17 Best Soundproof Curtains in 2024 (with Videos)

Soundproofing a room is no easy task, as many homeowners and musicians already know. With so many products out there claiming to be effective at preventing sound from being transmitted to the outside world, it can be difficult to know where to start.

Soundproof curtains are one of the simplest solutions, however, their effectiveness varies greatly depending on key factors like material composition and thickness. As a homeowner and music producer myself, I have tested many different curtains over the years, and in this article, I’ll be sharing the best soundproof curtains at each price point.

Here Are the Best Soundproof Curtains

1. RYB Home Blackout (Best Overall)

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Estimated Price	$60
Material	Polyester/Triple Woven Fabric
Color	Black (also available in different colors)
Size	W 150” x L 108”
Other Sizes Available	Yes

My Review: The RYB Company is one of the leading manufacturers of blackout and soundproof curtains. The Home Blackout curtains combine light-blocking and noise-reducing capabilities.

I was particularly impressed with the way that these curtains can block low-end frequencies, such as those produced by kick drums and bass guitar. Bass tones are renowned for being the most difficult to dampen, but RYB’s Home Blackout curtains surprised me with their proficiency in this area.

Another aspect that I believe sets these soundproof curtains apart is the quality of their materials. Using a triple-wave composition which is made from high-quality polyester, laters of dense fabric, and loose threads, I found the curtains to be very effective at absorbing sound waves and ensuring that loudness is reduced.

The quality of these RYB curtains isn’t limited solely to soundproofing. I found their effect on light to be equally as impressive. Due to the unique shading effect, the curtains can block the vast majority of sunlight and UV rays. They’re also thermally insulated, which is likely to save heating costs in the winter months.

Who is this best suited for: The Home Blackout curtains by RYB are suitable for musicians or audio enthusiasts looking for a mixture of elegant aesthetics and highly effective soundproofing.

Bottom Line: Available in various colors and sizes, these curtains by RYB are ideal for enclosing an area between rooms or covering windows and doors to prevent noise spillage. They’re machine washable and made from high-quality fabric layers to ensure longevity and volume reduction.

2. Yakamok Blackout Curtains (Best Value)

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Estimated Price	$55
Material	Polyester/Triple Woven Fabric
Color	Pure White (also available in different colors)
Size	W 52” x L 96”
Other Sizes Available	Yes

My Review: After testing the 100% Blackout curtains by prolific manufacturers Yakamok, it didn’t take long for me to realize that they are amongst the best offerings on the market when it comes to soundproofing a room.

Upon further analysis, I found that the double-layered design of these curtains created a dense surface that absorbs treble, mid-range, and bass frequencies very effectively. Compared to single-layer curtains, this set is superior in all areas including soundproofing, light blocking, and retaining heat.

Many soundproofing curtains claim to provide significant dampening of loud noises, but I found that this Yakamok set, with their thick, soft and smooth fabric layers deliver on their promise. The layers are made from high-quality polyester, which doesn’t fade over time and is easy to clean.

What sets these apart from the majority of other curtains is their compatibility with any room design or layout. I found that due to the easy installation of the curtains and their eight grommets which slide along the rail effortlessly, they are ideal for separating a recording space from a mixing space.

Who is this best suited for: If you enjoy total privacy while recording or listening to the audio, the Yakamok 100% Blackout curtains are certainly worth considering. These dense two-layer curtains block out the light and prevent sound from escaping so that you can focus fully on your music-making or other activities.

Bottom Line: The Yakamok 100% Blackout curtains offer three main benefits. Firstly, they successfully reduce the volume of sounds thanks to their double-layered fabric design. Secondly, they help to keep your room warm by holding in the heat. Finally, they block almost all sunlight and UV rays from entering the room.

3. NiceTown Thermal (Best Under $50)

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Estimated Price	$50
Material	Polyester/Polyester Blend
Color	Black (also available in different colors)
Size	W 52” x L 84”
Other Sizes Available	Yes

My Review: Before encountering these curtains, I’d heard many positive things about NiceTown. Their reputation is based on their extensive catalog of high-quality curtains which offer stellar soundproofing and thermal qualities.

The thing I found most impressive about the NiceTown Thermal curtains was their effectiveness when used over single-glazed windows or doors. Single-glazing is often a cause of noise spilling out from a room and causing disturbances to the outside world. However, in my opinion, these curtains prevent this exceptionally.

