How acoustic paintings can improve the sound in your rooms

In recent years, interest in acoustic images has continued to increase.

One reason for this is certainly that in our noisy and fast-moving world, it is becoming increasingly important to create places where we can feel good, relax and concentrate.

Because a pleasant sound and a quiet environment are crucial for our well-being and our performance. And not only in the office and in the home office, but also at home.

One way to improve the sound indoors is with acoustic panels, also known as sound absorber panels or soundproof panels.

These specially designed murals can help absorb sound and therefore improve the sound in a room. 

But what exactly are acoustic images, how do they work and how can they be used in different environments? 

We will look into these and many other questions in this article.

What is an acoustic image?

An acoustic mural is a specially designed mural designed to absorb sound in a room, thereby improving the room’s acoustics. 

In contrast to conventional murals, an acoustic picture consists of sound-absorbing materials that help to dampen the sound, reduce the reverberation time in the room and thereby optimize speech intelligibility.

An acoustic picture is not only functional, but also decorative, which is why it can be used in all rooms and also serves as an eye-catcher.

In summary, one can say that acoustic images are sound absorbers in the form of images.

How do acoustic images work?

At first glance, acoustic pictures look like normal murals. But the big secret lies beneath the surface. 

As a rule, these pictures consist of a wooden frame covered with a printed fabric cover. 

However, unlike normal pictures, the frame is filled with sound-absorbing material that absorbs and reduces sound waves. Different insulating materials, such as foam, are used for this. Some manufacturers also print the image directly onto the respective insulating material.

This insulating material absorbs sound waves and converts them into thermal energy. 

This reduces the reverberation time in the room, resulting in less reverberation and noise.

What good are acoustic pictures?

If the acoustic images are of good quality and correctly dimensioned, the positive effects, such as better speech intelligibility, better acoustics and thus greater comfort due to a quieter environment, are immediately noticeable.

However, anyone who only hangs a small soundproofing picture in a medium-sized or large room will not notice much of it.

The correct dimensioning of the entire absorber surfaces in relation to the room dimensions is important.

How big should an acoustic picture be?

In order to achieve the desired effect, the absorber area of ​​your acoustic image should have a certain size. In most cases it makes sense to hang up several soundproofing pictures so that the recommended area is reached.

The total size of the absorber area depends on the size of the room.

A good guideline is that the total area of ​​the acoustic images should be around 25 to 30 percent of the room area.

For example, if you want to equip a room with 20 m², then 2 acoustic images with the dimensions 1.5 mx 2.0 m would make sense in this case to get 30% of the room area.

In the following table you will find the appropriate guideline values ​​for different room sizes, which each refer to 30% of the room size.

Since these sizes can usually only be achieved with several images, it makes sense in practice to simply start with one or two images.

If necessary, you can then upgrade piece by piece until the desired effect is achieved.

room size	Desired absorber area
up to 20 m²	approx. 6 m²
up to 25 m²	approx. 7.5 m²
up to 30 m²	approx. 9 m²
up to 35 m²	approx. 10 m²
up to 40 m²	approx. 12 m²
up to 45 m²	approx. 13.5 m²
up to 50 m²	approx. 15 m²
up to 55 m²	approx. 16.5 m²
up to 60 m²	approx. 18 m²
up to 70 m²	approx. 21 m²
up to 80 m²	approx. 24 m²
up to 90 m²	approx. 27 m²
up to 100 m²	approx. 30 m²

How many acoustic pictures should be hung in a room?

Based on the table above and the size of the respective pictures, you can easily calculate how many pictures you should hang in a room to achieve a noticeable effect.

For example, if you have a room with 30 m² and your acoustic pictures have an area of ​​3 m² (about 1.5 m length x 2 m width), then it would make sense to hang up three pictures to get an absorber area of ​​9 m².

Please note, however, that these values ​​are not set in stone and are only rough guidelines. It is also important how the space is used.

In relatively empty rooms, where people talk a lot and loudly, more effort is needed to reduce the reverberation than in quiet rooms, where the acoustics are already partially optimized by the furnishings.

Where are sound insulation pictures useful?

In principle, acoustic images can be used wherever an improvement in room acoustics is desired.

