You may be sitting in your home listening to your neighbor’s conversation, and no windows or doors are even open. Often people will come across situations where they need to reduce noise pollution in their homes, offices, or any place you’d like to have peace or at least noise coming from something you’re doing and not others. Here we explore the use and effectiveness of noise-reducing curtains.
Noise-reducing curtains do work as an effective means of cutting back on noise. You could block out 60%-80% of outside noise, but their level of effectiveness depends on more than just the curtains.
If you’re looking for a quick, simple, and affordable option to get rid of excess and unwanted noise, then noise-reducing curtains may be a great option for you. Not even accounting for the style and comfort that curtains can offer to space, now you can add noise reduction as a pro for the product. Keep reading as we dive deeper into the best types/brands, cost, and what actually makes them reduce noise.
Do Noise Reducing Curtains Really Work?
Yes, some curtains do reduce noise pollution. They can reduce noise by 21-25 dB (decibels), which equals out to be between 60%-80%. If you’re wondering what that would sound like, just imagine a dial tone. Now that you’re imagining it, can you hear it? Barely right?
Soundproof curtains will not give you complete isolation of outside noise, but they can be highly effective as they do live up to their purpose; to serve as a noise dampener and a cheap alternative to knocking down walls and installing soundproofing material in the walls.
Soundproof curtains are essentially catching and absorbing large amounts of sound. Because of the triple weaving of the material, it can reduce the amount of sound that escapes through them. This does not mean that you won’t hear any sound at all. The purpose is to dampen the sounds or decrease the amount of sound that makes it into your space.
Remember that noise-reducing curtains simply reduce sound versus completely eliminating or isolating that sound. The only way that you may achieve complete sound isolation would be to tear down a few walls and have soundproofing insulation added in, hanging noise-canceling panels, or even using acoustical caulk. Yes, it’s a thing.
In a nutshell, you can strategically design your space to keep out noise with its pre-existing layout without altering the construction of your home. By researching and purchasing the most appropriate sound-reducing curtains and then properly fitting them to the window or space you want to provide some compartmentalization or privacy, you can achieve exactly what you need.
What Makes Noise Reducing Curtains Effective?
Triple weave fabric is the main way that noise-reducing curtains can do their job. This makes them denser and basically more effective. It is important to note that curtains with this particular capability also offer an additional feature and sometimes a third. Those two additional features would be blackout capability and thermal insulation.
Aside from soundproofing, you’d be getting more than just noise reduction. You’ll also get the benefits of:
- Thermal Insulation
- Black Out Technology
- Energy Efficiency
- Aesthetic/Décor
These types of curtains are made from such a thick and porous material they not only dampen sound and vibrations but also keep heat or cool air in a room and block out unnecessary sunlight. The material that they are made with is referred to as acoustic material, which would explain the sound insulation effect.
Polyester, velvet, and suede are a few common fabrics that are often used to create noise-reducing curtains. However, different types and brands of curtains vary, so it’s important to ensure that what you purchase shows that more than one material for the product was used. Certain types of cotton and cotton combinations can be used as well.
Overall, mass-loaded vinyl would be the best option for soundproofing material, and it can reduce airborne noises. Depending on where/how it is installed, it can also absorb impact noises. The choice that you make for your space or your particular needs would be based solely on that, your space, and your needs.
Mass-loaded vinyl is a sound-blocking material. An idea that might interest someone in effectively blocking out sound would be to use this material or any noise-reducing material to sew into curtains or to make curtains from scratch.
Not sure if you can do that? Well, click here to get crafty.
What Else do I Need to Go with Noise Reducing Curtains?
Do you need anything else when purchasing noise-reducing curtains? The answer would be yes. The material that these types of curtains are made from are very heavy, and although a standard curtain rod might hold the weight of the curtains, it’s not likely that they would last. Certain curtain rods with a higher weight capacity are ideal because this allows for the curtain to hang in place without slouching or falling to one side of the rod.
Curved rods are another popular addition when purchasing noise-reducing curtains because you will be able to better ensure a wider range of a tight seal around the area you are trying to reduce sound. With great innovations, you have to plan to get the accessories that best complement the product for an optimum experience
What Is the Best Noise Reducing Curtain?
When shopping for the best noise-reducing curtains, you want to remember a few things, and you’re looking for heaviness, long length, and tight wefts. It’s like going into a grocery store and picking the best loaf of bread or a melon that’s not too ripe. You just have to know what you’re looking for. Since the main idea of curtains is to cover as much of the window as possible, that’s what you want to pick.
It’s suggested to pick panels that go down to the floor and a few inches above the highest point of the window or at least to its highest point. You would be creating a seal around the window, door, or wherever you are hanging the curtains to reduce noise. You also want the actual material to span a few inches beyond the width of the window. As mentioned earlier, this will allow for an effective seal for a point of entry of those outside sounds.
When researching the best noise-reducing curtains, you may find that many of them have some similarities. From the material, they’re made from to the backing that the curtains are made with. If you’re a skeptic or just aren’t sure where to start, click here to get a look at a few of the top 10 rated noise-reducing curtains, and then maybe consider a trip to a home decor store to get an actual feel and eye for the products.
They can range from $18 to $100+, with the variety being so broad it’s important to tailor your search to what you need, and at least you know that there are different types for different budgets.
Ready to Purchase Noise Reducing Curtains?
Noise-reducing curtains can make your small apartment cozier, your office more of a productive space with fewer interruptions, or give your house an added bonus of energy efficiency and dampening for outside noise. The possibilities could be endless considering that they do work.
Make sure to not only keep your budget in mind but quality. With there being such a broad marketplace for this item, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice quality over quantity. You may be looking at the French doors that lead out to your yard where the kids like to play or your balcony door above your noisy neighbors.
Well, now that you’re slightly more sure of the effectiveness of noise-reducing curtains, you can imagine them right into that space where you want them. No need for thanks.