How to Reduce Echo and Improve Aesthetics in Open-Plan Spaces Using Wall Panels

Open-plan living has a lot going for it—more natural light, a better flow between kitchen and lounge, and a sense of spaciousness that’s perfect for entertaining or keeping an eye on the kids while cooking. But as lovely as these layouts look, they often come with one glaring downside: noise.

If your conversations bounce around the room, your footsteps sound like thunder, or your Netflix session turns into an echo chamber, you’re not imagining it. These spaces are notorious for poor acoustics.

Luckily, there’s a stylish and practical solution: wall sound-absorbing panels. And no, we’re not talking about old-school wood cladding or grey foam. Today’s wall panels are modern, versatile, and designed to look good while solving some very real acoustic problems.

Here’s how you can use them to reduce echo and upgrade your interior at the same time.

Why Open-Plan Spaces Are So Echo-Prone

Before we get to solutions, let’s look at the problem. Echo and reverberation happen when sound waves bounce off hard, flat surfaces, and open-plan layouts are full of them.
Think:

  • Tiled or hardwood floors
  • Minimal soft furnishings
  • High ceilings
  • Bare walls
  • Glass windows

With fewer walls and more open space, there’s nothing to absorb or interrupt sound. So everything you say—or every clink of a glass—ricochets across the room.

That’s where acoustic wall panels come in.

How Wall Panels Help: More Than Just Sound Control

Wall panels made from sound-absorbing materials like fabric, felt, PET fibre, or wood slats work by soaking up sound instead of letting it bounce around. The result?

  • Less echo
  • Better speech clarity
  • More comfortable conversations
  • A calmer, quieter atmosphere

But here’s the bonus: modern wall panels also serve as design features. They can bring texture, colour, and even architectural interest to otherwise bland walls. It’s a two-in-one solution: form meets function.

Where to Place Wall Panels in an Open-Plan Space

You don’t need to cover every wall to hear a difference. Strategic placement is key. Start with these high-impact zones:

Behind the Sofa or TV

This is often the noisiest part of the room. Adding panels here reduces the harshness of TV audio and softens ambient sound.

Dining Area Walls

Hard surfaces, glasses clinking, cutlery scraping—it’s a recipe for noise. A few panels here can dramatically reduce echo during meals.

Work-from-Home Corners

If your home office shares space with the kitchen or lounge, panels behind or beside your desk can help block distractions and make calls clearer.

Long, Empty Walls

Large bare walls are echo factories. Covering even a portion with sound-absorbing panels can make the room feel quieter and more finished.

Design Styles That Complement Panels

No matter your interior style, there’s a panel to match.

Scandi or Japandi?

Go for light wood slats or soft beige felt for that warm, minimalist look.

Industrial?

Dark charcoal panels, exposed fixings, or raw timber work beautifully in loft-style spaces.

Modern or Colourful?

Pantone-inspired felt tiles or bold geometric shapes add personality without overpowering the space.

Classic or Transitional?

Fabric-wrapped panels in neutral tones blend in subtly, offering softness and elegance.

The idea is to make panels feel intentional—as if they’re part of the room’s DNA, not just tacked on as an afterthought.

How Many Panels Do You Need?

You don’t have to go all out. Even 20–30% wall coverage can produce a noticeable improvement in acoustics. If you’re unsure, start small—perhaps a cluster of panels in your noisiest corner—and add more if needed.

And remember: it’s not about perfection. It’s about making your space feel better to live in.

Installation: Easy or Effort?

The good news? Many panels are DIY-friendly. Lightweight options can be mounted with adhesive strips or Velcro. Heavier ones—like wood or larger fabric panels—may need wall brackets or professional fitting, but they’re still far from a full renovation.

And if you’re renting? Look for removable options or freestanding acoustic dividers that double as room partitions.

Final Thoughts: Better Living Through Design (and Less Echo)

Open-plan living doesn’t have to mean living with noise. With just a few well-placed, good-looking wall panels, you can dramatically improve your space’s acoustics and its aesthetics.

So if you’ve ever found yourself turning up the volume to hear over the echo, or felt like your beautiful space is just a little too loud, this might be the upgrade you didn’t know you needed.