Do you ever find yourself struggling to concentrate in your office? Are phone calls and meetings constantly interrupted by the sound of people typing or papers rustling? If so, it may be time to improve the acoustics in your office. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips that can help make your office a more productive place.
Place Absorbent Materials Like Rugs and Curtains around the Office
Installing rugs and curtains at the office might not be the most exciting decorating endeavour, but it can pay off in improved acoustics. Absorptive materials like these help quell reverberation and reduce echoes from voices, elevators, and air conditioners that otherwise make conversations more difficult to hear clearly, or worse yet, create unpleasant background noise. Achieving an optimal indoor acoustic environment requires a healthy balance between reverberation and absorption. Ensure that enough absorbent materials are present in key areas to keep office noise levels as soundproof as possible.
Install Suspended Ceilings
Installing a suspended ceiling in your office can make a dramatic difference to your auditory experience—ceilings act like giant acoustic reflectors, trapping sound and amplifying it in the room. By installing an Armstrong suspended ceiling, you can isolate this sound and limit its reverberation, preventing it from warping into an unbearable echo chamber effect. You’ll be able to create your own little soundproof bubble where others can talk without distracting or disturbing anyone else.
Use Acoustic Panels to Deaden Reflective Sound Waves
Acoustic panels are highly efficient sound absorbers that can be used to deaden reflective sound waves. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colours, so you can easily find one that complements the look of your office. The most effective acoustic panels will have an absorbent material on one side and a reflective back layer on the other. That way, the unwanted reverberant sounds will get trapped between the wall and the sound panel. By strategically placing acoustic panels on the walls, ceilings and even furniture, you can diminish noise reflection and create a more comfortable acoustic environment.
Add Plants to Further Dampen Noise Levels
While they aren’t the best sound absorbers, strategically placed plants can help to further dampen reverberant noise throughout your office. Plants themselves don’t act as sound absorbers, but they can function in the same way as a sound diffuser. When placed in the right spots, plants can break up sound waves and disperse them in different directions, helping to prevent echoes and sound distortion.
