Which Reduces Noise Better — Curtains or Blinds? 

If you’re interested in reducing the amount of noise from neighbors, traffic or any other source in the outside world, regular furnishings can be incredibly effective while retaining a decorative style you like. Window coverings can work wonders when it comes to dampening sound, but do curtains or blinds reduce noise better?

At Soundproof Cow, we’re committed to providing customers with the information and products they need to implement effective soundproofing solutions. Learn the differences in noise reduction between curtains and blinds to make the best choice.

Do Curtains Reduce Noise?

Curtains can add a nice visual touch to a room, and they also have certain properties that make them an effective soundproofing tool. Curtains dampen the level of noise pollution you hear inside your home. A flat, sturdy wall or window will reflect sound waves, while curtains absorb and disperse energy. This is because curtains are constructed of thick, tightly woven materials that leave fewer avenues for sound energy to escape.

Curtains are also an effective solution because they have a large surface area. When you hang a curtain, it falls in irregular waves. Uneven surfaces are excellent for catching sound reflecting from different directions. When it comes to soundproofing, the thicker and heavier the curtain, the better.

Do Blinds Reduce Noise?

Blinds are easy to install and provide their own soundproofing benefits to reduce noise. The best blinds for absorbing sound have multifaceted dampening properties that provide diverse benefits.

For instance, cellular shades use honeycomb-like air pockets to insulate heat. This insulative property applies to sound absorption, too. Sound is its own form of energy, and when it interacts with insulative air pockets, it disperses across the surface to dampen the noise level.

Similarly, Roman shades are constructed with a thick, cloth-like material that creates an absorptive layer around your windows. Heavier fabric will trap more energy, including sound waves.

What’s the Verdict — Curtains or Blinds for Noise Reduction?

Windows are notoriously difficult to seal, therefore posing a difficult soundproofing task. The best approach to reducing noise from outside through a window is to cover it with the heaviest, thickest material possible. For that reason, curtains are generally more effective than blinds as a soundproofing solution.

By default, most curtains are thicker and heavier than blinds, allowing them to absorb more sound. For maximum effectiveness, use dense, tightly woven curtains that cover as much of the window as possible — from the ceiling to the floor. However, implementing both curtains and blinds at the same time can compound their effects.

While curtains and blinds can provide some noise-reducing relief, the best way to cut down on the amount of sound entering your home through your windows is to use specially made soundproofing materials. Products such as soundproofing insulation, acoustic foam or isolating partitions are specifically designed to absorb as much sound as possible.

Contact Soundproof Cow

At Soundproof Cow, we make soundproofing fast and easy. We use the highest-quality materials to develop soundproofing solutions for commercial and residential customers. To learn more about our products or receive a free quote, contact Soundproof Cow today!