How do soundproof curtains work?

Sound-absorbing curtains are a practical and effective solution for improving acoustics and reducing disturbing noise in various environments. By absorbing sound waves, they reduce reverberation and echoes, making the room more pleasant to be in. They work by slowing down the spread of sound waves and reducing reflections from hard surfaces such as windows, walls, and ceilings. This makes them particularly useful in homes, offices, restaurants, conference rooms, and other environments where an improved sound environment is desirable.

Curtains with sound-absorbing properties are made of dense and heavy materials that effectively capture and absorb sound. Materials such as velvet, wool, multi-layer fabric, and specially developed acoustic textiles are often used in these products. Their density allows them to dampen both high and low frequencies, contributing to a more balanced soundscape in the room. The thicker and heavier the curtain, the better the sound absorption it can offer.

The placement of sound-absorbing curtains plays a major role in how effectively they work. Hanging them in front of windows is a common method, as window glass is one of the biggest causes of sound reflection in a room. Covering large glass surfaces reduces the reverberation that can occur and dampens sound from both inside and outside the room. Curtains can also be used along walls to enhance sound absorption and create a more controlled acoustic environment. In open-plan offices or large rooms, they can act as room dividers, creating privacy and reducing disturbing noise levels.

In addition to their sound-absorbing properties, these curtains also have aesthetic and practical advantages. They give the room a cozy and soft feel and can contribute to a more pleasant atmosphere. In addition, they can have insulating properties, which means they also help to keep the heat in during winter and keep the heat out in summer. This gives you both an improved sound environment and an energy-efficient solution.

To maximize sound absorption, it may be beneficial to choose curtains that extend from floor to ceiling and have extra pleats and thickness. The more material and pleated surface a curtain has, the better its sound-absorbing properties will be. Another tip is to combine sound-absorbing curtains with other acoustic solutions, such as sound absorbers on ceilings and walls, to create a complete sound environment that is tailored to the needs of the room.

Sound-absorbing curtains are a simple and flexible solution that can improve the sound environment in many different contexts. Whether it's creating a quieter work environment, reducing echo in a large room, or making a home environment more comfortable, these curtains can be an important part of acoustic improvement. By choosing the right material, placement, and combination with other sound-absorbing elements, you can create a quieter and more harmonious indoor environment.

Here are some advantages of installing soundproof curtains

Easy to install
Soundproof curtains are ready to hang immediately. The curtains can easily be hung on existing curtain rods or rails.

Heat-insulating properties
Our soundproof curtains also have heat-insulating properties, which can help reduce energy loss and improve the temperature in the room.

Blackout
Our soundproof curtains also have blackout properties and can block up to 100% of light, which is especially useful for bedrooms or rooms where you want total darkness.

Sound-reducing properties
Sound-absorbing curtains are designed with materials that absorb sound waves. By installing these curtains, you can reduce the noise level in the room and thus create a quieter and more concentrated working environment. Our sound-absorbing curtains can reduce the noise level by up to 7 decibels (and up to 9 decibels for fabric room dividers), contributing to a quieter environment.

Cost-effective
Using sound-absorbing curtains is a relatively inexpensive and simple method of improving the sound level and acoustics in a room compared to more extensive soundproofing.

Improved concentration and productivity
Reduced noise can contribute to improved concentration and increased productivity. This is particularly important in work environments where silence or low noise levels are beneficial.

Reduces reverberation
Sound-absorbing curtains can reduce reverberation in a room by absorbing sound reflections. This is especially useful in large rooms where reverberation can create unwanted acoustic effects.

Reduces echo
The curtains can help reduce echo by absorbing sound waves instead of allowing them to reflect around the room. This creates a more controlled and comfortable acoustic environment.

Improves speech intelligibility
Sound-absorbing curtains can help improve speech intelligibility in the room, which is especially important in meeting rooms and conference rooms where clear communication is crucial.

Aesthetic improvement
Sound-absorbing curtains are available in a variety of designs and colors, allowing them to be integrated into the aesthetics of the room. They can be used as part of the interior design while offering sound-absorbing properties.

Reduces stress levels
A quieter sound environment, created through the use of sound-absorbing curtains, can help reduce stress levels and create a more relaxed atmosphere.

How does a sound-absorbing curtain work?

A sound-absorbing curtain is an effective solution for improving the acoustics in a room by absorbing and dampening sound waves before they are reflected further. To achieve the best possible sound absorption, it is important that the curtain is made of thick and heavy materials and that it has several layers of different fabrics. The denser and heavier the curtain, the better it can capture sound vibrations and reduce both reverberation and echo.

Our sound-absorbing curtains are designed with several layers of fabric that work together to optimize sound absorption. The inside consists of a heavy and compact fabric that also acts as a blackout curtain, while the outside has a dense cotton fabric to complement both sound and light absorption. Between these layers is an insulating material that helps to further reduce the sound level while providing some thermal insulation.

The placement of sound-absorbing curtains also plays a crucial role in their effectiveness. By installing them in front of large windows, glass walls, or other hard surfaces where sound is easily reflected, you can significantly improve the acoustics of the room. In addition, the curtains serve as a flexible solution for creating a more private and soundproof environment in, for example, offices, home theater systems, or bedrooms where a quiet and comfortable atmosphere is important.

Beyond their acoustic benefits, these curtains also add an aesthetic and practical dimension to the interior design. They contribute to a cozy feeling while reducing noise disturbances from the surroundings. With the right choice of color and design, they can be easily integrated into various interior styles, making them a versatile solution for both homes and workplaces.

What does a soundproof curtain not help against?

Soundproof curtains are an effective tool for improving the acoustics in a room, but it is important to understand their limitations. They are primarily designed to reduce reverberation and absorb sound reflections inside the room, but they will not be able to block outside noise in the same way as a soundproof construction.

When you draw sound-absorbing curtains in front of a window, outside noise will be muffled, but that does not mean it will be eliminated entirely. The curtain can reduce the noise level by absorbing certain frequencies, but since sound travels through air and materials, some of the noise will still penetrate. To effectively stop external noise, a more comprehensive soundproofing solution is required, such as thick walls, soundproof windows, and specially designed acoustic barriers.

The main benefit of a sound-absorbing curtain is that it improves the acoustics in the room by reducing echo and reverberation. In rooms with hard surfaces, such as glass partitions and wooden floors, sound can be reflected and create an unbalanced sound environment. Here, curtains can absorb sound waves and contribute to a more pleasant atmosphere.

If you need to block out disturbing noise from traffic, neighbors, or other outdoor sources, it is best to combine sound-absorbing curtains with other soundproofing measures. For example, soundproof windows, door seals, and wall panels can improve protection against external noise. In summary, sound-absorbing curtains are an excellent solution for improving indoor acoustics, but they should not be confused with sound insulation, which is required to effectively block outside noise.

Did you know that..

Did you know that soundproof curtains can absorb up to 50% more sound when pleated than when hanging flat? Deep pleats create more surface area for sound to be absorbed, improving their effectiveness on mid- and high-frequency sounds. These frequencies are typically between 250 Hz and above, with mid-range sounds (250–1000 Hz) including voices and TV sounds, for example, while high-frequency sounds (1000 Hz and above) include treble tones and sharp sounds such as cutlery against plates.

A dense, heavy curtain may have an absorption value (NRC) of around 0.35 when hanging straight, but this can increase to 0.50–0.60 when pleated by 200%, meaning it covers twice the width of the window. By combining this with multi-layer materials, such as thick fabric, fleece, or felt, you can both block outside noise and reduce indoor reverberation!