Unnecessary sounds in our homes or workplace can interfere with our peace, comfort, and concentration. Luckily, there exist so many ways of reducing and eliminating indoor noise. One of the most effective ways is by using soundproof curtains.
Some people may doubt the effectiveness of soundproof curtains, giving rise to this article. You will get insight into the truth. You will also know how soundproof curtains work and how to choose the right one.
Most people prefer deadening noise in their homes using soundproof curtains because they are cheap, come in various designs, and are simple to install. If you choose the right color and design, it will also improve your room’s appearance.
When you understand how soundproof curtains reduce noise in a room, you will hang them right and choose the correct types. Regarding this, let’s start by learning how soundproof curtains work.
How Soundproof Curtains Reduce Noise in a Room
The best way to explain how soundproof curtains work is to term them misnomer. It means that they do not soundproof noise entirely. Therefore, don’t get surprised when you still hear sounds after installing your soundproof curtain.
Soundproof curtains work by capturing and absorbing a large amount of the sound coming into the room. As a result, less noise gets into your space. It, therefore, means that the quiet sounds don’t get filtered out. You will still hear them but in a lower volume. The loud sounds like dogs barking or traffic will be audible but quieter.
A practical example of how soundproof curtains work is when you play music on your mobile phone. The sound is usually loud when holding the phone in your hands. But what happens when you place it under your pillow? You will still hear the music but more quietly and comfortably.
And why is it so? Because the pillow acts as a sound reducer as a soundproof curtain does. Instead of blocking the noise entirely, soundproof curtains usually make the sound die out, making it pleasing to the ears.
Therefore, soundproof curtains are excellent noise-deadening applications. They are not sound blockers. That is why they are perfect in reducing echo in a room, but they do not decrease the noise decibel levels coming into the room. But this doesn’t mean they don’t make the room quieter. They do, and that’s why they get referred to as soundproof curtains.
But how do soundproof curtains reduce noise in a room? Here is the mechanism they use;
How Soundproof Curtains Work
They get made with dense and thick materials that help absorb some noise. Soundproof curtains do not block the entire sound because the fabrics used in making them come with a porous surface, allowing them to absorb only some of the noise. But by absorbing some amount of the noise, the curtains reduce the level of sound entering your room, making it quieter.
For optimal results, soundproof curtains get designed more significantly than ordinary curtains. Their drop length is usually near the floor, with a width larger than the standard windows. The aim is to cover every inch of your window. Experts explain that even a 1% uncovered area of the window can allow up to 50% sound to pass through.
The thickness of soundproof curtains depends on the material used and the model. Some are thicker, making them better. The denser a curtain is, the better it is in absorbing noise.
Other curtains come with deep pleating and rough to help dampen the sound.
Based on the above information, let’s answer whether soundproof curtains work. You may also check our article on how to soundproof a fence.
Do Soundproof Curtains Really Work?
The answer is yes! Installing soundproof curtains in your room to get rid of the noise, as the only method, may not work perfectly. But it will help reduce the amount of noise entering your room. The best solution is to backup with other techniques like soundproof windows, doors, carpets, and adding furniture into your space. Learn how to soundproof a hollow door here.
Despite reducing the amount of noise in our homes or offices, soundproof curtains come with other benefits, making them more valuable. The following are advantages associated with using soundproof curtains;
Other Benefits of Soundproof Curtains
I. Act as Effective Blackout Curtains
Soundproof curtains are generally thick and massive. When installed on your window, it blocks light from entering, making them excellent blackout curtains. That is why sometimes some manufacturers and dealers advertise or market them as blackout curtains.
Studies indicate that light from outside causes insomnia, which 30% of Americans struggle with today. If you are the kind that gets disturbed by light when sleeping, soundproof curtains will work in your favor. You will enjoy your sleep and wake up refreshed, ready for a productive day.
I. Warms the Room
Because of their thickness, soundproof curtains block heat from escaping your room. Poorly insulated windows usually lose up to 30% of the room’s heat. But when you have installed soundproof windows, no heat gets lost, keeping your space warm.
