Acoustic office screens are an effective way to reduce noise, improve privacy and create defined zones in open-plan offices, classrooms and commercial spaces. Our range includes freestanding acoustic screensacoustic room dividers and partition screens, and acoustic wall panels and baffles, all designed to absorb sound energy and improve acoustic comfort.

These solutions help minimise distractions, support productivity and enhance workplace wellbeing, while remaining flexible and easy to integrate into existing layouts. Acoustic office screens reduce noise but are not fully soundproof.

What We Do

Panelscreens offers a wide range of acoustic office screens, acoustic office panels, acoustic room dividers, and acoustic office partitions.

We have a selection of economy and mid-range acoustic partitions, including standard flat floor-standing acoustic partition screens, curved acoustic partition screens, and shaped-top acoustic partition screens which are available with a straight or waved top.

The economy range is customisable. You can choose a top, half, or full-sized panel to create a stylish yet functional acoustic office screen solution.

What are acoustic office screens

Acoustic office screens are sound-absorbing barriers that absorb and dissipate sound energy. 

Panelscreens-manufactured acoustic screens are made from porous materials that contain thousands of air pockets. When sound waves hit these screens, they are absorbed. As the waves travel through the network of minuscule air pockets, the porous material vibrates. Here, the sound energy transforms into thermal energy, producing a small amount of heat. 

By the time a sound wave has travelled through one of our acoustic screens, it has less energy. The screen has absorbed a portion of the sound energy, effectively dampening background noise in your office. 

Sound-absorbing office panels are designed to reduce noise but are not fully soundproof. We specialise in noise-reducing furnishings, not soundproof panels. 

UK fire ratings

When we talk about fire ratings, we’re referring to the fabric our furnishings are upholstered in. 

For instance, Edge screens are upholstered in Mac 182 fabric from the Macflex range. The fire certificate shows that this fabric has undergone BS 5867-2: 2008 Type B testing, making it suitable for use in offices, schools, theatres, and more. 

Muffle and Hush screens are upholstered in Blazer fabric, which has undergone several fire safety tests and is suitable for use in offices. 

Acoustic vs. soundproof

By definition, the term ‘acoustic’ refers to the qualities of a room or space that determine how sound is transmitted within it. 

When we talk about acoustic office screens, we are referring to panels specifically designed to absorb and reduce sound energy. They can be installed on walls to absorb reverberations or placed in open-plan spaces to absorb ambient sound. 

The goal is to create a smoother soundscape by reducing and lessening the impact of unwanted sound, such as background chatter, applause, meetings or other distractions. 

Soundproofing is slightly different. It is the process of stopping sound from entering or leaving a room, which might be necessary for home offices, cinemas and spaces where music lessons are held. 

In most cases, offices do not require soundproofing. Instead, they need internal solutions that stop sound from travelling within confined spaces. 

Benefits of acoustic office screens

Office acoustic dividers come with several benefits, most importantly, increased personal wellbeing that many office workers experience as a result of: 

  • Noise reduction: Acoustic screens absorb and dissipate sound waves, reducing distractions in the office. 
  • Increased privacy: Acoustic screens help limit how far conversations travel, making it easier for employees to speak freely without distracting others nearby
  • Flexible room division: Noise-reducing office screens have a dual purpose: they absorb and dampen sound, and they allow enterprising office managers to create unique spaces, even in large open-plan offices. 

Panelscreens’ exclusive ranges

Panelscreens is home to the UK’s best acoustic screen manufacturers, including three exclusive ranges. From fabric to filling, Panelscreens-manufactured acoustic office screens are designed to deliver effective sound absorption.

Edge range 

A premium range that includes acoustic desk screens, slide-on screens and freestanding acoustic partitions. Edge acoustic floor screens, desk screens, and baffles can be customised to suit your needs. 

Best sellers: 

Hush range 

High-performance acoustic desk screens that create movable privacy booths. Hush 70 acoustic screens are a premium option ideal for offices and open-plan spaces with high footfall, and Hush 50 desk screens offer excellent noise-reduction at an affordable price point. 

Best sellers: 

Muffle range

This premium collection includes acoustic floor screens, desk-mounted panels and wall-mounted tiles that soften even the harshest soundscapes. 

Best sellers: 

Flite 28

An affordable and effective option for those who want all the benefits of acoustic furnishings at a lower price point. 

Best sellers: 

Types of acoustic screens we offer 

There is an acoustic office screen to suit every space. 

Freestanding acoustic screens offer all the same noise-reducing qualities as their desk-mounted and wall-mounted counterparts. The unique benefit of purchasing a freestanding screen is the versatility. In as little as a few minutes, employees can create modular spaces that serve as productivity pods for individuals or temporary meeting rooms.

Acoustic panels and baffles are designed to combat echoes and reverberations on walls and ceilings. Harsh ambient sound has the power to disrupt deadlines and create an unpleasant working environment. But when unwanted sound waves hit acoustic wall panels, they are absorbed and dissipated, instantly softening your soundscape. 

