Acoustic Baffles for Restaurants
Loud restaurants lose customers. Studies show that excessive noise is the #2 complaint diners have (after bad service). The problem is fixable. Acoustic baffles control noise in restaurants without hiding the open ceiling look that defines modern dining spaces.
Why Restaurants Are So Loud
Modern restaurant design is a perfect storm for noise: hard floors (concrete, tile), exposed ceilings (metal deck, ductwork), glass walls, and high ceilings. Every hard surface reflects sound back into the room. When the room fills with diners, each table talks louder to overcome the background noise from other tables, creating an escalating feedback loop called the Lombard effect.
Read our full breakdown: Why Your Restaurant Is Too Loud (And How to Fix It).
Why Baffles Work for Restaurants
Most restaurants want that exposed-ceiling industrial or modern look — visible ductwork, steel structure, painted deck. A traditional grid ceiling would hide all of that. Baffles let you keep the open ceiling aesthetic while adding the sound absorption the space desperately needs.
Baffles hang vertically from the structure. Both sides absorb sound. They add visual interest while dramatically reducing reverberation time. A restaurant with RT60 of 2+ seconds (uncomfortably echoey) can drop to 0.8–1.2 seconds with properly spaced baffles.
Baffle Options for Restaurants
Felt Baffles
The most popular choice for restaurants right now. PET felt in designer colors complements the interior palette. Available in straight, curved, and geometric shapes. They look like intentional design elements, not acoustic treatment. See our felt baffle products.
Wood Baffles
For upscale restaurants, wood baffles add warmth and sophistication. Real wood or wood-look finishes. Premium cost but premium impact. See wood baffle products and our wood ceiling guide.
Metal Baffles
Perforated metal with acoustic lining. Matches the industrial aesthetic. Durable, cleanable, fire-resistant. Good for kitchens and high-ceiling spaces. See metal baffle products.
Fiberglass Baffles
Best acoustic performance per dollar. Armstrong Soundscape in painted finishes. Not as design-forward as felt or wood but highly effective. Good for restaurants where budget matters more than ceiling aesthetics. See our Soundscape review.
Spacing and Coverage
For restaurants, we typically recommend:
- Dining areas: Baffles at 24"–36" on center, covering 50–70% of the ceiling area
- Bar areas: Tighter spacing (18"–24" OC) because these are the loudest zones
- Private dining: Baffles plus wall panels for speech privacy
The exact spacing depends on ceiling height, room volume, and target noise level. We can model this for your space. For more on baffle spacing and acoustics, see our complete baffle guide.
Combining Baffles with Other Treatment
Baffles handle the ceiling. For the best results, also consider:
- Wall panels: Felt or fabric panels on key walls. Even 15–20% wall coverage makes a noticeable difference.
- Upholstered seating: Booth and banquette fabrics absorb sound at the occupant level.
- Acoustic clouds: Over specific zones (like a communal table). See baffles vs clouds.
Cost for Restaurant Baffles
- Felt baffles: $10–$22/SF of dining area served, installed
- Wood baffles: $25–$50/SF installed
- Fiberglass baffles: $8–$18/SF installed
- Metal baffles: $15–$30/SF installed
For a 2,000 SF restaurant dining room with felt baffles at moderate spacing: $20,000–$35,000 installed. Compare that to the revenue lost from customers who don't return because the noise was unbearable. See our commercial ceiling cost guide.
Fire Code
Anything hanging from a restaurant ceiling needs to meet fire code. PET felt, fiberglass, and metal baffles are inherently fire-resistant or fire-rated. Wood baffles need fire-retardant treatment. Sprinkler clearance requirements must be maintained. See our fire rating guide.
Get a Restaurant Acoustic Assessment
Elite Acoustics Inc helps restaurant owners and designers solve noise problems across Sacramento and Northern California. We'll assess your space, recommend baffle products and layouts, and handle installation. Request a free quote.