Create calm, focused, and productive classrooms with the right sound-absorbing materials.
Why Classroom Acoustics Matter
Sound plays a major role in learning. In classrooms with high noise and echo, students find it difficult to concentrate and teachers experience voice fatigue.
The solution lies in acoustic panels — designed to absorb sound, reduce echo, and create a healthy learning environment.
Benefits of Acoustic Panels in Classrooms
- 🎤 Improve speech intelligibility by up to 35%
- 🔇 Reduce background noise to 35–45 dB
- ⏱️ Lower reverberation time to 0.4–0.6 seconds
- 🧠 Help students stay focused and engaged
- 🗣️ Reduce teacher vocal strain and fatigue
- 📚 Support better learning outcomes in reading and numeracy
- ♿ Enhance inclusivity for students with hearing or attention difficulties
12 Best Acoustic Materials for Classrooms
1️⃣ Acoustic Fabric Wall Panels
Fabric-covered panels absorb mid and high frequencies, reducing echo and improving speech clarity.
Perfect for classroom walls or corridors.
Features:
- Excellent sound absorption (NRC up to 0.90)
- Available in various colors and fabrics
- Class A fire-rated
- Custom sizes and shapes
- Ideal for classrooms, libraries, and meeting spaces
2️⃣ Acoustic Fabric Ceiling Tiles
Mounted on suspended ceiling grids, these tiles control reverberation across large classrooms or halls.
Benefits:
- Lightweight and easy to replace
- Helps balance noise in high-occupancy areas
- Improves teacher-to-student communication
- Visually uniform for modern interiors
3️⃣ Acoustic Fabric Dividers
Free-standing partitions covered in acoustic fabric — ideal for flexible classrooms or open learning zones.
Key Features:
- Dual-sided absorption
- Portable and reconfigurable
- Excellent for separating group activities
- Reduces distractions in shared classrooms
4️⃣ Acoustic Fabric Baffles
Vertical hanging baffles improve sound absorption in classrooms with high ceilings.
Specifications:
- Class A sound absorption
- Installed at various heights for design flexibility
- Fire-resistant and lightweight
- Maintain airflow and lighting efficiency
5️⃣ Acoustic PET Panels
Made from high-density polyester fibers, these panels are eco-friendly and highly effective in controlling noise.
Advantages:
- Made from up to 60% recycled materials
- Moisture- and impact-resistant
- Can be cut into creative shapes or patterns
- Wall-mounted or ceiling-suspended installation
6️⃣ Polyester Foam Panels
These panels are designed for general noise absorption and are commonly used behind ceilings or wall fabrics.
Highlights:
- Budget-friendly solution
- Easy to cut and install
- Effective at mid-frequency noise
- Perfect for speech-focused environments
7️⃣ Acoustic Foam Panels
Ideal for small classrooms, music rooms, or language labs, foam panels help reduce echo and reflections.
Features:
- NRC 0.70–0.90
- Available in pyramid or wedge shapes
- Lightweight and adhesive-friendly
- Enhances voice clarity and reduces harshness
8️⃣ Acoustic Wood Wool Panels
A natural solution that combines cement-bonded wood fibers with excellent acoustic absorption.
Benefits:
- Durable and impact-resistant
- Suitable for walls and ceilings
- Natural texture with thermal insulation properties
- Long lifespan and eco-friendly composition
9️⃣ Perforated Wood Panels
Elegant panels with micro or macro perforations that absorb sound while maintaining a luxurious look.
Advantages:
- Available in multiple hole sizes (0.5–2 mm)
- Reduces reverberation effectively
- Enhances aesthetics in classrooms or halls
- Easy to install with concealed clips
🔟 Grooved Wood Panels
Panels with parallel grooves that absorb sound and add visual rhythm to interior walls.
Features:
- Excellent balance between reflection and absorption
- Ideal for classrooms, auditoriums, or libraries
- Compatible with hidden suspension systems
- Custom groove spacing for different frequencies
11️⃣ Flexible Wood Panels
Curved or bendable wooden panels that combine acoustic performance with creative architectural design.
Key Uses:
- Applied on columns, curves, or design features
- Adds warmth to interior finishes
- Reduces echo while enhancing natural tone
12️⃣ Slotted Wood Panels
Designed with linear slots instead of round holes — ideal for modern classrooms with minimalist aesthetics.
Benefits:
- Excellent sound control and visual uniformity
- Suitable for ceilings or continuous wall systems
- Can integrate hidden lighting or ventilation
Bonus: Decorative Acoustic Panels & Acoustic Moss Walls
For schools looking for both design and performance, decorative acoustic panels and acoustic moss add visual appeal while maintaining acoustic balance.
- 100% natural and maintenance-free
- Softens the soundscape and improves air quality
- Ideal for corridors, reception areas, or libraries
Bonus 2: Acoustic Plasterboard Systems
Used as part of sound-insulated wall assemblies, acoustic plasterboard enhances overall classroom isolation.
Applications:
- Between classrooms or offices
- Works with insulation materials for full soundproofing
- Provides a smooth, paint-ready finish
How Much Acoustic Coverage Do Classrooms Need?
- Treat 20–30% of total wall and ceiling area for balanced results.
- Prioritize hard reflective surfaces like glass or concrete.
- Combine materials (e.g., fabric + wood wool + PET) for best performance.
Conclusion
Acoustic panels are essential for creating classrooms where learning is clear, calm, and productive.
By choosing the right combination of fabric, foam, PET, and wood panels, schools can dramatically improve focus, reduce fatigue, and enhance communication.
Whether you’re upgrading a single classroom or designing a full school, these 12 sound absorption materials can transform any space into a comfortable and high-performing learning environment.
FAQs
How do acoustic panels improve learning?
They absorb echo and reduce background noise, making speech clearer and easier to understand.
Are acoustic panels safe for schools?
Yes — all panels listed above can be made from fire-rated, low-VOC materials that are safe for indoor use.
How many panels do I need?
Most classrooms need 4–8 wall panels or 20–30% total surface coverage depending on room size.
📞 Contact Us
Yamamah Smart – Acoustic & Soundproofing Experts
📍 Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
📞 Phone: +966 50 660 0672
✉️ Email: info@yamamahsis.com
🌐 Website: www.yamamahsis.com
Yamamah Smart – Engineering the Sound of Better Living.