Do Thicker Curtains Block Out Noise at All?

If you live in a noisy area, you may have experienced the frustration of trying to enjoy some peace and quiet in your home. If this sounds like you, some high-quality thick curtains may be just what you need.

Thicker curtains have more material with pores that trap sound waves, so they do block noise. Still, the amount of noise that gets blocked depends on the material and quality of the curtain.

If you’d like some more quiet in your home and are looking for thick curtains to solve this issue, this article is for you. I’ll explain how thick curtains block noise, offer suggestions for some of my favorite soundproof curtains, and discuss other options for soundproofing your home.

Check out my top picks for Soundproof Curtains

Do Thicker Curtains Block Out Noise at All?

Thick and heavy curtains do block sound because the curtain’s material obstructs sound, preventing it from passing through into the room. Thicker curtains have more pores in the material and these help to trap sound waves.

Curtains can absorb sound, echoes, and reverberation from the outside world to help you create a quiet and peaceful oasis in your home. However, not all curtains are alike, and some are more effective than others in blocking sound.

Let’s look at the factors that affect your curtain’s effectiveness in blocking out sounds.

Curtain material. A curtain’s material makes a huge difference in its soundproofing ability. Thin or vinyl materials will not block out any noise. Thus, you’ll want to select curtains made with a porous material, such as wool, velvet, or velour.
Thickness. The curtains should also be thick. Thicker curtains are made with more material, which means more pores are present that can block any sound waves trying to enter the room. For the best soundproofing, you should look for curtains that are 1.5-2 pounds (0.68-0.9 kg).
Layering. Another way to enhance the soundproofing ability of a curtain is to buy curtains that are larger than what you need and bunch them. The additional layers created by bunching the curtains together are extra layers that sound will need to travel through.
Curtain rating. Those looking for soundproof curtains should look for a high Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating. This rating is a system that measures how well something attenuates sound. Curtains (and other materials) are tested under laboratory conditions and assigned a certain STC rating. This rating correlates to the number of dB the curtain can block. A good STC range for curtains is 20-30.

In addition to the soundproofing quality of thick curtains, there are other benefits to having thicker curtains in your home. One is that they’re better at blocking light than thinner curtains. Furthermore, the additional layers provide better insulation, conserving heat.

Best Soundproof Curtains for Every Budget

Here are some of my suggestions for high-quality soundproof curtains at various price points. All are available on Amazon:

Under $50

NICETOWN High-End Thermal Curtains, Full Blackout Curtains 84 inches Long for Dining Room, Soundproof Window Treatment Drapes for Hall Room, Black, 52 inches Wide Per Panel, Set of 2 Panels

The NICETOWN High-End Thermal Curtains will break up noise without breaking the bank! These curtains are affordable and effective.

There are 23 color options to choose from, so you’ll be sure to find a color that suits your decor and taste. These curtains are made with polyester, which is relatively effective in blocking sound, and the two-layer design aids their soundproofing capability.

Under $100

RYB HOME Soundproof Divider Curtains Blackout Curtains for Living Room Window, Inside Felf Linings Insulted Heat Cold Noise Shade Drapes for Sliding Glass Door, W 52 x L 95 inches, White, 2 Pcs

For a medium price point, my favorite soundproof curtains are the RYB Home Soundproof Divider Curtains.

These curtains comprise three layers and a detachable felt fabric liner in the middle which increases their ability to block sound. They are also 100% blackout and thermal insulated as well as hand and machine washable.

Under $150

Moondream 3-in-1 Sound Insulation Curtain with Noise-Blackout-Thermal Insulation, Patented Technology, 55" Width x 84

If you have a bigger budget, you can splurge on the Moondream 3-in-1 Sound Insulation Curtain with Noise-Blackout-Thermal Insulation. These curtains are 100% polyester and boast patented soundproof technology.

The multiple layers help trap sound and were designed to block traffic noise. Furthermore, the three layers are made of blackout fabric, thermal insulation lining, and thick cotton.

There are thirteen different colors to choose from, including black and white. With these curtains, you won’t have to sacrifice style to get soundproofing.

Other Ways To Block Noise

Soundproof curtains are a great option for soundproofing a room in your home, but they aren’t your only option. Here are some other options for making a room quieter:

Seal the gap under the door. Sound can easily travel through the gap under your door. So, to reduce the amount of sound entering a room, one option is to apply rubber weatherstripping to the bottom of the door to close the gap.
Install a ceiling cloud. This is a more expensive option but extremely effective. A ceiling cloud is made of acoustic foam thus helps absorb noise.
Rearrange your furniture. This won’t completely block all noise, but putting a heavy piece of furniture against a wall that faces the outside could help absorb the noise from the outside.
Use soundproof wallpaper. Soundproof wallpaper is made with thick polyethylene foam, which can absorb sound. This is a popular option for people living in apartments.
Try foam paneling. Acoustic foam paneling is available in various colors, so you can even use it as an opportunity to spice up your decor!
Put a thick rug in the room. If the room you’re trying to soundproof has hardwood floors, putting a rug down can muffle sound, especially if you put a density rug pad underneath.
Add inserts to your windows. These inserts are clear panes of glass that you can install over your windows, creating an airtight seal. This reduces the amount of outside noise entering a room by more than 50%!

There are many options for soundproofing a room. The best method for you depends on how much you’re willing to spend and how much you’re willing to change your room’s appearance.

Conclusion

Investing in a high-quality, thick curtain is one of the most effective and affordable ways to soundproof a room. It may not be the perfect solution and some sound will most likely still seep through.

Nonetheless, thicker curtains are a great way to reduce the number of sound waves that can enter a room without breaking the bank.