They’re also available in a plethora of shades, colors, and sizes. No matter what the dimensions of the space you’re hoping to soundproof are, you can find a perfectly suited size to ensure that your windows, doors are fully covered.

NiceTown has taken certain measures to improve the quality of these curtains. They contain no chemicals or artificial coatings, which are commonly used on affordable curtains. This, paired with the fact that they are machine washable makes them a great choice for blocking sound from leaving a home recording studio or listening space.

Who is this best suited for: If you’re looking for affordable curtains which rival the most expensive options in terms of soundproofing, this NiceTown set might be a perfect choice. With flexible sizes and colors, they are sure to fit the unique dimensions and requirements of your space.

Bottom Line: NiceTown’s Thermal curtains may be designed for retaining heat, but their thick fabric design also offers brilliant noise reduction. They have a thick liner backing which prevents bass frequencies from passing through the material effectively.

4. Lordtex Room Divider (Best Under $30)

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Estimated Price	$30
Material	Polyester
Color	Dark Grey (also available in different colors)
Size	W 99.6” x L 84”
Other Sizes Available	Yes

My Review: I admit that when I first encountered the Room Divider curtains by Lordtex, I wasn’t expecting them to offer the level of soundproofing provided by more expensive options. However, it soon became apparent that the price tag isn’t necessarily indicative of effectiveness.

The noise reduction of these curtains is largely a result of the materials used to compose them. The triple-woven fabric was used to create a soft yet durable layer, which is complemented by the robust polyester. The two layers essentially capture sound frequencies as they come into contact with the curtain, diffusing them and reducing loudness.

If I had to put my finger on the standout quality of these Lordtex curtains, I’d choose their versatility. Available in many sizes, they are compatible with any space, whether you’re looking to set up an amplifier for practicing guitar in your living room, or record drums in the attic!

Who is this best suited for: Guitarists, drummers, piano players, and producers will all enjoy the benefits provided by the Lordtex Room Divider curtains. They effectively block out all frequency bands and reduce the amount of noise that is audible outside the room considerably.

Bottom Line: Besides being very affordable and effective at soundproofing, the Lordtex Room Divider curtains are also fantastic at blocking out light. Made from 100% polyester fabric, they provide ultimate privacy and many sonic benefits.

5. Deconovo Blackout

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Estimated Price	$40
Material	Polyester
Color	Navy Blue (also available in different colors)
Size	W 52” x L 95”
Other Sizes Available	Yes

My Review: Deconovo’s Blackout curtains initially caught my attention due to their interesting design, with gold diamonds spread across the fabric. Most soundproof curtains have fairly plain designs, so it is refreshing to see more eccentric options.

However, eye-catching designs are not the main thing I’m looking for. What also impressed me was the robust nature of these curtains, and how effectively they can create a barrier which upon contact, loud noises are absorbed and prevented from passing through.

As their name suggests, these Deconovo curtains are also highly effective at keeping light out of a room. This is very useful if you like to immerse yourself in music-related activities such as practicing, recording, or producing. You can shut out the outside world and give your art your fullest attention thanks to the blackout capabilities of these curtains.

Who is this best suited for: With their geometric patterns design and choice of colors, the Blackout curtains by Deconovo are best suited for musicians and audio enthusiasts who want to make their space look more interesting in addition to soundproofing it.

Bottom Line: With silver grommets for easy installation, dual-layered polyester panels for trapping heat, and the ability to reduce the loudness of the noise coming from an instrument or speakers, the Blackout curtains by Deconovo are of great value.

6. Bonzer Room Divider

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Estimated Price	$30
Material	Polyester
Color	Dark Grey (also available in different colors)
Size	W 108” x L 84”
Other Sizes Available	Yes

My Review: In my experience, it’s isn’t always windows and doors which are the main culprits for allowing sound to escape from a room. I’ve found that sometimes the open space allows the sound to reverberate off every surface, making it very hard to hear a mix or the tone of a guitar.

Thankfully, I stumbled across the Room Divider curtain by Bonzer. Designed specifically to be placed in the open area of a room and create division between two spaces, I believe these curtains are highly adept at preventing sound from chaotically bouncing around a room.

