Might you be experiencing a real sound problem and have not the budget to afford an expensive fix? Perhaps you live in a metropolitan area where cars and construction activities keep you up at night.
Or maybe you work a late-night job and need help with sleeping better during the day. Good news! There are soundproof curtains.
As the name suggests, there are no regular panels like the ones hanging up inside most homes. Rather they serve as noise filters of some sort keeping your space quieter.
Soundproof curtains are designed with special fabrics and technology which help them absorb sound waves. Compared to the budget for installing soundproof windows, this is a much simpler and more practical solution, at a lower cost.
Let’s learn more about soundproof curtains.
Do Soundproof Curtains Really Reduce the Noise?
Seeing as soundproof curtains are advertised as full noise cancellation tools, the big question is do they really get the job done? Are they worth it?
Quick answer- yes. But not remotely close to how marketers prop them up. The reality is, to soundproof a room you need to physically alter the infrastructure of the room. And this is the kind of engineering professional music studios are built with, such that no noise from outside can come in, and noise inside doesn’t go out.
Unfortunately, this is not the case with soundproof curtains. If you hang them up with the expectation that not the slightest exterior sound will access your home or office space, you are in for a rude surprise. It’s because they are not exactly noise blockers. So how do they work?
The science here is that they reduce echoing and in turn make the acoustics of a room much cleaner. Take a practical example. If you dropped a spoon on a bare floor, the ring will likely echo through the room and become a nuisance. But if you had a plush carpet, the effect wouldn’t be as much. This is exactly how soundproof curtains function.
They absorb the noise much faster as opposed to quieting the volume. As a result, the room becomes less loud. So if you are on the edge as to whether or not to take the plunge, there’s evidence that soundproof curtains are one step closer to converting your space into a noise-free haven.
Particularly if you are in the podcast business or run a domestic studio of some sort, these curtains could be one of the many sound deadening applications you add without having to break the bank. Not only will they improve your audio quality but at the same time cause unwanted sound to die out much faster.
On the extreme side, in case you need a more permanent solution, soundproof windows might be your best bet. Expect to part with a pretty sum if you go down this road, however, this will be the last you hear of troubling noises.
Further Reading: Window Soundproofing Film: Everything You Need to Know
Things to Consider When Choosing Soundproof Curtains
You need to be careful when buying soundproof curtains. Not all thick curtains are noise filters as the media may advertise. Therefore, getting to know what to look out for amidst the many selections may spare you a shopping fail.
That said, here are a few pointers to guide you.
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Size of the Curtains
Regular curtains will fit the perimeter of your window leaving only a few extra inches. Not the case with sound deadening curtains. They need to have a notable extra length and width such that the folds create a seal around the window. Apart from this, the fabric should be enough to flow from the ceiling to the floor. This way the noise dampening effect is more dramatic.
Be sure to get the measurements of your window before buying a pair so you know how big a curtain you need. The average height for standard ceilings is about 8 feet so a drape length of 96 inches should suffice. You also don’t want to have excessive fabric all over the floor that could cause you to trip.
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Material
The kind of material will differ from one curtain to the next. However, you should be eyeing extra fiber fabrics such as velvet, suede, and polyester. These tend to have a higher thread count and are typically tightly woven, a trait that comes in handy when aiming to dampen noise.
Many soundproof drapes may serve as heat insulators as well. Therefore, you may encounter terms like “thermal weave” or “thermal layer,” which are all excellent choices. Having this extra layer is advantageous since it controls heat and cold according to the season of the year. Your HVAC system might see lesser demand, which would result in lower energy costs.
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Thickness, Weight, and Density
It’s rather obvious that thicker curtains are better at noise cancellation than thinner versions. This shouldn’t be the only factor you base your decision on because thick curtains do not always translate to soundproof curtains. However, it is an equally important trait.
To boost a curtain’s effectiveness, consider doubling or tripling the density if you can. The added weight places a much thicker barrier between the room and the noise coming from outside.
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Curtain Rod
Seeing that you will need heavy drapes for maximum effect, it only makes sense to purchase curtain rods that can support the weight. Heavy-duty curtain rods are ideal for these kinds of situations because they are reinforced.
