In the design of commercial interiors —offices, hotels, restaurants, showrooms, and service spaces— aesthetics, lighting, ergonomics, and functionality are increasingly emphasized. We're talking about colors, textures, flexible spatial layouts, and modern finishing materials. All of this matters because it influences first impressions, visual identity, and user comfort.
However, this visual puzzle often misses a key element that, though invisible , determines the quality of the entire experience : acoustics . It's the sound (or lack thereof) that determines whether a customer will want to stay longer, whether a hotel guest truly relaxes, and whether an employee can focus and work effectively for hours.
Noise, echo, and reverberation are factors that shape user emotions just as powerfully as light or color. However, unlike design, we don't always realize that they're responsible for feelings of discomfort, fatigue, or reluctance to return. And that's precisely why good acoustics are becoming not just an added value, but a necessity.
Acoustics that you can't see - but feel
Unlike light or color, sound is rarely a consciously designed element . However, in commercial spaces, especially offices, noise is one of the main factors affecting occupants' well-being, productivity, and fatigue.
Noise acts as a silent aggressor. According to psychophysiological studies, excessively loud environments—even those not industrial noise—activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis , responsible for the body's stress response. This results in increased cortisol levels, increased heart rate, and increased muscle tension (Szalma & Hancock, 2011). In other words, the body reacts to excessive noise as if it were facing a threat.
This directly impacts the quality of work. Research by Gloria Mark's team at the University of California, Irvine , found that any distraction —such as a background conversation, a phone ringing, or echoing in an open-plan office—causes a drop in productivity. Furthermore, it takes an average of 23 minutes to regain full concentration after such a disruption (Mark et al., 2008). Therefore, if an employee experiences a dozen or so such stimuli throughout the day, their productivity drops dramatically—even though they are formally "present at their desk."
In practice, this means that poorly designed office acoustics are a hidden cost —leading to lower team productivity, increased fatigue, and more frequent errors. All without visible consequences—because noise leaves no trace, only consequences.
A tiring space – the real cost of noise
Noise in commercial spaces is not only uncomfortable but also a cause of customer loss. Hotel lobbies, restaurants, and showrooms are often finished with hard materials such as glass or concrete, which causes high reverberation. Noise levels in such spaces can exceed 70 dB , while the WHO recommends a maximum of 55–60 dB in recreational spaces (WHO, 2018).
A Cornell University study found that 72% of hotel guests cited excessive noise as the primary reason for a lowered stay rating (Cornell Hospitality Reports, 2010). Guests return to hotels with acoustic comfort .
Noise spoils the taste – literally
The impact of noise doesn't stop at the psyche. A growing body of research shows that sound—especially its intensity and quality—also plays a significant role in the perception of taste and smell . How we perceive food depends not only on the ingredients or presentation, but also on the acoustic environment in which we eat.
Experiments conducted by Professor Charles Spence of Oxford University , one of the leading researchers in multisensory perception, have shown that noise levels above 70 decibels significantly diminish the perception of sweetness and umami —two key taste profiles in modern cooking (Spence et al., 2014). In practice, this means that even a perfectly prepared dish can be perceived as mediocre if accompanied by an overly loud, chaotic environment. Furthermore, high-frequency sounds can even alter the perception of texture—food seems less fresh or less creamy.
This explains why, in the world of gastronomy, interior acoustics are becoming an integral part of the culinary experience . It's no longer just about the stylish arrangement or plate composition, but about the overall impression that creates the atmosphere of a place.
This is confirmed by data from the Zagat Survey (2016) – as many as 26% of restaurant guests cited excessive noise as their main reason for dissatisfaction. This is more than those who complained about prices, service quality, or even the food itself.
The conclusions are clear: silence sells – even in restaurants. And well-designed acoustics offer not only comfort but a real competitive advantage for establishments that want to be remembered for their taste… and atmosphere.
Business Value That Goes Unheard
Well-designed acoustics are much more than just comfort these days – they are a measurable business value that impacts team effectiveness, employee turnover and the overall experience of the space.
According to a 2022 JLL report, offices equipped with acoustic solutions , such as quiet zones, sound-absorbing panels, and acoustic furniture, achieve 34% higher employee satisfaction compared to offices with a similar standard of finish but without acoustic support. This means that sound comfort is more important than, for example, designer furniture or expensive materials – if employees can't concentrate, other elements lose their value.
