In short

An acoustic desk screen is a low-threshold way to limit noise disturbance in an office environment.
Pay attention to absorption class, height, material, and installation—not just the price.
The article honestly compares it with the well-known IKEA screens: what you do and don’t get.

Buying an acoustic desk screen: what should you look for?

An open-plan office without acoustic measures is rarely quiet. Research by Oxford Economics (cited by knowledge platform Werk & Veiligheid) shows that 63% of employees report that the lack of quiet workspaces negatively impacts productivity, satisfaction, and health—and that fewer than 1 in 100 employees can effectively shield themselves from ambient noise. An acoustic office divider is one of the most accessible ways to address this. However, not every screen labeled "acoustic" performs well. This article helps you make the right choice, including a fair comparison with the well-known IKEA screens.

What does an acoustic desk screen do exactly?

An acoustic office divider serves two purposes: it provides visual privacy between desks and absorbs sound instead of simply blocking or reflecting it. The latter is where the difference lies between a decorative partition and a truly acoustic product: only materials that convert sound energy (usually in fibrous form, with sufficient thickness and an open structure) noticeably reduce reverberation.

What should you consider when purchasing?

1. Sound absorption, not just “acoustic” in the name
Ask for a concrete absorption value (often expressed as α-value or NRC) in the speech range, typically 500-1000 Hz – this is the frequency range where speech noise is most disruptive in an office environment. The international standard NEN-EN-ISO 11654 describes how sound-absorbing building materials are evaluated with a single number, precisely to make products comparable. Feel free to ask a supplier for test results according to this or a similar ISO standard (such as ISO 354 for the measurement itself).

2. Material and Origin
Commonly used materials include felt, recycled PET fibers, or – as in the Offyce Silent screen – cotton fibers from recycled jeans. What matters more than the material itself is its density and thickness: a thin layer of “acoustically appealing” felt, just a few millimeters thick, often does little, whereas a well-constructed panel several centimeters thick effectively reduces echo.

3. Installation: freestanding or bound to one desk system
Some screens are designed for a specific desk model and cannot be used separately. Others work with universal desk clamps and fit almost any desk up to a certain blade thickness. This makes a significant difference if you later switch desks or want to reuse the screen in another location.

4. Size and Flexibility
Standard sizes often suffice, but in open-plan offices with changing desk layouts, it’s convenient if a supplier also offers intermediate sizes or custom solutions.

5. Custom design / house style
An acoustic screen is also visible furniture. More and more providers offer the option to print your own design or company logo on the screen, so the functional element also contributes to the appearance of your office.

Acoustic office divider vs. IKEA: how do they compare?

IKEA is often the first point of comparison for many businesses, so we make that comparison explicit here. Under the name MITTZON, IKEA sells a sound screen for desks in fixed widths from 70 to 165 cm, featuring a frame made of polypropylene, solid wood, and hardboard, and a cover of recycled polyester. The screen is tested according to ISO standards 717-1 and 354, and is priced from approximately €139 to €179, depending on the width.

An important limitation: the MITTZON divider is explicitly designed to be attached only to the matching MITTZON desk—it is therefore not a standalone solution for an arbitrary desk.

For comparison, the Offyce Silent acoustic desk screen works with universal desk clamps (suitable for blade thicknesses up to 4.5 cm), is available in custom sizes up to 230 x 125 cm, features acoustic material made from 90% recycled denim fibers with a measured α-value of 0.7 in the speech range (500-1000 Hz), and can be printed with a custom design on both sides.

In short: if you opt for a fixed desk system from a single brand and budget is the key factor, then a ready-made solution like MITTZON is a great starting point. If you prefer flexibility in size, mounting on existing or mixed furniture, a higher, documented sound absorption value, or a custom design, then custom solutions like the Offyce Silent screen are the logical next step.

Curious what a complete acoustic concept could mean for your office? Explore our acoustic desk screens, as well as our acoustic wall panels and acoustic partition walls, or learn more about our broader approach on the page acoustic solutions.

FAQ

What is a good absorption value for an acoustic office divider?
There is no legal minimum requirement for a standalone piece of furniture, but ask for a specific α-value (or NRC) in the speech range (500-1000 Hz) according to NEN-EN-ISO 11654 or a similar test. A value around 0.7 or higher is considered high-performing for this type of product.

Can I mount an acoustic desk screen on any desk?
It depends on the product. Some screens (such as IKEA MITTZON) are only compatible with the matching desk system. Others work with universal desk clamps that fit almost any desk up to a certain blade thickness.

What does an acoustic desk screen cost?
Ready-made models start around €140-€180. Custom screens with unique designs and larger dimensions are typically priced on a quote basis, depending on size, material, and printing.

Is an acoustic office divider sufficient to solve noise issues in an open-plan office?
It primarily helps reduce direct sound transmission between colleagues sitting side by side and minimizes local reverberation. For an entire open-plan office, you typically work with a combination of office dividers, wall panels, and sufficient quiet zones.

Sources

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Last updated on 24 October 2026 by Stijn Belmans

Buying an acoustic desk screen: what should you look for? (and how does it compare to IKEA)