4 Easy Steps to Reduce Echo in a Room

In the natural world, an echo can inspire wonder and curiosity. However, when battling an echo in the rooms we use daily, this sound phenomenon is suddenly more frustrating than fascinating.

You know the power of great sound. You’ve enjoyed it in movie theaters, in sports arenas, and at live music events. But what if you could experience the magic of studio acoustics without having to pay the ticket price for entry?

Reducing echo in an indoor setting is actually easier than you think. Solving your sound problem is guaranteed to increase focus, and decrease stress levels. That’s not all, it can also add unexpected creative possibilities to your home or workspace!

Read on to learn 4 easy steps to reduce echo in a room and experience quality sound in your space today.

#1: What Kind of Echo Problem Do You Have?

To solve your echo problem, you first need to better understand the overall acoustics in your room. This means you need to think about the size of the room and what is in it. What does the furniture look like in that space? What is the overall design goal for it?

For example, large open areas typically have fewer barriers allowing sound waves to bounce more frequently. This is also true for rooms with high ceilings, which is why echoes are so pronounced in these spaces. Other unexpected echo amplifiers can include hardwood floors, exposed glass windows, or porcelain and stone tiles.

It should also go without saying that an empty room is more likely to have an echo problem. As previously mentioned, empty rooms have fewer surfaces to help break up a sound as it comes back to you.

Our brain tries to identify and understand every sound we hear, including echoes. This is part of what makes echo so distracting and irritating. No matter how hard you try to ignore them, your brain will spend extra time and energy identifying and understanding echoes. This can cause frustration, fatigue, and anxiety, which are feelings that are disruptive to your environment.

The objective, however, is not to completely remove the echo. Doing this will cause your sound to be flat and dull. Instead, you need to find the perfect balance of original sound and echo to make your space acoustically ideal.

However, not all spaces are built equally, so first you’ll have to assess what your particular space needs. First, evaluate the size and design of your room. This will help you decide if you need to absorb or diffuse the sound. You might have to do some trial and error before finding the right balance, but the results will be worth it.

#2: Work to Absorb Sounds

Adding layers to room surfaces will help reduce echoes. Likewise placing floor, wall, and window coverings in a room can somewhat mitigate an echo problem. This is an appropriate quick fix for budget-conscious workers who may be living or working in smaller spaces.
Area rugs, wall-to-wall carpeting, and window treatments are all made of porous materials that can help absorb sound waves. On one hand, flat surfaces cause sound to bounce off them and return to you. On the other, porous surfaces soak up sound waves and prevent them from bouncing back. This sound absorption solution is guaranteed to help reduce echoes and deliver better acoustical performance to your space.

If you’re looking for a more professional solution, acoustic foam panels can be used to improve sound absorption in a room. These panels can be either permanent or removable and can be affixed to the walls, ceilings, and other areas.

However, basic panels sometimes end up ruining the look and ambiance of a room. At Ezobord, we specialize in merging design and functionality into acoustic panels. We offer a range of wall, ceiling, lighting, and office products that can reduce sound while adding value to your space. Some examples include acoustic lighting, acoustic tac-panels, and even acoustic desk screens or office dividers.

Still not ready to invest in more permanent solutions? Technology such as noise-canceling headphones and wireless microphones can help to focus and deliver sound clarity. These can be a great solution for shared workspaces, as they eliminate surrounding noise elements.

#3: Intentionally Decorate the Room

Tap into your inner home decor capabilities to address an echo nuisance. Adding more furniture to your space makes it easier for sound waves to diffuse. Without getting too technical, better sound diffusion translates to less echo in a room.
To clarify, materials that absorb sound reduce the sound waves that can bounce off surfaces and echo back to you. This means fewer sound waves are present in the room, which prevents echo from happening.

A bookshelf is a great room decor option that helps to mitigate echoes. For starters, it’s a great background for video calls, but that’s not all, the books and bookshelves will also absorb sounds.

Ideally, you want to install bookshelves that have back panels. Alternatively, you can drill them directly into the wall. This will help to diffuse the sound into a larger structure.

Next, choose furniture that is both functional and looks good. Something as simple as chairs with fabric upholstery and full cushions can be very effective for reducing sound.

This principle applies to all settings, including conference spaces for work meetings and family dens. By making smart design choices — such as choosing cotton over leather for a couch, you can reduce echoes in any room.

Finally, you might be surprised to learn that nature can help reduce the echo within a space. Plants provide many benefits, including absorbing sound and reducing reverberation. So consider lightening up your space with some house plants, or using moss wall art if you’re looking for something fancier.

#4: Install Permanent Panels

Is the sound quality in your room still feeling compromised? For some rooms, temporary sound obstructions and room furnishings might not be enough. If there’s still too much echo, it might be time to invest in a more permanent solution.

Acoustic panels can be installed on the walls or ceiling of any room. These options are usually made of foam or a piece of fabric, like felt. They are designed to absorb sound, which can be especially important in company office spaces or large family homes.

They come in many forms. Some are basic, while others are more complex and take up more space. At Ezobord, we offer acoustic panels in a variety of sizes, shapes, and designs to fit your needs.

However, acoustic panels are but one acoustical solution amongst many. Other options include ceiling baffles, desk screen systems, or acoustical nets that can draw attention while reducing echoes. These can be integrated with customizable lighting fixtures to illuminate your space, or help separate areas thanks to connectable dividers.

While permanent acoustic panels may increase your budget spend, their efficacy is undeniable. Even better, Ezobord acoustic panels can add functionality and aesthetics to your work environment.