A noisy office doesn’t benefit anyone. Whether it’s the constant hum of conversations, the clatter of keyboards, or the echo from open spaces, excessive noise can quietly sabotage your team’s performance.
In today’s fast-paced workplaces, research shows that poor office acoustics can decrease productivity by as much as 66%. It’s more than just a distraction; it’s a health risk, elevating stress levels, increasing cognitive fatigue, and even contributing to long-term issues like anxiety and high blood pressure. While it might seem like the only fix is a costly renovation, the reality is that most offices can dramatically improve acoustics with a few well-placed solutions.
Let’s explore our ideas for office acoustic solutions for your space, without tearing down walls.
Why Does Your Office Sound So Loud?
Modern office design loves glass walls, polished concrete, and high ceilings, but these materials are also sound reflectors. Instead of absorbing noise, they bounce it around, increasing reverberation and echo. This is especially problematic in open-plan layouts, where sound travels freely across large areas.
When acoustics aren’t considered in the layout or furnishings, the result is a noisy, chaotic environment where focus is nearly impossible.
The good news is there are a few simple things you can do to fix your office acoustics.
Acoustic Wall or Ceiling Tiles
If your walls are flat and bare, they’re acting like echo chambers. Acoustic wall or ceiling tiles are one of the simplest ways to absorb sound, reduce echo, and create a more peaceful space.
Autex Quietspace or Accent tiles are great options that can be both decorative and functional. Lightweight, highly durable and easy to install, they are market leaders when it comes to minimising noise. Available in a variety of colours, they turn your walls into visual and acoustic assets.
For a sleeker, more subtle finish, explore Autex Symphony wall coverings. Designed as a high-performance alternative to paint or wallpaper, Symphony expertly controls acoustics.
Acoustic Ceiling Systems
Sound doesn’t just bounce off walls; it also reflects off ceilings. If your office has hard or open ceilings, addressing the vertical plane is key.
Autex offers a range of acoustic ceiling systems designed to absorb excess sound and reduce reverberations. Whether you want subtle absorption or a bold feature, there’s a solution to match.
- Horizon: Horizon panels are modular, clippable shapes designed for creating striking feature walls and suspended ceiling installations. Easy to install, they deliver a distinctive floating effect when elevated from the wall or hung at varying heights.
- Frontier: Frontier is an innovative acoustic baffle system that delivers targeted sound absorption for open-plan environments. Designed for flexibility, Frontier offers endless configuration options, allowing designers to mix and match colours and styles.
- Lattice: An architecturally inspired baffle system that reduces echo while becoming a sculptural element in your space.
With these products, you’re able to customise your office ceiling while enjoying the peace and quiet.
Office Partitions and Dividers
Although open plan offices are designed to encourage collaboration, they're a nightmare for acoustics. Conversations, calls, and footsteps all become communal background noise. Acoustic partitions and office dividers create much-needed quiet zones within shared environments.
For example, Autex Cascade screens are a subtle acoustic partition, designed to be suspended from the ceiling. Cascade screens are ideal for separating work zones without permanent walls. For individual workstations, Autex Cove desk dividers provide personal sound shielding with a sleek, minimalist design.
Another idea is to incorporate mobile partitions or folding screens for flexibility, making it easy to adapt the space for meetings, solo work, or group projects.
Low-Cost Acoustic Fixes That Still Make a Difference
Even small changes can make a difference when it comes to improving your office acoustics. For example:
- Soft furnishings: Add rugs, upholstered furniture, and curtains to absorb ambient noise.
- Bookshelves or plants: Use them as makeshift barriers that scatter and soften sound.
- White noise machines or apps: Mask background sounds to improve focus in shared areas.
Get the Specialists In
If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered.
At Acoustic Solutions Store, we offer on-site Acoustic Appraisals and Expert Installation to help you choose the right products for your space, budget, and needs.
From open-plan offices to conference rooms and co-working spaces, we’ll tailor acoustic solutions that transform your workplace into a sound sanctuary.
Contact us today to take the first step toward a quieter, calmer office.