Quick answer: In big rooms, the ceiling gives the most value per panel. On a tight budget, flat panels fixed to the ceiling over the busiest area are the cheapest per square metre; hanging clouds cost a little more to put up. Start with 20% of the ceiling over seating, then add more later.

Key takeaways

  • The ceiling gives the most value per panel.
  • Flat panels are simplest; clouds cost a bit more.
  • Start with 20% over the busiest area.

Why the ceiling

In most big rooms, the ceiling is the largest hard surface. Sound from every table bounces off it. See ceiling vs wall.

Flat panels

Flat panels are fixed straight to the ceiling, so nothing needs to hang. That makes them the simplest option per panel. They are always fixed mechanically, never glued.

Not sure what your room needs? Send us a photo on WhatsApp or request a free quote. We'll tell you how many panels, where they go and the price. See our restaurant acoustic panels and recent projects.

Ceilings on a budget infographic

Clouds

Clouds hang a little below the ceiling and cost a bit more to put up. They soak up sound on both faces. They also look better in tall rooms.

Start small

Cover about 20% of the ceiling over the busiest area first. That is where most of the noise starts. Listen to the room for a few weeks before adding more.

Phase

Add more panels in a second round when the budget allows. Use the same colour so it all matches. A second round can also add a few wall panels.

Ceiling phases diagram

Cost

Panels are S$185 each installed. 15 panels is about S$2,775. See prices.

Tall ceilings

Very tall ceilings may need a scaffold for either option. Scaffold is quoted separately. Ask about it when you send photos.

Colour

Match the panels to the ceiling colour so a first phase looks complete. Guests will not see it as half-done. Later phases then blend in.

What we see on real jobs

For a small café on a budget, 10 to 15 flat ceiling panels over the seating is a sensible first phase.

Get a straight answer for your room

WhatsApp us (+65 8930 1905) a photo of your dining room, ideally taken during service, and tell us when it gets loudest. We'll come back with a ceiling-and-wall plan and a price. Ask us about installing outside opening hours.

WhatsApp us a photo · Request a free quote · See prices

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