Noise changes how a space feels. Too much echo makes rooms feel cold. Muffled sound makes speech hard to follow. That is where acoustic panels come in. They help control sound so rooms feel calmer, clearer, and easier to live or work in.
In Australian homes and commercial spaces, sound control is no longer just for studios. People now use acoustic panels in living rooms, offices, bedrooms, cafés, and covered outdoor areas. Picking the right panel matters though. Material, size, and placement all affect how well they work. For practical ideas on acoustic panels for walls, see our design inspiration for living rooms, offices, and studios.
This guide walks through everything step by step, in plain language, so you can make a confident choice.
What Acoustic Panels Do
Acoustic panels do not block noise from entering a room. They absorb sound once it is inside, reducing echo, reverb, and harsh reflections.
Sound waves hit hard surfaces like plasterboard, glass, and concrete. They bounce back into the room, creating echo and noise buildup. Panels absorb those waves instead.
You notice the difference quickly. Voices sound clearer, music feels tighter, and rooms feel more comfortable. They work best in spaces with lots of flat surfaces such as apartments, offices, and modern homes. For insights on how acoustic ceiling panels enhance spaces, check this guide on ceiling panels.
Common Reasons People Buy Acoustic Panels
Most buyers start with a problem. Here are the most common ones seen across Australian homes and businesses.
- Echo and poor speech clarity: Open plan rooms often sound hollow. Meetings feel tiring. Conversations overlap.
- Bedroom noise issues: Traffic, neighbours, and shared walls can make sleep harder. Consider acoustic panels for bedroom walls to soften noise.
- Home offices and video calls: Hard walls bounce sound back into microphones. Panels clean up audio fast.
- Commercial interiors: Cafés, clinics, and retail spaces need better sound comfort without hurting design. Learn why designers choose CLADsmart panels for commercial fit-outs.
- Design upgrades: Modern panels now double as wall features. They are no longer hidden or ugly. Explore more in our interior design trends for acoustic spaces.
Types of Acoustic Panel Materials
1. Timber and Slatted Panels
Slatted designs combine timber or wood-look battens with acoustic backing, absorbing sound while adding warmth.
Pros: Strong visual appeal, good mid-range absorption, popular in Australian interiors
Best for: Feature walls, living spaces, commercial fit-outs
Many slatted systems use WPC panels for stability and moisture resistance. See more customer stories on panel transformations.
2. PET Felt Panels
Made from recycled plastic fibres, lightweight and easy to install.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly
- Flexible shapes
- Good speech absorption
Best for: Schools, offices, creative spaces
3. Fabric Wrapped Panels
Most common indoor option, using an absorbent core wrapped in fabric. Works well for speech and general noise.
Pros:
- Good sound absorption
- Many colour choices
- Clean, soft look
Best for: Offices, living rooms, acoustic panels for walls
4. Foam Panels
Often seen in studios.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Strong absorption at certain frequencies
Cons:
- Limited design appeal
- Can degrade over time
Outdoor and Semi-Exterior Options
Standard panels do not suit outdoor use. Moisture and UV break them down.
Tip: For alfresco areas or external walls, use systems that combine panels for exterior wall use with acoustic backing. Some setups pair acoustic cores with composite cladding or Melbourne cladding systems to handle weather.
Understanding Acoustic Panel Sizes and Thickness
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Panel Thickness: Bedrooms and offices usually benefit from thicker panels. Thicker panels absorb lower frequencies better.
- 12–25 mm: works for light echo
- 40 mm and above: handles deeper sound
- Panel Size and Coverage: One small panel will not fix a noisy room.
- General Guide: Cover 20–30% of wall surface. Spread panels across key reflection points. Large panels reduce echo faster. Smaller panels help fine-tune sound.
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Modular vs Full Wall Systems
- Modular panels give flexibility.
- Full wall systems create a strong visual impact.
- Slatted panels often come as full-height systems; fabric panels work well in modular layouts.
For the best acoustic wall panels for modern interiors, see CLADsmart’s full range.
Where to Place Acoustic Panels for Best Results
Placement often matters more than quantity.
- First Reflection Points: Sound hits the wall first. Use a mirror along the wall to find reflection points and place panels there.
- Behind Seating and Work Areas: Panels behind sofas, desks, and beds absorb sound bouncing back toward you.
