Before we begin – think of two conference rooms. In the first one, the walls are lined with cheap acoustic foam. Initially, it seemed like a quick and clever solution… because it’s lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to install. But after a few months, the foam starts to yellow, crumbles at every touch, and emits an unpleasant odor. Instead of elegance, the interior takes on a makeshift feel.
In the second room, PET felt panels hang on the walls and ceiling. Geometric patterns create a composition that looks like an intentionally planned decoration. Reverberation has been shortened, conversations are clear, and the interior immediately gains the character of a premium space. This is not just “soundproofing,” but an element that builds the user experience and, on top of that, lasts for years.
The difference between these rooms comes down to one thing – material quality, which directly translates into its price.
In this article, I will show you what actually makes up the cost of acoustic panels. Because the price is not just for a piece of felt – it is the sum of durability, aesthetics, safety, and how the space will function in five or ten years. This will make it easier for you to explain to a client that they are investing not in a “piece of material,” but in the real comfort and functionality of an interior.
Material – the foundation of the price.
How much you pay for acoustic panels largely depends on the material they are made of. And this is where the biggest differences are visible – both in price and in how the panels will behave after one, three, or ten years.
Acoustic foam – a cheap beginning, an expensive end?
This is the most common choice when the budget is tightly limited. Acoustic foam can actually reduce reverberation and works properly during the initial period. The problem starts later. Over time, it turns yellow, crumbles at every touch, and absorbs surrounding odors. We have seen conference rooms where, after a year, the foam looked like a dirty sponge – the effect was the exact opposite of what was intended; instead of aesthetics, it felt makeshift. Additionally, foam does not have a fire rating, so it often fails technical inspections in commercial buildings.
Of course, better quality foams have already appeared on the market – with higher density, more durable, and even offering basic flame-retardant classes. However, these are still typically technical solutions that rarely meet the aesthetic or branding needs of commercial interiors. In practice, this means that although they may sound attractive price-wise, they often need to be replaced or hidden, which generates additional costs.
Cheap at the start, but in practice – it requires adjustments, compromises, or quick replacement.
Mineral wool – acoustically good, visually weak
Mineral wool works excellently across a wide frequency range and is still used where aesthetics take a back seat, e.g., in technical ceilings or industrial interiors. But it has two big “buts.” First, it requires an enclosure (as it is not suitable for open walls on its own), and second – it produces dust and is unpleasant to the touch. This is not a material suitable for exposure in an interior, but rather something to be hidden behind a casing. It will do the job in technical spaces, but it won’t build the atmosphere of an elegant or representative space.
Recycled PET felt – an investment that pays off
Here, we enter a completely different level. Acoustic felt made from PET is created from recycled plastic bottles, so it has a strong ecological advantage right from the start. It is hypoallergenic, does not produce dust, is safe to use, and crucially – it holds a B-s1,d0 fire reaction rating, which allows it to be used in public and commercial buildings. On top of that, it is durable – it doesn’t turn yellow, doesn’t crumble, and doesn’t require replacement after a few years.
But the biggest advantage is the aesthetics. PET felt allows for the creation of geometric, artistic panels, and even entire 3D walls that look like art installations while simultaneously absorbing noise. Our custom projects are a perfect example of this, where SilentScape or TileScratch panels did not just improve acoustics, but became an element of the entire company’s visual identity.
Why do investors choose felt?
For the client, the decision to choose felt is about much more than soundproofing. It is about safety (fire rating, no dust production, allergy-friendly), ecology (recycled material), and durability. It is also a strong branding message: “Your office is soundproofed with panels made from reclaimed materials.”
Acoustic panels fit perfectly into any interior, thanks to various cutting possibilities and a wide color palette. It is a fully-fledged interior element that adds aesthetics and improves acoustics.
Thickness and acoustic parameters.
The price of acoustic panels largely depends on their thickness and how they work. The thicker the felt panel, the better the absorption of lower frequencies (more mass/volume = more absorption of longer sound waves). But it’s not just about millimeters, because what matters is what problems in a given interior we want to solve.
9 mm panels – this is the most popular solution in offices and homes. They cope brilliantly with common noise such as loud conversations or phone sounds. If reverberation bothers you during video conferences in a meeting room, or you need to create a pleasant atmosphere for your living room or study, this panel thickness will already provide a noticeable improvement.
