Lemons and Olives Acoustic Art Panel
From $219.00
Why kitchens and restaurants get so loud
Kitchens and dining rooms are some of the loudest rooms around. Tile or wood floors, stone counters, big windows, plates and glasses, and a table full of people all talking. Sound bounces off every hard surface, so it builds up fast and everyone talks louder to be heard.
Restaurants and cafes have the same problem, just bigger. Soft art on the walls breaks up some of that bounce. It won't make a busy room silent, but it takes the sharp edge off the noise. A big piece like The Long Table mural covers the most wall and helps the most.
Art that makes you hungry
We went for the feel of an old still life painting, in warm cream, terracotta, olive, honey and burgundy. Simple food done nicely: a rustic loaf in Bread and Cheese, a sunny bowl in Lemons and Olives, and wine by candlelight in Evening Pour.
No labels, no brands, nothing that looks like an ad. Just good looking food that feels right next to a dining table. A few also work in a living room with an open kitchen.
Picking one for your space
For a home kitchen or a breakfast nook, a single panel is usually enough. For a long wall over a sideboard or a kitchen island, a 3-panel set like Copper Pots or Chef's Board fills the space better and soaks up more sound.
Cafes, bistros and restaurants with a big bare wall should look at a wall mural. If the room is really loud, a couple of pieces on different walls does more than one piece on its own.
Questions people ask
Will acoustic panels soundproof my room?
No, and anyone who says so is stretching it. Acoustic panels absorb sound inside the room, so there's less echo and it sounds softer and calmer. They won't stop noise coming through the walls from the neighbours. For that you need building work, not art.
Can I use these in a restaurant or cafe?
Yes, they're a nice fit for cafes, bistros and restaurants, where hard surfaces and lots of talking make things loud. They'll cut some of the echo, but a big busy room may need more than one piece. Commercial spaces often have their own rules for wall finishes, so check with your local rules before you hang them.
Is it okay to hang one in the kitchen?
Yes, just keep it away from the stove, the sink and anywhere it'll get splashed or steamy. A wall by the dining table or across from the counters works well and still helps with the echo.