When recording in home studios, I’ve experienced the ill effects of sub-par acoustics many times. I found it so frustrating to listen back to a mix I’d made earlier which I thought was finished and complete to a high standard, only to discover that it sounds very different when playing it back through monitors in another room.

Installing a divider curtain in the room is a great solution that allowed me to mix my music with confidence. This Bonzer curtain comes in a range of sizes to fit your personal space, and the dense triple-woven fabric ensures that those problematic bass frequencies won’t make it into the next room.

Who is this best suited for: The Bonzer Room Divider curtain is ideal for those who need to create a barrier between two spaces in a single room. If your issues mainly stem from noise reverberating against all of the walls and surfaces in a room, this divider curtain will help to keep them at bay and therefore improve your listening experience.

Bottom Line: Suitable for almost any room shape and size, the Room Divider curtains boast several key qualities for soundproofing. The polyester fabric is robust yet soft, and in addition to its ability to reduce the transmission of sound, it also holds heat in the room very impressively.

7. Wontex Blackout

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Estimated Price	$50
Material	Polyester/Polyester Blend
Color	Grey (also available in different colors)
Size	W 52” x L 72”
Other Sizes Available	Yes

My Review: The Wontex Blackout curtains are a stylish choice that successfully reduces noise due to their thick polyester blend materials. I was impressed by the durability of these curtains and found them to be a great solution for windows and doors which allow sound to pass through.

The eight silver grommets installed across the top layer of the curtains may not be directly related to their soundproofing capabilities, but they are very easy to slide across the pole. I believe that this is a valuable quality especially if you are using them to divide two spaces within the same room, as you can quickly open and close the curtains.

Upon further analysis, I found that the reason that these Wontex curtains can block sounds from passing through them is the way their layers are constructed. On the top, there is a later of soft fabric, which provides an aesthetically pleasing quality. In the middle, there is a dense later of black yarn, which absorbs the sounds. The third fabric layer provides further reinforcement, and the black liner ensures that the curtains also prevent light from coming into the room when they are drawn.

Who is this best suited for: The Blackout curtains by Wontex are suitable for all musicians and music listeners. They’re versatile enough to slot into any space in your room which is most in need of soundproofing.

Bottom Line: Available in a wide variety of colors and sizes, these Wontex curtains offer impressive heat retention, light blocking, and of course, soundproofing. Their triple-layer design ensures that sound frequencies are absorbed and the black liner adds a barrier to prevent spillage.

8. Miulee Velvet

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Estimated Price	$50
Material	Velvet
Color	Olive Green (also available in different colors)
Size	W 52” x L 84”
Other Sizes Available	Yes

My Review: With most soundproof curtains being made from fabric and polyester blends, I was intrigued by Miulee’s use of velvet. This luxurious alternative is renowned for its softness and smooth textures, but I wanted to find out whether it was capable of soundproofing too.

My findings were that velvet is equally, if not more effective for soundproofing. The double-layered design of the curtains is secured with a neatly sewn helm, which I found helps to reduce the loudness of high-end frequencies very effectively.

I discovered that these velvet curtains are best suited to covering a large window or door, rather than dividing a room. This is because they have a neat velvet design on one side, while the other side isn’t meant to be visible. Nonetheless, the underside plays a pivotal role in ensuring that sound stays within the boundaries of a room.

Who is this best suited for: If you’re looking for curtains which look the part and also provide good soundproofing, the Miulee Velvet set has both of these qualities in abundance. They’re best suited for covering windows and doors to prevent sound from escaping or reverberating against the glass panels.

Bottom Line: It’s the finer details that make these velvet curtains stand out. Elegant in design, you can tell that great care has been taken when creating the helms and shaping the fabric. This is complemented by their soundproofing ability.

9. NiceTown 3-Pass

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Estimated Price	$25
Material	Polyester/Polyester Blend
Color	Grey (also available in different colors)
Size	W 42” x L 84”
Other Sizes Available	Yes

My Review: NiceTown’s 3-Pass curtains impressed me with their ability to absorb sound from speakers, guitar amplifiers, and acoustic instruments, preventing reverberations from diminishing the listening experience and allowing sounds to escape from a room.

I found that these curtains are also great for cutting down on heating costs, with the triple-layer fabric design successfully holding in heat. These materials are great at stopping bass, mid-range, and high-end frequencies from traveling through a window or door.

