The Science Behind Acoustic Comfort: Why It Matters
Did you know that a noisy office can seriously impact your mental health?A study by the University of Arizona and the University of Kansas found that when workplace sound levels went over 50 decibels, every extra 10 decibels led to a 1.9% drop in physiological well-being. That’s not just a small dip—it adds up fast in a busy office.
But what does acoustic comfort actually mean?
At its core, acoustic comfort is all about feeling at ease in a space where sound is thoughtfully managed. It’s not about complete silence—it’s about balance. A well-designed acoustic environment reduces distractions, supports focus, and creates a sense of calm. And in a world where mental health and well-being are finally being given the attention they deserve, it’s more important than ever to design with sound in mind.
Sound is more than just background noise. It’s made up of vibrations that travel through air or other materials and are measured in decibels (dB). Once you hit around 50dB—which is roughly the sound of a quiet conversation—people start noticing it. And beyond that, the impact on well-being becomes very real.
But here’s the interesting bit: that same study also found that in spaces where sound levels are kept below 50dB, every 10-decibel increase actually improved psychological well-being by 5.4%. So when sound is well-managed, it doesn’t just avoid harm—it can actively make us feel better.
That’s the power of acoustic comfort.
One of the biggest culprits of poor acoustics is reverberation. That’s when sound lingers in a space after the source has stopped—think of how voices echo in a room with lots of hard surfaces. In offices with minimal soft furnishings, sound bounces around, making it harder for people to concentrate and communicate. Over time, that leads to increased stress, fatigue, and frustration.
And not every workspace needs the same acoustic treatment. Open-plan offices benefit from a mix of ceiling and wall treatments to reduce general noise levels and minimise echo. Zoned acoustic elements can support focused work areas or breakout zones. In meeting rooms, clarity is key—sound-absorbing wall panels and ceiling solutions help reduce reverberation and ensure conversations are crisp and confidential. Reception areas and corridors can get loud quickly, so acoustic finishes in these transitional spaces help reduce noise from moving into other spaces and contribute to a calm first impression. Quiet zones or focus pods need strong sound absorption to support deep focus—high-performance panels or screens are ideal for keeping external noise at bay.
Creating acoustic comfort isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a crucial part of designing workspaces that support people’s mental and physical well-being. When you understand how sound works and how different materials and layouts influence it, you can make smarter design choices that help people feel calmer, happier, and more productive.
So next time you’re planning a workspace, think beyond how it looks—think about how it sounds and how it feels.
Let’s create calm, together.
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.
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