Guia Acústica
Types of acoustic panels and how to choose the right one for each space
In modern spaces—from offices to educational centres, restaurants, and even homes—acoustic comfort has become a priority. An environment with poor acoustics not only causes discomfort, but can also directly affect people’s concentration, communication, and overall well-being.
Acoustic panels are one of the most effective solutions for treating problems caused by reverberation, echo or noise transmission between spaces. In addition to their technical functionality, they can now also be integrated as design elements, adding aesthetic appeal and character to the environment.
In this article, we explore the main types of acoustic panels, their characteristics and how to choose the most suitable one for the type of space and its acoustic needs.
Main types of acoustic panels
Absorbent panels
The main purpose of absorbent panels is to capture sound waves in order to reduce reverberation within a space. They are made of porous or fibrous materials that allow sound to penetrate and dissipate within the material.
The degree of absorption is measured by the sound absorption coefficient, on a scale of 0 to 1 (where 0 is zero absorption and 1 is total absorption). The higher the coefficient, the more effective the panel is at reducing reflected sound.
✅ Recommended uses: offices, meeting rooms, educational centres, libraries, open spaces with heavy foot traffic.
Diffuser panels
Diffuser panels do not absorb sound, but rather disperse it evenly throughout the space. This prevents the formation of dead spots or areas with sound accumulation, improving sound clarity and liveliness.
They usually have three-dimensional shapes or irregular surfaces that cause multiple sound reflections, achieving a more balanced distribution.
✅ Recommended use: auditoriums, theatres, concert halls, recording studios, restaurants.
Attenuating panels
Attenuating panels are designed to reduce sound transmission between different spaces, helping to preserve privacy and improve intelligibility in shared environments. They are especially used as vertical dividers, mobile barriers, or partitioning elements.
Their function is to minimise the sound energy transmitted from one area to another, creating quieter and more efficient zones.
✅ Recommended use: open-plan offices, restaurants, schools, call centres.
Combined panels
Some panels are designed to offer more than one acoustic function. They can be absorbent and diffusive, or absorbent and attenuating, allowing for more comprehensive acoustic treatment in a single element.
This combination makes them particularly useful in spaces where it is necessary to control both internal reverberation and noise transmission or sound quality.
✅ Recommended use: modern offices, multifunctional spaces, educational environments, commercial premises.
How to choose the right acoustic panel for your space
To help you identify the most suitable acoustic panel for your space, below is a summary table of Mirplay Acoustics panels and their main functions:
Product
Rene, Mileto, Paul acoustic panel
Samos, Uma, Elea acoustic separator
Wut wood panel
Â
Type of acoustic panel
Absorbent / Diffuser (in three-dimensional composition)
Absorbent and Attenuating
Absorbent and Diffuser
Functions
Reverberation reduction / Sound distribution improvement
Noise reduction between spaces / Local absorption
Noise reduction between spaces / Local absorption
To learn more about what to consider before making a decision, we recommend reading our related article:
👉 Key factors for choosing acoustic panels and maximising their effectiveness
Here you will find information on aspects such as materials, layout, quantity required and technical recommendations to help you make the right choice.
Acoustic treatment is a key element in creating pleasant, functional spaces that are adapted to current needs. Knowing the types of acoustic panels and their applications will allow you to choose the best solution for each environment, whether it is to improve concentration in an office or the experience in a restaurant.
If you need advice for your project, please do not hesitate to contact us.