Another thing that caught my eye when analyzing these curtains is that they also make suitable room dividers. This is because the fabric is the same on both sides, so you can use them to separate two spaces within one room without having a detrimental effect on the aesthetics.

Who is this best suited for: NiceTown’s curtains are a great choice for those who are shopping on a budget, but still require a good level of soundproofing. Whether you play an acoustic instrument or you’re hoping to prevent sound spillage from your speakers, these curtains will do the job very capably.

Bottom Line: Using triple-weave technology, the NiceTown 3-Pass curtains form a solid layer that halts sound waves in their tracks. They offer 90% blackout thanks to the density of the material, and they’re very easy to install on a curtain rod.

10. Deconovo Total Blackout

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Estimated Price	$40
Material	Polyester/Polyester Blend
Color	Turquoise (also available in different colors)
Size	W 52” x L 90”
Other Sizes Available	Yes

My Review: Deconovo’s Total Blackout curtains exceed the soundproofing capabilities of standard curtains significantly. After looking at their design, I found that they are perfectly suited to covering windows or a door, which are two of the main culprits for allowing sound to leave a room.

I also found that these curtains are very easy to slide across the rail, which makes it possible to completely cover the glass of a door or window. Doing this ensures that none of the sounds from a guitar amplifier, instrument, or monitors can reverberate against the glass.

Due to the double-layered fabric design of these Deconovo curtains, they also help to keep the room warm and prevent any light from entering.

Who is this best suited for: Many musicians like to hide their clocks and get lost in the process of recording, blocking themselves from the outside world. If you’re one of these people, the Total Blackout curtains by Deconovo will suit you very well.

Bottom Line: The Total Blackout Curtains by Deconovo are made from high-quality polyester, with two layers combining to provide a good level of soundproofing. They’re machine washable at cold temperatures and are available in multiple sizes and colors.

11. BGment Thermal Blackout

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Estimated Price	$35
Material	Fabric
Color	Dark Gray (also available in different colors)
Size	W 52” x L 63”
Other Sizes Available	Yes

My Review: The BGment Thermal Blackout curtains are amongst the best sellers on the market, so I was excited to see if the hype surrounding them was justified. I found that thanks to two of their two layers of thick fabric, they do indeed possess all of the qualities required to aid the soundproofing of a room.

After analyzing the specs of these curtains, I discovered that a large contributing factor to their soundproofing capabilities is their substantial weight. Weighting over 4lbs per curtain, they ensure that even low-end frequencies are successfully absorbed and prevented from escaping the room.

Another thing that impressed me about these BGment curtains is their compatibility with any room in the house. They’re best suited to covering windows and doors, but could also be used as wall coverings if there is a particular area of the room where problem frequencies tend to occur.

Who is this best suited for: These Thermal Blackout curtains are ideally suited to anyone looking to dampen bass frequencies in their room, and save some money on their heating bill. With two layers of thick, dense fabric, they provide insulation and soundproof benefits which are instantly apparent.

Bottom Line: BGment’s curtains are incredibly popular for their stellar soundproofing abilities. They also prevent light from entering a room, thanks to their high-quality material makeup. Also, they are machine washable at temperatures below 86F, and they can be ironed and tumble dried at low heat.

12. SmileTime Black Velvet

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Estimated Price	$45
Material	Velvet
Color	Black (also available in different colors)
Size	W 38” x L 96”
Other Sizes Available	Yes

My Review: When searching for the best soundproof curtains to compile this list, I also considered their aesthetics as a secondary quality. In the past, I’ve found that if the appearance and design of a room aren’t desirable, this has a detrimental effect on the process of making or listening to music in that space.

Consequently, I am very fond of the SmileTime Black Velvet soundproof curtains. Make with luxurious velvet material, they boast an elegant and distinguished appearance, which, when combined with their ability to reduce loudness within a room, makes them worthy of consideration.

SmileTime estimates that these curtains lower the total volume of sound by up to 25%, which may not sound like a lot, but in reality that is a significant reduction. It could be the difference between the sound of your guitar amplifier passing through the walls and disturbing your neighbors, or being at the perfect volume to go unnoticed.

Who is this best suited for: Those who are equally interested in making their space look the part as they are in soundproofing it will love the combination of qualities offered by the SmileTime Black Velvet. You can choose from a range of colors and sizes, and rest assured that these curtains will not fade over time thanks to their high-quality velvet construction.