While at it, consider getting ceiling mount curtain brackets instead of the regular brackets. They will enable you to hang your curtains closer to the ceiling for a greater sound-blocking effect.
To start you off, here are some worthy samples handy for the job.
Further Reading: 11 Ways to Soundproof a Window by Yourself
Urbanest Adjustable Curtain Metal Rod Set
The urbanest curtain rod spots a smooth urban design that a lot of modern homes are now embracing. It features a wrap-around contour that mounts onto the wall and ceiling effortlessly. When hanging your curtains on them, you need not worry about the gaping holes that appear from end to end. The rod is structured in such a way that leaves no room between the wall and window drape.
The set alone is sturdy enough to support up to 30 lbs of curtain weight. Not to mention the bar extends by a couple of inches, in case you have a broader window. Installing the fixtures is fast and easy considering that the packaging comes with all the tools you need from screws to drywall anchors and setup instructions.
Pick from the wide array of cozy colors available, or go for the classic black matte for a timeless finish.
Features:
- High-quality rust-proof metal rod
- Easy set-up
- Sleek, modern design
- Extendable rod
- No gap design
Umbra Double Curtain Rod Set
Nothing achieves a black-out window better than the umbra double set. The wrap-around design ensures that the drapes pull from wall to wall leaving no gap. It’s only a matter of time before you start saving up on those expensive energy bills. Further, the design is also effective in canceling out as much noise, from the outside, as possible.
Being a double rod, it is built to support not only curtains but sheer drapes too. The curtains go on the exterior rod while the latter can be hung on the interior bar. This way, you have all your window accessories neatly organized. Typically, the set supports curtains between 28-48 inches wide, however, you can choose from 3 available rod sizes to find the best pick for your needs.
Features:
- Dual curtain rod -3/4-inch diameter front rod and 5/8-inch diameter back rod.
- Stainless steel quality
- Room darkening solution
- Inclusive of setup tools
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Hanging Curtain Rod
A hanging curtain rod is an inexpensive option that lets you suspend your panels the stylish way. By itself, the product weighs about 0.35 ounces which is on the lighter side considering how weighty heavy-duty sets can be. For this reason, setting up your curtains single-handedly shouldn’t be as taxing.
The product is ideal for a variety of windows owing to its size flexibility. Pick between the 36 -108 inch bar depending on the size of the window. Finally, the support brackets are placed close to the edge to give you enough coverage.
Features:
- Ceiling/wall mount
- Available in multiple sizes (36in-56in, 56in-108in, & 108in-168in)
- Top-quality steel rod
- Mounting hardware included
Best Noise Reducing Curtains Available in 2023
NICETOWN Thermal Insulated Noise Reducing Curtains
Judging by the rave customer reviews on Amazon, the Nicetown thermal insulated curtains are certainly deserving of praise. What you see is what you get. This is to say that the curtains deliver to the highest possible standard giving you great value for your money. Here are some of its features.
To start, the curtains are thick and smooth to the feel. They come as 2 panels per package fitted with 1.6-inch diameter grommets that slide onto your curtain rod with ease. Choose between the different sizes to find the best fit for your window.
Having been manufactured from polyester, the curtains are bound to last a lifetime. It’s worth mentioning that the manufacturing process is friendly to the environment. No chemical coating or formaldehyde is used during treatment so you can rest easy knowing your curtains bring no risk to you, your loved ones, or your pets.
It’s the double-layered fabric plus three weave engineering that makes the curtains a work of art. The extra sew-in-black liner can turn the brightest room into pitch dark within seconds. And the effect of absorbing sound is two times higher than what ordinary single-layered curtains provide. Thanks to this, you can sleep soundly at any time of the day with minimal to no disturbance.
As far as thermal insulation goes, the triple weave fabric balances room temperature during summer and traps warm air when it gets to the cold season. Finally, care and maintenance have been made easier since all it takes is tossing your curtains into the machine, and voila!
