Interior Acoustics and the Role of Materials in Interior Design

The comfort of living in a space depends on many factors – including those that are not immediately visible. In addition to the functional layout, colour scheme and lighting, interior acoustics are equally important. The way sound behaves in a room determines whether the space feels calming and pleasant - or noisy and overstimulating. How does the choice of finishing materials and accessories affect this?

Interior acoustics refers to how materials and surfaces influence the propagation of sound within a space. Every element – from walls and floors to furniture, accessories and decorations – can reflect, dampen or absorb sound. Proper acoustic design reduces reverberation and noise, which is extremely important in homes, offices, hotels and restaurants.

The sounds that surround us have a direct impact on our concentration, mood and well-being. Too much reverberation makes conversations tiring and everyday sounds louder than they actually are. In offices, this reduces productivity, in homes it makes it difficult to rest, and in hotels and restaurants it negatively affects guest comfort. On the other hand, well-designed interior acoustics make a space calming, easier to relax in, work in and function in on a daily basis.

Interior acoustics depend primarily on how different materials react to sound waves. Hard and smooth surfaces (e.g. glass, concrete, ceramics or stone) reflect sound, amplifying reverberation and making the space sound louder than it actually is. On the other hand, soft and porous materials (such as fabrics, carpets, upholstery, curtains) absorb waves, reducing echo and creating a cosy atmosphere. Between these extremes are surfaces that scatter sound to a greater or lesser extent.

However, achieving good acoustics is not about total soundproofing or excessive echo – it’s about balance. An interior lined entirely with hard surfaces will be tiring, while a room that is excessively ‘muffled’ deprives sound of its naturalness and dynamics. Therefore, when designing an office, home or restaurant, it is worth combining different types of materials, for example: complement smooth walls with textile elements, and balance stone or glass with wood or upholstered furniture. Such conscious composition of textures and finishes allows you to create a space that looks good and at the same time promotes acoustic comfort for users.

Among natural stones, one stands out for its unique properties and centuries-long tradition - marble. Its advantages are not limited to aesthetics and durability. It also has an often-overlooked advantage - it positively influences interior acoustics. Thanks to its structure and mass, it can partially absorb noise, which alleviates the impression of acoustic chaos. When used in homes or public spaces, marble can help reduce noise-induced fatigue and irritability. What is more, marble is good at dampening vibrations, which is why it is used in buildings located near busy streets or railway lines. In addition to prestige and elegance, it brings a real improvement in the quality of life of users to interiors.

Acoustics is an element of interior design that is invisible, but whose effects can be felt every day. Well-chosen materials can change the character of a space, making it a place conducive to work, rest or meetings. It is worth remembering this at the design stage in order to design a space that is not only beautiful, but also comfortable and functional on a daily basis.

Check also: Bathroom zones – what are they and how to divide them?