Bottom Line: To illustrate the quality of the SmileTime Black Velvet curtains, each panel has been meticulously stitched on to ensure that they hang perfectly over a window or door. The velvet material is soft and thick, helping it to reduce the volume of sounds that come into contact with the curtain by up to 25%.

13. H.Versailtex Blackout

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Estimated Price	$40
Material	Polyester/Polyester Blend
Color	Taupe (also available in different colors)
Size	W 52” x L 84”
Other Sizes Available	Yes

My Review: These H.Versailtex curtains instantly caught my attention with their unique bird design and exceptional soundproofing. I particularly liked the way they deviate from the generally plain designs that most soundproof or blackout curtain manufacturers opt for.

The curtains are made from a high-quality polyester blend, which can reduce the amount of noise that leaves your room. Whether you play acoustic guitar, piano, or like to crank up a tube amplifier, these curtains will improve the soundproofing of your space considerably and prevent you from annoying anyone nearby.

The bird and branch design of these curtains add a homely touch to their appearance, without attracting too much attention. They’re available in taupe or sage, and the artwork blends perfectly with both of these eye-friendly colors. Finally, they are also capable of blocking out up to 90% of sunlight which is impressive considering their relatively light shade.

Who is this best suited for: The H.Versailtex Blackout curtains are ideal for people who like to bring a natural element to their recording or listening space. The bird and tree design is a great way to make the room look more interesting and decorative.

Bottom Line: Although these curtains stand out mainly because of their design, upon further analysis it became clear to me that they are also very practical. With the ability to block out almost all of the sun’s UV rays and light, and the way that the material can dampen sound within a room, these curtains tick all of the boxes.

14. Eclipse Darrell Modern

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Estimated Price	$15
Material	Polyester
Color	Indigo (also available in different colors)
Size	W 37” x L 84”
Other Sizes Available	Yes

My Review: The Darrell Modern curtains combine style with practicality. Available in multiple colors and sizes, they improve the energy efficiency of a room and help to stop sound from passing through the windows, doors, and walls.

Made from high-quality polyester, these curtains are machine washable at cold temperatures. If you’re likely to be opening and closing the curtains regularly, there’s a good chance that they will eventually become a little dirt, so being able to wash them easily is important.

Another thing that impressed me about these curtains is their ability to block out 99% of sunlight. This makes them perfect for the times when you want to listen to or create music in a darkened setting. Also, the rod pocket design fits any standard-sized curtain pole, and they are very easy to set up.

Who is this best suited for: The Eclipse Darrell Modern curtains are best suited for those who want reliable soundproofing and light reduction in their room. You don’t need any additional tools or experience to install them, and they are very easy to clean.

Bottom Line: Made from high-quality polyester, these curtains have a distinguished, modern appearance. They’re very effective at reducing the light that passes through a window and preventing loud sounds from exiting the room.

15. RYB Home Noise Cancelling Curtains

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Estimated Price	$60
Material	Fabric
Color	Grey (also available in different colors)
Size	W 52” x L 63”
Other Sizes Available	Yes

My Review: RYB is one of the best-known soundproof curtain producers, and its popularity is a result of expert attention to detail. Designed specifically for noise cancellation, these curtains cause a dramatic reduction in volume and prevent problem frequencies from wreaking havoc.

Made from three layers of triple weave fabric, these Noise Cancelling Curtains can absorb the complete sound frequency spectrum. Additionally, they are also 100% blackout, preventing harsh sunlight from entering the room.

The thing I found most interesting about the way these curtains are designed is the detachable middle layer, which is made from felt fabric. This layer allows you to increase the curtain’s soundproofing capabilities, and also block out more light. For holding heat within a room, this middle layer is also very useful.

Who is this best suited for: If you’re serious about soundproofing your room and want to ensure that you get maximum noise reduction, these RYB curtains are amongst the best offerings on the market.

Bottom Line: With a triple-layer design that offers three main benefits including light reduction, soundproofing, and energy-saving, the Noise Cancelling Curtains by RYB Home is a great option. Although they’re slightly more costly than many other soundproof curtains, the quality they provide makes them a worthy investment.

