Ceiling Acoustics

What are ceiling acoustics?

Ceiling acoustics are acoustic products designed to be mounted to or hung from ceilings in order to provide some acoustic treatment to a room or space. They often come in the form of acoustic panels or tiles, or as hanging fins and baffles. Hanging acoustic sculptures are another type of ceiling acoustic and are designed to act as a feature design piece.

Why use acoustic panels? 

Acoustic panels are specially designed and engineered products that help absorb sound. If you’ve ever been in a space full of hard surfaces like drywall, glass, and concrete, you’ll know that echo and reverberation can occur, and that sound can travel long distances in these kinds of spaces. Acoustic products such as acoustic wall panels, soften these surfaces, reducing the amount of sound that gets reflected. Sound can be distracting and irritating, so acoustic panels can be used to help create quiet, comfortable spaces. This can be incredibly valuable in workplaces by helping staff focus on their work, improving the acoustics in meeting rooms and recording rooms, and by creating comfortable spaces for guests and clients. In the home, acoustic panels can be used to fix issues with reverberation and runaway sound. The huge variety of designs and colours now available in acoustic products means they can look spectacular, too! Acoustic ceiling panels are a common and effective way to improve room acoustics.

Do acoustic panels work? 

Acoustic panels are engineered and certified to absorb sound and can make a great difference in areas with echo and reverberation. It is important however that they not be mixed up with soundproofing products, which are designed to absorb as much sound as possible and are commonly used to keep sound in or out of certain rooms such as machine rooms and recording studios. They are typically quite thick and bulky and often need to be used in conjunction with special building materials such as soundproof doors and seals.

Acoustic panels and ceiling acoustics are intended to be used in a way that improves the sound quality of a space as well as help to reduce the overall volume. They can be used in busy cafes where the din of customers can become uncomfortable, in open plan workplaces to prevent employees from hearing each other’s conversations from across the room, and in halls and auditoriums to prevent echo. Acoustic ceiling panels and hanging acoustics are a crucial part of achieving this by softening hard ceiling surfaces and preventing the travel of sound along open ceiling spaces.

What are acoustic panels made from?

Acoustic panels are generally made from polyester fibre. Many manufacturers use a large percentage of recycled polyester in their products, such as Autex, who use over 60% recycled material. They are designed specifically to be non-toxic, low in VOC emissions, and to be safe in buildings in that they are non-flammable and do not harbour mould or bacteria. 

Where should acoustic panels be placed in a room?

Placement of acoustic panels is key to getting the most from your investment. Ceilings and walls are the most common places to put acoustic panels, but for optimal effect you need to consider: height, spacing, symmetry, sound origin and reflection points, and the room size and shape. View our guide on 5 Tips For Where To Place Acoustic Panels In Rooms for more information.

Ceiling acoustics are one of the most effective ways to add acoustics to a space. We carry a huge range of top quality ceiling acoustics including panels, tiles, fins, and sculptures. Whether you’re looking for something subtle to blend in with the existing décor, something textural and patterned to add visual interest, or something bold and fantastic to act as a feature, we are sure to have something in our range to suit. Many acoustic products are customisable, so please contact us if you can’t find exactly what you need. 

View our ranges of wall acoustics, 3d acoustic tiles, the Autex range, and the ever popular Peel ‘n’ Stick Acoustic Panel range.  

For more information on acoustics see our guides to reducing noise in small offices, workplaces, restaurants and cafes, and classrooms.