Features:
- Double layers fabric
- Triple weave technology
- 100% blackout curtains with grommets
- 100% polyester
- Eco-friendly
- Maximum noise-reducing effect
- Heat insulation
MIUCO Solid Grommet Blackout Curtains
When it comes to sunlight control, darker colors are comparably superior to lighter shades. This is the secret behind MIUCO grommet black-out curtains. They embrace vibrant solid colors as an effective way to keep off as many UV rays as possible. This plus the triple weave construction cumulatively fights light penetration by up to 90%.
Given the sizing, the curtains are perfect for kids’ bedroom windows and they come in a set of two. Each panel contains 8 firm grommets that make installing much easier. Nevertheless, the product is still usable by adults looking to get better, noise-free sleep during the day.
Looking at the design structure, MIUCO curtains are simple yet elegant. The back and front resemble thus giving it a uniform appearance all round. Further, the bottom hem is 3 inches wide and sewn in with weights to keep the curtain hanging down straight.
Once you make a purchase, you get two free back ties to help with the aesthetic appeal. The ties also match the color of your panels to make your window even more appealing.
Word of caution when cleaning your panels, wash with cold water and do not bleach. Tumble dry on low and give them a good press before hanging them up or else you’ll have wrinkles.
Features:
- Polyester and polyester blend
- Bonus matching back ties
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Triple weave construction
- Machine washable
Deconovo Thermal Insulated Rod Pocket Curtains
Are you looking for quality sound-absorbent curtains on a budget? Look no further than Deconovo curtains for the best value. One of its strongest points is the smooth texture which makes it gentle on the skin upon contact. The polyester blend is what adds to the fabric’s silky touch while simultaneously invoking a modern appeal.
You can hang your curtains with up to 3 different styles when you go with Deconovo. You could choose either a back tab, or rod pocket, or use your clip rings if you like. There’s more than enough room for creativity so you can be as diverse (or conservative) depending on your preferred style.
Being thermal curtains, they are built to increase comfort inside your home without overworking your air conditioning. The triple weave blackout material comes in handy here. To add on, the room darkening effect is amplified when you go for a solid color.
Onto the weak points, since the fabric is lightweight, thermal insulation may be compromised. You might even need several layers to compensate for this shortcoming. Furthermore, the curtains come with a strong chemical odor which can be irritating to some people. Luckily, it’s nothing permanent because it should fade away with a couple of washes.
Features:
- Polyester and polyester blend
- Curtain tie backs included
- Multiple hang styles
- Silky texture
- Multicolor choice
- Professional dry-cleaning
Dreaming Casa Teal Green Velvet Curtains
Frame your window and wall beautifully with the Dreaming Casa Teal Green velvet curtains. The rich color adds a touch of class and will make your surroundings feel like a hotel room. The velvet curtains are not too heavy but medium weight so handling them should be fairly easy.
Unlike competitor brands, the drapes are purely handmade to your liking. This translates to a better fit and unique design if you so wish. Measure your window accurately and select the curtain width and length based on the sizing chart. From here, forward the measurements and let the tailors work their magic. For fast processing, be sure to contact the vendors via email early in advance.
Normally the panels come in a pack of 2 however you can order more for fuller coverage. The blinds fit perfectly on rods between 2-3-2.5 inches and can be hung differently. The back rod creates a classic pleated front and rod pockets achieve more of a casual look.
Curtains aside, decorate your home with matching velvet pillowcases for greater aesthetics. The company specializes also in pillow covers to give your home a modern look.
Features:
- Velvet fabric
- Soft and durable
- Customizable / handmade
- 12 rich colors
- Opaque
- Multiple sizes
NICETOWN Royal Blue Velvet Curtains
Outfit your window with a touch of royal blue velvet curtains and watch your bedroom or office transform into a luxurious space. The structure and design of the product are carefully done and this is seen even in the hemming. No loose threads or rugged seaming, just neat drapes that fall beautifully from top to bottom.
The density of the curtains is satisfactory. This means that light blocking is enhanced and noise cancellation is much more effective. In case you’d like to amplify the shading effect, curtain liners are available at a separate cost.
Curtain height can be adjusted depending on how you choose to hang your drapes. With hooks and rings, you could get about an extra 4-6 inches in length. However, if you got your measurements right, you should have no problem suspending the curtains directly from the rod. You can expect a standard length of about 96 inches.
