Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1538091
32 FA L L 2 0 2 5 I C A S Q U A R T E R L Y 10 feet wide by four feet high with three panels. That's 50% of a 10-foot wall—a good thing. Of note, Home Depot also advertises denim insulation batts on its website, but these are 3.5 inches thick and won't work with the attachment method I'll be outlining below. Now we attach them to the wall. First, you need some jumbo binder clips. Amazon has ine xpe nsiv e o ne s. (https://w w w .a ma zo n.co m/dp /B0DCFMWF4Z). These are three inches wide and open to just under two inches, enough to stuff the top edge of the denim panel into. Also order some 3M Command Large Utility Hooks, available from Amazon (https://www.amazon .com/dp/B018IZAL6G) or a home center. Be sure to get the large five lb. per hook type. Once those arrive, clip three binder clips along the top of the panel; one in the middle and one on each side, a few inches in from each edge. Using three clips helps keep the panel flat against the wall. If you use a set distance between the binder clips on the sides and the center of the panel, say 15 or 16 inches, and space the hooks at the same distance, it will make it easy to hang the panels later. But if you find they aren't matching up quite right, it's easier to move the binder clip to match the spacing of the hooks rather than moving the hooks. The wall opposite your work position (the "back wall") should also have panels installed on it. These can be fewer panels spaced apart; however, one panel should be horizontally centered on the wall. These alternating absorptive and reflective wall surfaces will give some acoustic "air" to your room's sound. If there is side wall space available on each side of your listening position, install panels there as well if there aren't any windows. If there is a door, you can install a panel on it, but you'll need to cut down its width to match the door. Next, mark your wall with a pencil where you want to install the hooks (don't use a pen—it will permanently stain the paint). The hooks should be three inches higher than where you want the top of the panel to be. This ensures the panel bottom will clear any workspace, table, or furniture, as outlined above. Using a level to draw a line for the panel top will make sure the panel hangs level and true. Install the Command hooks on the wall at those marks. Be sure to follow the instructions to clean the wall with an alcohol wipe, press the strip against the wall for 30 seconds, and then wait an hour. This gives the adhesive time to cure properly, ensuring the hook will carry its full rated load. A falling panel shouldn't hurt anyone or anything, but it's an annoying distraction to have to reinstall it. The panels should be installed so the bottoms are high enough to clear the top of your table or work surface. Usually, 32 inches above the floor will suffice, but measure to be sure. On walls with no table, work surface, sofa, or other furniture up against it, 30 inches above the floor will work well. Install panels first on the wall behind your speakers (the "front wall"). If possible, this should be an uninterrupted "stripe" of panels along the full width of that wall. This will give your sound more clarity and better localization. You can just leave any excess spacing at the corners to avoid cutting down panels. A jumbo binder clip. Note the wire bail handles. The three binder clips mounted on the top of the panel.