Once reserved for recording studios, acoustic panels for walls have become a hallmark of modern interior design across Melbourne homes and workplaces. As open-plan living, home studios, and remote workspaces continue to rise, more homeowners and designers are turning to acoustic panelling for walls to combine style with sound comfort.
Brands like CLADsmart have redefined what acoustic design can look like. Our premium acoustic slat panels, featuring wood-veneer finishes and recycled felt backing, are engineered for effortless DIY installation while delivering professional-level performance. Designed to complement contemporary interiors, CLADsmart’s panels merge natural textures with cutting-edge sound absorption, perfect for anyone looking to bring peace and sophistication to their space.
In this guide, we’ll explore inspiring design ideas and practical ways to use acoustic panels for walls to elevate your interiors, whether you’re after a minimalist, Scandinavian vibe, or a warm, timber-accented workspace.
Why Acoustic Panels Matter
Acoustic panels help improve sound quality by reducing echo, absorbing noise, and managing sound reflection. When placed on walls or ceilings, they balance how sound travels in a room, perfect for living rooms, home offices, and creative studios.
A quieter environment also supports wellbeing and mental focus. Studies show that less background noise helps people stay productive, relaxed, and clear-headed. CLADsmart’s acoustic slat panels combine design and performance. Each panel is crafted with a stylish wood veneer surface and a recycled felt backing that absorbs sound naturally. They’re lightweight, easy to install, and available in modern finishes, including white acoustic panels that suit minimalist or contemporary interiors.
If you’re searching for the best acoustic panels in Melbourne, CLADsmart offers a smart, sustainable way to transform your space, turning noisy rooms into calm, comfortable places to live, work, or create.
Types of Acoustic Panels to Know
Before choosing the right style for your project, it helps to understand the different categories available, each offering unique design and acoustic benefits.
1. Slatted Timber Panels
One of the most popular styles across acoustic panels Melbourne homeowners and designers love, slatted timber panels offer natural warmth and texture while improving sound control.
CLADsmart’s acoustic slat panels, made from composite timber with recycled felt backing, deliver a sustainable and modern touch that aligns perfectly with Melbourne’s eco-conscious architecture. Their wood-veneer finish and sleek lamella strips create a contemporary, minimalist look suited for any interior palette.
Learn more about choosing the best acoustic wall panels for modern interiors.
2. Fabric-Wrapped Panels
Perfect for homes and offices, these panels are wrapped in high-quality acoustic fabric that softens echoes and adds a refined finish. They’re highly customisable in colour and texture, making them ideal for spaces that need subtle sophistication.
3. 3D Acoustic Panels
If you’re after a statement wall, 3D panels are your go-to option. Their sculpted surfaces add visual depth while diffusing sound waves effectively, great for studios, creative offices, or entertainment zones. Combine white acoustic panels with soft lighting to achieve a bright, elegant contrast that feels both modern and spacious.
4. Art Acoustic Panels
For spaces where aesthetics matter as much as acoustics such as living rooms, lounges, or client-facing meeting rooms, art acoustic panels merge visual creativity with functional sound absorption. They can display digital prints, patterns, or custom imagery while maintaining excellent acoustic performance.
5. Ceiling Clouds & Diffusers
Not all acoustic control happens on the wall. Ceiling clouds and diffusers are ideal for high-ceiling areas like studios, restaurants, and open-plan offices. They help balance sound from above while adding a stylish architectural feature that complements the wall design. You can explore more about the benefits of acoustic ceiling panels here.
Design Ideas by Space
1. Living Rooms
Your living room deserves an atmosphere that’s both inviting and acoustically comfortable. Modern acoustic panels for walls can double as design statements while improving sound clarity for conversations, music, or movie nights.
- Blend sound-absorbing art: Opt for textured felt or slatted timber panels that look like sculptural wall art while reducing echo. CLADsmart’s acoustic panels, crafted with sleek wood veneer and recycled felt backing, offer both form and function.
- Follow Melbourne’s 2025 colour palette: Choose muted, earthy tones like eucalyptus green, sandstone beige, or deep ocean blue to bring calm and modernity to your space. Pairing these tones with white acoustic panels or natural wood finishes creates a soothing balance.
- Smart placement: Integrate panels as feature walls, above TV setups, or behind sofas to anchor the space visually and enhance acoustic comfort where it matters most.
These design touches help create an elevated yet cosy environment that reflects today’s sustainable, modern Melbourne interiors.
