Acoustic Fabric For Panels Speakers Walls

What is acoustic fabric?

Acoustic fabric is a special kind of fabric used to help control sound in a room. It’s the cloth you often see covering sound panels on the walls of music studios, theaters, or even home offices.

The fabric doesn’t block or reflect sound like a wall would. The fabric helps sound get absorbed by what’s behind it (most often insulation). This helps the sound in the room become more controlled and sound better. 

How does acoustic fabric work?

Acoustic fabric works by letting sound pass through it instead of bouncing sound back. This way, the sound can reach the material behind the fabric which soaks up the sound and reduces echoes.

Think of it like a screen door that lets air through. Acoustic fabric lets sound through so the stuff behind it can do its job.

How do you know if fabric is truly acoustically transparent?

Professional acoustic fabrics are tested to make sure they don’t reflect sound. Our fabrics were tested in the US at Riverbank Acoustic Labs. You can find the test reports on the product pages in the " 3rd Party Lab Tested" section.

Check out our current fabric selections:

SoundAssured acoustic fabric in smokestone gray showing superior acoustic transparency with magnified close-up view, ideal for DIY acoustic panels, speaker covers, and sound absorption projects. 100% acoustic transparency tested by 3rd party lab Riverbank Acoustics
If you are not working with professional fabric, or testing some fabric you have around the house you can try a quick DIY test called The Breath Test.
  • Hold the fabric up to your mouth and try to blow air through it.
  • If air passes through easily, that’s a good sign!
  • If it feels like blowing through a pillow, it’s probably too thick or tightly woven for sound to pass.

Another test is The Light Test.

  • Shine a flashlight through the fabric in a dark room.
  • If you can see the light clearly through the fabric, that means it’s loosely woven and likely to let sound through too.

What is acoustic fabric made of?

Acoustical fabric is usually made from materials like polyester, cotton, or blends, but what makes it special is how it’s woven. The weave is loose and breathable so sound can pass through. 

What is acoustic fabric used for?

Acoustic panels – These are the things you see on walls in music studios or offices. The fabric covers the panels and helps sound get absorbed instead of bouncing around.

The below image shows some of our handcrafted panels made with our acoustic fabrics.

acoustic panels with acoustically transparent fabric wrapping the panels - this picture shows light beige, blue, red, chocolate, and cappuccino fabric colors

Walls – Sometimes whole walls are covered in acoustic fabric to reduce echo and make a room sound clearer. This is common in places like movie theaters or recording studios.

The below image is from a customer project using our black acoustic fabric.

Acoustic Fabric used for personal and commercial projects - picture of room with black acoustical fabric wall
Speakers and amps – Acoustic fabric is used as a grill cloth in front of speakers and amplifiers. It protects the speaker while letting sound pass through without messing it up.
vintage guitar amp fabric - shows a brownish colored wooden guitar amp covered with soundassured chocolate colored fabric
Speaker cabinets – These are the furnishings that hold speakers (like in a band setup or a home sound system). The fabric helps protect the inside but still lets the sound come out clearly.
The below image is from a customer project using our light gray acoustic fabric.
White speaker cabinet with acoustic fabric panels installed in the doors, ideal for sound transparency

Can I use regular fabric instead of acoustic fabric?

Not really. Most normal fabric is too thick or too tightly woven so it blocks sound. Acoustic fabric is breathable so sound can pass through to the absorbing material behind it or let sound from your speakers pass through to your room.

Is acoustic fabric soundproof?

Definitely not. Acoustic fabric does not block sound. 

Can I wash acoustic fabric?

It really depends on what the manufacturer recommends. Hand washing is generally ok but washing machines may cause problems. Check out our guide on How To Clean Acoustic Fabric.

Check out some of our customers' projects using our acoustic fabric!

Mid-century modern wooden TV stand featuring built-in speakers hidden behind panels of black acoustic fabric. The stand sits on a hardwood floor and has a clean, minimalist design with a labeled arrow pointing to the fabric panel.Vintage-style refurbished Advent speaker with a dark wood frame and cappuccino-colored acoustic fabric covering the front. The speaker is placed on a gray storage crate in front of a wood-paneled wall, with a label pointing to the fabric.Two large black DIY acoustic panels mounted on a light gray wall in a home studio or office space. The panels are rectangular and neatly wrapped, likely using acoustic fabric. A white arrow and text label point to the panels, asking “DIY Acoustic Panels?” The room also features a rolling chair, desk, and patterned rug.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Do acoustic panels really work? ▶
Yes, acoustic panels absolutely work when used correctly. Acoustic panels are designed to absorb sound waves, which helps reduce echo, reverb, and unwanted reflections in a room. This creates a cleaner, more controlled sound environment.

Whether you’re treating a home studio, podcast room, home theater, or office space, acoustic panels can make a noticeable difference in speech clarity, mix accuracy, and overall listening quality.
How do I know which panels are right for my room? ▶
Every space is unique. You can contact us for a free room analysis, or check out our guides under the “Learn” section.

