Learning center / Acoustics by building type / Café and coffee shop

Common acoustic mistakes in cafés

The errors we see most often in cafés, and how to avoid them.

2 minute read · Updated Nov 2026

Most disappointing results in cafés come from a few predictable mistakes.

  1. Treating only the area near the counter
  2. Choosing white fabric near the espresso bar
  3. Buying by the panel instead of by the absorption the room needs.
  4. Confusing absorption with soundproofing.

Avoid all of these by starting with the panel count and the placement guide.