Can Acoustic Panels Reduce Noise in Open-Plan Spaces?

Open-plan spaces have become one of the most popular design trends in modern architecture. From open offices and coworking areas to restaurants, hotel lobbies, and large living rooms, open layouts create a clean, spacious, and modern look.

However, many people quickly realize one major downside:

Open-plan spaces are noisy.

If you’re wondering “Can acoustic panels reduce noise in open-plan spaces?”, the answer is yes—but it depends on the type of noise and how the panels are installed.

In this article, we’ll explain how acoustic panels work in open areas, what kind of noise they can reduce, and how wood slat acoustic panels can create a quieter, more comfortable environment.

Why Are Open-Plan Spaces So Noisy?

Open-plan layouts typically have fewer walls, fewer partitions, and more hard surfaces. This creates the perfect environment for sound to travel freely.

Common noise problems in open-plan spaces include:

• loud conversations carrying across the room

• phone calls disturbing nearby workers

• footsteps echoing through large areas

• meeting room sound leaking into work zones

• general “background buzz” that never disappears

• poor speech clarity and listening fatigue

The real issue is not always volume. Often, the problem is sound reflection and reverberation.

Can Acoustic Panels Actually Reduce Noise?

Yes—acoustic panels reduce noise perception by controlling sound reflections and absorbing sound energy.

But it’s important to understand one key difference:

Acoustic Panels Reduce Echo, Not True Soundproofing

Acoustic panels are designed for sound absorption, not complete sound blocking.

They help reduce:

✅ echo
✅ reverberation
✅ speech noise buildup
✅ overall noise level inside the space
✅ distractions caused by reflected sound

They do NOT fully block:

❌ noise coming from outside the room
❌ sound traveling through walls, floors, or ceilings

So in open-plan environments, acoustic panels are extremely effective because the main problem is usually reflected sound, not sound transmission through walls.

How Acoustic Panels Reduce Noise in Open-Plan Spaces

1. They Absorb Reflected Sound Waves

In large open rooms, sound waves bounce repeatedly off walls, ceilings, glass, floors, and furniture. This creates a “noise cloud” that builds up over time.

Acoustic panels absorb these reflections, preventing sound from repeatedly bouncing around.

Result: the room feels quieter and more controlled.

2. They Reduce Reverberation Time (RT60)

Reverberation time is the time it takes for sound to fade after the source stops.

Open-plan offices and commercial spaces often have high ceilings and hard surfaces, which leads to long RT60.

Acoustic panels lower reverberation time, which reduces the “constant noise” effect.

Result: less background noise and improved comfort.

3. They Improve Speech Clarity

One major complaint in open-plan spaces is:

“I can hear people talking, but I can’t focus.”

That’s because reverberation makes speech spread across the room and overlap. When acoustic panels absorb mid and high frequencies, conversations become clearer and less chaotic.

Result: speech becomes more understandable nearby, while distant voices become less disturbing.

4. They Reduce Listening Fatigue and Stress

In noisy open-plan environments, the brain works harder to filter unwanted sounds. Over time, this causes fatigue, stress, and reduced productivity.

Acoustic treatment helps create a calmer sound environment, making it easier to work, relax, or communicate.

What Types of Noise Can Acoustic Panels Reduce?

Acoustic panels are best for controlling:

✔ Human Speech Noise

Speech is the biggest noise issue in open offices, restaurants, and coworking spaces. Acoustic panels absorb speech frequencies, making the space feel less overwhelming.

✔ Echo and “Hollow Room Sound”

Large rooms often sound empty and harsh. Panels reduce the “boomy” or “shouting” effect.

✔ General Background Noise

In busy environments, panels lower the overall sound buildup, which improves comfort.

What Noise Can Acoustic Panels NOT Reduce?

Acoustic panels are not designed to solve:

✘ Impact Noise (Footsteps Above)

Footsteps from upstairs require soundproofing solutions like underlayment, floating floors, or ceiling isolation systems.

