What Is Acoustic Lighting – and Does Your Workspace Need It?

If your workspace is too noisy, you’re not imagining the impact. Sound affects focus, comfort and productivity—but acoustic lighting could be the solution. So what exactly is it, and why is it becoming a workplace essential?

We answer the most common questions below about Workspace Acoustic Lighting.

What is acoustic lighting?

Acoustic lighting is a clever combination of two functions in one product: it provides both illumination and sound absorption. Typically suspended or wall-mounted, acoustic lights use special sound-dampening materials that help reduce noise levels in busy environments like offices, meeting rooms, restaurants and open-plan spaces.

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How does acoustic lighting work?

Acoustic lights are made from sound-absorbing materials such as felt, PET, or foam. These materials trap and diffuse sound waves, particularly in the mid-to-high frequency range, right where human speech tends to fall. By softening reverberation and echo, they create a more peaceful and productive atmosphere.

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What are the benefits of Workspace Acoustic Lighting?

– Improved acoustic comfort: Less echo and noise disruption

– Enhanced focus and productivity, Especially in open-plan offices

– Dual-purpose efficiency: No need for separate acoustic panels and light fittings

– Design-led aesthetics: Acoustic lights come in contemporary shapes and colours

– Sustainable materials: Many are made from recycled PET or other eco-conscious materials

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What is NRC?

NRC, or Noise Reduction Coefficient, is a standard rating that measures how much sound a material can absorb. It ranges from 0 to 1, where 0 means no sound is absorbed, and 1 means all sound is absorbed.

What are the best NRC levels for Workspace Acoustic Lighting?

In acoustic lighting products, a higher NRC rating means better performance at reducing reverberation and echo in a room. For example:

– An NRC of 0.45–0.60 is considered moderate sound absorption, suitable for general use

– An NRC of 0.70 or higher offers strong acoustic performance — ideal for meeting rooms or collaborative zones

When choosing acoustic lights, look for products with an NRC rating listed in the technical specification. All products in our Sounds Like Light range include NRC values to help you choose confidently.

What should the sound levels be in an office or meeting room?

According to the British Council for Offices (BCO) and ISO 3382 standards:

– Open-plan office spaces should maintain background noise levels between 45–50 dB(A)

– Private offices and meeting rooms should aim for 35–40 dB(A) for optimal concentration and speech intelligibility

Too much noise—even at relatively low levels—can cause stress, reduce productivity, and lead to communication issues.

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How do I know if my office needs acoustic lighting?

If you experience:

– Loud phone calls echoing across desks

-Difficulty concentrating during busy hours

-Complaints about noise in shared spaces

-Poor speech clarity in meeting rooms

…then it’s likely your environment would benefit from acoustic lighting.

Introducing our range: Sounds Like Light

Our curated acoustic lighting collection, Sounds Like Light, combines visual appeal with acoustic performance. Whether you’re designing a serene meeting room, an inspiring co-working hub, or a relaxed café, our range includes pendants and panels in a variety of colours, textures, and shapes to suit every space.

Each product in the Sounds Like Light range is made with acoustic-grade materials and integrated LED lighting, helping you create beautiful, comfortable environments without compromise.

Want to know more?

If you’re unsure where to start, speak to our team. We can advise on acoustic performance, lighting design, and help you select the best products for your space. You can also follow us on LinkedIn and send us your questions!

All the photos in this article feature our collection of Acoustic Pendant Lights, captured by Jack Pickerill from Teal Studios.