Do Curtains Really Soundproof Rooms?

When it comes to creating a calm and quiet home environment, many people wonder: Do curtains really soundproof rooms? While curtains may not offer complete soundproofing, they can significantly reduce noise levels—especially when chosen and installed correctly.

In this article, we’ll explore how curtains work to absorb sound, the types of curtains that perform best, and additional tips to improve acoustic comfort in your space.

Understanding How Sound Travels

Before diving into curtain performance, it’s helpful to understand how sound moves through space. Sound travels in waves, and it can easily pass through windows, doors, walls, and floors. Thin or bare surfaces, like glass windows, allow more sound to pass through compared to thick or dense materials. This is where curtains come into play. While they don’t block sound in the same way solid walls do, they help reduce the amount of noise that enters or exits a room by absorbing sound waves and reducing echo.

So, Do Curtains Really Soundproof Rooms?

The short answer is not completely, but they can reduce noise levels significantly. Traditional curtains offer some noise reduction, but soundproof or acoustic curtains are designed specifically to minimise noise penetration.

Acoustic curtains are made from heavy, dense, and layered materials that help dampen sound. These include thick fabrics like velvet, polyester blends, and thermally insulated materials. In contrast, standard decorative curtains may only slightly muffle noise.

While curtains won’t eliminate sound—especially loud or low-frequency noises—they can soften everyday disruptions such as traffic, neighbourhood chatter, or interior echoes.

Curtains help with sound control in two main ways:

1. Absorbing Sound Waves: Heavy fabrics absorb sound, especially high-frequency noise, preventing it from bouncing around the room. This helps reduce echo and create a more peaceful atmosphere.

2. Blocking Some External Noise: While curtains won’t block sound completely, thick and tightly woven fabrics can provide a barrier that diminishes the amount of noise passing through windows.

For best results, curtains should cover the entire window and extend beyond it, ideally from ceiling to floor and wall to wall, for maximum surface coverage.

What Type of Curtains Work Best for Sound Control?

To improve noise reduction, look for curtains that meet the following criteria:

• Thick, Multi-layered Fabric: Curtains made with multiple layers or thermal linings are more effective at absorbing sound.

• Full-Length Coverage: Floor-to-ceiling curtains help absorb more sound and reduce noise leaks.

• Tightly Woven Materials: Fabrics like suede, velvet, and blackout polyester are good choices.

• Additional Linings: Some curtains come with built-in acoustic linings or can be paired with secondary linings for extra sound absorption.

If you’re aiming for the best possible results, acoustic curtains or soundproof blinds can offer even more advanced noise control.

Extra Tips to Minimise Noise at Home

While curtains do help reduce noise, combining them with other soundproofing measures will give you better results:

• Use rugs or carpets to absorb sound from floors.

• Seal window gaps with weather stripping or sealant.

• Install double-glazed windows for greater sound insulation.

• Layer curtains with blinds or shutters for improved acoustic performance.

Final Thoughts

So, do curtains soundproof rooms? While they don’t offer complete silence, the right curtains—especially those designed for acoustic performance—can significantly reduce unwanted noise and improve sound comfort in your space.

If you’re looking for quality blinds and curtains that help reduce noise, Complete Blinds QLD offers a wide range of solutions tailored to your needs. Contact our team today for expert advice and a free consultation.