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

Good acoustics at home or in the office ensures peace, intelligibility and a pleasant atmosphere. But what exactly is acoustics? Why does one room sound pleasant and another sound hollow or restless? 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 is about the way sound waves reflect, absorb or distort. In a room with poor acoustics, conversations can be difficult to understand, music can sound hollow, or background noise can feel tiring. Especially in modern interiors with hard materials such as PVC floors, concrete, glass and steel, an annoying echo quickly arises. That is why good acoustics are essential for comfort and well-being, both at home and in the workplace.

2. Why does it sometimes sound hollow or echoing in a room?

Reverberation occurs when sound waves bounce back unhindered from hard surfaces such as walls, floors and ceilings. In rooms without absorbent materials, the sound lingers in the room for longer. This creates echoes, unrest and a lack of acoustic comfort. Think of large open-plan offices, meeting 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 best-known solution is to add sound-absorbing materials, such as:

• Acoustic wall panels, acoustic wall decoration, acoustic tiles, or Acoustic wall art made from PET felt 
• Acoustic ceiling panels or spray work for large spaces
• Textile elements such as curtains, carpets and upholstered furniture
• At Maeven Art we offer stylish acoustic solutions that are both functional and visually appealing. They combine art with sound dampening and fit into any interior.

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

These terms are often confused, but mean something different:

• Sound insulation prevents sound from traveling from one room to another. Think of thick walls, double glazing, or door strips.
• Sound absorption dampens the sound within the same room. Materials such as acoustic felt, wool, or cotton absorb the sound waves instead of reflecting them.

For tranquility within a space, sound absorption is particularly important. It prevents reverberation and creates a peaceful atmosphere.

5. Which material works best against disruptive noises?

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 favored for its aesthetic finish and wide range of colors and textures.

Maeven Art works exclusively with high-quality Dutch 9 mm pet-felt. These sound-absorbing wall panels combine design and function, offering high sound absorption and a luxurious look that fits in with modern interiors.

6. How can you measure acoustics?

Professionals often use the RT60 measurement: the time it takes for the sound to decrease by 60 dB after the sound source stops. In practical terms, you can also use measurement apps or simply listen to the effect of your own voice or a clap of your hands. The longer the sound lingers, the worse the acoustics.

In large spaces such as meeting rooms or living rooms with high ceilings, you can often notice the difference with just a small adjustment, such as hanging a single piece of Acoustic wall art. This painting with acoustic properties contains a total of 18 millimeters of felt.

7. What is sound actually – and how does it relate to acoustics?

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

Low tones (such as a hum or bass sound) behave differently than high tones (such as sounds in speech or music). Therefore, it is important that an acoustic solution works broadband — such as our acoustic felt panels, which dampen both low and high frequencies due to their structure.

Want to know more about acoustics?
Take a look at our Acoustic wall art discover the PET felt wall panels from Maeven Art. Not only will you improve the acoustics, you will also add a visual statement to your interior.

Tags: improve acoustics, reduce reverberation, acoustic art, soundproofing, pet-felt, wall decoration