16. Moondream 4-in-1

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Estimated Price	$170
Material	Cotton
Color	Red (also available in different colors)
Size	W 57” x L 95”
Other Sizes Available	Yes

My Review: The 4-in-1 curtains by Moondream caught my attention with their claim to reduce sound by up to 9dB. This reduction is very impressive, and despite my skepticism, I found that they do indeed deliver on that ambitious promise.

I believe that this level of noise reduction is largely down to the 100% cotton makeup of the curtains. Not only do they prevent noise from passing through a window, door, or wall, but they also act as an acoustic panel, absorbing the sound very effectively.

This curtain is best suited to being used as a room divider. It can also be used over windows and doors, but that seems like a waste of its classy double-sided fabric design. It also blocks out 100% of light and UV rays, making the 4-in-1 curtain the perfect solution for separating a room.

Who is this best suited for: If you’re looking for an acoustic treatment which will allow you to separate two spaces within your room, the Moondream 4-in-1 divider curtains are a great option. These curtains may cost you more than many others on the market, but the extra cost is worth it for the soundproofing and light reduction they provide.

Bottom Line: Although the price tag of the Moondream 4-in1 curtains is considerably higher than many of the other options I’ve listed, this is reflected in their quality. Offering up to 9dB of noise reduction, the curtains provide genuine acoustic treatment in addition to the benefits of light reduction and thermal efficiency.

17. NiceTown Sound Barrier

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Estimated Price	$80
Material	Polyester/Polyester Blend
Color	Black (also available in different colors)
Size	W 52” x L 84”
Other Sizes Available	Yes

My Review: I was very impressed by NiceTown’s Sound Barries curtains, mainly because they provide a very effective acoustic treatment that is ideally suited to absorbing the sound of a guitar, piano, or music playing back through monitors.

This soundproofing ability is largely a result of the detachable middle layer of the curtains. To increase the amount of noise reduction they are capable of achieving, you can simply attach the central fabric layer and this acts as a reinforcing barrier to prevent even bass frequencies from making their way through the curtain,

NiceTown’s curtains can absorb 2.5 times the amount of sound than a regular, single-layer curtain. They can be used to cover a glass surface like a window or door, but they’re also suitable for dividing two spaces within a room, for example, a control room and a live room in a home recording studio.

Furthermore, these curtains also provide a total blackout of UV rays and sunlight, so that you can get in the zone when making or listening to music. They’re thermally insulated, which is great in the winter months, and they can be washed at low temperatures when the middle detachable layer is removed.

Who is this best suited for: The NiceTown Sound Barrier curtains are a perfect option for audiophiles who are looking for the very best soundproofing available. These curtains acoustically treat the room in addition to their thermal and light-reducing benefits.

Bottom Line: Designed specifically to prevent sound from passing through them, the Sound Barrier curtains are highly functional. They also look the part and are available in five different colors and several sizes to suit your requirements.

Choosing the Right Soundproof Curtains (Buying Guide)

In the age of home recording studios and audio setups, soundproofing is a necessity. Ensuring that minimal sound spills from your chosen space will allow you to record, rehearse and play audio without risking a complaint from a neighbor or passer-by.

Many practical solutions help to reduce the volume of the sounds you produce and contain them within your space. Soundproof curtains are amongst the most effective tools for achieving this.

In the remainder of this article, I’ll provide you with a breakdown of soundproof curtains, explaining how they work, what to look for when choosing them, and how you can get the best soundproofing possible.

How Soundproof Curtains Work

Soundproof curtains are designed to dampen sound waves and block them from passing through the thick layers of material. The term ‘soundproof’ can be misleading, as no curtains are capable of completely blocking sound.

Nevertheless, a good set of soundproof curtains can dampen and reduce the volume of the sound played in a room considerably. Their role is to essentially muffle the sound, making it less likely to be heard by housemates, neighbors, or others who happen to be close to your audio space.

The way that soundproof curtains achieve this dampening and muffling effect, is simply by creating a barrier that absorbs the sound waves when they come into contact with the coarse layers of material.

It’s unrealistic to expect soundproof curtains to completely deaden the sound and trap it within a room. However, they are certainly capable of causing a significant reduction in volume and prevent sounds from bleeding externally out of the space. For musicians, producers, mixing engineers, or those simply wanting to listen to music in a room, soundproof curtains are highly recommended.

