Do Soundproofing Curtains Really Work?

Looking into soundproofing your space? Soundproofing curtains are an option you might want to entertain. Before you buy them though, you’re probably wondering if soundproofing curtains really work and if they can help you.

Yes, a soundproof or sound-blocking curtain can greatly reduce the noise created inside that room from escaping outward. Accordingly, it can reduce noise as much as 70 or 80% which is quite a lot. But not all soundproof curtains are created equally.

You should choose curtains that have been lab tested. When you choose these kinds, they are rated with an STC rating (Sound Transmission Class).

This is a measure for the amount of sound that is reduced when it passes through this type of partition. You will see this on the packaging of the soundproofing curtains as you browse them.

As you may be able to guess, the higher the STC rating is, the better the curtain is, especially when you must rely on it to keep sounds from getting out. The highest ratings you’ll see in regards to curtains are 20 to 30 STC. These will make the loudness sound half as loud.

Another point to consider is that not all sound issues are solved by blocking the escape of sound. You can also absorb the sound.

An example of this is a room with a big echo. You can reduce that echo by adding more materials that are designed to absorb.

Sound-absorbing curtains are ideal for windows or partitions to reduce the reflections of sounds. These are what you’d use for music studios and your home theater, for example.

Be wary that many curtains that claim to be soundproof aren’t tested or don’t create a sound barrier of enough significance.

Fabric alone isn’t going to cut it. You need sound blocking barriers inside the curtains. This is why that STC rating is important.

If you want to soundproof with curtains effectively, you must choose curtains with a rating.

Ready to find out more about whether soundproofing curtains can work for you? Keep reading!

Quick answer: as mentioned before, yes, soundproofing curtains actually work!

Soundproofing curtains are one of the newest creations for the soundproofing world. They’re affordable plus they’re easy to get and install. They also look warm and peaceful whether you’re adding them to your home, office, or music studio.

Curtains have always had that warm vibe to them. It’s why people hang them up in the windows of their homes.

It’s not just for added privacy or to reduce the environmental impact from cooling or heating woes when the sun bakes in through the windows.

Now, you can choose curtains that give you a solid soundproofing option and in a variety of styles that are reflective of your good taste.

If you can hang up curtains, you can handle soundproofing curtains with ease. They don’t just dampen the sound or accentuate your spaces either. They can help give that comforting blackout effect you’re searching for.

And if you have kids, oh boy! These work great for keeping the early morning light from waking them up too early (and hence them coming in to greet you long before it’s time to get up). Wouldn’t it be nice to get a good night’s sleep?

So, there are many advantages to getting soundproofing curtains. They definitely work and all it takes is narrowing down your search based on how much soundproofing you need fused with style.

What to expect from soundproofing curtains

While soundproofing curtains are a great choice, there are a few things you should know. For one, a curtain cannot keep out all sound. However, it can dampen the sound or reduce at such a great significance that it makes a huge difference in your life. Once you hang them up, you will notice sound is reduced, but don’t go into it thinking that you won’t hear a thing from outdoors (or vice versa) once you hang them up.

Soundproofing curtains create a muffling effect which can make your spaces more peaceful. It’s an efficient way to bring a calming oasis effect into your home, office, or studio.

If you’re hoping for a big block-out of sound completely, you should use soundproofing measures to help insulate and keep all sounds out (or trap them inside, like in the case of a music studio). If you understand that soundproof curtains merely tame the sounds and are happy with that result, then they will be right up your alley.

How do soundproofing curtains work?

For curtains to be effective at blocking sounds, they must be made from a material that can provide soundproofing capabilities. In other words, they need mass. Mass blocks sound and hence, these curtains need to be quite thick in order to pull it off. So the thicker your soundproofing curtain, the better it will be for blocking out sounds.

Generally, they’re layered together with vinyl into thick fabrics, often velvet, which adds a rich texture and touch while keeping the room soundproof much like soundproof room dividers.

For the best effect, they should be hung from the ceiling to the floor and extend beyond the width of the windows by several inches. By doing so, you’ll see off the windows while absorbing the sounds from your home.

It certainly looks beautiful and you can find them in many colors, sizes, and styles. If you truly want to make a difference when you use them though, you must make sure the full area is covered.

Measure carefully to determine what sizes you’ll need. If you come up short, you can’t expect to keep your spaces soundproof.

Things you must consider if you are buying soundproofing curtains

Don’t just go buy the first soundproofing curtain that you see in stores or while browsing online. Take your time and consider the following factors so they can effectively meet your needs.

– Cost

While quality is certainly important, you need to keep to your budget. Fortunately, there are many quality options that will fit just about any budget.

