What Are Soundproof Curtains And Are They Worth The Price?
Many people find it hard to sleep at night due to street noise and sounds from other external sources. While some resort to turning on a fan or using white noise to block out sounds each night, other options exist. Soundproof curtains can do a great job of combatting noise pollution and helping you sleep better. Purchasing them is well worth considering if you want to soundproof a room, get a better night's sleep, or simply have more peace and quiet at home.
Soundproof curtains are made from dense fabric that does a better job of dampening sound than conventional curtains, which are much lighter. The thick construction and porous fabrics of the curtains dampen sound well and prevent noise from passing through the material. When you hang them over your windows, they'll reduce noise significantly and make your room quieter. Soundproof curtains can reduce the transfer of sound by as much as 29 decibels, according to eNoise Control.
Most soundproof curtains vary in price from around $10 to $100 or more. Many homeowners who live in noisy areas find that the cost is well worth the good night's sleep they get when using them. However, not all soundproof curtains are the same, so you'll want to choose among your options carefully. Make a choice that you'll be happy with based on your budget and the level of noise reduction each curtain type provides.
The pros and cons of soundproof curtains
Soundproof curtains have some major advantages that make them worth buying. Primarily, they can allow you to get a better night's sleep due to both the reduction of noise and the reduction in light they provide. Soundproof curtains are very dark, so they can give you more privacy, and like blackout curtains, they may also do a great job of blocking out harmful UV rays. These curtains could also provide some extra home insulation as well.
Despite these benefits, soundproof curtains have their limitations. They won't block sound as well as other options, such as noise reduction glass. On the sound transmission class (STC) scale, which rates noise transmission blockage on a scale from 25 to 65, soundproof curtains are usually rated up to 35. By comparison, soundproof windows are typically rated between 48 and 54 and will block 90 to 95% of outside noise. Additionally, keep in mind that these curtains are meant for windows rather than doors. You'll need to consider other solutions to soundproof a door effectively.
While soundproof curtains do an excellent job of blocking out light, this isn't always desirable. Some homeowners don't like how dark soundproof curtains can make a room. Soundproof curtains can also be difficult to handle and clean since they're so thick and heavy.
Choosing soundproof curtains to buy
When choosing soundproof curtains, compare your options. Not all curtains are created equally or will offer the quality and noise reduction you'll need. You should read online reviews before buying soundproof curtains to verify that others have had good experiences with them.
Remember that thick and tightly woven soundproof curtains will do the best job of reducing noise. Choose thick curtains with multiple layers since these will do the best job of blocking out sounds that are coming through your windows. Also, make sure that the curtains are tall enough as well. Soundproof curtains should reach all the way from the ceiling to the floor to prevent sound from getting through. For example, if you would normally buy an 84-inch long curtain for your window, opt for a longer size of 96 inches. This will do a better job of blocking out sound and give you the level of comfort and tranquility you're looking for.