6 Types of Ceiling Clouds and When to Use Each One

What are Ceiling Clouds?

Ceiling clouds—suspended horizontal acoustic panels—are increasingly favored by architects not just for their sound-absorbing function, but also for their ability to shape the spatial and visual dynamics of a room. These floating elements are pivotal in controlling reverberation in large, open-ceiling environments while introducing rhythm, softness, or architectural drama overhead.

Whether placed as singular focal points or in repeated arrangements, ceiling clouds are ideal for converting noisy, reverberant rooms into balanced, refined environments. They play a crucial role in creating immersive interior experiences—from quiet sanctuaries to expressive brand touchpoints.

1. Felt Ceiling Clouds

Felt ceiling clouds are one of the most effective acoustic solutions due to their high Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC). Natural wool felt, like Merino or Karakul, provides depth in color and texture, while PET felt (made from recycled plastic bottles) is a sustainable and cost-effective alternative.

These panels are soft to the eye and ear, delivering a warm aesthetic while reducing echo and noise. Their customizable forms—waves, disks, layers—make them as decorative as they are functional.

2. Wood Ceiling Clouds

Yes, and with striking results. Wood ceiling clouds are crafted from thin veneer layers over acoustic cores or perforated wood panels backed by absorption materials. They strike a perfect balance between visual warmth and subtle sound control, particularly in high-end environments.

They are often used in:

• Hotel lobbies

• Executive offices

• Lecture halls

• Cultural centers

Though not as high-performing acoustically as felt-based systems, wood clouds add a level of perceived value and craftsmanship that complements more traditional or biophilic designs. When suspended creatively, they can resemble floating timber sculptures that echo natural architecture.

Cube, WoodLite Collection, CSI Creative

3. Metal Ceiling Clouds

Metal ceiling clouds exude durability and modernism. Their clean geometry and material strength make them ideal for high-traffic, high-ceiling areas where longevity is critical. When paired with acoustic fleece or PET infill, they significantly reduce echo while offering a sleek, reflective visual character.

Pros:

• Long lifespan, no warping

• Minimal maintenance

• Fire and moisture resistance

Cons:

• Lower absorption without backing

• High-gloss can increase glare

4. Green Ceiling Clouds 

Biophilic ceiling clouds merge acoustic felt structures with preserved, artificial, or even live greenery. These systems excel in workplaces, hospitality lounges, cafeterias, and healthcare settings where acoustic comfort and wellness go hand in hand.

Benefits include:

• Increased speech clarity

• Visual stress relief

• Sustainable, fire-rated foliage (e.g., ThermaLeaf®)

• Design flexibility with “lush” or “trimmed” densities

This product category is enhance ceilings—not just as functional zones but as overhead gardens of creativity, wellness, and brand storytelling.

Basket, Summer Wind Collection, CSI Creative

5. Fabric-Wrapped Clouds

These are perhaps the most traditional form of ceiling cloud. Their strength lies in their customizable dimensions, fabric textures, and ability to absorb across a wide frequency range. Designers can match these to interior palettes or specify edge profiles that align with architectural detailing.

They’re heavier than PET or felt options and need careful suspension, but their acoustic performance makes them worth the effort in spaces demanding high speech intelligibility.

6. Mixed-Material Acoustic Clouds

When aesthetic drama is the goal, sculptural ceiling clouds deliver. These design-driven installations blend materials—wood, felt, metal, greenery—into artistic statements that also control acoustics. These clouds are ideal for flagship stores, innovation hubs, experience centers, and museums.

They may:

• Reference brand motifs

• Form thematic overhead landscapes

• Blend lighting and acoustics into one

They also require more planning, structural consideration, and design input, but the result is unforgettable: a ceiling that speaks as much as it softens.

Profile Framed Clouds 003, Texell Credit Union Headquarters, CSI Creative Projects

The CSI Creative Offering in Ceiling Cloud Systems

At CSI Creative, we specialize in ceiling cloud systems that are not only acoustic solutions—but architectural statements tailored to your space. We offer:

🟤 PoshFelt® Ceiling Clouds
Our premium 100% wool felt system, available in 192+ rich colorways and four thicknesses (3, 5, 8, 10mm). NRC values reach 0.9 with Class A fire rating. Ideal for sophisticated branding, education, or creative offices.

🟢 SoundCore® PET Clouds
Made with recycled PET plastic in 113 colorways and multiple thickness options. With a high NRC and Class A fire rating, these are perfect for budget-sensitive or LEED-oriented builds.

🟤 WoodLite® Acoustic Wood Clouds
This lightweight system mimics natural wood using SoundCore® PET felt cores and authentic wood-grain laminates. It requires no special rigging, giving a wood look without the wood weight.

🌿 Acoustic Greenery Ceiling Systems
Offered in replica, preserved, or live formats. Ideal for biophilic acoustics in open workspaces, lobbies, or wellness zones. Built-in ThermaLeaf® technology meets fire codes effortlessly.

Every CSI ceiling cloud system is:

• Custom-drafted for site-fit

• Pre-engineered for efficient install

• Backed by real architects and PMs—not catalog SKUs

• Certified WELL, HPD, and Declare, and Class A fire-rated

• Award-winning, including the 2024 and 2025 Architizer A+Product Awards

Our ceiling cloud systems have elevated a range of high-profile commercial interiors—spanning hospitality, education, and corporate headquarters—with acoustics engineered to blend form and function.

Let us help your ceiling tell your story. Contact us today.