Visual appeal and acoustic performance of restaurant ceiling panels create ambiance

While aesthetics are key, performance is typically the priority in designing restaurant interiors, commercial kitchens, and food preparation areas

Suspended acoustic ceiling solutions for restaurants are evolving beyond the highly successful drop ceiling grid and tile format. They are changing shapes, hiding their gridlines and adding curves and colors. They are even leaving floating like clouds above the restaurant guests. Whether multifunctional or monolithic, minimalist or inspired by nature, restaurant ceiling ceilings designs are pushing the boundaries of aesthetic creativity and acoustic control.

High-performing, sound-absorptive restaurant ceiling panels can cost-effectively improve the acoustic and visual experience for restaurant dining room interiors. A recent survey showed that 90 percent of visitors said that background noise was the biggest problem they faced when eating out.¹

Optimizing acoustics in restaurants result in spaces where we actually can enjoy our meal and converse without having to shout to each other. For busy restaurants with high volumes of visitors, very high sound absorption is essential. In any restaurant where guests want to be heard and understood, the right ceiling panel can make a big difference.

Restaurant ceiling panels also improve the visual experience by covering exposed ducts and pipes. Panels with light reflection qualities improve a restaurant dining room’s aesthetics and ambiance. Using different colors and styles in ceiling design for restaurants can create a signature, brand look for a restaurant interior.

Fire safety considerations for ceiling design in restaurants

Fires are a prevalent risk in restaurants, so every precaution should be taken including choosing a fire-resistant commercial kitchen ceiling. 

With a mix of open flames, cooking oils and paper products, restaurant kitchens have all the ingredients for an out-of-control fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly 8,000 eating and drinking establishments report a fire each year resulting in $246 million in direct property damage, and 57 percent of restaurant fires result from cooking equipment.

Choosing non-combustible commercial kitchen ceilings that resist melting, burning or creating significant smoke improve overall fire safety and limit building damage.²

Humidity resistance helps create a hygienic food preparation area

Moisture often builds up in naturally wet rooms like kitchens and can be tough on the material in the room. High humidity can weaken the structure of certain ceiling panels, causing them to sag, warp or break over time. It also can expose people to harmful, damp conditions that may promote mold and mildew.

Safeguarding occupants and preventing product contamination is especially important in food preparation areas. Surfaces should have no nutritional value to micro-organisms and prevent the growth of other bacteria, mold and mildew that can lead to foodborne illness.

It is important that restaurant kitchen ceiling panels are stable up to 100 percent relative humidity, hygienic and easy to clean.

Eco-friendly ceiling products help restaurants meet sustainability goals

Sustainability is an important and growing trend among restaurant operators. A restaurant's sustainability efforts can influence guests' restaurant choices. About half of consumers surveyed by the National Restaurant Association said that a restaurant's effort to recycle can be a factor in where they choose to dine.

Recycled content in building products and interior finishes, including ceiling panels, also is one of many choices that contribute to a restaurant’s overall eco-friendly design. In addition to being made from naturally renewable and recycled materials, our stone wool ceiling panels also are sag-resistant and need minimal maintenance. Their durability and versatility make them adaptable to future restaurant renovations. Our drop ceiling panels also provide easy access to the plenum for inspecting or updating HVAC, electrical, lighting or other systems.

Energy-efficient equipment and products now is a common, accepted practice among restaurant operators. Lighting is a significant energy user, averaging 13 percent of the total energy breakdown of a restaurant. Eight in 10 restaurant operators use energy-efficient CFL or LED lighting. Ceiling panels with high light reflection effectively and efficiently distribute both the electrical and natural lighting throughout a restaurant.

Using a holistic, sustainable design approach – from ceiling to plate – is the best way for restaurants to demonstrate a genuine commitment to environmentally responsible practices.³

Sources

_{1. https://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/how-we-help/information-and-resources/publications/research-reports/speak-easy-report/}

_{2. National Restaurant Association, “Fire prevention 101: The basics on restaurant fire safety."}

_{3. National Restaurant Association, “The State of Restaurant Sustainability 2018.”}