Wash and dry your curtains quickly without worrying about an iron press. The velvet fabric smoothes out effortlessly.
It’s better to place your order early in advance to accommodate shipping delays just in case. Again, the real product may differ slightly from the product image.
Features:
- Velvet fabric
- Thick density
- Adjustable length
- Good quality finishing
- Wrinkle-free
- Excellent sound dampening quality
H.VERSAILTEX Blackout Patio Curtains
If dual panels happen to be too much for your needs, the H.Versailtex blackout patio curtains are a suitable choice. They are sold as single drapes only much larger than the standard dimensions common to similar curtains. To be specific the curtains measure 100 inches by width and 108 lengthwise and as such can serve multiple functions.
You could use the drape as a patio curtain, on a sliding door, or even as a room divider to fix a space problem. The shading technology shields up to 99% of sunlight thereby offering maximum privacy wherever you are. Onto its texture, the fabric is woven from thick microfibers which promote successful sound dampening as well as high thermal performance.
Hanging up curtains should be quick and easy. The bronze grommets are compatible with almost any kind of curtain rod you have in your home, whether basic or decorative. Not to mention they are sewn in with excellent craftsmanship to ensure they stay in place even after multiple washes. The product warranty extends to as long as 8 years.
A few drawbacks to take note of- the white-colored blinds do not perform very well in natural darkening. Uneven bottom hemming has been reported in the past. And finally, the packaging could cause severe wrinkling by the time your curtains arrive.
Features:
- 100% polyester
- Breathable fabric
- Soft and smooth
- Grommet top
- Premium blackout effect
- Eco-friendly
- Diverse functionality
- 30- day money-back guarantee
Best Home Fashion Thermal Insulated Curtains
Best home fashion is a leading supplier of textiles with years of experience under its belt. Their thermal insulated curtains are a true reflection of the company’s solid reputation, as they combine style and function all into one so that your home looks amazing.
First, the drapes are heavy and have a billowy look from start to finish. The silky feel is a result of exceptional craftsmanship and quality fabrics used in manufacturing. Back to front the blinds are sewn with a triple weave densely fabricated with black yarn. Dark threading enhances UV blocking by obstructing light exposure.
The technology is also a heat and cold regulator when weather patterns fluctuate. Suspend your blinds stylishly with either one of the two hanging options; the back rod or the rod pocket. Such versatility takes away the boredom of dressing your window the same, time and again.
Choose from a wide variety of colors whether you like darker toes or softer hues. The curtain’s sizing is also dynamic and will fit whatever window you intend to outfit. When it’s time to clean, toss your drapes into the machine on a gentle cycle and tumble dry afterward.
It’s worth noting that the curtains do not come with a back lining and as a result may not deliver the same as thicker blackout curtains. It calls for sheer drapes as reinforcement. Further, expect a slight margin of error in the coloring from what you see online.
Features:
- 100% Polyester
- Back rod/ rod pocket hanging
- Soft and drapable
- Energy saving
- Easy care and maintenance
Yakamok Soundproof Blackout Curtains
Dual-layered curtains are hard to beat considering the construction and technology that goes into them. The extra fabric is ideal for filtering loud noises from the outside. At the same time, the light blockage is heightened tremendously compared to panels that come only as single layers. In this case, it doesn’t matter what color you go with.
Even non-solid hues do not penetrate sun rays at the least. The density is also a plus when it comes to keeping the room warm by preventing the escape of hot air during winter.
Yamakok manufactures its curtains free of bio-hazards. No formaldehyde or chemical coating is used, only non-toxic odors. This is in a bid to keep the environment green and promote the safety of its buyers.
Apart from design and structure, the curtains are soft and gentle. They are ideal for users with sensitive skin or generally anyone looking for luxurious blinds.
