Quick answer: Mirrors are hard and flat, so they bounce sound straight back. The best fix is to put acoustic panels on the wall opposite the mirror, so sound bouncing off the mirror lands on something soft. Add panels on side walls and the ceiling if needed. Never cover the mirror itself. Leave a gap at the sides of the mirror so the layout looks neat.

Key takeaways

  • Mirrors bounce sound straight back.
  • Put panels on the wall opposite the mirror.
  • Side walls and ceiling come next.

Why do mirrors cause echo?

A mirror is glass, which reflects almost all sound. When the opposite wall is also bare, sound bounces back and forth between them. That causes a fast ringing echo. It is common in dance, barre and yoga rooms.

Where should panels go?

On the wall facing the mirror first, at roughly head height and above. That catches sound bouncing off the mirror. Then add the side walls, staggered so panels are not directly opposite each other. See where to place panels first.

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 gym and studio acoustic panels and recent projects.

Mirrors and panels infographic

What about the ceiling?

If the ceiling is hard and the room is large, ceiling panels make a big difference. They stay clear of mirrors, barres and equipment. Ceiling panels are always fixed mechanically. See ceiling vs wall panels.

Studio panel placement diagram

Can panels go beside the mirror?

Yes, on the same wall, at either end, if there is space. Keep a neat gap so the mirror line looks clean. This also helps in small rooms where other walls are limited.

What about speakers and barres?

Put panels where speakers aim, so the music does not bounce back harshly. Keep panels above barres so hands and props do not touch them. Leave space for doors and switches.

How many panels and what cost?

An 8 by 6 m studio usually needs 16 to 24 panels, about S$2,960 to S$4,440 installed. That is at S$185 per panel, with the exact count confirmed from photos. A smaller room with only one bare wall opposite the mirror may need fewer. See acoustic panel prices.

What about glass fronts?

Treat glass fronts like mirrors: leave them clear and treat the opposite wall. Glass reflects sound just like a mirror does. If there is no solid wall opposite, ceiling panels can do more of the work.

Can panels hide wires?

Panels are not for hiding cables. Plan cable routes before installation. Mark switches, sockets and speaker points so panels can be placed around them.

What we see on real jobs

In dance studios like Pei School of Dance, we used ceiling and wall panels in studios, corridors and stairs.

Get a straight answer for your room

Send a photo or short video of your studio or gym floor on WhatsApp (+65 8930 1905), ideally during a class. We'll suggest where panels go, keep them clear of equipment and mirrors, and install outside class times.

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

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