Do soundproof curtains work? This is a common question I get from people who are about to use these materials for their soundproofing projects. In this post, I answered this question and shared some techniques on how to choose the best soundproofing curtains and how to use them.
As far as soundproofing goes, soundproof curtains are some of the best and quickest materials one can use. This is because soundproof curtains are affordable and easy to install. In fact, you don’t need a hand from professionals to get the soundproofing task done.
But despite all enticing advertisements and blog recommendations, you might not really know if soundproofing curtains are effective. And I guess that is the main reason why you are here reading this post.
So, do soundproof curtains work? Yes. Soundproof curtains do a really good job in dampening the indoor sound but less effective in terms of blocking the outside noise. This means that these materials are effective in preventing the sound from bouncing back and forth in the room but are less capable of preventing the outside noise from entering the room.
It is very important to remember that soundproofing has two types: sound deadening and sound blocking. Sound deadening is the process of preventing the indoor sound from echoing. While the sound blocking is the process of blocking the outside noise from entering the room.
Although the two processes are a bit different, their main purpose is to lessen the intensity of the sound. This means that success in any soundproofing projects starts at understanding the nature of the project.
That said you need to determine the very goal of the soundproofing. Do you want to just inhibit the sound from echoing or to totally block the outside noise from entering the room?
Each soundproofing goal needs specific materials for better results.
Although soundproofing curtains are less effective in deadening the outside noise, they still are helpful to make a room less noisy. This means that you can use these curtains to achieve your soundproofing goal.
With appropriate techniques, soundproof curtains can really make a difference. In this post, I will help you figure out how these materials work and how you can exploit their sound deadening capability.
Soundproof curtains work like other fabric soundproofing materials. They absorb the echoing sound making the echoes die before it has the opportunity to bounce back and forth.
The thicker the fabric the more effective it is to deaden the sound.
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How Do Soundproof Curtains Work?
Although soundproof curtains couldn’t totally block the outside noise, they can definitely lessen the noise problem. If you are living in an apartment nearby noisy street, hanging soundproof curtains on your windows or doors will partially solve the problem.
But soundproof curtains are great for sound deadening projects. They prevent echoes making the room quieter and more peaceful for sleep or studying.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Soundproof Curtains
Like using other soundproofing materials, soundproof curtains have several advantages and disadvantages.
Soundproof curtains are not only effective in dampening the indoor sound but also good for insulation and blocking outside noise. The other benefit is that these materials are easy to install. You don’t need special skills for this.
Soundproof curtains are also great for blocking light coming through the windows or doors. If you want to keep your room dim during the day, these materials can achieve that goal.
However, if you use soundproof curtains in your office, you might not be able to enjoy the natural light from outside.
Lastly, curtains do not totally block the sound. Thick soundproof curtains can only dampen the echoes which in turn prevents further noise.
How Do Soundproof Curtains Work?
Soundproof curtains have porous surfaces allowing them to absorb the sound thus making the room quieter. The thicker the curtains the more effective they are in dampening the sound.
But as mentioned, they are not a perfect line of defense against noisy neighbors or environments. They can boost the effectiveness of other soundproofing materials though.
How to Choose High-Quality Soundproof Curtains?
Choosing the best soundproofing curtains can be a challenge especially if you have no idea what you’re dealing with. Although curtains are not a hundred percent effective, they can greatly help the soundproofing goal if you choose the perfect ones.
One of the features you need to look for is thickness. The thicker the curtain gets, the more capable they are in lessening the outside noise. Thickness comes hand in hand with weight. The thicker the curtain the heavier they become and the more effective they can be in blocking the outside noise.
The next thing you need to consider is the length or the overall size of the material. Make that the curtain can cover the top of the window or door down to the floor. In addition, the curtain must be wider than the window to cover the space needed to be covered.
Fortunately, there are soundproof curtains you can buy for your project. One of the most trusted brands is the Nicetown Soundproof Curtains (click here to check this curtain on Amazon).
These curtains can be installed using ceiling brackets. This will allow you to close the bigger gap between the ceiling and the window.
The effectiveness of the soundproofing materials can be dependent on the installation. To do this, there are additional materials you need. Below are the things you need to have;
Four panels
In most cases, two panels can be enough. But when using thicker curtains, the two panels might not be able to hold. With four panels, you can put denser curtains for better soundproofing results.
Use 96” curtains instead of 84”
The longer the curtain the better. You can easily cover a lot of space from the floor to the ceiling. A curtain like this will also boost the aesthetic value of the room.
Use Ceiling Mount Curtain Brackets
Ceiling mount curtain brackets (click here to check this material on Amazon) allow you to install the curtain closer to the ceiling which in turn block more outside noise from entering the room.
