Both absorb sound, but they hang differently. Ceiling panels (or "rafts") are suspended horizontally and are usually wider than they are deep. Baffles hang vertically — like fins — and are usually deeper than they are wide. Baffles tend to perform better per panel because air flows around both faces, and they're easier to install around existing lights, ducts and sprinklers. Rafts often look cleaner in lower-ceilinged spaces.

Anywhere with a high or exposed ceiling — open-plan offices, restaurants and bars, hotel lobbies, sports halls, atriums, retail spaces, schools and warehouses. They're particularly effective in rooms above 3 metres tall, where flat ceiling treatment is harder to install and less visible.

Most baffles come with adjustable wire hangers and spiral fixings, suspended directly from the soffit (the structural ceiling above). Some systems use modular grids or tool-free plug-in suspension. Fixings are included with every product we sell.

A typical starting point is 30–50% of the ceiling area covered (measured as the projected footprint of the baffles below). The exact number depends on room volume, ceiling height and existing surfaces.

Not if they're laid out properly. Baffles are designed to sit between services rather than block them — that's one of their main advantages over flat ceiling panels. We can advise on layout to make sure your fire safety, lighting and ventilation aren't compromised. Several systems in our range (Abstracta Holly, Abstracta Trumpet) integrate lighting directly into the baffle.

Yes — every baffle we sell carries a UK/EU fire classification, typically Euroclass B-s1,d0 or better. Specific ratings are listed on each product page. For school, hospitality and public-building specifications, the rating you need will be listed in your project documents.

Class A (αw ≥ 0.90) is the highest and what we recommend for spaces where you genuinely need to fix an echo problem — restaurants, sports halls, big offices. Class B or C can be enough for lighter-touch projects. Every product page lists the class so you can match it to your spec.

Most baffles are designed for straightforward installation with the included fixings — a drill, laser measure or a tape measure and access equipment is usually all you need. They are for competent tradespeople, and may not be friendly for the average DIYer. For larger commercial jobs we can recommend installers, and our sister company Resonics handles full-installation projects with site surveys.

Stocked items ship in 2–5 working days. Made-to-order panels (custom sizes, custom fabrics) typically take 2–8 weeks. The exact lead time is shown on every product page before you order.

Rafts hang horizontally from the ceiling and absorb sound on top and bottom faces. Baffles hang vertically (think fins) and are great for high or industrial ceilings. Tiles drop into a standard 600x600 or 1200x600 grid ceiling. Rafts give you the best performance per panel; tiles are easiest if you already have a grid ceiling.