✘ Mechanical Noise (HVAC, Machines)

Panels help reduce reflections but cannot eliminate noise generated by machines. This may require noise barriers or specialized enclosures.

✘ Full Privacy Between Areas

If you need private meeting rooms, you will need partitions, sealed walls, and soundproof doors.

However, acoustic panels can still improve privacy by reducing sound reflections.

Are Acoustic Panels Worth It for Open-Plan Offices?

Yes. Open-plan offices are one of the most common applications for acoustic panels because they improve:

• productivity

• employee comfort

• meeting quality

• phone call clarity

• workplace satisfaction

Many companies invest in open office design for collaboration, but without acoustic treatment, the space often becomes inefficient.

Installing acoustic panels is one of the most cost-effective upgrades for open office noise control.

Best Acoustic Solutions for Open-Plan Spaces

1. Ceiling Acoustic Panels (Highly Recommended)

In open-plan areas, ceilings are usually the largest reflective surface. Installing acoustic panels on the ceiling can significantly reduce echo.

Ceiling treatment is often the fastest way to improve acoustics in large spaces.

2. Wall Acoustic Panels for Reflection Control

Wall panels are effective when installed at:

• first reflection points

• large empty walls

• behind seating zones

• near meeting areas

3. Wood Slat Acoustic Panels for Design + Performance

For modern interiors, wood slat acoustic panels are one of the most popular choices.

They offer:

• high-end architectural aesthetics

• excellent echo reduction

• improved speech clarity

• durability for commercial spaces

• easy installation

Wood slat panels are especially suitable for:

• open-plan offices

• coworking spaces

• hotel lobbies

• cafés and restaurants

• shopping malls

• reception areas

Are Wood Slat Acoustic Panels Effective in Open Spaces?

Yes. Wood slat acoustic panels are highly effective for open-plan noise control when properly designed.

They work through a combination of:

• wood slats that help diffuse sound reflections

• acoustic felt backing that absorbs sound energy

• optional mineral wool or insulation behind panels for enhanced performance

This makes them an excellent solution for large commercial interiors that require both acoustic performance and visual appeal.

Where Should Acoustic Panels Be Placed in Open-Plan Spaces?

For best results, panels should be installed strategically rather than randomly.

Recommended Areas

• ceilings above workstations

• walls facing each other (to reduce sound bouncing)

• behind reception desks

• near collaborative zones

• around meeting corners

• above dining tables in restaurants

• near hallways and open corridors

A combination of ceiling and wall treatment typically produces the best acoustic improvement.

How Many Acoustic Panels Are Needed for an Open-Plan Area?

There is no fixed number, but for open-plan spaces, many acoustic designers recommend treating:

• 20%–40% of total surface area (walls + ceiling)

In large open offices with high ceilings and glass walls, coverage may need to be higher.

The goal is to reduce reverberation without making the room feel acoustically “dead.”

Acoustic Panels vs Soundproofing: Which Is Better for Open Spaces?

For open-plan environments, acoustic panels are usually more practical than soundproofing.

Acoustic Panels (Best Choice for Open-Plan)

• reduce echo and noise buildup

• improve comfort and speech clarity

• cost-effective

• easy installation

• modern design options

Soundproofing (More Complex)

• blocks sound transmission

• requires structural construction

• expensive and time-consuming

• not always possible in existing buildings

That’s why acoustic panels are widely used in commercial open spaces.

Why Choose Guangdong Leeyin Acoustics for Acoustic Panels?

At Guangdong Leeyin Acoustics, we specialize in manufacturing high-quality wood slat wall panels and acoustic panels for global projects.

As one of China’s leading exporters of wood slat acoustic panels, we support importers, wholesalers, interior contractors, and project developers with stable production and consistent quality.

Our Manufacturing Advantages

• 20,000㎡ modern factory

• strong production capacity for large-scale commercial orders

• strict quality management based on international standards

• professional export packaging and logistics support

• customizable finishes, veneers, sizes, and felt backing colors

Our wood slat acoustic panels are designed to meet the needs of modern interiors where both aesthetics and acoustic performance matter.