How Many Polyester Acoustic Panels Do I Need and Where Should They Go?
One of the most common questions we receive is, “How many acoustic panels do I actually need?” The answer depends on the size of the room, the surfaces, and how the space is used. This guide explains simple rules of thumb for polyester (PET) acoustic panels and how to place them for the best effect.
Why the Number and Placement of Panels Matter
Too few panels and you will still have echo and poor speech clarity. Too many in the wrong places and the room can feel dull or unbalanced. The goal is to reduce reflections enough to make speech clear and comfortable, while keeping the space lively and usable.
A Simple Rule of Thumb for PET Acoustic Panels
For most commercial and education interiors, a good starting point is to treat around 20–30% of the main hard surfaces (walls and ceiling combined). From there, you can adjust up or down depending on how the room sounds and how it is used.
- Small meeting room (10–20 m²): 4–8 wall panels or a mix of wall panels and a small ceiling cloud.
- Classroom (50–70 m²): A combination of wall panels and ceiling panels covering around 25–35% of surfaces.
- Open-plan office or studio: A mix of wall panels, ceiling baffles and screens to break up reflections across the whole space.
- Large hall or gym: Greater coverage is often required. Ceiling baffles and high-level wall panels are commonly used.
Polyester PET panels are flexible in size and layout, so you can achieve this coverage using feature walls, clouds, baffles, pinboards or printed panels.
Where Should the Panels Be Installed?
1. Treat the First Reflection Points
Start by treating the surfaces where sound first reflects between people speaking and the listeners. In a meeting room or classroom, this usually means:
- Side walls near the main seating area
- Wall behind the presenter or display
- Ceiling area above the main listening zone
2. Use the Ceiling for Even Coverage
Ceiling-mounted polyester panels, tiles or clouds are very effective because they sit above the whole room. In classrooms, offices and halls, ceiling treatment helps create an even acoustic field without taking up wall space.
3. Break Up Large, Hard Wall Areas
Long, bare walls are a major source of echo. Use PET wall panels, pinboards or acoustic art to break up these surfaces. In open offices, hallways and multipurpose spaces, this can make a noticeable difference to comfort.
4. Consider Height and Activity
- Seated spaces: Focus treatment between desk height and ceiling level.
- Standing or active spaces: Gyms, foyers and halls often benefit from higher panels and ceiling baffles.
Step-by-Step: Working Out How Many Panels You Need
- Measure the room: Note the length, width and height, plus the main wall and ceiling areas.
- Identify hard surfaces: Plasterboard, concrete, glass and timber all reflect sound.
- Estimate coverage: Aim for 20–30% of wall and ceiling area as a starting point.
- Choose panel types: Decide whether you need wall panels, pinboards, ceiling clouds, tiles or baffles.
- Lay out a simple plan: Sketch where panels will go, focusing first on the main seating or activity zone.
Typical PET Acoustic Solutions by Room Type
| Room Type | Typical Coverage | Suggested Decrasound PET Products |
|---|---|---|
| Small Meeting Room | 20–30% of walls and/or ceiling | Acoustiscreen wall panels, small ceiling clouds or tiles |
| Classroom | 25–35% of combined surfaces | Acoustiscreen wall panels, PET ceiling tiles, pinboard walls |
| Open-Plan Office | 20–30% spread across the space | Wall panels, DecraBaffle, DecraCloud, desk screens |
| Hall, Gym or Community Space | 30% or more, depending on use | DecraBaffle, Acoustiscreen high wall panels, large ceiling clouds |
Need Help Sizing Your Acoustic Solution?
Every space is different, and these guidelines are only a starting point. Decrasound can review your plans or photos and recommend the number of polyester acoustic panels, product types and layout that will work best for your project.
Contact our team for a practical recommendation or to request PET panel samples.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acoustic Panel Quantities
How many polyester acoustic panels do I need for my room?
A useful guideline is to treat 20–30% of the hard surfaces in the room. The exact number depends on the size, surface materials and how the space is used.
Where should acoustic panels be placed for the best results?
Panels are most effective at first reflection points, large bare walls and ceiling areas above the main seating or working zone.
Do ceilings or walls provide better acoustic treatment?
Both can be effective. Ceilings help create even coverage, while walls reduce direct reflections. Many spaces benefit from a mix of both.
How do I calculate the right amount of acoustic coverage?
Measure the room, identify the reflective surfaces and aim for around 20–30% treatment. Large halls or gyms may require higher coverage.
Which Decrasound products are best for different room types?
Meeting rooms suit wall panels and small clouds. Classrooms benefit from a mix of wall panels and ceiling tiles. Open offices often use baffles, screens and feature panels.
