Should You Get Soundproof Curtains?
Updated: Aug. 16, 2023
In the right design, size and color, they can be the key to a peaceful, quiet home.
There’s nothing more disruptive to a night of sleep than excessive sound. Whether it’s screeching traffic, loud neighbors or even buzzing indoor fans, these seemingly minor noises can have an outsized impact on your well being. So it’s no surprise homeowners and renters are turning to soundproof curtains to block out some of the din.
But how do you know which curtains to buy, and are they even suitable for your needs and space? Consider this your introductory guide to soundproof curtains — what they are, how they work, and what to consider before buying a set. At the end, you’ll also find five reliable brands to suit a variety of needs.
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What Are Soundproof Curtains?
As the name suggests, soundproof curtains — aka acoustic curtains — reduce noise. Made of heavy materials like polyester or microfiber, soundproof curtains absorb quieter noises and muffle louder ones from outside, promoting better sleep and relaxation in the home.
Additionally, many soundproof curtains offer blackout and thermal insulation, keeping out excess sunlight and reducing your energy bill. Be aware that soundproof curtains aren’t the same as acoustic wall installations or other hardcore soundproofing in the home.
How Do Soundproof Curtains Work?
According to enoisecontrol.com, soundproof curtains reduce the noise entering a space and reflected inside it. Higher quality materials yield better soundproofing.
Materials can vary based on needs. Soundproof curtains for the home don’t need to be as heavy-duty as those in industrial factories. Depending on the materials, soundproof curtains can reduce the transmission of sound by up to 29 decibels.
Are Soundproof Curtains Right for You?
You don’t need to be a professional musician to benefit from soundproof curtains. Still, ask yourself a few questions before you invest in any type of curtain.
Are you willing to block light from your space to reduce the sound? Since many soundproof curtains aren’t machine washable, are you OK with cleaning them by hand?
Finally, soundproof curtains are often quite heavy, so consider the strength of your curtain rods before purchasing. You may need to invest in new rods as well, so be sure to factor that into your budget.
Which Soundproof Curtains Are Worth the Money?
Once you decide to purchase soundproof curtains, weigh the different models against your personal needs. Here are five of our favorite soundproof curtains for the home, in a range of capacities and prices.
Nicetown Custom 2 Layers 100% Blackout Curtain
Material: Polyester.
Price: $35.96 for a set of two.
Why we love them: Made of two hearty fabric layers, these come in a wide range of sizes and more than 30 colors. Their triple-weave fabric blocks noise and UV light, even in lighter tones. They’re also easy to hang. Unfortunately, they do need to be hand-washed.
BGMent Insulated Blackout Soundproof Curtains
Material: Polyester.
Price: $13.12 for a set of two.
Why we love them: These curtains also come in more 30 colors and 11 sizes. Their triple-weave but slightly thin fabric is perfect for buyers who want to block noise while still letting some light in. They’re also thermal insulated and come with metal grommets, making them easy to hang. Machine wash and dry. Plus, you can’t beat that price!
RYB Home Three Layers 100% Blackout Soundproof Curtains
Material: Triple-weave fabric with detachable felt liner.
Price: $89.95 for a set of two.
Why we love them: While pricier than other sets, the curtains feature a three-layer design with a detachable felt liner. The liner blocks noise really well and can be removed when soundproofing isn’t necessary.
The curtains also add thermal insulation and next-level light-blocking to create a soundproof, lightproof, cozy haven. They come in more than 15 colors and are customizable when ordered from the website. They can be machine-washed so long as you remove the felt liner first.
Moondream Three-in-One Blackout Thermal Soundproof Curtain
Material: Polyester and cotton.
Price: $109 for one panel.
Why we love them: These curtains also feature a triple-layer design. One layer blocks light, another provides thermal insulation, and the final one offers a beautiful cotton overlay. Together, these layers block up to seven decibels of noise and reduce heating costs by up to 37%.
This is an excellent, albeit much more expensive, option for people with standard windows, as the curtains are only available in four sizes. They come in 14 colors and must be dry-cleaned.
Miuco Room-Darkening Blackout Soundproof Curtains
Material: Polyester and polyester-blend fabric.
Price: $34.99 for a set of two.
Why we love them: These two-layer curtains block noise and light wonderfully. Their triple-weave construction deadens sound while blocking 98% of sunlight and 100% of UV rays. They only come in three sizes, but their 18 color options are trendy and sophisticated. Better yet, these curtains can be machine washed and dried.
