Introduction
Akupanels—modern wood slat acoustic panels—have quickly become a top choice in interior design thanks to their blend of elegant aesthetics, natural wood textures, and excellent acoustic performance.
But with many colors, wood veneers, and felt backing options available, choosing the right Akupanel finish can make a big difference in your space’s atmosphere.
This guide helps you select the perfect color and wood finish based on lighting, style, room type, and desired mood—ensuring your project looks both stunning and cohesive.
1. Start with Your Interior Style
Different wood finishes complement different design styles. Here’s how to match Akupanels to your overall theme:
● Modern / Minimalist
Choose:
Black Oak
Walnut
Matte Gray Wood
Natural Light Oak
Why: Modern spaces benefit from clean lines and neutral tones.
● Scandinavian / Nordic
Choose:
Light Oak
White-washed Oak
Natural Ash
Why: Scandinavian design emphasizes warmth, brightness, and simplicity.
● Industrial
Choose:
Smoked Oak
Dark Walnut
Charcoal Wood with Black Felt
Why: Dark tones match concrete textures, metal accents, and open ceilings.
● Luxury / Hotel Style
Choose:
Walnut
Teak
Dark Ash with matching felt
Why: Rich tones enhance elegance and sophistication.
● Rustic / Natural
Choose:
Raw Oak
Natural Ash
Textured Wood Grain Finishes
Why: These finishes highlight organic patterns and a cozy atmosphere.
2. Consider Lighting: Natural vs. Artificial
Lighting can change how Akupanels appear. Before choosing a finish, evaluate your lighting conditions:
Rooms with Abundant Natural Light
Light wood finishes help enhance brightness.
Avoid overly glossy finishes to reduce glare.
Best choices: Light Oak, Natural Ash
Rooms with Low Natural Light
Lighter wood can brighten the space.
Dark finishes may make the room feel smaller unless used as an accent wall.
Best choices: Walnut, White Oak
Commercial Spaces with Spotlights
Dark woods look luxurious under warm LED lighting.
Felt backing color becomes more visible—match it carefully.
Best choices: Black Oak, Smoked Oak
3. Match the Felt Backing With Your Wood Finish
Most Akupanels use PET felt backing (often black or gray). Choosing the right felt color influences the overall tone:
Black Felt
Best for contrast and depth
Enhances wood grain
Ideal for dramatic, modern, or luxury interiors
Works well with:
✔ Black Oak
✔ Walnut
✔ Dark Ash
✔ Teak
Gray Felt
Softer, more neutral
Compliments Scandinavian or soft minimalism designs
Works well with:
✔ Light Oak
✔ White Oak
✔ Ash
If needed, you can request custom felt colors (beige, brown, charcoal) to better match your palette.
4. Decide the Mood You Want to Create
Akupanels have strong visual influence. Choose the finish based on the room’s desired atmosphere:
Warm & Cozy
Walnut
Teak
Dark Oak
Bright & Airy
Light Oak
Ash
White Oak
Bold & Sophisticated
Black Oak
Smoked Oak
Natural & Organic
Raw Oak
Textured Ash
5. Coordinate with Existing Furniture and Floors
To ensure visual harmony:
If your flooring is dark
Choose medium or light wood panels to avoid a heavy look.
If your flooring is light
You can choose darker Akupanels to create contrast and highlight the feature wall.
If your furniture is colorful
Neutral woods such as Light Oak or Natural Ash balance the design.
If your furniture is neutral
You can use bold Akupanels to create a striking centerpiece.
6. Think About Application Areas
Different spaces benefit from different finishes:
Living Room
Warm tones: Walnut, Teak
Light and airy: White Oak, Light Oak
Bedroom
Calm tones: Natural Ash, Oak
Cozy tones: Dark Walnut
Office / Meeting Room
Professional: Black Oak, Walnut
Creative: Ash, Scandinavian Oak
Restaurant / Café
Natural atmosphere: Raw Oak
Upscale dining: Dark Ash or Walnut
7. Order Samples Before Finalizing
Wood grain and color vary by batch.
Before confirming your order:
✔ Order physical samples
✔ Compare under your actual lighting
✔ Place samples against your wall and furniture
✔ Check grain pattern consistency
This ensures the final installation matches your expectations.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Akupanel color and wood finish transforms your interior, shaping not only its visual appeal but also the mood and overall ambiance. By considering style, lighting, room purpose, and existing décor, you can select a finish that elevates your space while maintaining acoustic comfort.
If you need help selecting the ideal Akupanel for your home, office, or commercial project, Leedings Acoustic is happy to provide professional recommendations and color samples.