The discipline of acoustic lighting aims at crafting spaces where people can feel safe, relaxed, stress-free and productive.

For years now, lighting design companies have been working to integrate their lighting fixtures with sound-absorbing materials, in order to create luminaires that not only provide a perfectly lit environment for all needs, but also help reduce unwanted noise.

Acoustic lighting solutions are becoming increasingly important in our daily life and allow us to improve the spaces we inhabit, through the control of light and sound.

The concept of acoustic lighting, which is all about the harmonious interaction of lighting and room acoustics, although not a new one, has recently become more and more popular among designers and architects.

This is because the latest studies have revealed that light and sound are two of the main factors that affect our wellbeing, and they can completely transform the way we experience and live within a space.

Did you know, for example, that a whisper can interrupt concentration? Research has shown that, when we are exposed to even a minimal distraction, it takes an average of 25 minutes to fully get back to our original task! 
A loud environment is also detrimental to personal communication and effective interaction.

Moreover, it is now well known that noise is a stress factor, which means it can have a long-term negative effect on health.

Acoustic lighting is the perfect solution for creating an efficient workspace environment: an optimally lit room that absorbs disruptive noise will not only greatly enhance concentration, promote social interaction, and produce an all-round sense of comfort, but it will also create a healthier environment for everyone.

Acoustic Lighting for the Workplace

In the past few years, the open office landscape has taken over other working-space layouts. This choice stems from the need for more flexibility, an increased professional exchange, and of course the optimization of space. Such offices, however, often raise acoustic challenges.

Acoustic lighting solutions for open office areas are some of the most popular applications of this discipline and greatly help reduce background and unwanted noise in the workplace.

Another great application for acoustic lighting solutions are conference and meeting rooms, where a clear and uninterrupted communication is fundamental.

Acoustic Lighting for Hospitality

Creating acoustic and light comfort is also an essential aspect of designing a successful and enjoyable hospitality venue. A positive sensory experience is at the root of all hospitality spaces, and acoustic lighting can become a great weapon for designers and architects to master light, sound and aesthetics.

Some examples of acoustic lighting solutions for the hospitality sector can be found in hotel lobbies, restaurants and catering venues.

Acoustic Lighting at Home

Sound absorbing lamps can also be beneficial for the home environment, so that you will find comfort for all senses after a long day out.

Quiet, balanced room acoustics have a positive long-term effect on health and, as solution providers, here at Atrium we offer a wide range of lighting fixtures that will make a significant contribution to reducing background and unwanted noise in all kinds of spaces, whether at the office, in a hotel, or in your own living room.

Here are some of the sound-absorbing lamps and luminaires in our catalogue, which include a vast array of styles and designs to fit all needs, from the minimal, industrial atmosphere of a modern open space office to the soft cosiness of a gently lit chic restaurant.

Intra Lighting presents in its catalogue the ec(h)o friendly Viko, a luminaire made of 3D acoustic panels of 100 % recyclable fibre. Vyko guarantees a great acoustic performance and an efficient, no-glare light distribution.

Acousto Round is perfect for open space offices. A simple design integrated with acoustic panels that absorb unwanted noise. For an extra touch, Intra Lighting also offers the MOSSwall panels, a maintenance-free solution that brings nature inside the office.
For a more daring choice, Black Hole is suited for luxurious spaces with its soft, timeless shape. Its sound-absorbing surface made of perforated echo-leather will transform every space, improving the acoustics and reducing noise pollution.

Atrium also offers the immersive illumination and important acoustic performance of Cooledge luminous ceiling products, some of the best fixtures if you are looking to replicate the vast appearance of natural light in open-plan areas.

Another great addition to our acoustic lighting selection is Flexxica, which specializes in acoustic felt lighting fixtures, using 100% merino wool (with a cruelty-free certificate). The award-winning Polish brand strives to go beyond standard office lighting, offering effective, high-quality luminaires that not only provide flexible illumination for all kinds of environments, but also become functional spatial elements that use a variety of components and technologies to maximize acoustic comfort.

Flexxica’s portfolio incorporates cozy designs for all spaces, which draw inspiration from the natural world, both in shapes and materials, to create unique, user-friendly products that work as a bridge between the main ecosystem we live in and the spaces we inhabit on a daily basis.

Their designs include materials such as felt, plants (a great example of biophilic design!) and recycled plastics and give life, through exceptional craftsmanship, to original, flexible acoustic lighting fixtures in wide a variety of styles.

Acoustic lighting has become an essential aspect of designing efficient, healthy and pleasant modern spaces. Research has shown that light and room acoustics have an undeniable impact on productivity, human interaction and well-being.

If you’d like to learn more about this important component of lighting design, we greatly recommend taking our CPD Acoustic Lighting course.

Topics include the trends behind the need for acoustic lighting; basic acoustic design factors that impact the effectiveness of this type of lighting; different approaches to combining acoustics and light and the important role architects have in implementing their performance.