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Room acoustics matter

For clarity, comfort & productive spaces

19+ Years
of experience
UK’s Leading
acoustics specialist
5,000+
Acoustic installations
19+ Years
of experience
UK’s Leading
acoustics specialist
5,000+
Acoustic installations
19+ Years
of experience
UK’s Leading
acoustics specialist
5,000+
Acoustic installations
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Room acoustics can seem daunting without prior knowledge.

While the science behind sound is complex, a few core principles make it easier to understand and resolve acoustic challenges.
This page explains those key principles and provides practical guidance on creating spaces that are acoustically balanced, visually refined, and more supportive of focus and productivity.

The Benefits of Good Room Acoustics

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When sound comes from multiple directions without a clear source, it disrupts focus. Good acoustics absorb excess noise, preventing distractions and enhancing concentration.

Environments with poor acoustics make it difficult to talk and understand speech. When excess noise is absorbed, it improves clarity and understanding, making conversations more efficient and engaging.

When noise levels are managed, it creates a space that is comfortable to work, talk or relax. Auditory comfort can make a space feel cosy and can improve overall well-being and reduce stress.

It’s no surprise that excessive noise has a negative impact on productivity. A comfortable acoustic environment can significantly increase employee motivation, morale and output.

Good acoustics ensure confidential conversations remain private by minimising the amount of sound leakage to surrounding areas.

AV/VC equipment is extremely sensitive to noise. Quality acoustic treatments reduce echo and bounce-back, ensuring clear communication, critical for video conferencing and presentations.

  • 1#

    The number one complaint in offices is excess noise.

  • 70%

    Of employees say they’d be more productive in a quieter workspace.

  • 50%

    Increase in mistakes when performing complex tasks in a noisy environment.

  • 70%

    Of the consonants spoken
by teachers go unheard 
by students.

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Top three causes of poor room acoustics

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Lots of hard surfaces

Bare floors, walls and hard surfaces like concrete and metal worsen acoustics. Without absorption, sound bounces off these surfaces, creating echo and noise.

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Multiple noise sources

Talking, movement, phones, traffic, machinery, air conditioning and music all add to noise problems. This can make it difficult to understand speech, focus or enjoy a space comfortably.

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High ceilings

High ceilings create ‘dead space’ where sound gets lost and increases reverberation as sound waves travel further before bouncing back. This leads to poor acoustics and excessive echo.

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Sound Absorption vs Soundproofing

Identifying whether you need soundproofing or sound absorption is the first step toward creating a better acoustic environment.

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Common Acoustic Terms

If you’ve been looking into acoustic panels, you’ve probably seen some terms pop up again and again. We’ve put together a list of the most common ones and what they mean.

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Acoustic Expert

Involving an expert can ensure you get the best results. They take the guesswork out of your project and provide valuable insights to achieve the right acoustic balance.

Top Tips for Choosing Acoustic Panels for…

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Offices

1. Know your goal: Identify whether you need sound absorption, echo control, or noise containment – this will guide your choice of acoustic panels.
2. Treat the ceiling first: In open-plan spaces, covering 50–60% of the ceiling with Class A panels makes the biggest impact.
3. Placement is key: Position panels near noise sources or reflective surfaces for the best results.

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Schools

1. Think durability: In high-traffic areas, go for stain-resistant, easy-to-clean panels that can handle daily wear.
2. Highly absorbent and cost-effective: Choosing highly absorbent panels will help you meet BB93 regulations without blowing the budget.
3. Prioritise safety: Make sure all acoustic products meet fire safety standards.

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Village Halls

1. Start with the ceiling: Acoustic baffles or rafts are the most effective way to reduce echo and reverberation.
2. Check the NRC rating: Choose panels rated 0.90 or higher for effective sound absorption.
3. Planning the budget: Full acoustic treatments typically range from £3,000–£6,000.

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Swimming Pools

1. Choose moisture-resistant panels: Avoid products that absorb water or retain moisture.
2. Skip fabric-wrapped options: Upholstered panels can de-laminate and are prone to mould in humid environments.
3. Use specialist fixings: Swimming pools require specialist installations as all metal fixings must meet strict standards or they will corrode in chlorinated areas.

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Meeting Rooms

1. Prioritise placement: Position panels near noise sources or reflective surfaces to maximise sound absorption.
2. Know the problem: If sound is transferring between rooms, absorption panels won’t help. A site sound test can pinpoint the issue.
3. Consider sound masking: In many cases, it’s an effective solution for controlling sound spill between spaces.

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Restaurant

1. Consider your design: Bare tables, hard floors, open-plan layouts, high ceilings, and exposed surfaces amplify sound rather than absorb it.
2. Placement is key: Position panels near noise sources or reflective surfaces for the best results.
3. Get expert advice: Consulting an acoustic specialist will help you strike the right balance, significantly reducing noise levels while preserving the lively energy of the space.

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