Walnut acoustic wall panels in an office
2 April 2026 By Thomas van Zelst
updated on: 14 October 2026

Office acoustics: choosing acoustic panels

± 9 minutes

At a glance: Compare wall panels, desk screens, ceiling treatments and acoustic furniture. Plan office absorption around meetings, focus work and project requirements.

Table of contents

    Start with the way the office is used

    An open office, a meeting room and a call booth have different acoustic needs. List the problems before selecting a product: long reverberation, distracting conversations, poor speech clarity or sound travelling through partitions. Absorption addresses reflections within the room, while sound insulation and speech privacy may require other measures.

    Permanent acoustic wall panels

    Wood slat acoustic panels give a durable visual finish and add absorption to otherwise hard wall surfaces. They suit meeting rooms, reception areas and parts of an open office. Adeqo panels achieve Class A and NRC 0.90 in the tested mounting configuration. Check the installation report and available wall area when estimating performance.

    Desk screens and movable partitions

    Desk screens can interrupt direct sound paths between neighbouring workstations and provide a visual boundary. Their effect depends on height, placement and material. A movable screen can support a flexible layout, but it does not create the acoustic separation of an enclosed room. Ask the supplier for the relevant test data.

    Ceilings, furniture and a combined approach

    Ceiling islands and baffles use overhead space where walls are limited, while acoustic furniture and framed absorbers can complement the layout. Select the combination for the room rather than purchasing several types with overlapping purposes. Lighting, ventilation, sprinklers and maintenance access must remain coordinated with the design.

    Specify commercial requirements early

    Confirm the required fire classification, mounting method and documentation with the project team. Standard panels have B-s1,d0 classified felt; the fire-retardant range also has separately classified MDF. Complete-panel classification requires its own applicable evidence. Share drawings, dimensions and the intended use with Adeqo for a business quotation and the relevant product reports.

    Plan your project with Adeqo

    Compare acoustic wall panels, order finish samples or contact the team for advice. For commercial projects, apply for a business account.

    SolutionAbsorptionFire classificationFlexibility
    Permanent wall panelsAdeqo Class A, NRC 0.90 in the tested configurationStandard felt only; separate range with classified MDFFixed installation
    Movable screensCheck supplier test reportCheck exact product reportMovable
    Ceiling islands and bafflesCheck supplier test reportCheck exact product reportSuspended installation
    Acoustic furniture and framesCheck supplier test reportCheck exact product reportDepends on design
    Phone boothsAssess insulation and room useCheck exact product reportDepends on model and weight

    When should I choose wall panels or movable acoustic screens?

    Wall panels absorb reflections without occupying floor space. Screens can separate workstations and interrupt direct sound paths in an open office, but do not provide the separation of an enclosed room. The right choice depends on layout and use; compare test data and combine treatments where appropriate.

    Which NRC value does my office need?

    There is no single NRC value that guarantees a suitable office acoustic result. NRC describes product absorption under test conditions; room performance also depends on coverage, placement, volume and use. Define the room targets with an acoustic professional, then select the treatment and tested mounting configuration.

    Can I combine wall panels with ceiling absorbers?

    Yes. Wall and ceiling treatment can complement each other, particularly where usable wall area is limited. Plan coverage, mounting, lighting and ventilation together. For performance targets in commercial spaces, ask an acoustic specialist to assess the complete room.

    When should I choose wall panels or movable acoustic screens?

    Wall panels absorb reflections without occupying floor space. Screens can separate workstations and interrupt direct sound paths in an open office, but do not provide the separation of an enclosed room. The right choice depends on layout and use; compare test data and combine treatments where appropriate.

    Which fire classification does my project require?

    The requirement depends on the building use, location and applicable project rules. Have your designer or fire specialist determine the required classification, especially for escape routes and public spaces. Adeqo can supply documentation for the selected product; a product label alone does not confirm compliance of the complete installation.

    Thomas van Zelst

    About the author

    Thomas van Zelst

    Founder of Adeqo · Acoustic wall panels and interior projects

    Thomas van Zelst is the founder of Adeqo. He advises homeowners, architects and businesses on acoustic wall panels, finishes, installation and product documentation.

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