2. Offices
In offices, acoustic panels for walls aren’t just about style, they directly impact focus, privacy, and productivity.
- Zoning for productivity: Use wall panels behind desks or along meeting-room walls to dampen noise and define work zones. For open-plan environments, consider freestanding divider panels or ceiling baffles to control reverberation.
- Brand integration: For a cohesive corporate aesthetic, panels can be matched to company colours or even custom-printed with logos. CLADsmart’s versatile acoustic range allows flexible combinations for commercial spaces across Melbourne.
- Affordable retrofits: Home-office users can try stick-on PET felt panels or modular foam tiles, an easy and low-cost way to upgrade sound quality without a major renovation.
By combining function and design, acoustic panels Melbourne professionals trust help foster calmer, more efficient workplaces.
3. Studios
For music producers, podcasters, and content creators, achieving the perfect sound environment is essential. Purpose-built acoustic panelling for walls offers both technical precision and visual appeal.
- Performance-grade treatments: Pair high-density foam, bass traps, and diffusers with CLADsmart’s wood-slatted acoustic panels to achieve crystal-clear acoustics.
- Design with mood: Darker tones such as black, walnut, or charcoal panels create visual depth while minimising glare, ideal for focused creative work.
- Hybrid designs: Combine wood-slatted and fabric panels for a professional-grade studio look that suits both home setups and recording suites.
For more specialised guidance, check out our guide on the best acoustic panels for home studio setups in 2025. Whether you’re designing a podcast studio or a video editing space, CLADsmart’s solutions offer the durability, elegance, and sound control that professionals need.
Practical Buying Tips
1. Assess Your Acoustic Needs
Determine whether your room struggles with high-frequency echo (common in tiled or minimalistic spaces) or low-frequency resonance (typical in larger rooms or with speakers/subwoofers). Different materials perform better in different sound ranges—felt-backed acoustic panels for walls absorb higher frequencies, while denser cores help with bass control.
2. Explore Local Melbourne Suppliers
For those in Melbourne, there’s a growing community of local suppliers offering eco-friendly and design-driven solutions. CLADsmart is a Melbourne-based cladding supplier offering premium acoustic slat panels made from recycled materials, available in stylish finishes like black, teak, walnut, and white. We provide fast local delivery, DIY-friendly installation, and pickup from our Thomastown display centre.
Choosing local suppliers not only supports Melbourne businesses but also reduces lead times and carbon footprint.
3. Consider Installation Methods
There are two main installation options:
- Adhesive Mounting: Ideal for smooth surfaces and quick DIY projects. Use a strong grab adhesive like Soudal Strong As Nails, as recommended for CLADsmart panels.
- Screw Mounting: Provides extra durability, particularly for larger or high-traffic areas. Screws can go directly through the felt backing without compromising aesthetics.
Pro Tip: Estimate your wall coverage area by measuring the total square metres. CLADsmart’s panels cover approximately 1.65 sqm each (2700 × 600mm), handy for calculating your order size and overall acoustic ROI.
Why CLADsmart Acoustic Panels Work So Well
CLADsmart’s acoustic panels (2700 × 600 × 21 mm) feature sleek wood veneer slats mounted on recycled felt, engineered for superior noise reduction and easy installation. Designed for both DIY enthusiasts and professional fit-outs, they deliver measurable acoustic comfort with a premium, contemporary finish.
With local pick-up in Melbourne and fast nationwide delivery, upgrading your walls has never been easier. Whether for a home, café, or studio, CLADsmart panels provide an eco-friendly, design-driven solution to transform your interiors.
Common Questions About Acoustic Panels
Do acoustic panels block noise from neighbours?
Not really. They absorb sound inside the room but don’t block transmission through walls. For that, you’d need insulation or soundproofing layers.
How many panels do I need?
It depends on the room size and echo level. For moderate echo, cover about 15–20% of wall space. For studios or open offices, aim closer to 40–50%.
Can I install them in a rental home?
Yes. Choose adhesive strips or Velcro-backed panels to avoid damaging walls. They’re easy to remove when you move out.
What’s the difference between wall cladding and acoustic panels?
Wall cladding is mainly decorative, while acoustic panels are functional—though modern panels often do both beautifully.
Are white acoustic panels hard to clean?
No. Most are made from stain-resistant fabric or PET felt that can be vacuumed or wiped gently.
Are they suitable for Australia’s climate?
Yes. Most acoustic panel Australia brands design their products to handle humidity, temperature changes, and sunlight without damage.