If you live in the city, noisy neighbors, construction in the vicinity, and even rowdy drivers are a regular sight. But things get on your nerves more when you try to catch some shut-eye.
You curse at them in your sleepy state but nothing changes. Well, if your house is rather calm and it’s only the outside noises, soundproof curtains are here to rescue your sleep!
NOTE
We have enlisted our recommended soundproof curtains in this guide, here.
Curious if these are some sort of magic curtains? Let’s guide you all about it!
What are soundproof curtains?
Soundproof curtains look like regular curtains but are much thicker. They absorb sound which helps you sleep better or focus on your work/studies peacefully without the echo.
If your apartment has thin walls or it’s noisy outside, it may or may not help in blocking outside noise… but it will definitely lower the echo and vibrations. It also makes your room perfect for recording purposes.
Soundproof curtains are easily available at a reasonable price and are also easily installed.
If you’re wondering “are soundproof curtains effective?” let’s know that right away here…
Do soundproof curtains really work?
It does, but it also depends on what you expect from it.
For instance, if your neighborhood is extremely noisy, soundproof curtains can’t truly cut off all the sound without a soundproof window. However, the curtains can reduce the problems.
So, the soundproof curtains will deaden the sound that enters your room, i.e., they won’t allow the sound to echo and ring in your ears.
Curious how these curtains are different? Let’s explore here…
How do soundproof curtains work?
Soundproof curtains dampen the noise but don’t completely cancel everything because they’re built of thick and dense fabric. The fabric surface of these curtains is generally porous. So, they easily absorb the sound waves to make a room quieter to a certain extent.
Wondering if soundproof curtains only lower sound? Let’s know more about that here…
Benefits of soundproof curtains
From the name, everyone understands these curtains will block or lower the sound. However, that’s not the only use or benefit of these curtains. So, let’s know what the package has for you…
1. These protect you from both sound and light which makes your room perfectly dark for sleep
2. The thick layers insulate your room and conserve heat or block heat
3. Some even protect your room from pollutants.
Wondering how to find suitable curtains for yourself? Let’s know it here…
Things to consider before buying soundproof curtains
Before your shopping craze takes over your senses, you must know about the various product specifications and which type of soundproof curtains suit your tastes and needs the best here…
1. Size
Measure the height and width of all the places you’ll hang curtains and note them down. Make sure the measuring tape is snugly fit for the exact size. You can also add a few inches to make the curtain fall naturally and block out lights too. Usually, you’ll get standard-dimension soundproof curtains in the market.
2. Material
Soundproof curtains are generally built of quilted fiberglass or Rockwool as they effectively block some part of the noise. The materials might also be vinyl coated for more stiffness and soundproofing.
Make sure the curtains are at least 2-3” thick. Depending on the material and dimensions, the weight of the curtains can be 5-10kg.
Moreover, some brands allow you to choose your desired color, pattern, cut, and material which are pricier than the regular ones.
To get the best soundproof curtains at reasonable prices, pick polyester and suede.
3. Key details to notice
Make sure you only get soundproof curtains with a sound transmission class (STC). STC determines the decibel reduction the curtains provide proved by labs.
Keep an eye out for the sound absorption coefficient (SEC) which determines how much sound the curtains absorb once they’re used. 0.01 is the lowest score and 1 is the highest.
4. Your living space
Soundproof curtains can’t help much if you have double glazing and standard construction walls of plasterboard and bricks. Soundproof curtains improve sound insulation better for draughty single glazing.
5. Installation
Since soundproof curtains are heavier than regular curtains, they need thicker heavy-duty rods, tracks, and brackets. So, don’t forget to check the required size of the rod. Otherwise, your regular curtain hangers might collapse with time.
Moreover, choose curtains that have grommets installed. These help in prolonging the lifetime of soundproof curtains and prevent them from stretching and tearing at the eyelets due to their heavy weight.
6. Color
Many believe that soundproof curtains work better with darker shades. However, the color doesn’t impact the sound absorption, so you can peacefully choose any color of the curtain to match your house aesthetics.
However, there are more ways to find the perfect soundproof curtains and they’re waiting for you here…
Tips to improve your experience
Sometimes, even after choosing the best-suited specifications as per this guide, you may not feel satisfied with your purchase. It might be because you want a more regal and traditional feel from the curtains. So, follow these ideas to enhance the experience…
1. Invest in 4 panels of soundproof curtains for each window instead of two. This will increase the density of curtains for each window and increase the sound insulating power.
2. Purchase 96″ curtains instead of 84″ long ones to get the floor-to-ceiling length curtains. This goes well if you have a traditional 8’ ceiling.
3. Grab ceiling mount curtain brackets over regular ones to hang the curtain from somewhere closer to the ceiling and block sound better.
