Acoustics might not be the first thing you associate with flooring, but they greatly influence how a room feels. In an office, bedroom, or café, how sound moves through a space shapes the surrounding jumble of voices, footsteps, and music.
This soundscape directly affects both comfort and usability. And flooring, however inconceivable it may sound, has a subtle as well as substantial impact on acoustics.
Let’s walk you down to the “hows” and “whys” of this curious correlation.
We all know that sound can affect the mood of a room—whether it’s the hum of background chatter in a café or the echo in an empty conference room. Flooring plays a pivotal role in either absorbing or reflecting sound, influencing everything from privacy in offices to the atmosphere in homes and public spaces. In short, the right flooring can make or break your room’s sound dynamics.
Hard floors like tiles, wood, and concrete look great, but they’re not doing your acoustics any favours. Unlike softer surfaces that soak up sound, these materials reflect it, causing echoes and making everything from footsteps to conversations feel louder than they need to be.
The problem is sound reflection. When sound hits these rigid floors, it bounces around, creating an echo that can be distracting and hard to ignore. High-pitched noises, like voices and footsteps, become sharper, making it tougher to maintain focus or have a quiet moment.
In shared spaces, the issue gets even bigger. Hard floors can carry noise between rooms, making it harder to maintain privacy and comfort. Without the right acoustic solutions, hard floors can end up creating more of a challenge than a stylish finish.
So, what’s the solution?
Soft flooring options, such as carpets and rugs, work wonders when it comes to absorbing sound. These materials trap sound waves within their fibres, reducing echo and preventing the amplification of noise.
Different spaces have different needs when it comes to flooring and acoustics. Here’s a breakdown of how to optimise your flooring choices for specific environments:
The offices’ hard floors amplify distractions like ringing phones or clicking heels, ruining focus. Acoustic carpet tiles or rubber flooring tackle this by absorbing sound and cutting noise transfer. Add acoustic underlays for confidential conversations—your team can brainstorm while the neighbouring desk holds a client call in peace.
Footsteps above keeping you awake? Hardwood floors letting voices echo down the hall? Cork flooring or thick carpets offer a solution, silencing upstairs traffic and softening noise in open-plan spaces. Combine with sound-absorbing mats to make home life quieter without compromising style or practicality.
Cafés, libraries, or galleries—public spaces thrive on atmosphere, not noise. Luxury vinyl tiles with acoustic cores reduce harsh echoes without losing durability. Layered rugs or felt-backed options create warm, sound-friendly environments where chatter is lively but never overwhelming, keeping guests comfortable and engaged.
Not all flooring materials are created equal when it comes to acoustics. Here’s a closer look at which materials can help control noise the most effectively:
When selecting the right flooring for acoustic control, there are several factors to keep in mind. The size and purpose of the space, along with the type of noise you want to minimise, should all influence your decision.
All that should’ve and could have been shared was said; now it’s time to make a decision. Regardless of the space, if you are prioritising sound as a top concern, then you should consider investing in the right flooring materials.
Clique Floors can get you ever closer to a peaceful and serene environment. With a wide range of flooring options, you are bound to find the perfect fit for your unique space. Reach out and find out TODAY!
Quiet floors, louder compliments. That’s Clique.
Did you know that we’ll beat any competitor’s genuine written quote by at least 5%
*conditions apply