Better Solutions
Because regular soundproof curtains could not one hundred percent effective in soundproofing room, you might be looking for better solutions.
If this is your case, you can try the Acousticurtains (click here to see these curtains on Amazon). These types of curtains are more effective than regular curtains in blocking the outside noise.
The only thing that may hold you back from using this material is the price. Yes, it is a little bit pricey compared to regular soundproof curtains. But it is more effective especially if you add it to your existing curtain.
The truth is, Acousticurtains are still inexpensive compared to other soundproofing materials you normally see online. Even if you have a tight budget for the budget, you can still afford these curtains.
Another great addition is the Ridphonic Soundproof Curtain 15dB. This curtain has more mass and can definitely increase your chance of attaining great results.
Quick Buying Guide
We have covered a lot of things so far. However, if you still can’t decide what to choose, then I have a quick buying guide for you. The following are the things that you should remember when buying soundproofing materials:
Size
Before buying a soundproof curtain for your window or door, make sure that you have already measured the space you want to cover. In other words, always consider the size.
The best way to do this is to use a measuring instrument to measure the exact length, width, and height. Once you get the correct measurement, buy a curtain that is bigger than your window or door.
The reason for this is that wider and longer soundproof curtains do a really good job of achieving your soundproofing goal. So buy curtains that are a few inches wider or longer than the area you want to cover to make sure the effectiveness of the material.
The Types of Materials
There are hundreds of choices out there as far as soundproof curtains go. But not all of them can do the job you want to be done. The key here is to choose the right materials.
Soundproof curtains come in different materials such as polyester, suede, or velvet. In most cases, these materials are perfect for soundproofing purposes. Whatever you choose, make sure it is made with extra fibers.
For thermal insulation, choose either thermaweave or thermalayer curtains. Any of the two is a good choice for sound absorption.
Density
The density is another thing to consider. Aside from size, the thickness of the curtains also contributes to the effectiveness of the material. This means that thicker curtains are more effective than thin ones.
For better results, I suggest that you double the layers of the curtains to ensure that the outside noise couldn’t pass through.
On Do Soundproof Curtains Work
With all the things we’ve covered, there is probably one thing you might already have realized at this point. And that is soundproof curtains cannot totally make your room or office quiet.
However, soundproof curtains can definitely make a difference. These materials not only lessen the outside noise but also boosts the aesthetic value of your office or room. They are also great materials to control the amount of light entering your room.
If making a room quieter is your main goal, then applying the soundproofing materials I have shared in this post is worthy of investing.
But because every soundproofing project is different, it is important to determine what type of soundproofing materials you need. Sometimes, especially if the noise is minimal, any regular thick curtain can get the job done.
Therefore, the success of the project relies on choosing the right materials as well as determining all the factors that affect the result of the whole process.
Related Questions:
Do Noise Blocking Curtains Really Work?
Noise blocking curtains can help block the outside noise from entering your room or office. but if you are trying to completely seal the room from outside sound, you may need additional soundproofing materials for better results. However, if your goal is simply to minimize echoes in the room, then these curtains can get the job done.
Do Thicker Curtains Block Out Noise?
Thickness is one of the factors that determine the success of any soundproofing project. This means that the thicker the curtains, the more effective they are in absorbing the sound. However, they are not capable of inhibiting all the outside noises from passing through the window or door of your room or office.
Can Curtains Absorb Sound?
Yes, sound-absorbing curtains can absorb sound. They can reduce sound vibration and therefore improves the sound quality of the sound. If you are decorating a recording studio, then you might want to consider these curtains. They are not only good at absorbing sound but also increase the ambiance of the room.
What Materials Can Block Out Sound?
There are a variety of materials you can use to block or dampen sound. As far as soundproofing goes, you can use the mass loaded vinyl, sound absorption sheets, and acoustical sealant to soundproof ceilings, floors, and walls. For sound dampening projects, you can use the soundproof curtains.
How to Divide and Soundproof Two Studios
Buying a foldable soundproof door is expensive but it is the quickest way to achieve the soundproofing goal. But if you have a limited budget though, you might want to go in an alternative way. And the best alternative is to build drywall between the space you want to divide. Then add insulation to it. For better results, I recommend that you improvise and try as many techniques and materials as you can. Try fabric materials and experiment with them.
What is the Best Soundproof Curtain for Sliding Glass Door?
There are many ways you can soundproof sliding glass doors. But the quickest one is using the thick winter curtain. This material is inexpensive and easy to install. Make sure that you choose the thicker ones for better results.
if you want to learn more about soundproofing, feel free to read my Soundproofing Guide.