Wondering where you’ll find these products? Let’s explore the options here…
Where should you buy your soundproof curtains?
As usual, even soundproof curtains are available in both brick-and-mortar stores and online. You can choose whichever mode you prefer, but try to make the best of your purchase this way…
1. In-store shopping
You won’t find soundproof curtains in local hardware stores, so search around the thermal sound equipment stores or music supply stores.
Test the curtain with your phone flashlight. If light passes through them, they won’t be good soundproof materials. Play music on your phone, wrap it in the curtain material and see how much sound it absorbs.
Feel the weight of the curtains to ensure their thickness and weight.
If they’re on the high-end side, ask the salesman for a warranty. However, you might not get any warranty or returnable scheme if you customize them. Also ask them to suggest suitable heavy-duty curtain hanging rods, tracks, and brackets.
2. Online shopping
You can easily find these products on sound equipment sites. Make sure the curtains are made of fiberglass, vinyl, or Rockwool. Compare products based on their features and customer reviews.
Websites usually allow you to customize the size, thickness, and pattern to suit your needs. But make sure to read up on their terms and conditions on returns policy.
Look for any combo offer with a heavy-duty curtain hanging track, rod, and brackets.
If you’re unsure about trusted and quality soundproof curtains, let’s show you some of our expert-chosen best soundproof curtains…
What soundproof curtains should you buy? – Our Top Recommendations
Too many varieties with detailed specifications of these curtains might confuse you. And we’re glad to help in pointing out what you really need in your soundproof curtains. Keep the specifications of our handpicks in mind and you’ll reach a suitable one…
1. NICETOWN Blackout Patio Sliding Door Curtain Extra Wide, Grommet Room Divider Thermal Insulated Curtain Drapes for French Door/Living Room
These polyester sliding door curtains are available in 23 shades and 19 sizes. It comes with 14 1.6” silver grommets.
Why it is on our list?
- Triple weave fabric insulates both sound, light, heat, and cold which saves your air-conditioning expenses
- Doesn’t let the sun and UV rays get in
- Thread-trimmed and wrinkle-free
- Perfect for large doors and windows
- Can be layered or used separately
- Highly durable
- Machine washable below 86F and mild detergent
2. BGment Blackout Curtains for Bedroom – Grommet Thermal Insulated Room Darkening Curtains for Living Room
This set of 2-panel curtains is available in 27 solid shades and 13 sizes. It offers 6 1.6″ silver grommets.
Why it is on our list?
- Room darkening
- Thermal insulation
- Blocks sunlight completely
- Easily slides despite the weight
- Reduces external noise and protects furniture from color shading
- Machine washable in cold water and gentle cycle
- Can be warm ironed and tumble dried at low temperature
3. RYB HOME Soundproof Curtains Blackout Curtains Noise Cancelling Thermal Insulated Drapes for Door Window Living Room Room Divider Curtains
This pair of soundproof curtains are available in 11 colors, 7 sizes, and 3/4 layers. Every 3 layers curtain contains 1 front and 1 back layer with a middle detachable felt layer. In 4 layers of curtains, you’ll get an extra melt-blown fabric overlay inside.
Why it is on our list?
- No toxic chemicals or formaldehyde
- Felt fabric amps up the sound dampening feature
- Melt-blown overlay reduces the entry of dust, pollen, odor, or other air pollutants
- Minimum 3 layers for noise canceling effects
- Triple weave fabric completely blocks light
- Insulates against heat and cold and saves your electricity bill
- Easily installable
- Machine washable with non-chlorine bleach and warm ironing, low tumble drying only
4. Doorway Curtain Privacy, Portable Door Cover Curtain, Sound Proof Winter Summer Heat Blocking Insulated Thermal Grommet Blackout Curtains for Bedroom
These polyester single panel curtains are available in 14 colors and 2 sizes (42” × 80” & 42” × 96”) and are suitable for entryways. It comes with 1.6” grommets
Why it is on our list?
- Blocks draft and insulates in cold winters
- Woven heavy and thick microfiber polyester with black yarn
- 90-100% blackout
- Outside noise reduction
- Durable, waterproof, and good for outdoor use
- Wrinkle-free
Final Statement
After buying your curtains, don’t forget to test them, especially if you bought them online. If it’s your first buy from a retailer, avoid customizing the curtains to avail your return policy.
So, if the curtain doesn’t provide what it offered, you can replace them with another model. Seek customer care services or the store you bought from and discuss better options for your necessity.
You might have to look really hard before you find the perfect soundproof curtains. As daunting as that sounds, the satisfaction and the improved quality of sleep are worth everything. So, keep the hunt on until you reach your perfect match!
