You will find that a lot of companies use the term “soundproof” or “soundproofing.” But it is a word that can mean several things. Using it to describe a product doesn’t mean that they act the same way as a soundproof panel or other soundproofing solutions.
It isn’t possible to soundproof a room using just curtains. To do that, you would need to change the infrastructure of the room. However, you can drastically reduce noise by using a pair of the best soundproof curtains.
I will be taking an in-depth look at that later in this article. But let’s start by looking at some of the best options currently on the market.
Top 6 Best Soundproof Curtains of 2023
1 NICETOWN Grey Full Shade Curtain Panels, Blackout Drapes – Best Budget Soundproof Curtains
This is a pair of curtains made from Polyester, a man-made material that has greatly improved over the years. It is now a strong fabric that is resistant to chemicals. It doesn’t shrink, is resistant to damage, and is known for retaining its shape.
The Size
Each curtain is 52 inches wide by 84 inches long. That gives you a total width of 104 inches. However, they do come in a variety of sizes.
They need to be hung on a curtain rail, and for this purpose, they have some elegant silver grommets. These have a diameter of 1.6 inches. As the curtain rail is passed through the grommets, it makes it easy to fit them, and using them takes little effort.
Two Layers
These curtains have two layers of material that reduce the noise coming through the window. You cannot eliminate it, but two substantial layers work far better than just a single layer. There is an option of adding a third black liner layer in between the existing layers.
This can be sewn in to provide more sound reduction and also to create a blackout effect. The benefit of that is to create a darkened room, perfect for a great night’s sleep. These curtains can also act as insulation, reducing heat on hot days and holding the heat in during the colder months.
Cleaning
If taken good care of, these curtains will give you years of use. They are machine washable at a water temperature of less than 86 degrees. A mild detergent is fine, but do not use bleach, and if you iron them, make sure the heat setting on the iron is on low.
They are impressive-looking curtains that are hard-wearing at a very competitive price. As a result, these are some of the best long lasting soundproof curtains you can find.
(4.8 / 5)Pros
- Two layers of Polyester material with the option of a third for a blackout lining.
- Attractive-looking fittings.
Cons
- Do not fit flush to the wall, so some sound will inevitably get in.
2 Moondream 3-in-1 Sound Insulation Curtain with Noise-Blackout-Thermal Insulation – Best Value for the Money Soundproof Curtains
This is a curtain that is designed to reduce the effects of sound while also looking good. It will not only reduce the sound levels by 7 decibels, but they have a blackout effect and provide a level of thermal insulation.
The Size
These particular curtains are sized at 57 inches wide and 63 inches deep. There are other sizes of the same width but up to a drop of 108 inches. They hang threaded on a curtain rail using the 1.6-inch diameter grommets.
They can be adjusted to the height of your window courtesy of the iron-on tape that is provided. The bottom of the curtain is sewn with an overcast seam.
Three layers
They are constructed in three separate layers. The first layer is 100% polyester, and the second is 99% polyester combined with 0.01% aluminum. The third layer is 100% cotton. In other words, these are some of the best triple layer soundproof curtains on the market.
Traffic noise
If you live next to a busy road and need a curtain to lessen traffic noise, this might suffice. The advantage of having three layers is that sound becomes trapped in between the fabric layers and reduces the amount that passes through. It will not stop all noise, but there will be a noticeable reduction.
Cleaning
It is important to note that this curtain is not machine washable and is dry clean only. Like most curtains of this nature, it will also act as an insulator reducing heat costs whilst retaining heat in the room during the winter. This could affect your power bills.
A well-made curtain, although not the cheapest you will find. Still a great option for some of the best soundproof curtains around.
(4 / 5)Pros
- Three layers provide a reduction in noise from outside.
- Easily adjusted to fit your window.
Cons
- Not the cheapest option available.
3 Home Thermal Insulated Door Curtain – Best Door Frame Soundproof Curtains
This is a bit more than just a curtain from MMCJIES. It is designed to make a tight fit over the door and doorframe or a window to block out any noise. As it fits so snugly over the door, the noise reduction is quite noticeable.
