Not all acoustic panels are equal — and not every space has the same noise problem. Before you buy, it helps to understand what you’re trying to achieve and which panel type will get you there. Here’s a practical guide for New Zealand buyers.
Understand Your Noise Problem First
There are two very different acoustic problems people confuse:
- Echo and reverberation — sound bouncing around inside a room, making it feel “live” or echoey. This is solved by acoustic panels.
- Soundproofing — stopping sound from travelling between rooms or through walls. Acoustic panels help slightly but are not a complete solution for this.
Kynora Decor’s MDF and PET acoustic panels are designed primarily to reduce echo and reverberation within a room.
NRC Rating: What Does It Mean?
NRC stands for Noise Reduction Coefficient — a number between 0 and 1 that tells you how much sound a panel absorbs. An NRC of 0.8 means the panel absorbs 80% of the sound that hits it and reflects only 20%. Our MDF acoustic panels achieve NRC 0.8, which is excellent for residential and commercial applications.
MDF vs PET Acoustic Panels
- MDF with felt backing — our most popular option. Slatted or geometric wood-effect finish with NRC 0.8. Great for living rooms, offices, studios, churches and retail spaces. Available in square (600x600mm) and full-height (2400x600mm) formats.
- PET acoustic panels — made from recycled polyester fibre. Slightly softer look, highly eco-friendly. Our PET panels (2400x600x8mm) are ideal for modern commercial interiors.
- Premium MDF + PET hybrid — our 21mm thick panel combines MDF structure with PET felt facing for maximum absorption and a premium finish.
How Many Panels Do You Need?
A general rule: cover 20–30% of the total wall surface area for noticeable improvement. For a dedicated home studio or recording space, aim for 40–60% coverage across multiple walls. Focus on the wall behind your main listening position and on parallel facing walls (which cause the most flutter echo).
Colour and Style
Our panels come in Gray, Oak, Teak, Coffee Brown, and White — making it easy to match your existing interior. The square format (600x600mm) suits contemporary grid patterns, while the full-height panels (2400x600mm) create a dramatic floor-to-ceiling effect.
Still not sure? Contact us and we’ll help you find the right panel for your space. Shop acoustic panels →
Related reading:
→ How to Install MDF Acoustic Wall Panels: A DIY Guide
→ 5 Ways to Upgrade Your NZ Home with Acoustic Wall Panels
→ Shop all acoustic panels
