Five Common Acoustic Design Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Effective acoustic design is crucial for creating comfortable and functional spaces, whether a bustling restaurant, a serene office, or a dynamic classroom; however, some projects fail to achieve the desired results because of a few common design mistakes. From improper product placement to neglecting aesthetics, these errors can compromise both sound quality and visual appeal. Here are six common pitfalls in acoustic design and how to avoid them:

#1

Forgetting Room Functionality

One of the most frequent mistakes in acoustic design is overlooking the specific function of a room. While this one might seem easy, it can sometimes be forgotten that each space has unique acoustic needs depending on its purpose. What works in one environment may not be suitable for another.  

For example, in a classroom setting, the goal might be to enhance speech clarity so students can easily hear the teacher from any part of the room; however, the same space is also used for group study sessions, so the focus may shift to controlling ambient noise. 

#2

Poor Product Placement

Some assume that placing acoustic panels on any available wall or ceiling surface will solve a space’s sound issues, but this approach often leads to disappointing results. Effective acoustic treatment requires strategic placement to manage sound reflections and absorption effectively. 

Acoustic panels should be placed in key areas, such as the points where sound first reflects off surfaces, ceilings above noise sources, and spots where sound energy is concentrated. Imagine a conference room where acoustic panels are placed only on the back wall; however, the primary issue in the room is the sound reflection is coming from the ceiling and front walls, where the front-of-room speaker’s voice travels.  

In this case, the sound may still create an echo and make it difficult for people sitting at the back to hear clearly. To fix this, panels should be placed on the ceiling, and perhaps even on the front wall behind the speaker, ensuring sound is absorbed from all reflective surfaces to maintain clarity. 

#3

Choosing the Wrong Product

Another common mistake is choosing the wrong acoustic product or material. Not all products serve the same purpose—some are designed to absorb, block, mask, or diffuse sound (read more on the Basics of Soundscaping on the differences). Selecting a product without fully understanding its properties can result in less-than-optimal performance. 

For example, a panel with a low Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) may not effectively absorb the sound frequencies most problematic in your space. It’s important to choose products based on their ability to address specific sound issues.  

And while the NRC value is informative, it doesn’t tell the whole story. How a product is mounted, the base on which it is installed, the total amount of sound-reflective or absorptive material in the room, the number of inhabitants, all of these factors come together to create an environment that is not at all like a reverberation chamber in a sound lab. For this reason, we will always recommend consulting with acoustics specialists to help you specify the right product to achieve the experience you desire.   

#4

Overlooking Aesthetics

Acoustic design is often seen as purely functional, with little regard for aesthetics. Yet, the visual aspect of acoustic products is just as important, especially in environments where the look and feel matter as much as sound quality.  

Poor visual integration can create a bland or unattractive environment, reducing user satisfaction. Many modern acoustic products are designed to be both effective and visually appealing, available in a variety of colors, textures, and patterns. It’s worthwhile to explore customizable options that align with the interior design goals of the space while ensuring acoustic performance. 

#5

Neglecting Maintenance and Adjustments

Acoustic solutions are not a one-time fix. Over time, the way a space is used may change, and acoustic treatments might need adjustments to remain effective. This includes regular maintenance of acoustic panels, such as cleaning, inspecting them for damage, or repositioning and adding panels if the room’s purpose evolves. 

Like many products, acoustic solutions are subject to wear and tear. Take wall panels in high-traffic areas, for example. Environmental exposure, cleaning, and impact damage can all contribute to gradual wear. Occasional updates may be necessary to maintain optimal performance, and regular evaluation ensures the space continues to meet its acoustic goals as needs change. 

However, investing in durable, high-quality acoustic products can minimize the need for frequent replacements. That’s why our acoustic solutions come with a minimum 10-year warranty, offering peace of mind that your investment is protected. 

By understanding and avoiding these common mistakes, designers and architects can create spaces that are acoustically sound and visually appealing. Proper planning, thoughtful material selection, and ongoing maintenance are key to achieving the best possible outcomes in any acoustic project.