Pet felt or traditional wall finishing? This is what you, as a designer, want to know
The choice of wall finish has much more influence on a space than is often thought. Of course, the material determines the appearance, but it also affects acoustics, comfort, maintenance, and how a design is experienced. As an architect or interior designer, you want to choose not only based on aesthetics but on the overall added value of a material. That's why comparing PET felt with traditional wall finishes is interesting. Because when do you choose paint, wallpaper, wood, or upholstery, and when is a felt wall panel the better solution?
Yentl
Paint and wallpaper: visually striking, but acoustically limited
Paint and wallpaper remain popular choices because they are quick to apply and offer great freedom in colour and atmosphere. For spaces where the visual appearance is particularly important, they can work really well. However, they usually do not address acoustic issues. In projects with hard floors, lots of glass, or open zones, reflections simply persist.
That is immediately the difference with acoustic felt. A felt wall panel not only adds colour and texture, but also helps to make a space sound more peaceful. Especially in work or hospitality environments, this can be a significant added value.
Wood provides warmth, but not always the right balance
Wooden wall finishes are often chosen for their warm and natural appearance. They can add a lot of character to an interior and suit a variety of styles. At the same time, wood often provides additional reflection unless it is combined with a background acoustic solution.
With felt you can add tactility and warmth, resulting in a softer appearance and a direct contribution to the acoustics. Therefore, a felt panel is interesting when you want to create ambiance but also seek more comfort in the space.
Upholstered panels and PET felt: what is the difference?
Upholstered panels often have a luxurious appearance and can function well acoustically. However, they are not always the most flexible choice. They often require more assembly, can be more sensitive to maintenance, and do not always align with a sleek or graphic concept.
Felt then offers another type of solution. It is lightweight, versatile in shape and easy to use in both subtle and bold designs. Furthermore, with felt panels, you can easily experiment with patterns, customisation, and surface distribution. As a result, the material fits well in projects where you want to combine aesthetics and functionality without visual heaviness.
When do you choose PET felt instead?
Acoustic panels made of felt are especially strong when you are looking for wall finishes that serve multiple functions simultaneously. Consider spaces where acoustics play a role, but where you also want to add atmosphere, texture, or brand identity. In that case, acoustic wall covering made of PET felt is often more interesting than purely decorative finishes.
This does not mean that traditional materials have no place anymore. In some spaces, paint or wallpaper may be entirely sufficient. The question is only: should your wall finish be only beautiful, or should it also contribute to comfort and experience?
Additionally, PET felt is easy to combine with other materials, such as wood. That combination specifically creates a balance between hard and soft, giving a wall both visual and functional added value.
The right choice depends on your design goal
A good material is never chosen without considering the context. What should the space convey? How intensively is it used? Does speech intelligibility play a role? Is maintenance important? And do you want a subtle background or a striking design element?
By asking these questions early in the process, you make a much stronger material choice. It is then that you can see whether PET felt adds more value than a traditional wall finish.
Don’t just choose what you see, but also what needs space
The best wall finish is rarely the most obvious. It is the finish that suits the function of the space, the expectations of the user, and the quality of the overall design.
If you are looking for a material that combines visual calm, design freedom, and acoustic benefits, then PET felt is a serious option to consider. Not as a trend, but as a thoughtful choice within a strong overall concept.
Are you unsure between a traditional finish and a felt wall panel?
Don't just look at appearance, but also at acoustics, comfort, and usability within the overall design. Do you have questions? Feel free to contact us!