Essential Qualities of Soundproof Curtains

Soundproof curtains differ from regular curtains in several key areas. They must be made up of multiple layers, with each layer performing a unique function. The several layers of material combine to reduce the volume of the sounds which come into contact with the curtains.

The essential qualities required from soundproof curtains include:

• Dampening of bass, mid-range, and treble frequencies
• Reduction of audio spillage
• Preservation of the tonal aspects of the sounds
• Minimizing the echoes within a room
• Targeting acoustic issues related to sound reflection and room shapes

Although all soundproof curtains are designed to achieve each of the aforementioned results, some products excel in specific areas and are less effective in others. That’s why it’s important to consider your requirements when choosing your soundproof curtains.

The quality of the materials used to construct the curtain is perhaps the most important factor which determines their effectiveness. Moreover, it’s important to also consider the dimensions of the curtains, and how they will fit into your room.

Understanding Sound Frequency

To understand how soundproof curtains can reduce volume and prevent noise spillage, we must cover the basics of sound frequencies.

Without getting overly technical, what we refer to as ‘sounds’ are essentially vibrations of the air which vary in pressure. These vibrations enter the inner ear and are translated into sounds by our brains. The way that we differentiate between sounds is by measuring their frequency.

Sound frequencies are measured in the unit Hz (Hertz). This indicated the frequency of the vibrations of a sound wave per second. The higher the frequency of vibrations, the higher the pitch of the sound is. Likewise, the lower the frequency of vibrations, the lower the pitch of the sound is.

Our ears are capable of hearing sounds that fall between the frequency range of 20Hz and 20kHz. This essentially means we can hear sounds that vibrate at a minimum of 20 vibrations per second and a maximum of 20,000 vibrations per second.

Sound frequencies are intrinsically linked to the effectiveness of soundproof curtains, as they are likely to absorb certain frequencies better than others. I’ll explain this relationship more thoroughly in a later section.

Volume & Decibels

The aim of soundproof curtains is to reduce the volume of the frequencies produced, through the process of absorption and dampening. A sound’s loudness is measure in dB (Decibels), which indicates the intensity of the sound wave.

Decibel meters are reliable devices for checking the loudness of sounds. It’s a good idea to acquire one of these devices, as this will allow you to monitor the reduction in volume that your soundproof curtains can cause.

Understanding how dB levels are calculated is a little complicated. It may seem logical that a sound with a rating of 10dB would be twice as loud as a sound with a rating of 5dB, however, this is not the case. In actual fact, a doubling in volume equates to an increase of 3dB.

If a sound increases by 10dB, this indicates an increase by a factor of 10. Additionally, if a sound increased by 20dB, this indicates an increase by a factor of 100. It’s not essential to understand the mechanics behind the decibel scale when using soundproof curtains, but investing in a decibel meter will allow you to gauge how effective they are at reducing loudness.

Materials

One of the most integral aspects of soundproof curtains is the materials they are composed of. Some curtains have additional fibers, which increases their density and thus prevents sound from passing through more effectively.

Polyester blends are the most common materials used by soundproof curtain manufacturers. This synthetic fabric is commonly derived from petroleum and is used for a range of household and industrial items. The reason this textile is so well suited for soundproof curtains is that it is easily sourced, affordable, and effective at reducing loudness.

Cotton is another effective material used for soundproof curtains. In some cases, manufacturers may combine cotton and fabric layers to maximize results. Unlike polyester, cotton is a natural material derived from the fibers of cotton plants.

Many high-end curtains are made from velvet, which is arguably the most effective for the purpose of soundproofing. Velvet was originally derived from silk, however, it’s more commonly synthesized and blended with natural fibers these days. In addition to its great soundproofing profile, velvet boasts a soft texture and a distinguished appearance.

Soundproof curtains are often also labeled as ‘thermal’. This indicates that they are proficient at preventing heat from escaping from your space, as well as sound. Choosing thermal soundproof curtains is a good idea if you live in a cold area and would like to minimize the use of your heating.

Finally, if you’re looking for maximum soundproofing capabilities from your new curtains, choosing a set that is marketed as tripe-woven is a good idea. This process increases the thickness and density of the curtains, allowing them to absorb more sound waves and prevent them from leaving the room.

Coverage

Before selecting your curtains, it’s integral that you check they are available in the size you require. It’s a good idea to measure your windows and doors so that you can avoid choosing a size that leaves some of the glass exposed or hangs too far down onto the floor.

