Acoustic Wall Panels: Everything You Need to Know
—
As experts in all things acoustic, we thought we’d share our knowledge on one of the most popular acoustic solutions – acoustic wall panels. Learn everything there is to know about acoustic panels, from how they work to how many you need and where to put them.
What Are Acoustic Panels and Why Are They Used?
Acoustic panels are wall panels made from, or covered in, soft materials to aid in sound absorption. By absorbing sounds, they can reduce reverberation, echo, and noise levels whilst improving the overall sound quality of the space.
They can be installed almost anywhere to improve acoustics. They’re commonly used in places such as offices to reduce background noise or in recording studios to improve sound quality. Plenty of people use acoustic panels purely for the decorative aspect!
"MuffleStick Acoustic Wall Panels"
Benefits of Acoustic Wall Panels
The acoustic quality of a space isn’t often discussed – after all it’s not something you’re likely to think about very often. Despite this, acoustics can have a considerable impact on our daily lives. By installing acoustic panels, you can reduce the impact of bad acoustics.
Improved Sound Quality
As acoustic panels reduce reverberation and echo, they can improve clarity and sound quality – creating crisp, clear sound within a space. This is why they are heavily used in environments such as recording studios, where sound quality is vital.
Increased Productivity
When acoustic wall panels are used in areas such as offices or workspaces, they can make a significant positive impact on productivity for employees. Bad office acoustics can negatively affect productivity as noise levels can be higher, talking to colleagues can become more difficult, and people’s abilities to concentrate can be heavily reduced. Whereas, when an office is acoustically treated with acoustic wall panels, it can help to create a quiet environment where people can strive.
Enhanced Interior Design
As acoustic wall panels have become one of the most popular acoustic solutions, the demand for combining acoustics and aesthetics has increased. Nowadays, most acoustic panels are designed to provide as much aesthetic appeal as they do acoustic benefits.
"MuffleTimber"
Types of Acoustic Panels
Soft Acoustic Wall Panels
Soft acoustic panels are one of the most common. These are acoustic wall panels that are furnished with soft materials to achieve the best sound absorption.
"Acoustic Panel from Fluffo"
Wooden Acoustic Panels
Wooden acoustic panels are an incredibly aesthetic form of acoustic panel. Whilst the wood itself isn’t the best material for sound absorption, the felt backing that accompanies it is ideal for sound absorption.
"MuffleTimber Wooden Acoustic Panel"
Art Acoustic Panels
Acoustic panels with art are an incredibly decorative form of acoustic panel. Art acoustic panels are designed to look like regular pieces of wall art but they also help to improve your room’s acoustics!
"MuffleArt Acoustic Panel"
Diffuser Panels
Wood diffuser panels are slightly different to acoustic panels. They do help to improve sound quality and speech clarity but in a slightly different way to regular acoustic panels. Instead of absorbing sound, diffuser panels disperse the sound waves as they reflect back into the space. This method also reduces reverberation and enhances sound quality.
"Wood Diffuser Panel from Deska"
How do I Know Which Acoustic Panel is Right for Me?
With so many different types of acoustic panel it can be difficult to understand which panel is best for your individual space. Knowing which panel is right for you is easy, you just need to ask yourself the following questions…
1. What are my main acoustic goals?
2. How do I want my acoustic panels to look?
3. How much wall space do I have available?
4. What’s my budget?
Main Acoustic Goals
Your main acoustic goal could be to absorb as much sound as possible, or to solve reverberation troubles, or to improve sound quality and increase speech clarity. If your primary goal is absorption – soft acoustic panels from brands such as Fluffo might be best suited. Alternatively, if your main concern is improving overall sound quality and clarity, a diffuser panel might be better.
Aesthetics
Aesthetics can also be a significant factor – if you hate how an acoustic panel looks, it’s probably not for you! Luckily, we have a wide range of acoustic wall panels, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.
"Akusto One Circle from Ecophon"
Wall Space
Despite what people often say, size matters - If you don’t have a lot of spare wall space then you will need smaller wall panels.
Budget
Acoustic wall panels vary greatly in price depending on several factors such as the brand, materials, size, style.
How Many Acoustic Panels do I Need to Install?
There isn’t a one size fits all answer to how many acoustic panels you need as it’s dependent on multiple factors such as room size, ceiling height, amount of soft furniture, and how much acoustic aid is needed. However, a rough rule is to try to cover at least 30% of the space with acoustic treatment.
How to Get the Best out of Your Acoustic Wall Panels
Acoustic panels are incredibly effective at absorbing sound but to get maximum acoustic results, placement should be considered. Placing panels apart and leaving even gaps between each one is far better for acoustics than clumping all the panels together.
Along with covering as much surface area as possible, putting acoustic panels at the height of where most of the sound is created is the most effective place to put up your acoustic panels.
"Fluffo Chain 3D Soft Acoustic Panels"
Are Acoustic Panels Really Worth it?
Are acoustic panels worth it is a question we see a lot but considering the abundance of benefits, not only in terms of acoustic comfort but also design, we’d say acoustic panels are definitely worth it!
Where to Buy Acoustic Wall Panels
Acoustic panels can be bought on a variety of online sites but we always recommend buying from a reputable brand that have plenty of acoustic knowledge. Luckily at Muffle we have a wide range of acoustic wall panels available on our website from leading acoustic brands such as Fluffo and Ecophon, to our very own Muffle branded quality acoustic products.
If you’d like some guidance, or simply have a question about acoustics, our team are always on hand to help! get in touch with us today and we’ll do our best to get you the right product for your space.