How to eliminate reverberation in a room: effective ideas for offices, coworking spaces, libraries and shared environments
Reverberation is a key aspect to consider in workplaces and shared environments.
It creates an annoying “echo” effect in untreated rooms, which can affect concentration, increase fatigue and reduce overall well-being for those who work, study or spend time there.
Recognizing the problem and applying practical solutions is essential for achieving functional, comfortable, and acoustically balanced spaces.
In this article, we’ll look at how to eliminate reverberation in a room through practical ideas and effective materials, focusing on offices, coworking spaces, libraries, and other shared environments.
What is reverberation and why it’s a problem
Reverberation occurs when a sound reflects multiple times off hard surfaces before fading away, creating a prolonged echo effect.
This results in reduced speech intelligibility and makes concentration more difficult.
In particular, reverberation in homes, offices or shared spaces can lead to:
- increased stress and cognitive fatigue;
- communication difficulties;
- loss of productivity and focus;
- reduced comfort and well-being.
You can learn more about this topic in our article on acoustic reverberation.
How to eliminate reverberation: basic principles
To eliminate reverberation in coworking spaces or similar environments where acoustic comfort is crucial, you must address the surfaces that cause sound reflections — ceilings, walls, and floors that are too hard or smooth.
The goal is to increase the sound absorption capacity of the space — its ability to capture sound waves instead of reflecting them.
How? By using sound-absorbing materials designed to improve acoustic quality.
Key principles to follow:
- cover reflective surfaces with absorbent materials;
- choose soft furnishings such as rugs, heavy curtains, and upholstered furniture to help dampen sound;
- distribute sound-absorbing elements evenly to avoid untreated areas or excessive absorption.
Ceiling and wall acoustic panels: the most effective solutions
Installing sound-absorbing panels is one of the most practical and efficient methods to reduce reverberation. No invasive construction work is needed, and the high level of customization allows perfect adaptation to any environment.
Here are some possible solutions:
Ceiling panels
Highly effective in rooms with tall ceilings or wide reflective surfaces, they can be suspended and adjusted to target the most reverberant areas.
Wall acoustic panels
Covering one or more walls with sound-absorbing panels drastically reduces lateral reflections. Custom options allow you to tailor the amount of absorption to the room’s specific needs.
In coworking spaces or offices, panels can also act as decorative elements, combining functionality and design.
Modular systems
These consist of standardized units that can be combined in multiple configurations to suit spatial and functional needs.
Each module can be used individually or joined with others to create continuous or geometric surfaces — balancing acoustic and aesthetic goals.
This modularity allows flexible, scalable acoustic setups that adapt to different levels of reverberation.
LvB Italia offers ceiling, wall, and modular solutions with wide customization possibilities and guaranteed quality.
The role of acoustic design: analysis and planning
To achieve optimal results, acoustic treatment must be carefully planned from the start.
This involves assessing the intensity of reverberation and the room’s features — using acoustic simulation software or field measurements — to determine which surfaces to treat and with what materials.
A custom project ensures a balance between absorption and reflection, avoiding spaces that sound either too “dead” or overly echoing.
An investment in productivity and well-being
Eliminating reverberation is not just a matter of comfort — it’s an investment in productivity and mental health.
Offices, coworking spaces, libraries, and shared environments require precise acoustic design, and ceiling panels, wall systems, or modular solutions offer the most versatile and effective results.
Knowing how to eliminate reverberation means working and living better — in a space that supports focus and reduces stress.
Looking for tailored acoustic solutions for your space? Our experts can help you choose and install the ideal products.
