Cost-effective ways to manage noise in commercial spaces

Following our recent blog about the importance of acoustics, Horton Interiors Design Director, Neelanchana Kumar has rounded up some of the most effective ways to manage noise without having to invest in expensive products.

1. Use acoustic panels and baffles: Installing acoustic panels or baffles on walls and ceilings is a relatively inexpensive way to absorb sound and reduce reverberation. Baffles work especially well in large spaces with high ceilings because they provide a larger absorptive surface area, are simple to install, and can be positioned at various heights.
2. Furniture arrangement: The strategic placement of furniture can help absorb or block sound waves and reduce noise propagation. Use larger, heavier pieces, such as bookshelves, cabinets, and upholstered furniture, to create barriers and break up the path of sound.
3. Utilise rugs and carpets: Hard flooring surfaces, such as tile or hardwood, can reflect sound and contribute to noise build-up. Placing rugs or carpets in high-traffic areas or spaces where noise control is important absorbs sound and minimises reverberation, resulting in a quieter environment.
4. Sealing gaps and cracks: Identify and seal any gaps or cracks in walls, windows, doors, and other structural elements. This prevents noise from flowing in from outside and between different rooms.
5. Improve door and window insulation: Doors and windows are common sources of noise leakage. Enhancing their insulation by using weatherstripping or adding seals can help reduce the amount of sound that enters or exits a room. 
6. Add sound-absorbing curtains or blinds: Sound-absorbing curtains or blinds can reduce noise by absorbing sound waves and preventing them from bouncing off hard surfaces.
7. Implement noise etiquette: Educate occupants and employees to promote awareness of noise etiquette. Encourage them to be mindful of noise levels, especially in shared spaces, and adopt practices, such as using headphones, keeping conversations at reasonable volumes, and avoiding unnecessary loud activities.
8. Optimise HVAC system design: A poorly designed and maintained HVAC system can contribute to noise generated by air handling units, fans, or ductwork. Choose the right location for the unit and consider covering it with soundproof materials.
9. Integrate sound-absorbing finishes: When selecting interior finishes and materials, prioritise options with sound-absorbing properties. For example, choosing acoustic ceiling tiles or wall panels that offer aesthetic appeal and noise reduction capabilities can be a cost-effective way to improve the acoustic environment without compromising the look and feel.

There are many ways to improve the acoustics of your space, with new approaches and innovations being developed all the time. If you want more information, contact us to discuss your requirements and we’ll recommend the most suitable Interior design and fit-out solutions for you.