- Ceilings and Corners: Ceiling panels reduce echo in open spaces. Corner placement helps manage bass build-up.
- Avoid Overdoing It: Too many panels can make rooms feel flat. Balance absorption with natural reflection using timber, slats, and mixed materials.
For more acoustic panel inspiration, check out our gallery of real installations.
Choosing the Best Acoustic Panels for Your Bedroom, Office, or Commercial Space
Each space has different needs.
- Living Rooms: Focus on echo control without killing warmth. Slatted timber or WPC panels work well; pair with fabric panels on side walls.
- Bedrooms: Comfort comes first. Use acoustic panels for bedroom walls behind the bed or on shared walls. Thicker fabric panels work best. Keep colours soft.
- Home Offices: Speech clarity matters. Use acoustic panels behind screens and on side walls; PET felt panels work well.
- Commercial Interiors: Durability and style matter. Slatted systems, composite cladding, and impact-resistant panels suit high traffic areas.
- Covered Outdoor Spaces: Standard panels fail outdoors. Use moisture-rated systems paired with panels for exterior wall products.
See the full range of acoustic panels for walls and ceilings for your project.
Acoustic vs Decorative Wall Panels with CLADsmart
CLADsmart wall panels offer the perfect blend of design and function. While decorative panels are primarily about aesthetics, acoustic panels are engineered to improve sound quality. Many of CLADsmart’s slatted panels do both: featuring stylish finishes with acoustic backing that helps reduce echo and reverberation.
When choosing panels, always consider their sound absorption performance. A beautiful design alone won’t fix acoustic issues, but CLADsmart panels give you both style and functionality in one.
Installation Options and What to Expect
- Adhesive Fixing: Suitable for lightweight panels. Surfaces must be clean, dry, and level for a secure bond.
- Screw Fixing: Ideal for heavier panels or slatted designs. Provides a durable hold and allows panels to be removed or replaced if needed.
- Track Systems: Commonly used in commercial applications. Panels clip into pre-installed tracks, making installation quick and enabling easy replacement.
- Professional Installation: Ensures correct alignment, spacing, and expansion gaps, particularly for larger or complex projects, resulting in a neat, long-lasting finish.
Maintenance and Longevity
- Fabric Panels: Vacuum lightly, spot clean stains.
- Timber/WPC Panels: Dust regularly; avoid harsh cleaners.
- Outdoor-Rated Systems: Rinse with water; check fixings yearly.
High-quality materials cost more upfront but save money long-term.
Acoustic Panel Costs in Australia: Budget & Material Tips
Prices vary based on material, thickness, and finish:
- Foam and PET felt: lower range
- Fabric: mid-range
- Slatted/composite cladding: higher range
Ways to Save:
- Treat problem areas first
- Mix panel types
- Use feature walls instead of full coverage
Common Buying Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying too thin panels. They look good but do little for sound.
- Ignoring placement. Even the best panel fails in the wrong spot.
- Choosing looks over performance
- Always check absorption data.
- Assuming panels block noise. They manage sound inside a room, not outside noise.
How Acoustic Panels Fit Modern Australian Design
Sound control now blends with style. Slatted timber fits coastal and modern homes. Neutral fabric panels suit minimalist spaces. Dark felt panels add drama to offices and studios.
In Melbourne, designers often integrate acoustic panels into full wall systems using Melbourne cladding and architectural finishes.
FAQ: Acoustic Panels
Can acoustic panels block outside noise?
No. They absorb internal reflections but do not stop sound from entering the room. Use window seals or exterior cladding for external noise.
Can I install acoustic panels myself?
Yes, lightweight fabric and PET felt panels are easy to install with adhesive or screws. Heavier slatted panels may need professional installation.
How much wall coverage do I need?
Start with 20–30% coverage of key reflection points. Adjust based on room size, echo, and panel thickness.
Final Advice Before You Buy
Start with your room, not just the panel. Listen carefully: notice echoes, harsh reflections, and where sound bounces. Choose materials and finishes that suit your space. Pick panel sizes that actually absorb sound, and position them where the sound hits first for maximum effect.
Whether you’re designing a home office, upgrading a bedroom, or planning a commercial space, CLADsmart acoustic panels transform the way a room feels: quickly and beautifully. Sound shapes our experience of space, and when it feels right, everything else follows.
Explore the full range of CLADsmart acoustic panels today and see the options in person at our showroom.