Absorption panels help reduce echo and reverb. We offer foam panels and fabric covered panels.

Diffusers scatter sound for a more balanced feel.

Bass traps help control low frequencies that tend to build up in corners.

If you’re trying to block sound from entering or leaving a room, you’ll need soundproofing materials, which are different from acoustic treatments.
Can I order samples? ▶
Yes, we offer acoustic foam samples and well as fabric color swatches. If you are looking for something else please Contact Us.

Order Foam Samples
Order Fabric Swatches
What’s the difference between soundproofing and acoustic treatment? ▶
Soundproofing blocks sound from entering or leaving a room. Acoustic treatment improves sound inside the room by reducing echo and reverb.
Can acoustic panels improve speech clarity? ▶
Yes! Acoustic panels are commonly used in offices, conference rooms, and classrooms to reduce echo and improve speech intelligibility. By absorbing excess sound and reverb, panels make it easier to hear and understand spoken words—even at lower volumes.

Want help improving clarity in your space? Contact us here.
Do acoustic panels block outside noise? ▶
Standard acoustic panels don’t block sound—they absorb it. Acoustic panels reduce echo and reverb inside a room but won’t stop external noise from entering or leaving.

If you’re looking for soundproofing, you’ll need materials designed to block sound transmission like mass loaded vinyl, or decoupled wall systems. We offer select products for this—Contact Us to learn more.

Learn the difference between soundproofing and sound absorption here.
Where should I place acoustic panels? ▶
The best placement depends on your room and goals. For general echo reduction, aim to cover 20–30% of your wall space. For recording studios, home theaters, or listening rooms, focus on:

• Front wall behind speakers
• Back wall behind the listening position
• Side wall reflection points
• Ceiling above your desk or seating area
• Diffusers at key reflection points for natural sound

Need help with placement? Contact us for a free custom recommendation.
Do these panels work for podcasting, streaming, or music production? ▶
Absolutely. We serve customers across all industries — from home offices to professional studios.
What fabric is best for wrapping acoustic panels? ▶
To get the best sound performance, use acoustically transparent fabric—material that lets sound pass through easily. A simple test: try breathing through the fabric. If air flows freely, it’s likely a good choice. Avoid dense materials like heavy denim or canvas, as they can block sound instead of letting it be absorbed.

Looking for a proven solution? Our professional-grade acoustical fabric is highly rated by customers and perfect for DIY acoustic panels.

Shop acoustic fabric here or contact us if you need help picking the right fabric for your project.
Can I order custom-sized acoustic panels? ▶
Yes! In addition to our standard panel sizes, we offer custom-sized acoustic panels for unique spaces, specialty builds, and large-scale projects. Just let us know your dimensions and design goals—we’re happy to create a solution that fits your space perfectly.

Contact us here to tell us about your project and get a custom quote.
Do you offer custom sizes or colors? ▶
Yes, we offer custom sizing and a variety of colors on select products. Just reach out and let us know what you need.

Contact Us for custom quotes.
Are your products easy to install? ▶
Yes! Our fabric-wrapped panels include mounting hardware. For acoustic foam, there are several easy mounting options, including double-sided adhesive squares, spray adhesive, or Command strips for installation without damaging your walls.

Check out our install videos here.
Do I need professional help to install acoustic panels? ▶
Most acoustic panels are easy to install with basic tools and a little DIY experience. We make it simple by providing tutorial videos. Check out our install videos here.

For more complex projects, we’re happy to guide you—or your contractor—through the process to ensure everything is done right.

Contact us here if you need help with installation planning.
How do you maintain acoustic panels? ▶
Acoustic panels are low-maintenance and built to last with proper care. Here are some general tips:

• Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth
• Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment
• Clean gently with compressed air
• Spot clean with minimal moisture and dry immediately

Always check your panel’s product specs for specific cleaning recommendations.

Have questions about cleaning or care? Contact us here.
How much do acoustical panels or soundproofing materials cost? ▶
The cost of acoustic panels and soundproofing panels depends on your space and goals. We offer everything from affordable DIY acoustic foam to high-end custom panels for professional studios and luxury interiors. For an accurate quote, let us know your room size, usage, and sound goals—we’re happy to help you find the right solution for your budget.

Fill out our free room analysis for personalized acoustic advice.
How fast is shipping and fulfillment? ▶
Most orders ship in 1-3 business days. Cut to order foam may take a little longer. If you need something in a hurry please Contact Us.
Can acoustic panels be customized for my space? ▶
Yes! We offer custom acoustic panels tailored to your exact dimensions, layout, and design goals. Whether you’re working with an odd-shaped wall, a unique room layout, or a specific aesthetic, we can create panels that fit perfectly.

Choose from a wide range of colors and fabrics to match your space without sacrificing performance.

Contact us here to tell us about your space and get a custom solution.