But it does more than just reduce unwanted noise. This curtain will block out cold air in winter and prevent heat leakage. And besides doing all that, it is also waterproof.
Construction Material
It is made from a high-quality PU, Polyurethane, fabric that is not only waterproof but temperature resistant and very durable. Likewise, it will reduce the effect of any wind.
It has a lining that is double-layered to give it strength and to increase its thermal performance. Meaning it’s one of the most durable soundproof curtains currently available.
A Variety of Uses
Its design allows it plenty of options for practical use. It will do a job wherever there are doors. And its durability and materials mean you don’t need to be overly concerned about weather conditions.
Easy to Fit
It has been designed, so it is easy to set up, and the door can still be used when it has been fitted. A metal hanging hook and Velcro hold the curtain in position. Please note, when measuring the size of your door, ensure you include the height and the width of the door frame.
Cleaning
The manufacturer recommends that the curtain be washed by hand, not in the washing machine. When it is installed correctly, this curtain is likely to reduce the unwanted noise level by a significant amount. It isn’t the cheapest, though.
(4 / 5)Pros
- Well-made with an attractive style with a variety of uses.
- Easy to fit and makes a significant reduction in noise levels.
Cons
- Some may think it’s expensive.
4 Audimute Sound Absorption Sheet – Best Recording Studio Soundproof Curtains
This is a different type of curtain/blanket for dealing with unwanted sound. It would be more accurate to describe it as the manufacturer does as a sound absorption sheet.
We ought to make it clear that these sheets do not block out external sound. What they do is absorb any echoes and reverberation in the room. This will improve the sound quality in that specific room.
What Are They Made Of?
Audimute makes its own sound absorption material, recycling cotton and cellulose fibers to do so. This material they call “Eco C-Tex.” It has proven to be an effective solution to the problem of absorbing unwanted sounds, and it is non-toxic.
As a bonus, it takes less energy to manufacture Eco C-Tex than traditional foam acoustic panels or fiberglass. Each panel has an NRC rating of 0.85 which means it will absorb approximately 85% of all the sound waves that might hit the sheet.
The Uses
This makes them eminently suitable for use in certain environments. The obvious option, of course, is for use in recording studios. They will make great soundproof curtains for drum rooms and vocal booths, and even in the main studio room if the sound is reverberating somewhat.
But their use can extend further to that to include conference rooms or even if you have a home theater set up at home. Anywhere where you need the sound to be absorbed, they will work well.
Measurements
The sheet covers an area of 8 feet by 4.5 feet or 95 inches by 54 inches. You will need to consider the size of the area that needs to be covered and treated. It will produce the best results where most of the sound is being reflected. Therefore positioning it will be important.
Fitting
On the sides measuring 54 inches, there are three metal grommets for hanging. All mounting hardware is included. If sound absorption is what you need rather than soundproofing, then this is certainly worth a look. It is set at a very attractive price point.
(4.4 / 5)Pros
- Well made and plain and simple design, and easy to hang.
- A high level of sound absorption at a cost-effective price.
Cons
- Not a soundproofing material.
5 RYB HOME Soundproof Divider Curtains – Best Easy to Install Soundproof Curtains
This is a set of curtains that appear to have been designed to fulfill two purposes. Firstly to reduce as much noise as possible, secondly to look attractive and able to fit in any room.
The Noise Reduction
We have already discussed a little about how much noise a single curtain can prevent. They will have some effect, but it isn’t possible to absorb or make a room soundproof.
To some extent, the level of soundproofing achieved will depend on your environment. No product of this nature can be said to be 100% soundproof. It will also depend on individuals who may be affected in different ways by external noise.
Three Layers
These curtains come in two panels and together have a total width of 104 inches. Each has three layers, a white front layer that is styled to look good and a layer at the back in a light grey color.
The third layer is a felt lining that sits in the middle. This is removable if you wish. It is this layer that is in place to act as an extra external sound absorber. The front and rear layers are made from polyester. Together they also act as a blackout for the room, keeping out UV rays and bright light.
