What is acoustics, and how can you improve it in your space? (7 frequently asked questions answered)

Good acoustics at home or in the office promote tranquility, clarity, and a pleasant atmosphere. But what exactly are acoustics? Why does one room sound pleasant while another sounds hollow or echoey? In this blog, we answer seven frequently asked questions about sound, vibrations, and acoustic solutions.

1. What exactly is acoustics, and why is it important?

Acoustics is the science of sound and how it behaves in a space. Simply put, it concerns the way sound waves reflect, absorb, or distort. In a room with poor acoustics, conversations can be hard to understand, music can sound hollow, or background noise can feel exhausting. Especially in modern interiors with hard materials such as PVC flooring, concrete, glass, and steel, an annoying echo can quickly develop. That is why good acoustics are essential for comfort and well-being, both at home and in the workplace.

2. Why does a room sometimes sound hollow or echoey?

Reverberation occurs when sound waves bounce back unimpeded from hard surfaces such as walls, floors, and ceilings. In spaces without sound-absorbing materials, sound lingers longer. This results in echoes, a sense of unease, and a lack of acoustic comfort. Think of large open-plan offices, conference rooms, or living rooms with smooth walls. 

3. What are the best acoustic solutions?

Fortunately, there are many ways to improve the acoustics in a room. The most common solution is to add sound-absorbing materials, such as:

• Acoustic wall panels, acoustic wall decor, acoustic tiles, or Acoustic wall art made from PET felt 
• Acoustic ceiling panels or spray-applied finishes for large spaces
• Textile items such as curtains, rugs, and upholstered furniture
• At Maeven Art, we offer stylish acoustic solutions that are both functional and visually appealing. They combine art with sound absorption and fit seamlessly into any interior.

4. What is the difference between sound insulation and sound absorption?

These terms are often confused, but they mean different things:

• Soundproofing prevents sound from traveling from one room to another. Think of thick walls, double-paned windows, or door seals.
• Sound absorption reduces noise within the same room. Materials such as acoustic felt, wool, or cotton absorb sound waves rather than reflecting them.

Sound absorption is particularly important for creating a quiet atmosphere in a room. It helps prevent echoes and creates a peaceful atmosphere.

5. Which material works best at blocking out unwanted noise?

One of the most commonly used materials is PET felt: durable, lightweight, recyclable, and highly effective at absorbing sound waves. Other options include sheep’s wool, acoustic foam, or cotton, but PET felt is the preferred choice due to its aesthetic finish and wide range of colors and textures.

Maeven Art uses only high-quality Dutch 9 mm PET felt. These sound-absorbing wall panels combine style and functionality, offering high sound absorption and a luxurious look that complements modern interiors.

6. How can you measure acoustics?

Professionals often use the RT60 measurement: the time it takes for the sound level to drop by 60 dB after the sound source stops. In practice, you can also use measurement apps or simply listen to the echo of your own voice or the sound of clapping your hands. The longer the sound lingers, the poorer the acoustics.

In large spaces such as conference rooms or living rooms with high ceilings, you’ll often notice a difference even with a small change, such as hanging a single piece of Acoustic wall art. This painting, which has acoustic properties, contains a total of 18 millimeters of felt.

7. What exactly is sound—and how does it relate to acoustics?

Sound is nothing more than the vibration of air particles. These vibrations travel in waves and thus reach our ears. Acoustics determine how those sound waves behave in a given space: whether they are absorbed, reflected, or distorted. Hard surfaces cause reflection and reverberation, while soft materials dampen the vibrations.

Low frequencies (such as humming or bass sounds) behave differently than high frequencies (such as sounds in speech or music). That is why it is important for an acoustic solution to be broadband—such as our acoustic felt panels, which, thanks to their structure, absorb both low and high frequencies.

Want to learn more about acoustics?
Check out our Acoustic wall art discover Maeven Art’s PET felt wall panels. This way, you’ll not only improve the acoustics but also add a visual statement to your interior.

Tags: improve acoustics, reduce reverberation, acoustic art, sound absorption, PET felt, wall decor