Sound absorbing panels can be purchased, but since some are quite expensive, they can also be made at home. Acoustic panels can either be sound absorbing or soundproofing. Acoustic panels can be placed throughout a room, on the walls, or even on the walls or even on the ceiling. A homemade acoustic panel is often made with wood, insulation, and a layer of fabric. Many cotton fabrics will generally work for an acoustic panel, and some polyester fabrics could also be used. The key to choosing a fabric for the panel is that it is breathable enough to let the sound transfer through the fabric into the insulation. Burlap, duck canvas, and cotton duck can all be good choices.
Best Fabric for Acoustic Panels
Features
12 Oz Cotton Duck Canvas Gray Camo
– 12oz, heavyweight fabric made from 100% cotton
Big Duck Windmill Linen
– Heavyweight blend of 86% cotton and 14% linen
60” Canvas Natural
– Heavyweight fabric made from 100% cotton
60” Burlap Red Paprika
– Medium/heavyweight fabric made from 100% jute
Fabricut Style: Wrangler
– Heavyweight fabric made from 100% cotton
Note: The fabric for acoustic panels should be breathable and allow sound to pass through into the insulation. Cotton and burlap fabrics are commonly used due to their versatility, durability, and budget-friendly nature.
12oz fabrics will often work well for an acoustic panel. While the fabric is strong, durable, and heavyweight, it is still breathable, which allows for sound to pass through the fabric and be absorbed into the insulation below. This fabric is very versatile and can also be used for many different apparel items, home décor accents, upholstery projects, accessories like totes, and more.
Fabric is very heavyweight and is made from 100% cotton
Comes in 60” width which often works well with an acoustic panel
This line of fabric comes in both solid colors and printed fabrics
Heavyweight fabric is often good for an acoustic panel. This fabric is 10oz per square yard. This fabric is a blend of cotton and linen, which are both breathable, durable fabrics. Linen is also a very versatile project and can be used for upholstery projects, window treatments, slipcovers, tote bags, home décor, and more.
Fabric is a heavyweight blend of 86% cotton and 14% linen
Comes in 54” widths and is available in over fifteen different colors and prints
Machine wash cold, do not put in the dryer- air dry
Breathable fabrics like cotton help the sound pass through to the insulation below. This canvas is durable and versatile. It can be used for many different projects including apparel items, slip covers, window treatments, upholstery projects, pillows, accessories, and more.
60” width fabrics often work well for making an acoustic panel at home
This fabric is heavyweight and is made from 100% cotton
Machine wash, tumble dry- remove right after drying
Burlap is often a popular choice for making acoustic panels. Burlap is a generally a heavier weight fabric that is also breathable. This fabric is durable and is quite budget friendly. Burlap is very versatile and can be used for crafting projects, home décor, window treatments, totes, and more.
Fabric is medium/heavyweight and is made from 100% jute
Hand wash with cold water and mild detergent and hang to dry
Comes in 60” width which is a popular width for making acoustic panels
Heavyweight fabrics are often a great choice for making acoustic panels. This fabric is 12.8oz per square yard. While the fabric could be used for acoustic panels, it can also be a great choice for many other projects. Make window treatments, home décor accents, bedding, slipcovers, headboards, apparel items, or use it for upholstery projects.
This line of fabric comes in over eighty different colors
Acoustic panels can be made at home and can be used for many different purposes. Breathable fabrics are best. While the color of the fabric really is up to you to decide, keep in mind that patterned fabrics might be trickier to line up on a frame while solids are often easier. Generally, cotton fabrics and burlap fabrics are used because they are versatile, durable, and breathe well. Cotton and burlap fabrics are usually quite budget friendly.
Soundproofing Versus Sound Absorbing
Acoustic panels can serve different purposes depending on their composition. Soundproof panels and sound absorbing panels aren’t meant to do the same duty. A sound absorbing panel is made from materials that are meant to help cut down and reduce noise, but won’t eliminate it completely. Sound absorbing panels can actually make a sound clearer in an area. Soundproofing materials help stop sound altogether. These panels can either be used to keep sound out, or to keep sound in.
Making an Acoustic Panel
Acoustic panels do vary in composition and in make. There are different kinds of panels that can be made. Usually, a panel is either 2” or 4”. A fairly easy to make at home panel is usually constructed by making a rectangle with wood. A sheet of insulation can then be placed in this rectangle (mineral wool insulation is often used), and then the whole thing is covered with fabric which can be glued or stapled to the wood. The width of the fabric used will depend largely on the size of the panel being made. Often, 60” width fabric works well. There are online tutorials that you can read, or videos that you can watch to help you understand the step by step process of constructing your own acoustic panel.
