Do curtains actually block out noise? Blocking out the sunlight is pretty
straight forward with curtains, but blocking out sound – that’s something
we should take a look into.
There are many aspects to consider when it comes to interior decoration – like the use of curtains on walls, windows and doors. Apart from enhancing and creating a more beautiful interior, curtains also assist in controlling the amount of light that enters the property – from sheer curtains that allow an abundant of light in, to thick and heavy curtains that can restrict light from entering. There is however a single question that we all ponder on – can curtains help block out noise?
The answer to this is simply, no. This is due to several factors which we shall now explain further:
THERE IS NO NOISE OR SOUND RESISTANT CURTAIN
Quite frankly, for a material to block out sound, it should be sound resistant. Because there are no curtains made from a sound resistant material, it so follows that curtains cannot block out noise.
THE HAVE A VERY LOW SOUND RESISTANCE RATE
It is possible to locate a few sound resistant curtains, due to the low resistance level. Most curtains that have sound resistant qualities can only stop sound and noise, of a mere 40% or significantly less. This means that even if the curtains could resist some sound and block out noise, a majority of such sound and noise will still ultimately enter the home.
THEY ARE MADE OF A POOR SOUND RESISTANT FABRIC
The basic fabrics employed in manufacturing for most curtains do not have the capacity to block sound or noise of any intensity. Generally, the material is so thin and light that sound will pass. Curtains do not have the potential to absorb and retain sound and for this reason, sound simply travels through the curtains.
SO, HOW CAN YOU TRY AND BLOCK AS MUCH SOUND AS POSSIBLE?
As mentioned above, it is clear that curtains cannot aid in blocking out noise, nevertheless, there are ways which can make your curtains capable of blocking some noise, even if it is only on a small scale.
BLACKOUT CURTAINS
As blackout curtains, the amount of light entering the house can controlled. These types of curtains can also support in controlling the amount of noise getting into the home thanks to the very specific variety of material used in making such curtains, which allows them to absorb excess light. Although they can potentially block out some noise, it is only up to a limited percentage.
ACOUSTICAL CURTAINS
These curtains are made to reduce noise. Able to absorb and retain sound and noise that come from the outside as well as through windows, doors and walls, acoustical curtains are more successful when it comes to blocking out noise. These curtains must be bigger than the window or doors however in order to absorb as much sound as possible.
Ultimately, the permanent super techniques of blocking out sound and noise is by soundproofing windows, doors and roofs and by having acoustic materials fixed on the walls. This will offer a more permanent solution to excess sound. Curtains can therefore simply beautify your space, control the amount of light that enters your home and possibly restrict a little sound.