To get the best soundproofing out of the curtains it’s important that they cover a considerable section of the wall, and fully cover any windows or doors. Selecting a size that is around triple the width of your window and hangs down around ten inches further than the bottom is a good blueprint to follow.

The more space that your curtains cover, the more effectively they will be able to prevent sound from spilling out of your room. Finding the perfect balance between coverage and practicality should be your main goal when choosing which size to go for.

Weight

The weight of the curtains you choose correlates to their ability to absorb sounds. This is most evident when it comes to low-end bass frequencies, as these sounds tend to travel further than mid-range and treble frequencies.

Opting for the heaviest curtains on the market may not be the most practical choice for some people. Although you may experience benefits in terms of soundproofing, I’d recommend checking that the structure of your room can withstand the weight of the curtains you choose.

Furthermore, if you are likely to be playing bass-heavy audio in your space, heavier curtains will certainly provide you with more soundproofing and absorption than lighter options.

Soundproof Curtains Rods

The rods you use to hang your soundproof curtains are another very important thing to consider. If you’ve already got curtain rods in the position where you intend to hang your new curtains, you’ll need t to assess whether they are suitable or if you’ll need to invest in some new ones.

Due to soundproof curtains generally being heavier than average curtains, you’ll need to check that your rods are capable of handling their weight. In some cases, soundproof curtains can weigh upwards of 9lbs, which requires a strong curtain rod and sturdy attachments to the wall.

Another thing to consider is the size of the eyelets which come with the soundproof curtains. Although most eyelets are sized to universally fit curtain rods, you don’t want to be left disappointed by a mismatch so it’s always best to check before purchasing.

‘Wraparound’ curtain rods might be of interest to you, as they attach to the wall at a slightly curved angle, which allows the curtain to absorb more sound and cover a greater distance.

Maintaining Your Soundproof Curtains

If the need arises to clean your soundproof curtains, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions before doing so. Washing curtains can ruin them, and depending on the materials they are made from you may need to take specific measures to clean them.

The easiest and least risky way to clean curtains is by simply wiping them with a slightly damp cloth. This should only be done on small spots of dirt, and no cleaning products should be used to avoid marking the material further.

Soundproof curtains can rarely be machine washed, due to their size and the delicateness of their materials. More commonly, the curtains can be dry cleaned, but this isn’t always the case so be sure to check the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Realistic Expectations

Although soundproof curtains are effective at blocking noise and reducing volume, sound doesn’t only seep through windows and doors – it also travels through the walls of your building. Consequently, expecting them to solve all of your noise issues is unrealistic.

Ensuring that you choose high-quality curtains with adequate density will undoubtedly reduce the amount of noise that spills from your room. Likewise, the right-sized curtains will also improve the situation.

Additional Soundproofing Measures

If your noise issues persist after installing soundproof curtains, there are some simple and easy measures you can take to maximize their effectiveness. Firstly, securing the curtains to the floor around the bottom of a window or door using tape will prevent sound from escaping underneath them.

Acoustic treatment is also available in the form of soundproofing panels. These work similarly to curtains, using thick layers of fabric to absorb sound waves which come into contact with them. They are also effective at improving the acoustics of your room.

Bass traps are common issues in rooms with poor acoustics. This can be caused simply by the angle of the walls, or their size. It results in low-end frequencies appearing much more prominent in certain areas of the room, which isn’t ideal for musicians and producers trying to perfect their sound.

Foam panels are also effective at absorbing sound and improving acoustics. If the room has a carpet this will provide some soundproofing also. The fewer reflective surfaces which the sound has to bounce off, the less chance there is of noise escaping the room.

Color & Design

The color and design of the curtains you choose won’t impact soundproofing capabilities, but an aesthetically pleasing room is more likely to inspire your creativity if you’re composing, producing, or mixing music.

Many of the soundproof curtains featured in this guide are available in a range of different colors and shades. It’s therefore easy to find a set that will complement the existing layout and design of your room.

Summary

Installing soundproof curtains in a room is one of the most effective ways to prevent loud noises from disturbing other people. They can also improve the acoustics of the room, and absorb any problematic frequencies.

Now that you’ve read the information in this detailed guide, you should be equipped with the necessary knowledge required to choose the best-suited curtains for your soundproofing needs.