While the core of an acoustic panel is at the heart of its ability to reduce troublesome echoes and other problems with ambient noise in offices, restaurants, churches, educational settings, and even home theaters and private recording studios, the fabric covering also plays an important role in both the acoustic and aesthetic results you will achieve.

Acoustic Design Works offers two choices of fabric covering for our dense, sound-absorbing fiberglass core. Both options are acoustically-transparent polyester fabric by Guilford of Maine, woven in North America. (Acoustic transparency means that sound waves can pass through and be absorbed by the core, rather than bouncing off and echoing around the room.)

FR701 Series Fabric

Our FR701 Series fabric is a more coarse woven fabric with a muted or matte finish, available in several dozen colors ranging from neutral whites, grays and tans, to deeper jewel tones such as Cobalt and Deep Burgundy. This fabric is a great choice for use in formal, traditional settings and interior design schemes or where you want the panels to blend seamlessly into the background.

FR701 is made of 100 percent post-consumer recycled polyester fibers, with a noise reduction coefficient (NRC) of .95. NRC ratings range from 0 to 1. An NRC of 0 means that the product absorbs no sound. An NRC of 1 means that the product absorbs all sound. The higher the NRC, the better the product is at soaking up sound.

Anchorage Series Fabric

Our second fabric option, Anchorage, is a more finely-woven fabric with a slight sheen. The Anchorage palette includes more vibrant color selections with a modern edge. Also made entirely from recycled polyester fiber (65 percent pre-consumer and 35 percent post-consumer), Anchorage has an NRC rating of .85.

Both fabrics have been tested for colorfastness to light and to crocking (the tendency of color to transfer from one fabric to another with rubbing or abrasion). In 40 hour light tests, both received a minimum grade of 4, showing only slight fading in the duration of the test. Similarly, when tested for crocking both fabrics received minimum grades of 4 for dry tests and 3 for wet tests, meeting common standards for dyed textiles.

Both options can be cleaned with water-based cleaning agents, foam, or pure water-free solvents, along with vacuuming or light brushing to prevent dust and soil build-up.

Most of our standard acoustic wall panel shapes, sizes, and thickness options are available in either fabric with dozens of colors to choose from that can complement or your current or planned interior design color scheme. Visit our acoustic panel store to choose the right wall panels for your commercial construction, office remodel, or home improvement project.

If you want for a more customized look for your project, consider our custom wall or ceiling panels, which can be printed with a corporate logo or even a photograph to give your space a one-of-a-kind accent piece that blends acoustics with aesthetics to reinforce a brand image or personal style. Contact acoustic design experts to learn more or for recommendations on how to solve more complex acoustic challenges.