Have you ever been in a room that just feels noisy and echoey, no matter how quiet you try to be? It can make focusing or relaxing nearly impossible. The solution is acoustic wall panels. With the right panels, you can make any room in your home feel cozier and more comfortable. In this article, we’ll walk through how to choose acoustic wall panels Australia based on the size, layout, and purpose of different rooms. We’ll cover what materials work best, placement tips, and how panels can make your space feel warmer and more welcoming. Whether it’s your home office, bedroom, or living room, we’ve got insider advice on finding wall panels that will make your Australian home a quiet oasis. Let’s dive in and discover how to pick the ideal acoustic solutions for every room.
Choosing the Right Acoustic Wall Panels for Different Rooms
- Living Rooms: Living rooms typically have hard, reflective surfaces that cause sound to reverberate. Absorbing panels are ideal for deadening a living room and creating a cozy vibe. Look for fabric-wrapped panels in complementing colors that can blend in with your decor. For the best results, place panels on opposite walls to absorb sound from all directions.
- Home Offices: If you have a home office, absorbing panels are a must for minimizing distractions. Choose dense, rigid panels that can block out ambient noise from the rest of the house. For video calls, panels placed behind and to the sides of your desk will improve sound quality by absorbing echoes.
- Recording Studios: For a home recording studio, a combination of absorbing and diffusing panels achieves the ideal balance of deadening unwanted reflections while still allowing some diffusion. Place absorbing panels at reflection points in the room, like behind the microphone and monitors. Add diffusing panels to the rear walls to scatter any remaining reflections. The result will be a room with a neutral, balanced acoustic signature perfect for recording.
- Open-Concept Spaces: In open-concept spaces like studio lofts, acoustic panels help define specific areas while improving sound quality. Use freestanding panels to create physical boundaries between spaces in an open floor plan. Within each area, place wall panels based on how the space is used. For example, put absorbing panels in a home cinema area and diffusing panels in a dining area. With some strategic placement of acoustic panels, you can gain more functionality from an open-concept space.
Key Factors to Consider When Selecting Acoustic Panels
Choosing acoustic panels that suit your space comes down to a few key factors. First, you’ll want to consider the panel type. Acoustic panels come in a variety of materials like fabric, wood, and plastic. Fabric and wood tend to offer the best sound absorption, while plastic panels can still work well at a lower cost.
The material the panel is made of directly impacts how much sound it can absorb. Dense, porous materials like fiberglass or mineral wool absorb the most sound and have the highest Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) ratings. However, they may not be the most aesthetically pleasing. If appearance is a concern, look for acoustic panels that have an attractive fabric finish over top a sound-absorbing core.
Fire resistance
In many public and commercial buildings, the fire resistance of building materials is strictly regulated. Acoustic panels must meet certain fire codes to be used. Look for panels with a Class A fire rating, which means they do not readily ignite or spread flames. Fiberglass and mineral wool panels typically offer good sound absorption and meet necessary fire codes.
Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC)
The NRC rating tells you how much sound a panel can absorb. A higher NRC means more sound absorption. For most applications, look for panels with an NRC of 0.70 or higher. The best acoustic panels will have NRC ratings of 0.80 or above.
With the right factors in mind, you can choose high-performing acoustic panels perfectly suited to controlling noise in any Australian space. By balancing performance, appearance, and your budget, you’ll find panels for creating an ideal listening environment.
Reviews of the Top Acoustic Wall Panels in Australia
When it comes to choosing acoustic wall panels for your home in Australia, you have plenty of great options to choose from. Several highly-rated brands offer panels made from various materials in a range of prices to suit any budget.
AUSLET 24-Pack Acoustic Panels
AUSLET is an Australian company that produces high-quality acoustic panels. Their 24-pack of acoustic panels receives top reviews for performance and value. The panels are made from an artificial grass material that effectively absorbs sound while still looking stylish. They work well in home theaters, studios, and offices. The panels are lightweight, fire-resistant and easy to install with the included adhesive. For the quality, the price is very reasonable.
WoodUpp Acoustic Slat Wall Panels
If you prefer the look of natural wood, WoodUpp makes innovative wooden slat wall and acoustic panels that are simple to mount. Their acoustic slat wall panels are sustainably made from real wood and effectively reduce echo and reverberation. The interlocking panels can be arranged in creative patterns to complement your home’s decor. They work great in living rooms, hallways, and conference rooms. Although more expensive than artificial materials, the wood panels make a stunning design statement.
Natural Oak Acoustic Slat Wood Wall Panels
For those who want the warmth of solid wood, Natural Oak’s acoustic slat wood wall panels are expertly crafted from oak for walls and ceilings. The tongue and groove panels absorb sound while adding architectural detail. They provide excellent acoustic performance for their thickness and can help achieve the recommended reverberation time for a space. If you’re looking for a premium, all-natural choice, Natural Oak’s panels are worth the investment.
With various materials, price points and styles to choose from, Australia has some of the best acoustic wall panel options. Whether you want an affordable artificial panel, innovative wooden slats or premium solid oak, you can find high-performing panels perfectly suited for any room in your home. Comparing factors like sound absorption, fire rating, installation method and budget will help you discover the ideal acoustic panels for your needs.
Conclusion
So there you have it – a rundown of how to find the ideal acoustic wall panels for any room in your home. Keep material, color, and installation method in mind as you shop. And don’t stress if you need to tweak your choice after installing – acoustic panels are designed to be moved around until you find that perfect sound balance. Now that you’re armed with expert tips, you can upgrade your space into an acoustic oasis, whether it’s a sleek home theater or your kid’s playroom. With some thoughtful choices, you’ll be set up for sound absorption success.
