If you’re looking to reduce sound coming in from a window that faces a road or park, you might be surprised to learn that soundproof curtains are a practical addition to your home! The term “soundproof” might make you think that curtains can block out all sound, which isn’t entirely accurate. The only way to block out all incoming sound involves multiple layers of thick, dense materials (like insulated walls treated with soundproofing compounds)—but of course, you’ll lose the view if you take this approach!
According to Soundproof Central, to keep the windows but lessen the sound, soundproof curtains can muffle and dampen incoming sounds up to 75%. You’ll want curtains or drapes made up of heavy, dense fabrics—and sometimes multiple layers—for the best effect. Not all blackout curtains are soundproofing, but nearly all soundproofing curtains supply a blackout effect when appropriately installed, with adequate coverage around all the window edges. The same dense fabric that blocks sound also blocks light. A simple fabric density test is to shine a flashlight through a fabric swatch. If you can see the light coming through, the drapes won’t block as much sound or light as a fabric that doesn’t allow any light through. Use a very dense material that lets very little or no light through for the best results.
Are you ready to buy new windows?
Our Window Selection Tool is your shortcut to finding the best options for your home and climate, but here’s a window buying guide if you’re keen to shop around for what’s available near you. It includes a step-by-step guide to help you through the process and information about which energy-efficient ratings you should look for based on your location.
Before looking for new windows, make sure you know which climate zone you live in. You may be able to easily tell by looking at the ENERGY STAR® map to the right, but you can also search by county on the ENERGY STAR website.
The buying guide below will explain all the ratings, but you can learn more about what the ratings mean for different climate zones with this complete zone guide from ENERGY STAR.