How many sound absorbers do you need?
Creating a pleasant and functional acoustic environment requires carefully planned sound absorption. By using the right number of sound absorbers, you can effectively reduce reverberation, echo, and disturbing sound reflections, improving the acoustics in everything from offices and schools to restaurants, conference rooms, and home environments.
But how many sound absorbers are needed to achieve a balanced acoustic environment? The answer depends on several factors, including the size of the room, choice of materials, and specific sound issues. Here we explain how to calculate the need for sound absorption and what mounting options are available to create optimal acoustics.
How much sound absorption is required?
The goal of sound absorption is to reduce echo and background noise without making the soundscape feel “dead.” A good rule of thumb is to cover at least 20–30% of the room’s total surface area with sound-absorbing materials. In some cases, such as restaurants, open-plan offices, or recording studios, more absorption may be needed.
Optimal surfaces to absorb sound:
The ceiling
A large open area where sound waves reflect significantly.
Walls
Place absorbers where sound reflections are strongest.
Corners
Perfect for reducing low-frequency sound and resonance.
By strategically placing sound absorbers on these surfaces, you can create a well-balanced acoustic environment without disturbing reverberation.
Calculate the reverberation time in your room
Reverberation time describes how long a sound is heard after the source has stopped. A room with too long reverberation can make conversation difficult to understand, while too little can make the sound feel unnaturally muted.
With our reverberation time calculator, you can easily calculate how much surface area should be covered to achieve optimal acoustics. This is especially important in:
Offices and conference rooms
Improved speech clarity and reduced listener fatigue.
Restaurants and cafés
Lower noise and better conversation environments.
Home environments
Better sound comfort in living rooms, home theaters, and workspaces.
By calculating and adjusting the level of sound absorption, you ensure the room has the right acoustic balance.
Mounting options for sound absorbers
Sound absorbers come with several mounting options, depending on the room’s design and aesthetic preferences.
Ceiling mounting – For effective sound absorption from above
Wire system
Creates a suspended, sleek appearance and provides an airy acoustic solution.
Visible brackets
A simple and sturdy fastening system for ceiling installation.
Vertical brackets
Ideal for suspended ceilings where maximum noise reduction is desired.
Wire baskets
For a more discreet and elegant mounting solution.
Wall mounting – For better sound comfort in conversation areas
Hidden mounts
Provides a minimalist and stylish look.
Visible brackets
Easy and stable installation.
Hook-and-loop fasteners
Perfect for flexible and removable setups.
Corner and diagonal mounting – Extra effective sound control
Special brackets
For absorbing sound in hard-to-reach corners.
Diagonal mounts
To reduce sound reflections between walls and ceiling.
With the right mounting option, you can create an acoustic solution that is both functional and visually appealing.
Improve the sound environment with the right acoustic solution
To achieve an optimal sound environment, it is important to adapt the sound absorption to the specific needs of the room. Whether you are optimizing an office, a restaurant, or a home setting, choosing the right combination of sound absorbers and mounting solutions is essential.
How many sound absorbers you need
The number of sound absorbers needed depends on the room’s size, sound challenges, and intended use. The key factors to consider include:
- At least 20–30% of the room’s surface should be covered for effective noise reduction.
- The ceiling is the best starting point, followed by walls and corners.
- Reverberation time determines how much absorption is needed.
- The right mounting method enhances both acoustics and aesthetics.