Affordable office phone booths sound great (and cost less)

We’ve all been forced to listen to the one sided phone call, meeting, or Zoom. Or even worse, all the sides of it for people who don’t bother with headphones.

Or on the other hand, we might have been the person who tried to find a quiet spot, but was forced to carry on a very private conversation knowing it was being overheard.

Open office plans have a great feel for collaboration and energy. That's part of the appeal of coworking spaces. However, the lack of privacy can also be detrimental to productivity and focus. When members need to hop on calls or have sensitive conversations, the ambient noise of an open space makes it difficult to hear and be heard. 

Installing office phone booths provides an elegant solution, offering quiet spaces for your members to make calls or have meetings without disturbing others. While soundproof pods from leading manufacturers can cost upwards of $12,000, more affordable — and unique — options are available for any budget. With some creativity and smart shopping, you can provide phone booths for under $2,000, or even take on a DIY phone booth project for less than $500. You just need some imagination.

Why add phone booths to your coworking space?

Before exploring budget phone booth options, let's look at some of the key benefits:

• Increased productivity - Coworking members can make calls and focus without noisy distractions, improving work output.
• Enhanced call quality - Ambient office sounds won't interfere with important phone meetings. 
• More privacy - Sensitive conversations can happen securely inside a booth. 
• Professional image - Shows that you value communication and privacy needs.
• Improved employee satisfaction - Gives your staff a quiet place to recharge during hectic days.
• Space efficiency - Makes use of unused corners or awkward spaces.
• Flexibility - Phone booths can be moved or removed more easily than constructing permanent rooms.

Most affordable booths provide noise reduction rather than complete soundproofing. However, they still make a dramatic difference in cutting down on ambient noise that makes calls difficult.

When shopping for office phone booths, consider the following:

- Look for booths that can comfortably fit one or two people sitting or standing.

- Target at least 20 dB of sound dampening for usable call quality. Use a decibel meter app to measure.

- Ensure adequate airflow so booths don't get too hot.

- Phone booths should include power outlets for charging devices.

- Occupants will need sufficient lighting for calls or meetings.  

- There should be adequate entry space for wheelchairs or walkers.

- Only use flame-resistant materials that meet local fire codes.

- Heavier booths reduce noise more effectively. But lighter options are easier to install and move.

- Swinging or sliding doors block more sound when closed.

Now let's look at some budget-friendly options to create an oasis of calm communication

Demountable Partitions - Starting at $450

Major partition brands like DIRTT and SnapCab sell ready-to-assemble booth frames with noise-dampening fabric skins. You add the sound-absorbing inserts and accessories. Just note that assembly complexity ranges from easy to advanced.

Portable changing room - DIY for $200+

Get a mobile fitting room or portable dressing room frame with curtain and hook. It looks like a changing room for clothing stores but can still provide some privacy for vision and sound. Looks easy to assemble!

Wall mounted half booth - $395

Add a bit of privacy and noise reduction to open offices, break rooms, waiting rooms, and common areas. This booth provides enough isolation for phone calls and short focus breaks in the office or other noisy areas. It mounts to the wall wherever a sound-absorbing and echo-eliminating enclosure is needed and includes a small shelf inside the booth for a notepad and a cup of coffee (or otIf even budget prefab booths bust your balance sheet, all is not lost.

Truly DIY privacy solutions

With scrap materials and ingenuity, you can create DIY booths for less than $100. They won't be as sleek or soundproof as commercial products, but offer quick, cheap isolation.her lightweight items).

IKEA Hack 

The internet abounds with IKEA phone booth hacks using the company's cabinets, curtains, and other parts. While not completely soundproof, they provide visual isolation on an ultra-tight budget. Popular options include using $59 Raskog utility carts or $129 Kallax shelving units as frames.

Office blanket fort 

For nearly free, hang blankets or curtains around an existing cubicle, using binder clips to attach them to partitions. Add foam or cork tiles from the hardware store to dampen sound. 

PVC pipe and sheets

Use inexpensive PVC pipes and joints as the frame. For walls, hang rigid foam insulation sheets or acrylic sheets from the hardware store. Secure the top with wood strips and cover seams with acoustic sealant. Total cost: less than $70.

Cubicle extension panel

Many office furniture companies sell affordable 4- or 6-foot cubicle extension panels. Buy one or two to create a makeshift booth in a corner. Add wheels for mobility. Panels run $50-$150 each.

Get the most from cheap coworking phone booths

To ensure your new phone booths improve productivity, create guidelines on their use. Limit occupancy to one or two people, and cap call lengths during busy periods. Suggest employees use headphones for private listening. And remind everyone to keep booths clean and free of clutter when not in use.

With creativity and smart budgeting, you can provide valuable office phone booths for any wallet size. Today's wide range of options means you don't have to break the bank to give staff some peace and quiet. Have any questions as you start shopping? Reach out for personalized advice on finding the perfect booths for your office and budget.