In the following examples you will find some useful areas of application:

1. Living spaces: It can sometimes be difficult to achieve comfortable acoustics, especially in living spaces with high ceilings or many hard surfaces. Acoustic images can be used here to reduce the sound level and thus create a better indoor climate.
2. Offices: In offices and call centers, the noise level can sometimes be so high that concentration is impaired. Acoustic images can be used here to reduce the sound level and thus make the working environment more pleasant.
3. Meeting rooms: Good speech intelligibility is important in meeting rooms. Acoustic images can reduce reverberation and improve speech intelligibility.
4. Schools: In noisy classrooms, acoustic images can be used to reduce the sound level and thus create a better learning environment.
5. Restaurants: Restaurants with a high noise level quickly become uncomfortable and make conversations between guests difficult. Acoustic images can be used here to reduce the sound level and thus make the dining experience more pleasant.
6. Practices: Confidential conversations are more difficult when there is too much reverberation. Soundproofing images can reduce reverberation and thus ensure better intelligibility.
7. Home cinemas: Good room acoustics are important in home cinemas. Absorbers in the form of acoustic images can reduce sound reflections and thus ensure a better sound.

How much do acoustic pictures cost?

Depending on the size, material, processing, design and provider, the price range for acoustic images is very wide. Therefore, the costs cannot be given as a flat rate.

As a rule, the prices for acoustic pictures are between 100 and 1000 EUR, with high-quality and individually designed pictures tending to be in the higher price segment.

If you want to buy an acoustic picture, it is advisable to compare different offers to find the best value for money for you and your requirements.

Hanging up an acoustic picture – you should pay attention to this

Acoustic pictures can be hung up just as easily as conventional wall pictures. However, soundproofing screens are usually much heavier, which is why you should make sure that they are securely attached.

Screws or screw hooks that are attached to the wall with dowels are ideal. For smaller and lighter images, even simple nails will do.

If you want to hang up acoustic pictures that consist of several parts, a picture rail or gallery rail can also be practical. Since the suspension is made by cables, different heights can also be realized.

Most manufacturers ensure that there are already hangers on the pictures so that they come into the house ready for assembly.

If the hangers are missing, they can easily be retrofitted.

Different styles and designs

Although acoustic pictures are still a niche product, the range of corresponding pictures has increased significantly.

Accordingly, it should no longer be a major problem to find pictures that match individual taste and the respective furnishing style.

Soundproofing images can be found in the following designs and styles, for example:

• Acoustic picture abstract: Abstract patterns and shapes are often chosen for modern furnishing styles.
• Acoustic picture nature: Nature motifs such as landscapes, forests, flowers, sea, beach, mountains or animals can have a relaxing and calming effect.
• Acoustic image photography: Photo subjects such as cities, architecture, nature or works of art stimulate the imagination and can be a visually appealing option.
• Acoustic picture Geometric: Geometric shapes and patterns underline a modern and minimalist aesthetic.
• Acoustic picture vintage: Pictures in vintage or retro style have their very own and special charm.
• Pop Art acoustic picture: Pop Art pictures in the style of artists such as Banksy, Lichtenstein, Warhol, Haring or others are real eye-catchers in modern rooms.
• Monochrome acoustic image: Monochrome images without any additional elements are minimalistic, have their very own charm and are effective through their coloring.

Acoustic pictures with own motives

Some manufacturers offer acoustic images with their own motifs, photos and logos. This allows for maximum personalization. 

To do this, customers usually only have to upload their own motif as a file using a corresponding upload form on the provider’s website.

He then checks the file and prints his own motif on the canvas or directly on the insulating material. Size, colors and materials can often be adjusted according to your own ideas.

Acoustic pictures with a desired motif are not only nice for private households who want to hang up pictures with their own photos, but also for companies and companies that would like to present their company logo on their pictures.

Sound insulation picture as pinboard

If you want to combine attractive design and practical use, you can opt for an acoustic picture as a pin board (acoustic pin board). Here, too, it is usually possible to select your own motifs for the design.

An acoustic bulletin board can be an excellent complement to acoustic images to increase the total area of ​​sound absorbers in the room.

alternatives

As an alternative to acoustic images, decorative sound absorbers can also be attached to walls. Such acoustic panels are available in different shapes and colors and can be combined with each other.

Installation of such panels is often even easier than with soundproofing pictures, since many of these absorbers can simply be glued to the wall.

Conclusion

Overall, acoustic images offer an aesthetic solution to improve room acoustics. 

They can be flexibly used in various environments such as offices, schools, restaurants and private homes.

The wide range of different designs and materials, as well as the ease of installation, make soundproofing murals a popular option for reducing noise levels, improving sound quality and beautifying drab walls at the same time.