20 Feb 2024

Acoustic Wall Decor: Merely beautiful or actually essential?

/uploads/2024_07_18_100616_Picfeelogoteam.png Team Picfee

Discover the impact of acoustic wall decor in every space, whether at home or in the office, in just 2 minutes. We've delved into it for you, so you're fully informed about the significance of acoustic wall decor.

Acoustic wall art 

Just a beautiful trend or actual an necessety?

Discover the impact of acoustic wall decor in every space, whether at home or in the office, in just 3 minutes. We've delved into it for you, so you're fully informed about the significance of acoustic wall decor.

 

Loud noises that occur repeatedly in the same place in the house, something you never noticed before but now keeps recurring just when you're in an online meeting at home. But why do these noises sound like that, what effect do they have, and more importantly, what can you do about them?

We can all agree that since the onset of COVID-19, it has caused us to experience and appreciate our homes and workspaces in a whole new way. We've had experiences that we previously overlooked simply because we spent less time at home or were mostly working in a different, more noisy environment.

Now, with many office jobs offering the option of working partially from home, also known as hybrid working, you're starting to appreciate your work environment differently, and elements like noise and echo suddenly stand out more.

In combination with any children at home or a partner who often speaks, noise, and particularly the clamor it creates, have become much more impactful on a daily basis.

In this blog, you'll learn why noises sound sharper, what effect they have on you, and of course, some tips on what you can do about it.

 

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Acoustic print material

 

The Effect of Hard and Soft Materials

In your home, noises typically arise from three main sources: children's toys during enthusiastic play, voices from conversations among occupants, and the frequent use of household appliances.

 

But why do these noises seem louder and more irritating at home compared to, say, in an office environment? 

The answer is quite simple: it's due to the lack of soft materials in your home. Hard materials such as walls, furniture, and windows reflect sound, not just in echoey spaces, but also in everyday areas like your living room, kitchen, or attic when there's a shortage of soft materials.

In recent years, the trend of adopting a sleek industrial look for homes has become popular. Many new-build houses boast beautiful poured floors and smoothly plastered walls and ceilings. While this aesthetic is appealing, achieving the right balance between hard and soft materials is crucial for every interior. 

But what are soft materials, and how much impact do they have? It's quite simple: envision how a bat navigates in nature. A bat emits an ultrasonic sound and receives its reflection, allowing it to navigate. Similarly, in your living room, elements producing sound are reflected and amplified in the absence of sufficient soft materials.

Adding elements like furniture, a rug, and curtains can mitigate this effect to some extent. However, simply laying down a rug or furnishing a couple of pieces won't suffice for comprehensive sound absorption and reduction.

An easy and increasingly appealing solution to introduce ample soft materials into your home is by incorporating acoustic wall panels. These panels combine beauty and functionality. While traditionally wall decor served only visual purposes or reflected personal preferences, acoustic wall decor now offers a dual benefit.

By installing acoustic wall decor in your living room or any other room, you create a space where sound is absorbed, resulting in reduced reverberation and softened harsh noises. It's true when we say that investing in acoustic wall panels can genuinely alleviate headaches.

 

How to Calculate the Required Amount of Acoustic Wall Decor?

You can easily measure the required amount of acoustic wall decor. As a general rule, we recommend allocating at least 20% of the floor area before you notice significant changes in sound. For example:

  • For a 10 m2 area, you'd need 2 m2 of acoustic wall decor.
  • For a 20 m2 area, you'd need 4 m2.
  • For a 35 m2 area, you'd need 7 m2.
  • For a 60 m2 area, you'd need 12 m2.

The quantity of acoustic prints needed also depends on whether you opt for the basic or pro version, offering even quicker and more impactful sound absorption.

 

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Basic print (0,65) vs Pro print (0,90)

 

What makes our acoustic prints special?

Our acoustic prints absorb sound waves and improve acoustics across various dimensions. Made from recycled denim, they contribute to sustainable production. The fabric panels are bonded with acoustic materials, comprising nearly 90% cotton fibers from recycled jeans, which not only enhances sustainability but also offers superior sound absorption.

  • Basic Acoustic Print: With an α-value of 0.65, our basic acoustic print absorbs 65% of sound in the designated space.

  • Pro Acoustic Print: Featuring an α-value of 0.90, our pro version includes an extra layer of acoustic material for increased absorption and depth, albeit protruding further from the wall.

 

 

 

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Our acoustic wall art comes with a black or a white metal frame

 

 

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Choosing Acoustic Wall Decor: DIY or Professional Advice: If you already know what you want and have researched the outstanding quality of our acoustic wall decor, you can easily browse our selection and choose acoustic wall decor materials on our website.

However, if you lack experience or are uncertain, don't worry! Our experts at Picfee offer free advice. Feel free to reach out via email at hello@picfee.com or fill in the contact form here.

Conclusion: Acoustic wall decor is an effective and attractive way to improve room acoustics and enhance overall experience. With various materials and options available, there's always a solution that fits the style and function of the space.

Consider incorporating acoustic wall decor into your home or office spaces if you feel that sound is working against you rather than for you. Good luck!

 

 

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Klantfoto - akoestische print olifant

 

Now that you've scrolled this far, we want to provide you with a little extra. Below, you'll find the most frequently asked questions and answers about acoustic wall decor for home or office. 

 

How does acoustic wall decor work exactly?
Acoustic wall decor works by absorbing sound waves in a space, thereby improving acoustics. This is because the materials of the decor are porous, allowing them to absorb and retain sound waves. As a result, reverberation in a space is reduced, and sound is dampened.

Is acoustic wall decor only suitable for large spaces? No, acoustic wall decor is suitable for all types of spaces, both large and small. In smaller spaces, it can even be more effective because acoustic issues are often more pronounced than in larger spaces.

Is acoustic wall decor expensive? The price of acoustic wall decor depends on the material and size of the decor. There are cheaper options available, as well as more expensive and luxurious materials. Generally, acoustic wall decor is a worthwhile investment because it can improve the quality of a space and contribute to a pleasant environment for working or living.

Can acoustic wall decor be customized? Yes, at Picfee, we offer the option to customize acoustic wall decor. This allows the decor to perfectly fit the space and desired style. Just send us an email with your preferences, and we'll be happy to assist you.

Which materials are suitable for acoustic wall decor? There are various materials suitable for acoustic wall decor, including textile, denim, wood, and even moss. Each material has its own unique properties and benefits, and the choice of material depends on the desired appearance and function of the wall decor.

Which spaces can benefit from acoustic wall decor? Acoustic wall decor can be used in a wide variety of spaces, including open offices, meeting rooms, restaurants, hotels, schools, homes, and even hospitals. In these spaces, wall decor can contribute to improved acoustics and create a more pleasant environment for working or staying.

In conclusion, acoustic wall decor is an effective and attractive way to improve the acoustics of a space and enhance the overall experience. There are various materials and options available, ensuring there's always an option that suits the style and function of the space. Consider implementing acoustic wall decor in your home or office spaces if you feel that sound is working against you rather than for you.

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