Sound-absorbing curtains – reduce echo in the room
A flexible and effective solution for better acoustics in office environments
In modern offices with open floor plans, glass partitions, and hard surfaces, echo and long reverberation are common problems. Conversations, meetings, and everyday work noises bounce between walls, ceilings, and windows, making the sound environment chaotic and stressful. Sound-absorbing curtains are an effective form of sound absorption that help to break up sound reflections and create a calmer, more balanced working environment without permanent alterations.
What are sound-absorbing curtains?
Sound-absorbing curtains consist of dense and porous fabrics designed to absorb sound waves when they hit the surface of the fabric. By reducing reflections in the room, the reverberation time is shortened, which improves speech intelligibility and acoustic comfort. It is important to distinguish sound absorption from sound insulation, which stops sound between rooms, and vibration damping, which reduces vibrations and structure-borne noise. Curtains are used to improve the acoustics where the sound already exists.
Common acoustic problems in office environments
Echo and reverberation are common in offices with large windows, glass walls, and a lack of soft materials. Conversations carry far, meetings are perceived as strenuous, and background noise feels constantly present. This can lead to poorer concentration, reduced productivity, and increased noise stress, especially in open-plan offices and shared workspaces.
How sound-absorbing curtains work in practice
When sound waves hit the curtain fabric, they are slowed down and absorbed into the structure of the material. Curtains that cover larger areas help to reduce reflections from otherwise very hard and sound-reflecting surfaces.
Placement in front of windows and glass partitions
Glass is one of the most reflective surfaces in an office. Sound-absorbing curtains effectively reduce reflections and significantly improve the room's acoustics.
Complement to wall and ceiling absorbers
Curtains work particularly well in combination with sound absorption on walls and ceilings to create a uniformly dampened sound environment.
Screening with sound-absorbing effect
In open-plan offices, curtains can also be used as soft room dividers that both screen off and improve acoustics.
Why choose sound-absorbing curtains?
Sound-absorbing curtains have a quick and clear effect on the sound environment without the need for structural alterations. They are flexible, easy to adapt to changing needs, and contribute to both function and aesthetics. The result is better speech intelligibility, lower perceived noise levels, and a more pleasant working environment. In some offices, curtains can be combined with sound insulation or vibration damping for a more complete overall result.
Well-thought-out advice for the best results
For the best effect, sound-absorbing curtains should be sufficiently thick and cover a generous area. Larger premises often require several sound-absorbing measures, while smaller offices can be improved with strategically placed curtains. A common mistake is to choose fabrics that are too thin or to underestimate the need for sound-absorbing surfaces. The right solution provides a long-term, calm, and functional sound environment.
Sound-absorbing curtains are therefore a safe and effective choice for offices that want to reduce echo, improve acoustics, and create a more pleasant working environment.