ACOUSTIC COMFORT GUIDE
Acoustics: the right floor and the right interior
A room can look calm and still sound busy. For a school, office, hotel or healthcare building, acoustic comfort starts by identifying the noise causing disruption. Flooring can contribute, while ceilings, walls, curtains and the way a space is used shape the overall result. We assess products across manufacturers to identify the data and solutions relevant to the space.
Advice by appointment, at your project location.
Impact noise and reverberation need different approaches
Footsteps and moving chairs can set a building structure into vibration: this is impact noise. Reverberation occurs when sound continues reflecting around a room. A product rating for impact sound reduction therefore does not directly explain how intelligible a conversation will be. Start by describing the sound, where it originates and which occupants it affects.
How acoustic flooring can contribute
We compare acoustic flooring from different manufacturers. Tarkett, for example, offers versions in linoleum, vinyl and carpet tiles. The construction and backing of the selected product determine its declared performance. Compare specific products and their test data. A laboratory rating is useful design information, but it does not predict the complete sound level in a furnished, occupied building.
Carpet and carpet tiles for working and social spaces
Carpet is a sensible option to investigate for offices and meeting rooms. Certain DESSO carpet tiles, for example, are available with acoustic backings that contribute to sound absorption and impact sound insulation. Office chairs, maintenance, circulation routes and appearance matter too. We can combine soft and resilient flooring by zone, considering transitions and a coordinated colour scheme.
Curtains as part of the room
Acoustically tested curtain fabrics can absorb sound. Performance also depends on the fabric, surface area, folds and distance from a wall or window. A curtain therefore does not automatically replace a partition or acoustic ceiling. We coordinate curtains with flooring, daylight, privacy and any blackout requirements. The chosen fabric's test data remains the reference point.
Look beyond a single material
For excessive reverberation, consider the whole room: dimensions, glazing, ceiling, walls, furniture and occupancy. Speech intelligibility matters in a classroom, for example; an open-plan office also needs attention to conversations travelling between workstations. Where a measurable outcome is required, an acoustic consultant should be involved in the design. We align our material choices with their brief.
How we prepare a suitable proposal
Send a floor plan, photographs and a description of the disturbance. Tell us which rooms are used simultaneously and whether an acoustic report or specification is available. Dutch Project Flooring connects suitable flooring and curtains with appearance, maintenance and installation. Site consultations are by appointment. From the outset, we discuss which performance criteria need evidence and who will assess the completed result.
Frequently asked questions
Is acoustic flooring enough to reduce reverberation?
Not always. Impact sound reduction and sound absorption are different properties. The required approach depends on the complete room and the particular noise problem.
Can I add together acoustic ratings for floors and curtains?
No. Different acoustic values describe different effects and test conditions. An overall assessment requires evaluation of the products within the complete room and building structure.
Can you supply and install both flooring and curtains?
Yes. We can discuss both within a coordinated material and colour plan. Specific acoustic requirements are agreed beforehand with the client and any appointed consultant.
Collections & technical information
The manufacturers and collections listed are examples within our wider range. Specifications vary by product; current documentation and project requirements determine suitability.
Tarkett — Acoustic flooring ↗Tarkett — DESSO SoundMaster acoustic backing ↗Ecophon — Vertical acoustics and room absorption ↗Vescom — Curtains and sheers technical manual ↗Content prepared on 13 October 2026. Product selection and programme are agreed for each project.
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