Today’s offices are dynamic. One moment a brainstorming session is underway, the next—an online meeting, while just a few desks away someone is trying to concentrate on a data analysis task. Open layouts and flexible work zones respond to the changing nature of work, but they also pose a significant challenge: how to manage sound effectively in environments where everything happens at once.
Office acoustics go far beyond just reducing noise. It’s about creating a space that supports focus, facilitates teamwork, encourages regeneration, and doesn’t overwhelm the senses. Poor acoustic design can lead to fatigue, frustration, miscommunication, and drops in productivity. High noise levels impact health as well—causing headaches, sleep disturbances, and, over time, even hearing loss.
The optimal sound level for cognitive work is between 25 and 48 dB—roughly the level of a gentle breeze or distant conversation. Achieving this requires more than just sound-absorbing materials. It calls for solutions that flexibly shape the space and create conditions where sound supports work, rather than interferes with it.
In conditions exceeding 65 dB:
- Cognitive performance can drop by up to 20%
- Tasks requiring logical thinking become 50% less effective
- Background noise over 45 dBA leads to a 66% decrease in employee productivity
- Sick leave rates tend to increase
Main distractions impacting productivity:
- 50%: colleagues engaging in small talk
- 25%: excessive noise in the office
- 17%: workplace gossip
- 15%: background sounds like music or podcasts
(Sources: Workamajig, 2023; PLGBC, 2018)
At Bakata Design, we understand that good design doesn’t stop at what you see—it includes what you hear. Below, we present a curated overview of acoustic solutions that improve both the functionality and atmosphere of the modern workplace. All featured products are available through Bakata Design.
Acoustic pods
Privacy by choice. Quiet without isolation.
In a world of constant collaboration, the ability to step away—even briefly—into a quieter space is becoming increasingly important. Acoustic pods offer just that: compact, freestanding rooms that can be placed virtually anywhere in the office without requiring permanent construction. They block out surrounding noise without cutting users off from their environment—thanks to glass walls, these pods provide privacy without isolation.
Inside a pod like Framery One or Framery Compact One, the atmosphere feels completely different from the open-plan space outside. Every detail is designed for comfort and focus—from integrated ventilation and lighting to power outlets that keep your devices charged. These pods are perfect for deep work or quiet conversations that require discretion.
Larger models like Framery Four or Framery Six comfortably accommodate small teams, creating ideal conditions for creative sessions, informal meetings, or hybrid collaboration.
Another smart solution is the Bay Work Pod by Herman Miller, which combines clean architectural lines with thoughtful craftsmanship. It’s a fully equipped, sound-insulated capsule that looks like modern furniture but performs like a quiet room—ready to support focused work anytime it’s needed.
Acoustic curtains
Flexible and soft—visually and acoustically
Sometimes, the office needs boundaries—but ones that can shift as needed. Acoustic curtains allow teams to define work zones, meeting areas, or lounge spaces without permanent walls. Lightweight and mobile, these fabric-based solutions are surprisingly effective at absorbing sound while adding visual softness to the environment.
BuzziFalls resemble decorative panels—vertical felt curtains with intricate cut-out patterns. They act like soft acoustic dividers, reducing ambient noise while also making a strong visual statement. Suspended in open spaces, they subtly define functional zones without closing them off.
A more modular approach comes from Airbloom by Abstracta. These leaf-shaped elements can be freely arranged to form airy, sculptural partitions that diffuse both sound and light. Perfect for flexible, creative environments where openness and comfort go hand in hand.
Acoustic screens
Adaptable structure for focused work
Not every workspace requires enclosed rooms—often, a small degree of separation is enough. Acoustic screens help slow down the spread of sound and support concentration, without taking away from the openness of the office.
