Acoustic panels are one of the most effective ways to control noise, reduce echo and improve acoustic comfort in offices, commercial spaces and homes. In this complete guide to acoustic panels, we explain how they work, what benefits they deliver, and how to choose the right acoustic panels for your space.
Whether you are looking for acoustic privacy panels for offices, noise reducing wall panels, or a flexible acoustic privacy booth, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
What Are Acoustic Panels?
Acoustic panels are sound absorbing products designed to reduce reverberation, echo and overall noise levels within a room. Unlike soundproofing (which blocks sound from escaping or entering), acoustic panels absorb sound energy within a space, improving clarity, privacy and comfort.
At Acoustics By Design, our ReSorb acoustic panels are engineered for high performance (Class A sound absorption), sustainability and aesthetics, making them suitable for both commercial environments and the home.
How Do Acoustic Panels Work?
Acoustic panels for Acoustic zoning work by absorbing sound waves rather than reflecting them. When sound hits a hard surface like glass or plaster, it bounces back into the room. Acoustic panels use porous materials, such as recycled PET felt, to trap sound energy and convert it into small amounts of heat.
This reduces:
Echo and reverberation
Overall noise levels
Speech spill between work areas
This is particularly important in open plan offices, meeting rooms, consulting rooms and shared home workspaces.
Benefits of Acoustic Panels in Offices & Commercial Spaces
Installing acoustic panels offers clear benefits:
· Improved concentration and productivity
· Better acoustic privacy in consulting rooms and meeting areas
· Reduced distractions in open plan offices
· Enhanced wellbeing and comfort for staff and clients
Products such as acoustic privacy panels, acoustic privacy screens, and noise reducing hanging panels for meeting rooms help divide space without permanent walls.
Types of Acoustic Panels & How They’re Used
Ceiling & Hanging Acoustic Panels
ReSorb Pendulum
ReSorb Pendulum panels are a simple and versatile solution for controlling reverberation from above. With Class A sound absorption at 50mm depth, these panels are suspended vertically to absorb sound where it travels most. Ideal as noise reducing hanging panels for meeting rooms, offices, schools and public spaces
Pendulum panels are particularly effective in areas with high ceilings and limited wall space.
Learn more about ReSorb Pendulum panels here
Acoustic Screens, Zoning & Space Division
Zona: Acoustic Zoning System
Zona is Acoustics By Design’s purpose designed acoustic zoning product, delivering both acoustic control and visual privacy without permanent construction.
· Modular, reconfigurable zoning screens
· Designed for collaboration areas and departmental separation
· Enables real acoustic zoning with flexibility
Zona is ideal where acoustic privacy panels for offices are required but layouts need to change over time.
ReSorb Bars
ReSorb Bars create privacy with style, combining soft visual screening and efficient sound absorption.
· Suspended from ceilings or walls
· Fully customisable height and length
· Fabric wrapped acoustic cores (visible edge options available)
· Used to zone open plan offices, breakout spaces and soft seating areas
Bars work particularly well where visual separation and acoustic softness are needed without blocking light.
Find out more about ReSorb Bars
ReSorb Bay - Mobile Acoustic Screening
ReSorb Bay is a fully mobile acoustic privacy screen designed for flexibility.
· Front: hardened safety glass (write on surface)
· Back: sound absorbing textile panel
· Lockable wheels for easy movement
This solution is ideal where acoustic privacy screens need to be repositioned between meetings or teams.
Learn more about our mobile acoustic screening products
Wall, Blind & Free Standing Acoustic Panels
Vertical Acoustic Blinds in a Hotel Lobby
ReSorb Vertikal - Acoustic Blinds
ReSorb Vertikal acoustic blinds are a highly effective way to treat windows and reflective glazed areas.
· Adjustable, operable vertical acoustic blinds
· Reduce reverberation from glass and hard surfaces
· Fully retractable when not required
Vertikal panels are especially useful in offices, breakout areas and restaurants with extensive glazing.
Learn more about acoustic blinds
ReSorb Skyline: Free Standing Acoustic Panels
ReSorb Skyline is a high sound absorbing, freestanding acoustic screen, ideal for room separation.
· Manufactured from recycled polyester (plastic bottles)
· Designed to control echo in hard surfaced environments
· Skyline panels are well suited to flexible zoning in open spaces.
Learn more about our ReSorb Skyline panels
Decorative & Feature Acoustic Panels
ReSorb Allora – bespoke designs to suit your brand or office interior.
ReSorb Allora panels combine visual impact with acoustic control.
· Feature patterned designs or bespoke branding
· Class C sound absorption
· Easily suspended, tensioned or wall mounted
Allora panels are ideal where visual branding and reduced distraction are both priorities.
Check out our Resorb Allora panels here
ReSorb Aspect – geometric style panels
ReSorb Aspect panels are geometric patterned hanging panels, available in 9 colours, so you can find something to suit your office interior.
Take a look at our ReSorb Aspect panels here
Choosing the Right Acoustic Panels
When selecting acoustic panels, consider:
· The main noise issue (echo, speech distraction, privacy)
· Where sound is reflecting (ceiling, walls, glazing)
· Whether flexibility or permanence is required
· Visual, sustainability and branding considerations
As qualified acoustic specialists with 20 years’ experience, Acoustics By Design can advise on specification, layout and performance to ensure acoustic panels deliver real results.
Need Expert Advice?
If you would like advice or a site visit by one of our consultants, please get in touch. Our ReSorb acoustic panels are designed to sound good, look stylish and improve comfort, because effective acoustics make better spaces.
Acoustic Panels FAQS
Do Acoustic Panels Reduce Noise?
Yes, acoustic panels reduce perceived noise by controlling reverberation and echo. This improves speech clarity and reduces distractions in busy spaces.
Can acoustic panels reduce outside noise?
Acoustic panels will not completely block outside noise, but they can reduce how noticeable that noise feels by lowering internal reverberation. Combined with zoning solutions and sound masking, the perceived reduction can be substantial.
How much do acoustic panels reduce noise?
The exact reduction depends on room size, layout and panel coverage. Professionally designed solutions often achieve measurable improvements in reverberation time and speech privacy, especially when Class A panels are correctly positioned.
Click here if you would like a professional consultancy for your commercial space
About the author
Colin Rawlings, MIoA – MD of Acoustics by Design
A qualified acoustician with over two decades of experience, Colin specialises in workplace acoustic solutions across the UK and Europe, delivering consultancy, CPDs, and seminars, making complex acoustic challenges simple for architects, designers, and businesses.