Acoustic Screens Buyer's Guide: Desk, Floor or Hanging

Posted by Panelscreens on 2nd Oct 2026

Acoustic screens soak up speech and background noise in open-plan offices, so people can concentrate and hold a conversation without raising their voices. There are three main types: desk-mounted, freestanding and hanging. The right one depends on where your noise is coming from.

This guide explains how each type works, the sizes to look for, and how to choose. You can also browse our full range of acoustic screens.

How acoustic screens reduce noise

Acoustic screens absorb sound rather than block it. Their fabric-covered core soaks up sound energy, so less of it bounces around the room. That cuts echo and shortens the distance a voice carries across the office.

Screens also give visual privacy, which helps people focus. They will not soundproof a space, though. For private calls and meetings, an enclosed office pod or phone booth is the better choice.

Thickness matters. A thicker core absorbs more sound, especially deeper voices. Our own ranges run from 38mm (Edge Fabric 38) to 70mm (Muffle 70).

Desk-mounted acoustic screens

Desk screens clamp onto the edge of a desk, between people sitting opposite or beside each other. They are the best choice when the noise comes from colleagues at the same bank of desks.

Height: Muffle 70 desk screens come in 400mm, 500mm and 600mm heights above the desk. Taller screens block more direct sound between seated colleagues.
Desk thickness: check your desk before ordering. Edge Fabric 38 clamps fit desks 17mm to 28mm thick, and our Muffle 70 clamps fit desks 28mm to 70mm thick.
Urgent orders: selected Muffle 70 sizes are available for 1 to 3 working day delivery in our fast delivery desk screens range.

See all acoustic desk screens.

Freestanding acoustic screens

Freestanding screens stand on their own feet, so they need no fixings and can be moved as your layout changes. Use them to separate teams, screen off walkways and kitchens, or create a quieter zone around a group of desks.

Height: our Edge Fabric 38 screens come in heights from 800mm to 1800mm. Around 1200mm to 1400mm lets standing people see over the top. Around 1600mm to 1800mm gives privacy for people standing too.
Width: Edge Fabric 38 screens run from 800mm to 1600mm wide.
Moving often? Choose mobile acoustic screens on castor feet, which roll to wherever they are needed.

See all freestanding acoustic screens.

Hanging acoustic panels

Hanging panels are suspended from the ceiling. They treat echo across a whole room without taking up any floor or desk space. They work well in rooms with hard ceilings, glass walls or concrete floors, where everything sounds loud.

Most offices get the best result by combining hanging panels with screens at desk level. See our hanging acoustic panels and acoustic ceiling panels.

Which type do you need?

Your problem	Best choice
Chatter between people at the same bank of desks	Desk-mounted screens
Noise from walkways, kitchens or neighbouring teams	Freestanding screens
An echoey room where everything sounds loud	Hanging or ceiling panels
A layout that changes often	Mobile screens on castors
Phone calls and private conversations	Office pods and phone booths

Choosing fabric and colour

Our Muffle 70 and Hush screens are upholstered in Camira Blazer wool fabric. Edge Fabric 38 screens come in Cara, Lucia or Macflex fabrics. Photos on screen are not colour-accurate, so we recommend ordering free fabric samples before you choose.

Delivery

Our own-brand screens are made in the UK and delivered free across the UK, including Northern Ireland and the Highlands. Lead times vary by range and are shown on each product page.

Acoustic screen FAQs

Do acoustic screens block all sound?

No. They absorb sound and reduce echo, which makes an office noticeably calmer, but they do not seal a space. For full privacy, use an enclosed office pod or phone booth.

How thick should an acoustic screen be?

Our screens range from 38mm to 70mm. Thicker screens absorb more sound, particularly lower-pitched voices, so choose 50mm to 70mm for busy, noisy offices.

What height should a freestanding acoustic screen be?

Around 1200mm to 1400mm suits seated areas where people still want to see across the room. Choose 1600mm to 1800mm to screen people who are standing.

Do you deliver to Northern Ireland and the Highlands?

Yes. Our own-brand screens are delivered free across the UK, including Northern Ireland and the Highlands.

Not sure which screens suit your office? Contact our team, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.