Maintenance
They are quite easy to maintain. The felt middle layer should be detached before washing. This is an easy process. The remaining two layers can be machine washed. If you tumble dry them, the heat needs to be set to low. They have grommets fixed at the top that hold the curtain rail and are therefore easy to put up and take down.
As I have said, they are not going to soundproof your room. But they will cut down on some noise, and they have a nice attractive look at a reasonable price point.
(4.3 / 5)Pros
- Nice attractive design with three layers.
- Easy to hang and maintain at a reasonable price point.
Cons
- Not Flame resistant.
6 NICETOWN Thermal Insulated Noise Reducing Drapes – Best Soundproof and Blackout Curtains
For our last look at the best soundproof curtains, let’s return to Nicetown. These are a pair of Polyester curtains and measure 52 inches wide each, thus giving you a total of 108 inches, and have a drop of 108 inches.
Hanging
This is an easy operation as they are fitted with a rod pocket. The pocket has a width of 2.7 inches. So a rod no wider than 1.7 inches in diameter would be best to allow some movement.
Giving them enough room with the rod allows you to create attractive pleats when they are drawn. If you prefer, they can be hung using rings and hooks, although these are not provided.
Blackout Liner
They have a sewn-in black layer that makes the curtains able to keep out bright sunlight and UV rays. If you have work that means you need to sleep during the day, then these are a big advantage.
Noise Reduction
This, of course, is the important element that we are addressing, and like most curtains, they can only have a limited effect. Having a rod pocket does allow you to place the curtains nearer the window, whereas a curtain rail is further away. That will help to remove some noise but certainly not all.
Well-Made
They are well-made and have a good quality finish, and are durable and will last you a long time. They can be machine-washed, but the water temperature must be below 86 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a mild detergent but no bleach. To iron, use at a low temperature.
It’s fair to say these are some of the best affordable soundproof curtains but offer rather limited noise reduction performance depending on your circumstances.
(4.7 / 5)Pros
- Nice styling and very well-made.
- Blackout Liner to remove UV rays and a very attractive price point.
Cons
- Noise reduction will be limited, but it depends on your environment.
What Are Soundproof Curtains?
Soundproof curtains are a particular type of curtaining with a specific design. The idea is to remove external noise and make the room you are in quieter. They are usually made with special materials and have several layers.
They are certainly thicker in texture and tend to weigh a lot more than standard curtains. Some include a Blackout Lining to reduce UV light into the room when they are in use.
They have various uses, and you will most likely find them in bedrooms or sometimes living rooms. But they can also be used in theaters or recording studios to reduce noise.
What Are The Different Types of Soundproof Curtains?
Essentially these types of soundproof curtains fall into two categories.
Domestic Soundproofing
- Designed to reduce as much noise from outside as possible.
- Often have a Blackout Liner that may be removable.
- Can also act as insulation for weather conditions.
- Usually have built-in layers.
- Sized to cover doors or windows.
Audio Sheets for Sound Absorption
- Designed to “deaden” a room.
- Often like a blanket that reduces echoes and sound reverberation in a room, usually a recording studio.
- Absorb sound from inside the room and do not soundproof it.
How Should I Set Up My Soundproof Curtains?
Once you understand that soundproofing curtains do not prevent noise, they just absorb part of it, setting up is easy.
- They need to be as close to the window or door as possible.
- They need to hang vertically without any objects to interfere.
- Use the right size of rail or fittings.
- Make sure that the width of the window or door is fully covered.
What To Look For in the Soundproof Curtains?
If you are buying soundproof curtains, there are some things to consider.
Weight
They can be triple-layered, so make sure you have the equipment, including the rail, to support them.
Materials
Consider the materials used in the manufacture. Are they flameproof and non-toxic?
Measurements
Make sure you have bought curtains that are wide enough to cover the space plus a bit more.
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What are the Best Soundproof Curtains?
I would buy a curtain that had several attributes. It needs to reduce the sound levels, of course, but also to act as a blackout as well as offer some thermal insulation. Therefore, I would choose the…
Moondream 3-in-1 Sound Insulation Curtain
A great curtain that looks good as well.
Until next time, happy listening.