Soundproof curtains slow the airflow into and out of your room. That is why you will enjoy warm winters and cool summers. Because the curtains don’t use power, it regulates your room’s temperature for free. You also don’t need to use your air conditioner, saving you energy and money.
II. Excellent DIY Home Project
Installing soundproof curtains is a piece of cake. You don’t need a professional to do it for you. The procedure is simple to understand. If you are the kind that loves doing things with your hands, you will enjoy installing these curtains.
You could get convinced to buy a soundproof curtain for your noisy room with the above information. But you can’t just enter any store and pick up any curtain. It would be best to have a soundproof curtain that will meet your needs and budget.
To choose the right curtain, you need to consider some factors. Otherwise, you may get confused about what to pick because they come in different sizes, designs, colors, and brands. Here is what to keep in mind;
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Soundproof Curtain
i. Weight
If a curtain is heavy, it means it’s thick and dense. As a result, it will absorb a lot of noise. Before buying a soundproof curtain, consider its weight. If it’s lightweight, avoid purchasing that curtain. Thick curtains also block light and maintain heat in your room.
ii. Size
You wouldn’t want a small curtain for your large window. It will be useless as noise will pass through the uncovered areas. Go for a curtain that will cover the entire window. The curtain should be larger than your window size. Also, ensure it touches the floor.
If you can’t get such a long curtain, consider one that’s close to the floor or can be modified to have it touch the ground. It should also go above the window. Those long to the ceiling level are the best.
iii. Design
Soundproof curtains with pleats absorb more noise. They also look pleasing to the eye. When buying a soundproof curtain, consider your room’s interior décor and theme. Go for a curtain that will blend well with your space and make it look better. Consider the curtain’s color, decorations, and style. If you love fashion, go for a classy design.
iv. Curtain Rails
As discussed above, soundproof curtains come thick and large, meaning they are heavy. Your curtain rails may not be strong enough to hold them. Consider the strength of your curtain rails. If weak, replace them first with robust curtain rails.
Ceiling-mounted hooks designed for heavy-duty curtains will work out great. They will hold your curtains securely from the ceiling to the floor.
v. Materials
You need to consider the materials used in making the soundproof curtain. Some are weak at absorbing sound, while others work excellently. Fabrics like velvet, polyester, and suede have excellent sound absorbing abilities. Consider any material made with excess fibers.
Curtains insulated and with many thick weave and layers will work out excellently.
The information above could be much, but not enough to clear some questions in your mind. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to help you out.
FAQs
1. Are Soundproof Curtains Effective in Reducing Noise?
Yes. Soundproof curtains don’t block the sound but reduce its magnitude, as explained above. They also lessen the sound waves, dampening the noise to a level comfortable to our ears.
2. Do Dense Curtains Block Out Sound?
No. Dense curtains absorb the sound and not all of it. The amount of noise absorbed depends on the thickness of the curtain. The thicker the curtain is, the more sound it absorbs.
3. Do Soundproof Curtains Save Energy?
Yes. If the soundproof curtains are heavy and thick enough, they can prevent heat from leaving or entering a room. During hot days, your room remains cool without using an air conditioner. You enjoy warmth in your room on cold days, saving your power and lowering your energy bill.
Conclusion
As illustrated above, soundproof curtains are cheap means of reducing our rooms’ sound. They may not block the noise, but they help minimize it to manageable levels. Despite reducing noise in our spaces, they also come with other benefits, as discussed above.
The denser a soundproof curtain is, the more noise it absorbs. For optimal results, use a soundproof curtain covering the entire window, from the ceiling to the floor, as explained above. If you want to buy one, consider the factors discussed above. Otherwise, you may end up with a curtain not ideal for you.
Though soundproof curtains work out excellently in minimizing noise in our homes and workplace, they work better when used with other soundproofing methods like laying carpets on the floor and soundproofing the walls. Using soundproofing curtains in your room alone may not eliminate the noise; it will only reduce it. Soundproofing your room with sound blockers will get rid of the noises.