Features:
- 100% polyester
- Blackout lined
- 2 panels per package
- Non –toxic
- Heavy-weight (6.44 pounds)
- Grommet top
- Machine washable
WONTEX Noise Reducing Thermal Blackout Curtains
A pair of WONTEX noise-reducing curtains will revolutionize your sleeping patterns by keeping the noises away. They are perfect for light sleepers and children who are likely to be disrupted by even the tiniest of sounds. The curtains ship in as a pair each measuring 52 by 84 inches long for the standard window. Together this is 104 inches in width.
With a curtain rod no more than 1.7 inches in diameter, you can beautifully mount your drapes high up the ceiling. For maximum thermal insulation, aim for longer curtain heights, the kind that pools on the floor. Even so, the 3 layer weave technology does a great job at retaining heat indoors as well as escaping air.
In terms of privacy, WONTEX provides 100% blackout wherever you hang them. No light can go through the heavy fabric and this is how they keep the room pitch dark. To keep your curtains in tip-top shape, wash them below 30°C and avoid bleaching at all costs. Despite multiple washes, the drapes maintain their true color and quality extensively.
Perhaps the only downside is that the black light-blocking material does not run all the way down to the bottom. This leaves room for some light strip to sneak in. Also, you have to be okay with hanging your curtains only with rod pockets.
Features:
- Polyester, polyester blend
- Rod pocket style
- Double layered with black liner
- No color-fade
- Wrinkle resistant
- 60-day return policy
Flamingo P Thermal Insulated Lined Curtains
Don’t let the gorgeous assembly of these curtains fool you. Apart from being attractive, they are functional to the core. Flamingo P thermal curtains are made of silk fabric, and as such have the added benefit of dazzling your home. They pair well with walls and interior home décor to give a unique sense of style. There’s no better way to outfit your office, bedroom, or living space.
Far from style, these curtains are crafted with advanced triple weave technology. It shows how well they muffle noise, block sunlight, and insulate temperatures. It’s basically a 3 in 1 solution. Not only is the double-layered satin fabric heavy enough, but reinforced with black inserts woven in to ensure maximum performance.
The design of the curtains is a grommet top. This is a cool way to display your beautiful curtain rods that you’ve been dying to show off. Further, it simplifies the hassle of trying to push your rods through sewn rod pockets.
Owing to the fabric quality and excellent craftsmanship, the curtains smooth out the wrinkles without needing to use a dryer. Right from the box, they go up the wall and in a matter of days, they look as good as a steamed pair. Overall, the Flamingo P draperies will bring an expensive look into your home.
Features:
- Faux silk
- Double layer
- 100% blackout
- Grommet style
- Neat finishing
DriftAway Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtain Liner
If buying brand soundproof curtains seems like an expensive solution, you might find refuge in the Driftaway blackout curtain liner. It’s a quick fix that won’t sacrifice your favorite curtain drapes. And seeing that no chemical coating is used, toxic smells are a thing of the past.
Despite being off-white, the liner does an excellent job at a much lower cost. Each liner is 50 x 80” so one pair is about 100 inches wide. Use it to block sound waves and light simultaneously without fail.
The above fit is perfect for curtains 84 inches long. The liner plus the rings add up to about 82-83 inches in height so the two couple well without spotting the back lining from the front. You should have at least half an inch left to spare.
The product makes a good pick for users with curtains not strong enough to support the weight of sewed-in liners. The fact that you can take off the back fabric is convenient especially when the hot summer months begin to kick in.
To help with installation, the packaging includes 16 hook rings that lock onto the curtain rod with ease. Dismounting the lining is equally fast since you don’t need to remove your existing curtains or tabs. Simply unhook the rings at the top and voila!
You only need to be careful with the rings. They can get stiff and hard to open causing injury to the user. Also, get a double rod for the liner and curtain drapes. Since they clip in place behind your panels, you need a rod that can suspend both.
Features:
- Polyester, Polyester Blend
- Detachable back liner
- Hook rings included
- No odor
- Easy to install
- Medium-density liner
HLC.ME Thermal Insulated Soundproof Curtains
You will find this particular set of HLC.ME. soundproof curtains are surprisingly thick and heavy, but that’s only because they do the job they are intended to. The outward texture is nice and smooth and even has a subtle shine to it.