Weigh out your options and don’t just go on price. Just because something is cheaper doesn’t mean it’s your best option.

Most of the time, soundproofing curtains are relatively affordable though.

It’s one of the easiest ways to add soundproofing features and style to your home all at once without going broke.

– Quality

A smart approach to check the quality of the material is to use a flashlight. Touch the material and shine your flashlight on them.

If the curtain is lighter, you’ll see the beam from your flashlight pass through which means it won’t be very effective at absorbing light or sound.

This helps you eliminate curtains that just won’t do the trick so you can find something thicker that will work for you.

– Size

As mentioned above, standard curtains are used to fit the size of your window. However, soundproofing curtains need to have as much coverage as possible.

So go oversized. It’s better for it to be bigger than just the right size so it can work effectively. It must extend beyond the sides of your window and be from floor to ceiling.

If you choose something smaller, don’t expect it to block out the sound like you’re hoping it will.

– Thickness and Material

Thick materials like velvet or suede are usually the best choices for soundproofing curtains. These materials are very heavy so they create a great muffled effect for sound.

You can look for layered curtains with extra linings. This adds even more sound protection.

You can look for curtain liners, blackout liners, or window liners too. All of these can work to create a soundproof oasis for your home or office.

What are the alternatives to noise proofing curtains?

If you don’t want to use soundproofing curtains, you’ll need to explore more expensive options, There are acoustic curtains that will block it all out, but they’re pricier than soundproofing curtains. It’s worth it though if you want all sounds gone.

Another option is to take green glue sealant or similar alternatives and use it to fill any gaps you find in your windows.

You may even choose to seal the gaps and use soundproofing curtains for the ideal combination of quiet.

When to seek a professional soundproofing expert

Sometimes, it helps to call in the experts when you need a job done completely right. If you want all sound that comes through your windows to stop for good, perhaps if you live near a freeway or airport, you can hire an expert. This is the most costly way to block sound. There are also soundproof windows.

They are an excellent investment when you live in a place that has too much noise for your liking (like the big city for example).

Top soundproof curtains recommendations

Ready to buy soundproofing curtains? We have some recommendations for you to look into.

These are some of the top brands chosen by others who have wanted to eliminate sound from around them and keep a peaceful and charming atmosphere in their personal space.

▪️ NICETOWN Thermal Insulated Blackout Lined Curtains

NICETOWN is one of the most highly-regarded brands of soundproof curtains. They have a wide selection of designs and prices that fit all kinds of budgets.

If you want to go top-of-the-line, look for the Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains. When you measure your spaces correctly, you can expect to be impressed by these.

▪️ H. Versailtex Premier Blackout Wider Curtains

For top quality, you’ll need to spare no expense. These are about $14 (per curtain) but they will do just as you dream them too.

They keep the sound and light out and they look good while doing it. If budget isn’t a concern or you have one particular space you want to darken and soundproof (like a home theater), this might be the right investment.

▪️ Deconovo Blackout Drapes

If you’ve ever bought curtains before, then you know you’ll usually need 2 curtains to cover one window. But these blackout drapes only provide one large curtain in each package.

However, one of them is all you’ll need to reduce the noise. The size is huge (100 inches x 95 inches) which really takes care of it all in one big curtain.

▪️ Sideli Solid Rod Heavy Velvet Curtain

Rich, plush velvet looks good. It also performs even better. Additionally, Sideli’s version has multi-fiber layers to keep noise to the minimum. It’s beautiful and adds quite a touch of elegance to your spaces.

▪️ NICETOWN Three-pass Microfiber Curtains

We’re mentioning NICETOWN again because they do such a fantastic job of having accessible product offerings that can help anyone, even those on a budget. These have a three-layer microfiber curtain, ideal for keeping things quiet in your home.

Conclusion

If you want to keep sounds from outside where they belong, or prevent noise from your home from disturbing others (perhaps even in another room), soundproofing curtains are an affordable and stylish way to do just that.

Considering your needs is important as is sticking to a budget, but going for a quality curtain is a must if you want your noise-proof curtains to do as they should.

Making sure they’re larger than an ordinary curtain is your best bet too, if you want it to work as it was designed to do.

Fortunately, there are so many gorgeous and quality options out there that will work for any space.

Soundproofing curtains are a lovely addition to any home and can be used to craft a home theater room that you’ll love to curl up and watch movies in with your loved ones.

They can also help make bedrooms more peaceful and quiet, especially for kids. They can even be used in your office or music studio.

Try soundproofing curtains to add more calm and style with less light and sound to make a difference in your personal spaces!