Plants vs. Acoustic Panels – Which to Choose for Better Office Acoustics?

Modern offices require measures that not only improve the aesthetics of the interior, but also take care of acoustic comfort. Both plants and acoustic panels are effective solutions, but their performance and advantages differ significantly. As Human Office and Green Office, we design and equip offices with acoustics and greenery, and offer a service that takes care of the long-term maintenance of plants in top condition.

Plants

Plants are a natural choice for improving the acoustics and aesthetics of an office. They work in several ways:

  • Sound Absorption: Leaves, soil and plant structure absorb some of the sound, especially at high frequencies.
  • Sound dispersion: the variety of leaf and branch shapes helps reduce sound wave reflections.
  • Natural barrier effect: Large groups of plants or green walls can create an effective sound barrier.

Plant advantages:

  • They promote acoustics while improving the microclimate and aesthetics of the interior.
  • They clean the air and improve the well-being of workers.
  • Our Green Office service ensures their regular maintenance, so they always look perfect.

Limitations:

  • Sound absorption efficiency is limited, especially at low frequencies.
  • It is more difficult to predict and optimize their acoustic performance compared to panels.

Acoustic panels

The acoustic panels are designed specifically to control room acoustics:

  • Efficiency over a wide frequency range: The panels effectively reduce both high and low tones.
  • Precise control: materials such as acoustic foam and mineral wool eliminate reverberation and improve speech intelligibility.

Advantages of acoustic panels:

  • Highly effective in improving acoustics.
  • Can be personalized – different colors, shapes and designs.

Limitations:

  • Fewer additional functions compared to plants.
  • Visual appeal may require design adaptation.

Comparison

FactorPlantsAcoustic panels
Absorption efficiencyLower, especially at low frequenciesVery high over a wide range
Sound dissipationGood at high frequenciesLimited
AestheticsNatural, improves microclimateCustomizable (colors, shapes)
Additional featuresAir purification, humidificationSpace separation for free-standing panels
CostsVaries according to plant sizeDifferentiated according to quality

The best results? A combination of both solutions

Acoustic panels and plants complement each other perfectly. Green walls integrated with acoustic panels allow to combine aesthetic, health and acoustic effects in one solution. When designing such spaces, Human Office and Green Office provide solutions that combine functionality with unique design.

Fluffo

Examples of acoustic panels from leading brands:

Impact Acoustic specializes in designing acoustic solutions from 100% recycled PET felt. Impact Acoustic’s products combine functionality with environmental care, offering a wide range of wall panels, ceiling panels, and acoustic office partitions. Their design allows them to create unique, eco-friendly spaces that effectively reduce noise.

Flexxica specializes in decorative acoustic panels with a 3D effect, which are made from environmentally friendly materials such as recycled fabrics and plastics. It offers wall panels, ceiling panels and desk accessories with acoustic properties.

BuzziSpace panels and furniture are made from recycled materials such as PET felt. There are creative solutions such as BuzziShade, BuzziCactus and BuzziFalls partitions, which combine aesthetics with functionality.

De Vorm specializes in manufacturing innovative furniture and acoustic panels made from recycled PET felt. Their products combine functionality with modern design, offering environmentally friendly solutions. De Vorm offers wall panels, ceiling panels and acoustic furniture that effectively reduce noise and improve acoustic comfort in office spaces.

Each of these companies offers a unique approach to acoustics and design, allowing you to tailor solutions to your individual needs and preferences. If you’re interested in learning more about our entire portfolio – contact us! Consider combining plants and acoustic panels to achieve optimal acoustic and visual comfort. Contact us at Human Office to select the best combination for your space! Our team of consultants will offer you the best solution tailored to your needs.

Ewa Małek
New Business Manager w Human Office
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