Room acoustics in the catering trade

When design wants to be heard

The restaurant is full, the lighting is atmospheric, the interior is stylish – and yet many guests turn their backs on the restaurant early. What seems surprising at first glance often has a clear reason: the room acoustics in restaurants are underestimated.

If the sound of a room is not taken into account, an invisible barrier is created. Noise, reverberation and unpleasant sound reflections make conversations tiring and disrupt the emotional experience. Even the best design can lose its impact if the acoustic atmosphere is not right.

Noise reduces dwell time – and return visits

Many catering establishments lack sound-absorbing materials. Hard surfaces, high ceilings or glass fronts amplify the sound – and therefore also the noise. A well-known example of this is the Lombard effect: people speak louder the higher the noise level gets – until no one can listen anymore.

The room acoustics in restaurants not only influence how loud the room is. It determines how comfortable guests feel, how long they stay and whether they come back. Good acoustics create a pleasant atmosphere for conversation, reduce stress and ensure relaxed moments – without being visually noticeable. It is not seen, but clearly felt.

Enjoyment needs acoustic quality

In cafés, restaurants and bars in particular, acoustic quality is part of the culinary experience. Enjoyment is not only on the tongue, but also in the quiet of the room. A pleasant sound environment supports communication, creates closeness and invites people to linger.

This is why room acoustics in restaurants should be considered as part of the design concept from the outset. Not as an afterthought, but as a central component of a holistic room design.

Think of room acoustics as a design element

At apn^® we develop acoustic solutions that combine both: sound quality and architectural aesthetics. Our products are modular in design, architecturally adaptable and so flexible that they can be seamlessly integrated into a wide variety of design concepts – whether as ceiling absorbers, wall solutions or free-standing acoustic elements.

Good design speaks – but it doesn’t speak. Rooms that are acoustically well thought out are not only seen, but experienced. They invite you to stay and create a real connection – between people, conversations and atmosphere.

Are you planning a new catering project? Let’s talk about how acoustic effectiveness and design standards can be ideally combined. For rooms that are more than just a backdrop – and where people want to stay.