This conclusion is also supported by data from the global Leesman Index study, based on the responses of over 800,000 office workers worldwide . Acoustics regularly ranks among the top three worst-rated aspects of the work environment —right next to lighting quality and lack of privacy (Leesman, 2021). Importantly, even in premium spaces with modern décor, noise and echo are still cited as major sources of frustration.
All of this leads to a simple conclusion: acoustic comfort is not a luxury, but a necessity . Where it's lacking, engagement declines, stress increases, and, in the long run, turnover and the costs associated with recruiting and onboarding new staff increase.
Investing in acoustic solutions isn't just a design add-on – it's a component that truly supports team productivity, satisfaction, and loyalty. This means that well-designed silence pays off faster than you think .
What Really Works – Effective Acoustic Solutions
Effective interior acoustics are not based on a single element, but on a layered, multi-level approach . It is the synergy of various solutions – sound dampening, absorbing, and dispersing – that provides comfort for users and the desired functionality for spaces.
It's worth emphasizing that even the best acoustic solutions aren't enough if they're not properly selected and deployed. Their effectiveness depends on, among other things:
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the proportion of absorbing to reflecting surfaces,
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installation height,
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locations of sound sources,
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and the specific use of a given interior.
Designing acoustics is not a cosmetic matter, but a technical and functional investment – one that influences everyday comfort, the perception of space, and the efficiency of its use.
Here's what really works in practice:
1. Ceiling and wall panels
Made of PET, felt, polyurethane foam , or mineral wool , they absorb sound waves reflecting off hard surfaces. Class A models, according to the ISO 11654 standard, can reduce reverberation by up to 80–90%. Their appropriate placement (especially in upper sections of rooms and in first-order reflection zones) significantly improves reverberation time (RT60) , and therefore conversation comfort.
2. Acoustic furniture
Modern armchairs with high sides , upholstered partitions , and acoustic booths create localized sound-dampening zones. These solutions are ideal for open-plan offices, lobbies, coworking spaces, and waiting rooms. They suppress sounds where they originate—before they spread throughout the room—and allow for privacy without the need for enclosed spaces.
3. Textiles
Curtains, carpets, and upholstery not only improve aesthetics but also significantly impact acoustics by reducing sound reflections and dispersing waves. Areas equipped with soft, absorbent materials automatically become more pleasant to the ear , especially in service, restaurant, and hotel spaces.
4. Plants
While not strictly a technical solution, plants—especially in large numbers and properly arranged—can reduce reverberation by 10–15% , especially in spaces dominated by glass and concrete (Lohr et al., 2000). Large-leaf planters, green walls, and mobile gardens are a simple way to improve acoustics while enriching a space with biophilic design elements.
Silence as an element of image
In an era of sensory overload and constant stimuli, silence is becoming the new form of luxury . In commercial spaces—such as offices, hotels, restaurants, shops, and showrooms—it's not just a matter of comfort. It's a conscious brand message that says: "We care about your comfort. We care about the quality of your experience."
Users can rarely pinpoint exactly what makes them feel good in a given space. But acoustics—invisible but palpable —often underpin this impression. Silence has a subliminal effect on us: it allows us to focus, relax, and feel safe. And this translates into behavior— customers stay longer, employees experience less fatigue, and guests are more likely to return .
Moreover, the acoustic quality of a space impacts specific business metrics. A well-designed sound environment translates into:
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higher NPS (Net Promoter Score) – i.e. the customer's willingness to recommend the brand further,
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lower employee turnover because it reduces daily stress and fatigue,
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better reviews on the internet, where comfort becomes one of the key evaluation criteria,
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longer visit time – both in the office and in the service premises,
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and even greater value of the shopping basket , especially in retail and catering, where the atmosphere influences decisions.
Today, silence is more than just the absence of sound. It's a quality of experience that customers and employees remember—and want to identify with. Brands that consciously manage acoustics not only build a competitive advantage; they build relationships.
What's going on in your space?
Silence is a premium commodity these days. In a world where sounds are constantly present—from phone notifications, to conversations in open-plan offices, to background music in stores— the absence of noise is becoming a new form of luxury . It allows us to pause, feel comfortable, focus, or simply… breathe.
In a business context, it's not just a matter of aesthetics or good tone. Silence has a tangible value – functional and image-related. It translates into customer satisfaction, work efficiency, positive feedback, and brand loyalty. And it all starts with properly designing the sound environment – or consciously limiting it.
A good interior isn't just visually appealing, but also distracting . That's why we provide comprehensive acoustic solutions —from ergonomic office furniture , through acoustic panels and enclosures , to booths and mobile space-sharing systems that truly improve the comfort of everyday life.