Unlike most brands, the back liner is white. This gives a cleaner appearance from the outside than seeing the black fabric. Regarding light blockage and temperature control, the 2 layers provide the utmost coverage around the window perimeter with a couple of inches to spare. This completely stops cold currents of air from entering through single-pane windows.
Sleep with undisturbed privacy owing to the drapes’ 100% blackout effect. Two panels should be enough per window without the extra help of sheer blinds. And being that the curtains flow continuously down to the floor, it leaves no room for unwarranted peaks.
The fitted metal grommets slide through your curtain rod smoothly and are much sturdier than flimsy plastic ones.
Word of caution, before installing your curtains make sure to wash them beforehand and air-dry them completely to get rid of any strong chemical smells.
Features:
- 100% Polyester
- Double layered drapes
- Soft premium fabric
- Full blackout
- Durable metal grommets
- 100% money-back guaranteed
How to Install Your New Curtains
Deciding what curtains to purchase is just half the work. The other involves hanging them up to your window correctly. Luckily, curtain mounting is an easy DIY project that doesn’t need a professional handyman (unless of course, it’s a commercial setting). But if you’re treating the windows around your home, you’re well able to get the task done single-handedly.
The secret is to get the measurement of your drapes right. For instance, the fabric length should factor in how high you’ll be hanging your curtain rod and how close to the floor you prefer your curtains to be. As a rule of thumb, panel drapes should graze the floor leaving no more than half an inch above the ground. However, if you prefer a more luxurious pool, add to the length.
The same goes for width. Billowy folds need fuller curtain panels about twice the width of your window or slightly larger. Once you’ve done your math and have the right fit of curtains, it’s time to get helpful tools.
You’ll need:
- Curtain rod
- Ladder
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Level
- Drill
- Screws
- Safety glasses
Steps to Follow
- Begin by determining the spot you plan to hang your curtain rod, preferably 4-6 inches above your window frame.
- Use a pencil to mark the curtain bracket placement on the wall ie: 4-6 inches above your frame and 3-6 inches outside the frame on each side.
- Confirm the evenness of the makings using a level so that your curtains will hang balanced.
- Next, starting from either right side, place one bracket over the marking to see where the screws will go.
- Drill one after the other leaving only a ¼” of the screw sticking out.
- Slide the bracket onto the screw and tighten it to secure it.
- To finish, proceed to install your curtains onto the rod. In the case of a decorative rod, loosen the finial first before sliding your drapes and secure once done.
Bonus tip: if your curtain rod surpasses 4 feet in height, you may need to center a middle bracket to prevent bowing in the middle. Otherwise, you just fixed your curtains like a pro!
Soundproof Curtains: Pros and Cons
Soundproof curtains come with several benefits, especially for users within busy areas. Homes close to freeways, metropolitan areas, and heavy construction sites are prone to persistent noise around the clock.
Living here poses all sorts of challenges particularly when you need to sleep. With kids, it’s even worse.
Soundproof curtains are a practical solution to cutting down the noise so you and your loved ones can enjoy some peace and quiet. Again, since they are fabricated from thick material, they block light much better compared to regular curtains.
While this is good, the downside to owning a pair is sacrificing the much-needed natural light. Drawing your curtains during the day equates to pitch-dark rooms and possibly poor vision as well. You would need to turn your light bulb on just to move around. For a few minutes, the impact could go undetected, but the electricity bill soon starts to pile up over time.
Again, soundproof curtains require adequate structure for support. Since they are generally heavy-duty, ordinary rods may fail to hold them up firmly. This implies a need for sturdier rods which tend to have a higher price tag.
Similarly, a large majority of soundproof curtains are for commercial purposes. Their design is basic and straight to the point – not as fancy as the prints you’d see in modern household curtains. Some people find this industrial look off-putting and a bit boring.
Final Thoughts
Overall, soundproof curtains are a worthy investment for homes and offices that need a little more silence, light blockage, and temperature control.
While shopping, remember to prioritize size, material, and density. Either one of the above choices should lead you to a good pick after which you can go ahead to test your mounting skills! Good luck!
Continue Reading: Check These Affordable Soundproofing Materials?
Last update on 2023-07-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API