Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Specifying Acoustic Products
Acoustics play a huge role in how people experience a workspace, yet they often don't get the attention they deserve. A well-considered approach can make the difference between a space that feels calm, balanced, and productive and one that leaves people distracted and uncomfortable.
Here are five of the most common mistakes to avoid when specifying acoustic products:
- Overlooking Flexibility
Workspaces are rarely static; layouts change teams grow, and spaces are repurposed. Acoustic solutions that are too fixed can quickly become limiting. Thinking about flexibility means choosing products that can adapt as the space evolves, keeping noise under control without compromising future design possibilities.
- Forgetting About Different Types of Noise
Not every area of an office needs the same treatment. A focus zone, a boardroom, and a breakout space all experience different kinds of sound, and each requires a different approach. Considering the type of noise in each space ensures the right balance between privacy, clarity, and atmosphere.
- Ignoring the Human Factor
Acoustics aren’t just a technical detail they’re about people. How many people use a space, and what they use it for, should guide your acoustic choices. The goal isn’t just to manage sound, but to create environments where people feel comfortable, focused, and able to do their best work.
- Leaving Acoustics as an Afterthought
The most effective acoustic strategies are planned from the start. Leaving them until the end of a project often results in compromises or quick fixes that don’t feel integrated. Considering acoustics alongside layout, finishes, and lighting ensures they work seamlessly as part of the overall design.
- Prioritising Looks Over Performance
Design should always look good, but it should also perform. Acoustic products chosen purely for their visual appeal may not solve the challenges of the space, just as high-performing products that jar with the aesthetic can feel out of place. The best results come from striking the right balance between form and function.
Avoiding these five pitfalls helps create workspaces that look beautiful, perform brilliantly, and most importantly, support the people who use them every day. When acoustics are considered thoughtfully, they don’t just control noise they transform how a space feels.
Want to explore acoustic solutions that are tailored to your next design project? Take a look at our full range of acoustic solutions here or give us a call on +44 (0)20 3889 9888, email us at hello@allsfar.com or fill in our contact form on our website here.
Keep In Touch
Sign up to our newsletter and find out about our latest products, new projects and showroom events.
Products
AllSfär © 2025