There are multiple types of ceiling panels to choose from when investing in sound absorption. However, ceiling panels alone sometimes aren’t enough to prevent reverberation. Low ceilings might also limit the types of panels you can install, which is difficult for people who are designing creative spaces.
Wall panels can give designers a much-needed boost to their sound absorption efforts. These wall panels can control sounds that your ceiling panels miss, while also creating an engaging work environment.
Placement is Important
Placement is one of the most important parts of wall panel installation. You can strategically place these sound absorbers in specific areas to maximize their impact. You can also adjust the coverage of your walls depending on the use of the room.
Consider a few examples of wall panel sound absorbers and how to adjust them:
- Look for higher coverage (10-25 percent) in areas that need to be quiet, like classrooms and study areas.
- Use lower coverage (13 percent) for areas where sound is welcome, like a dining area or conference room.
- Place panels across from each other on the walls to prevent echoes across the room.
Wall panels should be placed as close to the source of the sound as possible. In an office, this means placing panels at head level for sitting employees. When these colleagues have a conversation or make a phone call, their voice won’t travel across the room.
Different Shapes Require Different Numbers
The wall panels at CertainTeed Architectural come in a variety of shapes, including circles, squares, and rectangles. You may need to order a higher number of panels if you opt for one shape over another. A large rectangle covers more space than a square panel, which means you will need more squares to get the job done.
Within a 750 square foot classroom, you would need 19-27 square panels (24″ x 24″ each) or 6-15 circular panels (48″ in diameter). A 300 square foot conference room might only need one circular panel or three rectangular panels (48″ x 24″ each).
Before you order your panels, evaluate what kinds of shapes you want on your walls so you can order the correct number of sound absorbers.
Sound Absorbers Can Create Pops of Color
Sound absorption doesn’t have to be exclusively functional. It can also contribute to the overall design of a room.
One of the main benefits of using wall panels to absorb sound is that you can create unique art that serves a purpose. Our panels come in 13 different colors, from the bright tangerine and cranberry to the more subdued ginger and oyster.
As you calculate the number of panels you need, look at the colors available and consider how you can add energy to your workplace through patterns and designs. You can use bright colors to foster creativity in employees or look for colors that align with your brand and company culture.
Our team also has the ability to turn photographs into art. We can break your logo out across multiple panels and complete the tiles with a professional shine. You can create a mosaic on your wall using multiple panels that line up together.
Put Your Walls to Work
There are many ways to control how sound moves across your office. However, if you have an open floor plan, consider using your walls to limit reverberation while creating engaging art. Choose your shapes, colors, and even patterns that can turn your sound panels into bright features in the workspace.
Learn more about the different sound absorption offerings by CertainTeed Architectural (PDF) and take control of your office sounds today.
Learn more about acoustical design: https://www.certainteed.com/ceilings-and-walls/alternatives-to-suspended-ceilings/