Acoustic desk screens offer a more personal approach to sound management. Libraries, offices and community centres are open-plan: good for engagement, but bad for focus and productivity. Installing sound-dampening screens on each desk creates private spaces, lessening ambient noise and boosting productivity. 

Best uses in modern workspaces 

Many modern workspaces use acoustic office screens for: 

  • Open-plan offices: Reduce the impact of abrasive background noise to create a more welcoming, productive workspace.
  • Meeting rooms: Eliminate unwanted noises in meeting rooms with plush acoustic furnishings that absorb and dissipate sound waves. 
  • Collaborative zones: Encourage collaboration by creating softer soundscapes in shared spaces. 
  • Reception areas: Keep your stylish, sleek reception area free from frustrating echoes with wall-hung baffles. 
  • Study or quiet focus areas: Create individual spaces for focus with a range of acoustic furnishings.  

Freestanding vs. desk screens vs. panel screens 

 

Benefits

Freestanding acoustic screen

Acoustic desk screens

Acoustic wall panels

Good for 

Dividing open-plan spaces and creating temporary or permanent meeting areas.

Creating quiet, productive spaces for individual workers.

Open-plan spaces that have harsh soundscapes with loud background noise and echoes. 

Installation

Stabilising feet or castors

Clamps, drill-through fixtures, or freestanding desk screen feet

Wall mounts or velcro

Versatility

High — can be moved in an instant to create temporary meeting spaces. 

Moderate — can be attached to any flat surface to create an eye-level barrier against unwanted sounds. 

Moderate — can be attached to any surface and is available in a range of sizes for difficult-to-reach spaces.  

Height 

Tall

Short

Tall or short 

Panelscreens’ exclusive range  

 

Why choose Panelscreens?

Any company can deliver a sound-absorbing panel, but few can offer the same high level of quality control, customer satisfaction, and customisation as Panelscreens. When you purchase our acoustic screens, you are investing in a streamlined, satisfying experience. 

Customer reviews 

Ally B - verified purchaser 

We are really happy with these screens! They look great and have really made a difference. The guys were really knowledgeable about the screens, too. Thank you!

Russel D - verified purchaser

Perfect, looks great, arrived very quickly. Very happy with it. I ordered this as I am working from home, so I needed to split my lounge into 2 spaces. Office space and TV lounge space - looks really neat.

Chris G - verified purchaser

Excellent, quality product combined with the best customer service: we had a query about how to fix a central screen divide and got a personal call with a detailed explanation within minutes of emailing. That’s service. Thanks, team.

You can read more customer reviews on our website.  

Delivery

Delivery is free on all Panelscreens acoustic furnishings, except for next-day DAMS screens. 

We do not accept returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are office acoustic dividers fire-rated?

When we talk about fire ratings for acoustic furnishings, we are referring to a set of rigorous tests that assess how the fabric reacts to fire.

Here’s an example. The Edge range is upholstered in Macflex’s Mac 182 fabric. This fabric has undergone BS 5867-2: 2008 Type B testing, and is certified as suitable for use in offices, schools, theatres and other public spaces.

For more information about fire ratings, contact us.

How much noise can acoustic screens reduce?

We measure the effectiveness of acoustic office screens by their Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) rating, which ranges from 0 (no absorption) to 1 (total absorption). An NRC of 0.80 means that 80% of the sound energy is absorbed.

Thick acoustic panels tend to have an NRC rating of around 0.80.

For more information about specific panels, contact our team.

Are acoustic screens suitable for large offices?

Yes, we recommend acoustic screens, wall baffle panels, and dividers for large offices. They offer an unparalleled level of versatility, allowing office managers to soften soundscapes effectively, quickly create meeting rooms, and improve employee well-being all at once.

Many offices are open plan, making them suitable for acoustic furnishings. Even the slightest sound can turn into an echo in a large, open-plan space. But once the space is filled with effective acoustic furnishings, ambient sound will be absorbed before it can become a distraction.

Do I need to book an installation for my acoustic office screens?

As part of our commitment to customer satisfaction, we offer a furniture installation service. Our team of experienced furniture fitters will arrive at a time that suits you and assemble your sound-absorbing office panels in no time.

That being said, many acoustic screens don’t need specialised installation.

Take Hush 50 and Hush 70 acoustic desk screens, for example. Clamps are included with both screens, or you can request drill-through fixings.

Freestanding screens are even simpler to install. Muffle acoustic screens and the Edge 58 pinnable partition are supplied with castor feet that can be easily installed to create freestanding, noise-reducing partitions.

What about wall baffles? Our exclusive Muffle wall tiles come with Ultra-mate industrial-strength velcro, making installation a breeze.

Do you offer custom sizes or colours?

Yes. We provide a range of workplace acoustic solutions to suit every employer, from small teams to large corporations.

You can customise your acoustic room dividers by colour, size, and fabric.

  • Colour: We offer everything from sophisticated, deep blues to bright, eye-catching yellows.
  • Size: Many of our freestanding acoustic dividers are available in multiple sizes, allowing you to order a product that perfectly fits your space.
  • Fabric: Choose from a catalogue of acoustic fabrics designed for style and effectiveness.

Want to try before you buy? Fill in our online form and order fabric samples today.