12 mm panels – this is where real acoustics begin; the panels are more powerful and operate across a wider frequency range. It is a good choice where acoustics become a major challenge. Thicker panels mean that we can absorb more sound with less surface area. Felt panels make voices sound natural, and background noise stops dominating.
Suspended panels (acoustic ceiling islands, suspended baffles) – their advantage lies in the fact that they absorb sound from both sides – from above and below. Utilizing what is known as an “air gap” makes them exceptionally effective in large rooms, such as halls, restaurants, or open spaces. However, an additional cost comes into play here, as a suspension system and ceiling installation must be planned. On the other hand, the effect is incomparably better, because instead of loud noise and piercing echo, you get a space where its size is not felt.
And And here is an important tip: speak the language of results, not parameters. It won’t mean anything to a client if a panel has “„αW = 0,5”. But if you say: “After installation, the reverberation will be cut in half, and conversations will sound clear even during online meetings” – everyone will immediately understand what it’s about.
Design and aesthetics.
It is the appearance of the panels that differentiates prices the most and, at the same time, has the strongest impact on how the entire interior is perceived. You could say that the material is the foundation, while the design is the layer that decides whether the panels will remain in the background or become the centerpiece of the space.
Flat wall panels – the simplest and most affordable solution. These are smooth sheets of felt that work perfectly where function matters most: reducing reverberation and improving acoustic comfort. Ideal for a home office, living room, or children’s rooms. Aesthetically, they are neutral – they can be treated just like wallpaper.
Grooved and geometric panels (TileFlex) – this is where the play with light and shadow begins. Precise “V-cut” angled carving allows for the creation of patterns that change the wall’s character depending on the lighting. In one office, we completed a project where the same panels served as an elegant, minimalist backdrop during the day, and in the evening – backlit with LEDs – turned into a decorative element. The price is slightly higher, but in return, the client gets something that simultaneously provides two functions and serves as a convenient solution.
Artistic panels (TileScratch) – this is an option for spaces where the visual effect is just as important as comfort. Inspired by linocut, they give the effect of contemporary art on the wall. They have a greater thickness, making them more effective at dampening sound, and along the way, they become an “art installation.” In hotels or representative conference rooms, they are often the focal point of the interior – something clients remember and associate with the brand.
Printing on felt – an increasingly popular solution that allows for full customization of an interior. Company logos, graphics tailored to the brand’s visual identity, or artistic patterns can be printed on the panels, giving the space an individual character. This is an excellent option for offices, showrooms, or hotels where the wall not only dampens noise but also tells the story of the place. Printing increases the price because it requires additional technology and color protection, but the end result is a panel that serves as a fully personalized decor element. The price for decorative UV printing ranges between 425 and 855 EUR per square meter.
PET felt technology and production
At first glance, an acoustic panel might seem like just a piece of felt glued to the wall. In reality, behind every element stands a technological process that ensures the panel looks aesthetic, performs acoustically, and remains safe to use for years.
CNC cutting – this is the heart of production. Thanks to precision machinery, it is possible to achieve sharp lines and repeatable patterns without frayed edges. For an architect, this means that every single panel looks identical, even if there are several hundred of them in a project. This provides not only aesthetics but also the certainty that no discrepancies will appear during installation to spoil the final effect.
Suspended systems (SilentScape) – ceiling islands or baffles require specialized mounting systems – certified, safe, and compliant with fire safety standards. This is particularly important in commercial buildings, where safety and technical inspections are a priority. There is no room for makeshift solutions here; every element must be tested so that the installation lasts for years and poses no risk. For suspending our products, we use ready-made fixing kits with prices starting at around 10 EUR net per kit. A sample acoustic island measuring 1,2 x 1,4 m requires 8 fixing kits to be securely mounted to the ceiling.
Surface area and project scale
The price of acoustic panels is never a value “detached from context” – it depends heavily on the scale at which the project is planned.
Small projects: apartments, home office – if a private individual orders a few panels for a living room, bedroom, or home office, the unit price may be higher, and the logistics minimum is a single panel, i.e., a 120 x 240 cm format, which is worth breaking down into smaller tiles to optimize shipping costs. This stems from the fact that production setup, transport, and packaging costs are distributed over a small number of pieces. On the other hand, such projects are completed quickly – often from ready-made collections available off the shelf. The client gets the effect “here and now”: silence in a children’s room, peace in a home office, or better sound in a home theater.
