Acoustic ceiling panels vs. wall panels: what works better against echo?

According to occupational physicians, noise is one of the most frequently cited causes of complaints in open-plan offices. In the Monitor Bedrijfsartsen (NVAB, via De Monitor), 93% of the surveyed occupational physicians stated that employees mention noise disturbance as a cause of complaints, and 94% cited loss of concentration. Over 90% of the physicians hear from patients that the open-plan office contributes to their absenteeism. Echo: sound that lingers due to hard surfaces reflecting it back is one of the biggest culprits, and the solution often lies in acoustic panels. But ceiling or wall: which works better?

How echo forms and how to measure absorption

Hard, smooth surfaces (concrete, glass, plasterboard) reflect sound instead of absorbing it. The more hard surfaces, the longer sound lingers: this is called reverberation. Acoustic panels address this by converting sound energy into heat through a porous absorbing material.

The absorbing effect of a panel is expressed in an absorption class according to the international standard NEN-EN-ISO 11654, with classes ranging from A to E. Class A offers the highest sound absorption, while Class E offers the lowest (source: Ecophon, acoustics knowledge base). When choosing a panel, ceiling, or wall, this class is at least as important as the material or color.

Acoustic ceiling panels: pros and cons

Advantages
– The ceiling is usually the largest uninterrupted surface in a room: no desks, cabinets, or windows in the way.
– Effective against reverberation spreading throughout the space, especially in larger, open office floors.
– Visually discreet: ceiling panels are less noticeable than a colored wall panel directly in view.

Disadvantages
– Less effective against sound that directly reflects between two people at ear level (the so-called “flutter echo” between two parallel walls).
– Installation often requires professional mounting, especially for suspended ceiling systems or when attaching to a concrete ceiling.

Acoustic wall panels: pros and cons

Advantages
– Can be strategically placed where the sound issue occurs: next to a phone booth, behind a meeting table, or between two desks.
– Effectively reduces flutter echo between parallel walls, an issue ceiling panels address less effectively.
– Often easier to install yourself (suspension systems, Velcro, or screws) and widely available at DIY stores for smaller applications.

Disadvantages
– Limited by the available wall space, especially with many windows or cabinets, there is simply little room left.
– In a large office floor with a high ceiling and little wall space, the effect is often smaller than with ceiling panels.

What works better: the short answer

There is no universally ‘better’ option — it depends on the issue. As a rule of thumb: ceiling panels address overall echo in a space, while wall panels tackle targeted sound issues between specific locations. In practice, a combination often works best: ceiling panels for basic absorption of the space, supplemented with targeted wall panels or a soundproof partition wall in areas where focused work or phone calls take place.

For meeting rooms specifically, a combination is often required: a meeting room with hard walls and a low ceiling benefits from both solutions simultaneously, as both echo and direct sound reflection between participants play a role.

Costs and how many panels do you need?

An exact rule of thumb for "how many panels are needed" depends on the absorption class, room size, and desired acoustic comfort — a supplier or acoustician can calculate this most accurately based on floor area and existing hard surfaces. As a general guideline: the more hard, reflective surfaces (glass, concrete, plasterboard) a room has, the larger the proportion of ceiling or wall that needs to be covered with absorbing material to achieve a noticeable effect. Costs vary widely: from loose, self-installable panels for a single workspace to a full acoustic ceiling system for an entire office floor. Explore the options in our overview of acoustic solutions or acoustic wall panels for concrete choices and price indications.

Frequently asked questions

How many acoustic panels do I need?
This depends on the room size, ceiling type, and how many hard surfaces (glass, concrete) are already present. A room with lots of glass and little fabric requires proportionally more absorbing surface area than one with carpeting and upholstered furniture.

Can I make or install acoustic panels myself?
DIY (e.g., using wood and acoustic felt) may work for simple wall applications but rarely achieves the same measurable absorption class as certified panels. Installing ready-made panels can often be done yourself with the right mounting systems, especially for wall panels; ceiling panels usually require professional installation.

What does an acoustic ceiling or acoustic panels cost?
The price varies greatly depending on type, material, and absorption class: from a few loose panels for a quiet workspace to a full acoustic ceiling system for an entire floor. Request a custom quote for a concrete price indication.

Where should you place acoustic panels?
For general echo: spread across the ceiling. For a specific issue (e.g., near a phone booth or between two desks): targeted on the wall where the sound originates or reflects.

Sources

• Ecophon Acoustics Knowledge Base: How to create good room acoustics (sound absorption classification according to NEN-EN-ISO 11654, class A to E)
• HRpraktijk, based on the Monitor Bedrijfsartsen (NVAB/De Monitor): Fatigue and loss of concentration due to open-plan offices lead to absenteeism

Last updated on 24 October 2026 by Stijn Belmans