Figuring out the acoustics of a room is something that can be very difficult at times. If the walls and ceilings are flat and made of a certain material, they are highly prone to reflect sound and make things pretty noisy overall.
There are a lot of solutions out there, and they all involve adding some barrier that helps absorb and reflect unwanted sounds. Some work better than others, and the majority of the solutions are attached to walls.
One solution that a lot of people are having success with on ceilings is the installation of acoustic clouds. These clouds come in many shapes and sizes and are becoming more affordable than ever. For the first time, it is a solution that everyone can afford if they want to see the difference it makes.
Is it worth the hassle? Most people seem very pleased with how they work, but let us take a closer look at what makes them so popular.
What Is An Acoustical Ceiling Cloud?
Ceiling clouds are designed to significantly reduce reflected sound in a defined space. Each cloud suspends from the ceiling, and it helps to absorb sound right away. (source)
What makes them popular in today’s world is that not only are they effective, but they can turn into a stylish piece as well. Instead of having to repaint the ceiling or add some wall art to the mix, ceiling clouds give off a pretty modern appearance while also being functional. They have a lot of versatility, as people use them at home or in business settings.
Ceiling clouds are different than some of the other options out there to control sound and echoes because of the amount of air. More air is going to lead to the panel’s ability to not only control echoes but completely eliminate them in some cases.
It is hard to completely not notice echoes any longer, but that is exactly the case with these installed.
Sound absorption with any ceiling cloud happens as soon as sound travels toward the ceiling. It also is effective when the sound bounces back towards the floor. Having two ways to absorb sound eliminates a lot of echoes and dampens overall noise.
The Pros of Acoustic Ceiling Clouds?
A lot of people are sold on the advantages of acoustic ceiling clouds for the home or office. Each year, they are popping up on more consistently. Even those areas that are not that noisy still can have some benefits.
Easy to install
Acoustic ceiling clouds are very easy to install (and take down if they are no longer needed). They usually come with eye-hooks that make it simple to hang from any ceiling. Since they are lightweight, it is not too much of a burden at all.
Durable
Once they are installed, the clouds do not really go through a ton of wear and tear. That means unless something weird happens, there is no reason why these can’t last for years and years.
They do not lose effectiveness over time, and most end up switching them out only if they are looking for a different design or color.
Outstanding sound-absorbing
The sweet spot for a lot of acoustic ceiling clouds is around an NRC of .95. This will help stop any echoes and reverberations. This helps with anything from basic speech to having more precise sounds from musical instruments.
Some people use this solely for an office, while they also come in handy for a music studio or practice area.
Options Galore
There are no limitations when it comes to all the different designs and colors out there. They are now thousands of ready-made options, and people can even design them for a specific look if they want.
They become part of the overall look of a room. They used to stand out like a sore thumb in the early days, but that is no longer the case.
How Does it Stack Up Against Other Soundproofing Options for the Ceiling?
It is not very easy to find a better value out there right now than these clouds. They are very inexpensive, easy to install, and available in so many different designs.
If there is a drawback to them, it is that some people do not want to sacrifice too much ceiling room if they are in a tight spot already.
They do hang a little below the normal ceiling, so they could get in the way in some cases. The good news is that people do not need as much space as before, so even that is becoming much less of a hindrance. (source)
Ceiling Acoustic Cloud Alternatives?
The most common comparison to the clouds is a baffle set up on the ceiling instead. Some people like how these absorb sound and look a little bit different. Instead of hanging horizontally with the ceiling, they hang vertically. They blend in a little bit more and will fit the style of certain setups.
The drawback to baffles is that they do not block all sounds. They can be positioned in a way that helps some, but it is still hard to get as much coverage as someone would get with clouds.
Clouds work better in conference rooms, lobbies and reception areas. If there is a set place where sound is coming from, it helps to have clouds over that part of the room to help as much as possible.
They provide horizontal coverage, while baffles work a bit better in handling noises from different directions.
Some people will try our different options and try to think about which one works best for them. Do not be afraid to look a bit online to find something from a design perspective as well.
A Final Look at Acoustic Clouds
Now that they are more affordable than ever, it just makes sense for a lot of people to invest in acoustic clouds. They make a noticeable difference right away, especially in empty rooms. Instead of having to invest in new paint and a soundproofing solution, the clouds can work for style and functionality.
The best variety is available online for those looking for something cool. Prices are usually a little better as well. In stores, options are a bit more limited since they can’t have too much inventory on-site at once.