Medium and large projects: offices, open space – for commercial projects, the principle of scale already comes into play. If a project covers hundreds of square meters of panels, the unit price per m ² drops because production and installation take place in series. In a 500 ² open space, the difference in price per meter can be up to several dozen percent compared to an individual order. Here, the priority is not immediate off-the-shelf availability, but cost optimization across the entire scale of the project – because even a small unit difference with a large square footage yields real savings.
Hotels and public spaces – in facilities such as offices, restaurants, or conference rooms, another factor enters the equation: space variety. A single project often requires combining wall, ceiling, and decorative panels – each in a different size and pattern. This demands a tailored approach and precise logistics, but it also allows for a cohesive, seamless effect throughout the entire property.
For a private client, the most important thing is to see the results quickly – an improvement in acoustic comfort in their home or apartment. For a business client, scale and budget optimization matter, including the price per m² discounts on large orders, and the possibility of phasing the project.
Personalization and custom orders
This is an element that particularly attracts the attention of architects and designers. Acoustic panels do not have to be a neutral backdrop; they can become a showcase for the space, a carrier of visual identity, or even a piece of functional art.
Standard colours – the most affordable option. Ready-made shades available off the shelf allow for quick project execution. Our palette includes 25 basic colors. This solution is ideal for apartments or smaller offices where time and economy are key.
Custom colors – if a project requires alignment with a brand book or a specific color scheme (e.g., in hotels or showrooms), it is possible to prepare panels in individual shades. However, this means additional lead time and sometimes a surcharge – but the result is a space that looks refined in every detail.
Custom patterns and designs – company logos, milled graphics, or printed illustrations ensure that the panel stops being just a piece of felt and becomes an element that builds the identity of a place. This is especially valued in conference rooms, lobbies, or reception areas. We can design any acoustic panel pattern for you; in this case, the cost of design preparation and production must be factored into the price.
An example from our portfolio to better illustrate this – in one of our client’s conference rooms in Nowy Targ, we prepared an acoustic wall with a milled logo and panels in the brand’s colors. The cost increased compared to standard panels, but the effect exceeded expectations – the room, as well as the entire building interior, immediately became the company’s showcase and a signature feature, serving as a backdrop for video recordings, presentations, and online meetings. Instead of an anonymous space, the company gained a recognizable branding element that strengthened their brand at every step.
Personalization, therefore, should not be treated merely as an “additional cost.” It is an investment that makes the interior begin to tell the client’s story; it becomes unique and that is something that cannot be achieved with ordinary foam or anonymous materials.
Installation of acoustic panels and logistics
The price of the panels themselves is one thing, but in practice, installation and logistics can significantly affect the final cost of the entire project. It is precisely this stage that often determines whether the project proceeds smoothly or requires additional expenditure of time and budget.
Adhesive panels – the simplest and cheapest method of installation. The panels are glued directly to the wall – quickly, cleanly, and without the need for interfering with the building’s structure. This solution is particularly popular in apartments, where a quick result and minimal additional work are what count. The downside is the inability to quickly dismantle and move the panels to another location.
Suspended panels – here, more significant technical expertise comes into play. Ceiling islands or baffles require additional systems and working at heights. This increases the installation cost, but the effect is completely different; the panels work on both sides and can largely eliminate echo in open spaces, restaurants, or conference rooms. Furthermore, these types of systems allow for the flexible creation of “acoustic walls” or space dividers without the need to build additional structures.
Large projects – with projects involving hundreds of panels, additional costs arise related to logistics, such as transport, warehousing, and unloading. Especially when panels in various colors, formats, or with personalized patterns are involved. We have seen projects where planning deliveries in instalments allowed for avoiding chaos on the construction site and accelerated finishing works.
What are the benefits of this for the client? The installation of acoustic panels is relatively quick and does not require interference with the building structure. Unlike, for example, renovating suspended ceilings or building new drywall partitions. This means that acoustic improvement can be achieved even in a finished space, without major renovations and disruptions to the use of the office or apartment.
(In this article, you will learn more about how to install panels and what glue to use)
Maintenance and durability – long-term cost
This is an element that investors often forget about, focusing solely on the purchase price. Meanwhile, in acoustics, as in many other industries, the biggest differences in costs you incur are only visible after a few years of use.