Bound Mobile Screen by Herman Miller is a good example of well-balanced simplicity. It can be repositioned as needed, angled freely, or used in combination with other panels. Its upholstered surface absorbs sound while adding visual warmth. In areas where full-height partitions aren’t necessary, Bound Privacy Screens offer a smaller-scale solution. These desk-mounted panels help users focus while maintaining visibility and connection with teammates—ideal for activity-based work environments.
Acoustic furniture
Design that supports quiet
Acoustic furniture isn’t just about sound—it’s about function, comfort, and spatial clarity. Made with sound-absorbing materials like foam, felt, and acoustic textiles, these pieces create small zones of calm and privacy. They’re especially useful in open-plan offices where quiet moments are rare.
One solution is the Pullman Booth by NaughtOne—a high-back, upholstered seating system available as a solo or two-person unit. Its soft, enclosing shape creates a personal niche for focused work or phone calls, without the need for enclosed rooms. The design supports both acoustic separation and visual comfort.
In open zones, Tower by MuteDesign works as a freestanding acoustic column that improves sound conditions locally. It’s easy to move and requires no rearrangement of furniture. A lower version with a wooden top even doubles as a lectern in meeting rooms—functional and discreet.
For individual deep work, Outline Highback Work by Muuto provides a compact, upholstered chair with high side and back panels that help block out noise and visual distractions. Its simple form integrates well into modern interiors, and the optional USB and USB-C power outlets make it a fully equipped personal workstation.
Another mobile solution is the OE1 Nook by Herman Miller—a compact, ergonomic workstation that adapts to shifting office layouts with ease.
Comfortable lounge seating also plays a key role in workplace acoustics. Soft forms filled with foam and finished in upholstery help absorb sound and reduce reverberation, especially in waiting areas and informal zones. A strong example is Chadwick Modular Seating, which supports multiple seating configurations while helping maintain balanced acoustics.
Acoustic lighting
Light that doesn’t bounce sound
In well-designed offices, even lighting contributes to acoustic comfort. Acoustic lamps not only illuminate—they also help quiet the space.
BuzziPleat Light is a sculptural fixture made of pleated felt, suspended like fabric over meeting tables or lounge zones. It absorbs noise while adding a striking visual element. Vika by Abstracta offers a more discreet form: a cylindrical ceiling lamp that improves acoustic comfort without drawing attention to itself. For those seeking both a functional feature and a strong visual statement, Holly by Abstracta delivers—an acoustic lamp with clear presence, available in rich colors and soft shapes.
Acoustic wall panels
Silence built into the walls
Wall and ceiling panels remain one of the most effective tools for improving office acoustics—especially in spaces finished with glass, concrete, or metal. And they’ve come a long way from basic shapes.
Abstracta Bits Wall brings a graphic, geometric rhythm to large walls, allowing designers to build entire compositions that help dampen sound. Sahara, made from cork, introduces a natural warmth and texture—particularly effective where a softer atmosphere is needed.
Ellipse by VANK combines acoustic efficiency with environmental awareness. Made from bio-based composites with flax fibers or recycled felt, they meet the needs of companies looking for sustainable solutions. Their rounded shapes scatter and absorb sound while bringing a softer, more human quality to the space—no compromise between function and aesthetics.
Soft materials
Acoustics start from the ground up
Sometimes, the most effective solutions are the simplest. Carpets, rugs, and curtains all have natural sound-absorbing qualities. They soften footsteps, reduce echo, and make open spaces feel calmer and more grounded.
A great example is the Relevo Rug by Muuto—a thick, hand-tufted wool rug with a sculptural pattern. Its soft, raised surface helps absorb sound while adding warmth to lounge zones or quiet corners. Ideal for open areas where too much echo can interfere with focus, it blends effortlessly with modern interiors and natural materials.
Designing silence that works
Noise doesn’t have to be a permanent feature of the workplace. Nor does it have to conflict with openness, collaboration, or flexibility. Well-designed office acoustics support health, clarity, and productivity—and make space not only more comfortable, but more effective.
Explore the full range of acoustic solutions available at Bakata Design.