Acoustic Wall Panels for Offices: UK Buyer's Guide
Posted by Panelscreens on 11th Oct 2026
Acoustic wall panels are the quickest way to make a loud office calmer. They fix straight to existing walls, need no building work and can be fitted in an afternoon. This guide covers the main types, how to compare them, and what to check before you buy.
What are acoustic wall panels?
Acoustic panels are soft, sound-absorbing panels fixed to walls. A porous core, such as acoustic foam, PET felt or cork, soaks up sound instead of reflecting it. That cuts echo, lowers the background noise and makes speech easier to understand.
They are used in offices, meeting rooms, classrooms, receptions and anywhere with hard walls, glass and high ceilings. If you want to stop sound passing through a wall, read soundproofing panels vs acoustic panels first. That needs a different solution.
The main types of acoustic panelling
| Type | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric-wrapped panels | Foam or felt core in a frame, upholstered in fabric | Offices and meeting rooms that want a clean, tailored look in brand colours |
| Frameless tiles | Shaped fabric tiles fixed in patterns | Feature walls, breakout areas, receptions |
| Felt panels | Pressed PET felt, often 3D-cut | Modern spaces on a tighter budget |
| Cork panels | Natural cork, often textured | Sustainable fit-outs and warm, natural interiors |
| Wall baffles | Panels standing out from the wall | Long corridors and spaces with little flat wall |
How to compare acoustic panels
Sound absorption (NRC). The noise reduction coefficient runs from 0 to 1. Higher absorbs more. Ask whether the figure comes from a lab test. Our Muffle acoustic wall panel is rated NRC 0.55 for its 25mm core, measured by Sound Research Laboratories in 2023.
Thickness. Thicker cores absorb a wider range of sound, especially lower voices. 25 to 50mm is typical for offices.
Size and coverage. Bigger panels and more of them absorb more. Covering roughly 15 to 25% of the wall area is a sensible starting point. Our guide Do acoustic panels work? explains how to work out the number.
Fire safety. Ask for fire test certificates for the fabric. Our Muffle panels use Abbotsford Classic Melton wool, tested to EN 1021-1 and 2, BS 7176 Medium Hazard, BS 5852 Crib 5 and BS 5867-2 Type B.
Fixing. Velcro, clips or adhesive. Muffle panels come with industrial-strength Velcro, so there is no drilling.
Colour and finish. Panels are part of your interior. Check how many colours are available and whether bespoke colours or brand matching are possible.
Where to put acoustic wall panels
- On walls facing each other, to stop sound bouncing back and forth
- At seated head height, where speech hits the wall
- Near noisy zones: sales teams, kitchens, printers, breakout areas
- Behind and opposite desks used for video calls
- In meeting rooms with glass walls, on the solid walls
For detailed layouts, see where to install sound insulation panels for maximum effect.
Combine panels with screens for the best result
Wall panels reduce echo across the whole room. Screens block and absorb speech close to where it starts. Together they work far better than either alone.
- Acoustic desk dividers between facing desks
- Freestanding acoustic screens to zone teams
- Acoustic ceiling panels where walls are mostly glass
Why buy from Panelscreens
- Made to measure in the UK. Muffle wall panels are made to order from 400 to 2000mm wide and 400 to 1200mm high.
- Lab-tested performance. NRC 0.55 measured by Sound Research Laboratories.
- Any colour. 100 Classic Melton wool shades, plus Camira, Gabriel and Inloom fabrics on request.
- Free fabric samples. See the real colours before you order.
- Family-run since 2003. A small team who will help you plan the right layout.
- Free delivery to England and Wales.
Browse our acoustic wall panels, from £82.50 ex VAT.
Frequently asked questions
Do acoustic wall panels work?
Yes. They absorb sound inside a room, which cuts echo and background noise. They do not block sound passing through walls.
How much do acoustic panels cost in the UK?
Our made-to-measure Muffle wall panels start from £82.50 ex VAT. The price depends on size and fabric.
How many acoustic panels do I need?
Start with panels covering about 15 to 25% of the wall area, more for very hard rooms. Send us your floor plan for a free recommendation.
Can I get acoustic panels in my brand colours?
Yes. We upholster panels in any of 100 Classic Melton shades, and offer bespoke dyeing for exact brand matching.
How are acoustic wall panels fitted?
Muffle panels are supplied with industrial-strength Velcro, so they can be fitted without drilling.
Planning an office fit-out? Send us your floor plan and we will recommend the right panels and screens for free.