Acoustic foam – tempts with a low price at the start, but it is a classic example of “apparent savings”. After 2–3 years, it usually requires replacement. Why? The structure of the foam relies on microscopic air bubbles that expand over time, and the material itself begins to crumble. Discoloration often occurs, white turns to yellow, and the surface looks unaesthetic. We have seen projects where, after a short time, the foam disfigured the interior more than it improved its functionality. As a result, the client incurs additional costs: dismantling, purchasing new materials, and re-installation.
PET felt – here the situation looks completely different. Although the initial price is higher, the durability of the material is counted in years. PET felt does not yellow, does not crumble, and does not change its appearance over the years. On top of that, it is easy to keep clean (a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment or a damp cloth is enough) to make the panel look like new again. Thanks to its resistance to daily use (e.g., touch, friction, or sunlight), you don’t have to think about replacing it every few years.
Sample price ranges for acoustic panels.
Acoustic panel prices are highly diversified, which precisely demonstrates the broad spectrum of possibilities available to an architect or investor. Instead of a single rigid rate per m², we have several price tiers that result from both the material used and the aesthetic form or production technology.
Basic panels – the simplest solution consists of flat wall panels made of 9 mm thick PET felt. This is a good choice where the priority is reverberation reduction on a minimal budget. The unit price starts at around 64 EUR net per square meter for a standard format. In open-space offices or home studies, they allow for a quick and inexpensive acoustic improvement without unnecessary complications.
Grooved and geometric panels – the next tier includes solutions that require greater production precision, such as CNC-cut panels (TileFlex – V-cut). Milled patterns create a play of light and shadow, making the panel an element of interior design. Here, prices start at around 92 EUR net per square meter and can increase depending on the complexity of the pattern. This segment performs particularly well in meeting rooms, receptions, or representative spaces.
Artistic panels and islands – premium class – at the highest price point, we find solutions treated almost like functional art. Linocut-inspired panels (e.g., TileScratch) feature greater thickness, unique textures, and can create an effect reminiscent of an art installation on the wall. The same applies to acoustic islands or ceiling-suspended baffles – they work on both sides, thus improving the acoustics of large spaces while introducing an original rhythm and form. In this case, prices are quoted individually, as they depend on the project scale, format, and degree of personalization. For example, the retail price of an acoustic wall measuring 2.7m x 5m utilizing a 12 mm thick TileScratch acoustic panel and decorative grooving ranges between 1400 – 1650 euro net.
How to talk to a client about the price of acoustics?
As you can see, the final price of an acoustic panel is made up of many elements: material, thickness, design, technology, surface area, personalization, installation, and durability. This is where the so-called “language of benefits” comes in. Because in the eyes of the client, something else is most important: work comfort, silence at home, peace in a restaurant. Therefore, an architect should show not so much the cost, but the result: less noise, more focus, more pleasant conversations, and a design that is soothing to the eyes 😉
This is what the difference looks like between a product that is just on the wall and a panel that actually transforms a space.
Conversations about the costs of acoustic panels often start with questions about numbers and technical parameters. Meanwhile, the key is the way we present value. If an architect says that a panel has a sound absorption coefficient of αW = 0.6, for most clients it will be just abstract information. But if they explain that thanks to the panels in the conference room, conversations will finally sound clear and no one will have to repeat sentences, the client immediately understands what it’s about. Similarly in a restaurant, it is easier to convince an owner when they hear that guests will stay longer and return more willingly because they won’t be tired by the noise, rather than when we show them a table of parameters.
These are the arguments that work. That is precisely why the price of a panel should not be shown as a cost, but as an investment. An investment in work comfort, in a better guest experience, in peace and a professional image of an interior. And if a client needs proof, we can always develop an acoustic simulation or show a case study from a similar project. Then numbers turn into concrete results that are easy to imagine.
Ultimately, the client does not pay for the thickness of the felt or the milling method. They pay for making it easier to focus in the office, to watch a movie at home without irritating reverberation, and to make guests feel good and stay longer in a restaurant or cinema. And that is exactly the language worth choosing, as it shows that the difference between an ordinary product and a well-designed acoustic panel lies not in the price, but in how it transforms the entire experience of perceiving a space.