Did you know plants play a crucial role in acoustic design? That’s right—using plants for soundproofing can significantly reduce noise in your office space, making it a quieter and more productive environment.
In today’s open-plan office environments, where every conversation, phone call, and keyboard click seems to echo across the room, soundproofing is more important than ever. Office plants serve as natural noise reducers that beautify your space and make it a more peaceful, productive place to work.
Studies have shown that excessive noise in the workplace can lead to decreased productivity and higher stress levels. In fact, noise is often listed as one of the top complaints in open-plan offices. So, if you’re an interior designer working with wide open spaces, use plantscapes, moss walls, and gardens to reduce noise. Your clients will thank you for it.
The science behind plants for soundproofing
Plants absorb sound, deflect sound, and add mass. Firstly, plants are excellent at absorbing sound, especially those with large, broad leaves. When sound waves hit the leaves, they are partially “soaked up” and scattered, reducing noise level overall. Potting soil and fiber containers also contribute to sound absorption, making plants the perfect soundproofing solution.
Sound deflection involves redirecting sound waves away from their original path. Instead of absorbing the sound, the waves bounce in many directions. Plants are great at this. When strategically placed around the office, plants create barriers that disrupt the path of sound and prevent it from traveling across the room. Basically, plants turn loud distractions into muted white noise.
Lastly, plants take up space. This may not seem like a big deal, but one of the principles of acoustic design is that mass helps block sound. By adding more mass to a space with plants, you reduce the transmission of noise. This is especially effective when you incorporate living plant walls or moss walls. In fact, moss walls are the noise-canceling headphones of the plant world—except they’re way more stylish and don’t need to be recharged.
Ready to transform your office into a quieter, more productive space? Discover the power of plants for soundproofing today!
How to use office plants to reduce noise.
If you’re looking to use plants for maximum noise reduction, here’s our best advice:
- Go big or go home
When it comes to reducing noise, bigger is often better. Large plants with broad leaves, like the Monstera or the Rubber Plant, are excellent choices. They absorb more sound and make a bold statement in the office. - Create plant barriers
Consider using plants to create natural barriers between workstations, meeting areas, and other noisy parts of the office. Rows of tall plants and planter boxes can help deflect sound and create a private, quiet environment for employees. - Install a moss wall
If you really want to step up your acoustic design game, commission a custom MossWallArt™ installation project. These walls aren’t just visually stunning – their porosity, air pockets, and sponge-like texture are incredibly effective at absorbing sound. They require little to no maintenance and become the conversation piece of any room. - Layer your plants
Interior designers know that layering fabric textures helps with soundproofing. The same is true for layering plants. Placing them at different heights can have a big impact on sound transmission. Use a mix of hanging plants, tabletop plants, and floor plants to create a lush, noise-reducing environment.
Plant Solutions has unique, quieting plant designs for all types of spaces.
You know plants are essential in open office design, but you may be wondering how to get started. That’s where Plant Solutions comes in. With years of experience in designing, installing, and maintaining beautiful indoor plant displays and moss walls, Plant Solutions is here to create a quieter, more serene environment for all types of workspaces: offices, restaurants, healthcare and education centers, hotels, and more.
We’ll help you choose the right plants for acoustic design and ensure your plants stay healthy and vibrant all year round. So, whether you’re working on a new office project or looking to revamp an existing space, Plant Solutions has you covered.
Incorporating plants into your office design isn’t just about beautifying a space — it’s about creating a better, more productive work environment. By reducing unwanted noise and improving acoustics, office plants can help people focus, reduce stress, and enjoy their workday just a little bit more. Next time you’re designing an office, think about plants.