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Does a flat ceiling provide the best sound?

I have heard that flat ceilings in homes are superior than a peaked ceiling for acoustics.  Is this because there is less space for sound waves to develop and reflect back down?  I'm thinking of the more shallow peak of a four-season addition that is fairly low and simply follows the roof line, not so much the steeper vaulted ceilings in living room/dining room/kitchen floor plans.  Would some rug hangings or similar help correct this in a shallower peak?  Thanks!  
128x128jafreeman
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erik_squires
16,407 posts
 
It's not so much the space, but the reflection trajectory. Sound can come up, reflect, reflect, and come back down.

However, good acoustic treatment is essential regardless, so if you are that serious, I would talk to GIK Acoustics and treat the ceiling appropriately.

Best,

E
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
Yes. In general ceilings between 8 to 12 feet high work best. The problem with very high ceilings is that it usually results in the room being more of a cube and much worse for room modes and slap echo.

Concert hall shape is best - rectangular shape layout with speakers on short wall and greater length than width and a lower ceiling at the stage and rising modestly to the rear.

If height to width, width to length are in golden ratio then that is close to ideal
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