Acoustic ceilings for open-plan offices: cutting noise without lowering the ceiling
Published 22 Feb 2026
Open-plan offices look great on plans but sound terrible without acoustic design. Suspended ceilings are often the most cost-effective place to absorb reverberation — if you select the right tiles and layout.
Understanding NRC
Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) indicates how much sound a tile absorbs. Higher NRC values reduce echo and improve speech clarity. For call-heavy teams, aim higher than the minimum “office standard” tile.
Rafts and baffles
Where full grids are undesirable — exposed services, heritage conversions, industrial aesthetics — acoustic rafts and baffles target reflection points while keeping volume and character.
Practical tips
- Pair ceiling absorption with absorbent wall panels in meeting pods
- Do not rely on carpet alone in high-ceiling spaces
- Test tile layouts against your lighting design before ordering
We provide acoustic guidance as part of our ceiling surveys — not as a separate upsell.