How Acoustical Clouds Work and Where to Use Them

How Clouds Absorb Sound

A cloud panel works like any acoustic absorber — sound waves enter the material and lose energy through friction within the fibers. What makes clouds more efficient than flat ceiling tiles is their mounting. A cloud panel has air space on all sides — top, bottom, and edges. Sound reaches the panel from below, wraps around the edges, and hits the back surface from above.

This multi-sided exposure means a cloud absorbs 50-100% more sound than the same panel mounted flat against a ceiling. The air gap between the cloud and the structural ceiling above acts as an additional absorption mechanism — it creates a resonant absorber effect at lower frequencies that a directly mounted panel can't achieve.

Mounting height matters. Clouds suspended 6-12 inches below the deck absorb more low-frequency sound than clouds mounted tight to the surface. Most installations leave 8-12 inches of air gap for optimal broadband absorption.

Cloud vs Baffle: What's the Difference?

Clouds hang horizontally; baffles hang vertically. Both absorb sound from two sides. The main differences:

Coverage pattern: Clouds create absorption zones directly below them. Baffles create absorption across a broader area because their vertical orientation catches sound traveling horizontally through the space.
Visual impact: Clouds define zones and create visual interest overhead. Baffles add texture and rhythm. Clouds feel more architectural; baffles feel more utilitarian (though premium baffles can look great).
Space type: Clouds suit lower ceiling spaces (10-18 feet). Baffles suit higher ceilings (18+ feet) where clouds would be too far from occupants to zone effectively.

Read our detailed baffles vs clouds comparison for the full trade-off analysis.

Where to Use Acoustical Clouds

Open-Plan Offices with Exposed Ceilings

The modern office trend of exposed structure and ductwork looks great but sounds terrible. Every hard surface reflects sound, and without a ceiling to absorb it, noise levels climb fast. Clouds over work zones, collaboration areas, and phone rooms provide targeted absorption without hiding the industrial aesthetic.

Place clouds over desks and meeting areas — the zones where people spend time and need to communicate. Leave corridors, circulation paths, and unoccupied areas open.

Restaurant Dining Areas

Restaurants with high ceilings and hard finishes are classic cloud candidates. Clouds over dining tables absorb conversational noise at its source, reducing the overall din that makes restaurants uncomfortably loud. They also define dining zones visually, which helps the interior design.

Hotel Lobbies and Public Spaces

Hotel lobbies with decorative ceilings (coffered, painted, or otherwise finished) can't get standard tile ceilings without covering the design. Clouds add absorption while preserving the architectural ceiling above.

Reception and Waiting Areas

Clouds over a reception desk improve speech clarity between visitor and receptionist. In waiting rooms, clouds reduce the ambient noise from conversation, HVAC, and adjacent spaces.

Atriums and Multi-Story Spaces

Tall atriums with glass walls and hard floors create extreme reverberation. Clouds at intermediate heights (not at the top of the atrium but at the occupied level) absorb sound where people actually are. Multiple rows at different heights can create a layered absorption effect.

Libraries and Study Areas

Clouds in school and university libraries create quiet zones over study carrels and reading areas. The visual definition helps reinforce quiet-zone behavior.

Cloud Products and Materials

Fiberglass clouds: Fabric-wrapped fiberglass panels. NRC 0.85-1.10. The performance standard for acoustical clouds. Available in standard sizes (2×2, 2×4, 2×6) and custom shapes. Products like USG Halcyon and Armstrong Ultima are popular choices.
Felt clouds: PET felt in custom shapes and colors. NRC 0.50-0.70. Less absorptive than fiberglass but visually striking. Popular in design-driven spaces.
Metal clouds: Perforated metal panels with acoustic backing. NRC 0.60-0.80. Durable and modern-looking.
Wood clouds: Wood veneer or solid wood panels with acoustic backing. Premium option for hospitality and corporate spaces.

Sizing and Spacing

Cloud sizing depends on the zone you're trying to treat:

Individual workstations: 2×4 or 3×5 clouds, one per cluster of 2-4 desks
Conference tables: Cloud sized to match the table footprint or slightly larger
Dining tables: 3×3 or 4×4 clouds, one per table or group of tables
General zones: Multiple clouds in a grid or organic arrangement covering 40-60% of the zone area

Spacing between clouds should be 12-24 inches minimum. Tighter spacing increases absorption but can look cluttered. Leave consistent gaps for a clean appearance.

Suspension and Installation

Clouds hang from the structural deck or ceiling using aircraft cable, threaded rod, or wire. Each cloud has 2-4 suspension points depending on size and weight. The suspension system must:

Support the cloud weight plus a safety factor
Allow height adjustment for leveling
Comply with seismic requirements in California (lateral restraint)
Clear HVAC ducts, sprinkler mains, and electrical runs above

Installation is straightforward but requires accurate layout. We mark attachment points, install anchors, run cables, and level each cloud. A room with 20-30 clouds typically takes 1-2 days to install.

Cost Range

Fiberglass clouds: $15-$25 per square foot of cloud, installed
Felt clouds: $20-$35/SF, installed
Metal clouds: $25-$40/SF, installed
Custom shapes: Add 20-40% to base pricing

Clouds cost more per square foot than a full suspended ceiling because you're paying for individual panels, custom hardware, and more labor-intensive installation. But you're often covering less total area, so the project cost can be comparable or lower.