable sound environment. In schools and public environments panels are increasingly used to create inspiring, welcoming and modern spaces where aesthetics and function interact.

Acoustic panels also offer great opportunities for customization. Through unique patterns, considered color combinations and tailored solutions each project can achieve a completely individual and distinct expression. This means that the panels not only solve acoustic challenges but also actively contribute to the building’s architecture and aesthetic identity.

When acoustic comfort, design and function are combined in one and the same product, acoustic panels become a long-term investment that raises both the experience and the value of an environment. Today they are at least as much an interior detail and architectural component as they are a technical solution for better acoustics.

Installation of acoustic panels

Wall mounting

Wall-mounted acoustic panels are one of the most common and effective solutions for improving the acoustics of a room. By placing the panels on strategic surfaces where sound reflections are greatest, a significant reduction in reverberation can be achieved.

The panels can be mounted in several ways:

Directly on the wall with adhesive – Simple and clean, suitable for most wall types.

With screws – Provides extra secure attachment, recommended for heavier panels.

On a framework with an air gap – Further improves absorption, particularly for lower frequencies.

Wall-mounted acoustic panels are used in a wide variety of environments: offices, meeting rooms, living rooms, restaurants, schools and hotels, to name the most common.

Ceiling mounting

Acoustic panels in the ceiling are often very effective because the ceiling is the surface that contributes most to reflections in a room. For ceiling mounting screws should always be used to guarantee safety and stability. Suspended ceiling panels, also called absorbers, are a popular solution in open-plan offices and restaurants with high ceilings.

Care and maintenance

One of the great practical advantages of acoustic panels is that they require very little maintenance to retain their appearance and sound-absorbing properties. With regular and simple cleaning the panels can remain in excellent condition for many years and continue to contribute to both a comfortable sound environment and a stylish interior.

Since acoustic panels typically consist of sound-absorbing felt it is important that cleaning is carried out carefully so as not to damage the surface or function of the material.

Recommended cleaning methods:

Vacuuming with a soft brush – The simplest and most gentle way to keep the panels free of dust.

Wiping with a dry microfibre cloth – Effective for removing light dirt and fingerprints.

Lightly dampened cloth when needed – For more stubborn stains, but avoid excessive moisture.

In most environments it is sufficient to dust the panels a couple of times per year. In public spaces, offices or other high-traffic areas more frequent cleaning may be appropriate to maintain a fresh and professional appearance.

With simple and regular care acoustic panels can retain both their function and appearance for a long time. This makes them a practical, sustainable and cost-effective solution for virtually all types of environments, whether the panels are installed in a private home, an office or a public space.

Choosing the right acoustic solution

Acoustic panels are a versatile, effective and aesthetically appealing solution for all types of environments where the sound environment needs improvement. Whether the challenge involves a noisy open-plan office, a restaurant with a hard sound environment, a classroom with high reverberation or a hotel looking to enhance guest comfort and experience, the right acoustic panels make a tangible and measurable difference.

The key to a successful result is choosing panels with the right absorption properties for the frequencies and environments in question, placing them strategically for maximum effect, and allowing them to become a natural and considered part of the room’s design and identity.

A well-planned acoustic solution is an investment in the quality of the environment, in the people who use it and in the long-term value of the building. With the right choice of acoustic panels environments are created where people thrive, perform and feel good, day after day.