Do Soundproof Curtains Really Work Well Enough?
Your solution to that overbearing noise that just seems to pour into your home is soundproof curtains or noise reducing curtains. Do they really work?
From my experience, I would say yes, soundproof curtains work well for soundproofing.
Soundproof curtains are one of the latest innovations in the soundproofing industry. They are an affordable and easy method to obtain an ambiance of peace in your home or office.
These curtains are beautifully made to suit your style and decorate your homes. They are relatively easy to hang up and inexpensive. The benefits of soundproof curtains exceed their ability to give you a quiet home or workplace.
Apart from dampening sound, these curtains shield you from the intrusion of light thus creating a blackout effect most people like.
They come with extra insulating layers that conserve heat and cold flowing from the outside. You can fix soundproof curtains in your bedroom or children’s room to keep the peace and enjoy a good night rest.
They are convenient and hardly require any form of destruction to be installed. Soundproof curtains are the right choice for those looking for something simple, elegant and practical.
Do Soundproof Curtains Really Work?
Before we go any further, it is imperative that we fully understand the term soundproof curtains. The word soundproof is a relative term when it comes to curtains.
A curtain cannot be ‘literally’ soundproof, but it can dampen or reduce sound significantly.
When you put up those thick, heavy curtains, do not expect them to act as sound blockers, keeping the ruckus out immediately.
What you can expect is a muffling effect, competent enough to make your home as serene as you desire.
The structure and form of fabric still leave ways for sound to escape. These soft, plush materials can only absorb sound to minimize it.
What I have learned is that soundproof curtains really work. Their effect is quite efficient and satisfactory too.
Typical Noise Reducing Curtain Material
To efficiently block sound, the material used must bring an element of soundproofing into play. In this case, a soundproof curtain portrays mass.
As a principle of soundproofing, the sound is blocked by mass and mass requires a soundproof material to be sufficiently thick. Hence soundproof curtains are always thick, heavy yet beautiful.
Soundproof curtains are usually layered with vinyl that is compressed in thick fabrics like velvet, thus making the soundproofing possible.
They usually go from ceiling to floors and cover the windows several inches past the sides. This strategic design enables them to completely seal off the windows and also absorb sounds within the home.
A soundproof curtain is highly convenient and aesthetically appealing. You can get whatever colors, design or sizes you desire
What To Look For When Buying
Here are some tips and knowledge to guide you when purchasing soundproof curtains.
Cost
The first thing is always your budget, you get what you can afford, and it will work just fine. You could have a fixed price you want to spend on this or you could be skeptical and going for a test run. The important thing is to look at your options and choose what fits.
Generally, this option is cost-effective compared with other methods of soundproofing homes. So, you don’t need to worry about spending a lot.
Quality
A reliable tip when purchasing the curtains is to go with a flashlight. When you feel the material, shine the light on them.
A lighter curtain will allow the light to pass through. An effective or real soundproof curtain will absorb all light and sound. So go for something thicker.
Size
A standard curtain would match the size of your windows almost perfectly. But with soundproof curtains, you want to get as much coverage as possible. The curtain needs to spill over the sides of the window and run as high as the ceiling down to the floor.
This excess will help maximize their potential for reducing noise. The excess blocks sound from seeping through the sides of the windows.
The overall size must be considered if you are to get the best from your soundproof curtain.
Thickness and Material
Materials such as suede or velvet are the best choice for these curtains. They are thick and heavy, so are suitable barriers. They do a great deal in muffling sound.
Extra thickness can be acquired from layered curtains. The extra lining presents an additional barrier for sound. Liners are a common feature of curtains, they add that extra aesthetic touch and also soundproof. Examples of liners include curtain liners, window liners, blackout liners.
Another thing to consider is the width and style of the curtain. Curtains styled with pleats have more mass and are better at blocking sound.
Curtain Rod and Tracks
Special curtain rods are required for these equally special curtains. You would need something strong and thick that can hold the weight of the curtains and also contribute to their soundproofing effects.
You can also make use of double rods. Double rods will give you the opportunity to double the layering of your curtains. It will further increase the effectiveness of the setup.
The rods are fixed into the walls at a curve. This is useful when hanging the curtains because you can properly cover the gaps at the edges. It maximizes noise reduction and completely covers your windows.
Heavy duty tracks can be used along with the rods or as a replacement using another setup. The tracks are oddly easier to navigate the closing and opening of the curtains and add their beautiful look.
Ceiling-Mount Brackets
Ceiling mount brackets can act as a replacement for the rods if you want to avoid them. These brackets hang down from the ceiling and give that ceiling to floor coverage which is essential for our noise-deadening effect. They also make the curtains look tall and majestic.
Weight
Weight works along with the length, width and overall size of the curtain. Naturally, a heavier curtain would be a thicker curtain, and it will be efficient in deadening noise.
Although it is impossible to deny that heavier curtains are quite cumbersome, they make up for it with their noise reducing effects.
If it seems the curtains are not efficient or thick enough, try adding more mass in the form of layers.
The most significant disadvantage of the curtains is also their best advantage- weight.
Soundproofing with curtains is easier said than done, especially when you try hanging them by yourself. However, this chore is worth it if you need that peace. Not only will heftier curtains absorb more sound, but they also minimize the amount of light pouring into the room.
Now with proper information, you can know what to look out for in selecting the right curtain for you.
The next thing to know is what not to expect from your curtains.
Soundproof Curtains That I Recommend
There are two choices of soundproof curtains which fit the requirements that have been brought out above and they are:-
- Nicetown Noise Reducing Curtains (check prices on Amazon)
- Best Home Fashion Sound Dampening Curtains (check prices on Amazon)
Limitations Of Soundproof Curtains
Most people get overexcited at the prospect of soundproofing using curtains. Without proper information people expect sounds to disappear when they close the curtain.
This is hardly the case because as we noted earlier, curtains are a significant sound barrier but still, they do not entirely block sound.
Their overall effect is to reduce sound from within and outside your home. The thicker, the better makes these curtains excellent absorbers of noise.
In essence, what we mean is, a deafening noise, possibly from machines will be significantly reduced but not completely blocked when you close your curtains. All you hear might be a muffled humming sound which is far better than the intense, ear tingling, grinding noise.
Another limitation is the installation process. It is almost impossible to install these heavy curtains alone. You will need professional assistance or help from a friend.
Regular Maintenance
This is usually not an issue with other curtains but imagine what it would mean to pull down these curtains for cleaning. Bigger curtains absorb dust faster than regular curtains, but this is also because of the materials used in making them.
Reduced Living Space
It is almost natural for these curtains to dominate a room and make it seem much smaller. Their height and width take up more than just your window space. They also have a very dominating appearance.
Low Sounds
Sounds at low frequency are the hardest to reduce or block. Soundproofing curtains have little effect on them.
You can expect up to 75% soundproofing effect using curtains. The curtain cannot stop the sounds from coming in but can indeed absorb a lot. Although this soundproof option is seemingly cheaper, new models of more effective sound blocking curtains cost much more.
The wonderful thing is you can use the curtains anywhere; at work, at home, in your bedroom, even construction sites use them.
However, if you are going for a much more deadened effect, you should consider adding other soundproof methods to the curtains.
For example, you can soundproof your windows if the noise is sourced from outside. If the noise is in your home, you should consider the floors or the walls too.
