Noise cancelling curtains can help you reduce sound and control noise pollution without needing to build new walls. But with so many types of curtains out there, it’s not always clear which style is right for your space. In this article, we’ll discuss how noise cancelling curtains work and how to choose the best soundproof curtains to fit your needs.
What Are Noise Cancelling Curtains?
Noise cancelling curtains are heavy-duty fabric panels designed to absorb, block, or redirect sound waves. They’re made with multiple layers of material, each serving a specific function in muffling sound, and they’re built for performance in noisy environments like warehouses or in places that need extra quiet like studios.
Do Soundproof Curtains Block All Noise?
When we say soundproof, we’re mostly talking about sound reduction rather than zero-decibel silence. Most of the best noise reducing curtains work by absorbing sound and blocking soundwaves from leaking into other areas. Depending on the materials, soundproof curtains can be used to divide workspaces in factories, create quiet studio environments, reduce outside noise, and improve focus.
Pros and Cons of Vinyl Soundproof Curtains
Vinyl soundproof curtains are made from heavy-duty PVC or similar synthetic materials. They’re often used in industrial settings, recording studios, or places that need heavy sound containment.
Pros
Vinyl is highly durable, water-resistant, easy to clean, and great for settings with grease, dust, or chemicals. When layered with mass-loaded vinyl or insulation, these curtains do a great job of keeping noise from traveling. Finally, many vinyl noise blocking curtains come with options like clear vinyl windows, Velcro® closures, or floor sweeps.
Cons
Vinyl curtains are made for function, not style. Also, because vinyl is thick and heavy, it’s not as flexible as some other materials.
Best For
Vinyl curtains are best for industrial zones, warehouse partitions, loud equipment, and factory floors. If you’re looking for the best noise reducing curtains that can hold up in a rugged environment, vinyl is a good option.
Pros and Cons of Fabric Soundproof Curtains
Fabric soundproof curtains are more similar to everyday curtains. Typically, they’re made with thick, tightly woven fabric like polyester, velvet, or suede, and they come in many styles and colors. They can be made to look like regular drapes, except they help block noise, too.
Pros
Fabric sound blocking curtains are more aesthetic. They come in a range of colors and finishes so they can blend in easily with more polished environments. Heavy-duty fabric like velvet or suede helps absorb mid-to-high frequency sounds, making them great for echo control. They’re easier to open and close, which is great for spaces that need flexibility.
Cons
While fabric noise cancelling curtains still absorb sound well, they don’t block low-frequency noise like heavy machinery as effectively as vinyl or foam-lined options. Additionally, to be effective, these curtains need to be extra wide (at least twice the width of the space) and hung from floor to ceiling with no gaps.
Best For
Fabric soundproof curtains are best for rehearsal spaces, conference rooms, and shared office spaces. If you’re looking for soundproof curtains for studio settings, fabric is a great option.
Pros and Cons of Foam-Lined Soundproof Curtains
Foam-lined soundproof curtains combine fabric or vinyl exteriors with sound-absorbing foam or fiberglass inside, giving you both sound absorption and blocking.
Pros
Foam-lined curtains are some of the best soundproof curtains available and can reduce both echo and transmission. With an outer shell and inner acoustic core, they trap sound from multiple directions. Many foam-lined curtains also have insulation benefits and can help contain dust or fumes.
Cons
They’re heavy, so you’ll likely need ceiling-mounted tracks and strong support to hang them. Additionally, quality foam-lined curtains are more expensive than other types of curtains.
Best For
Foam-lined soundproof curtains are best for loud manufacturing zones, equipment enclosures, indoor shooting ranges, and any place that needs more advanced soundproofing. They’re especially great if you need to minimize loud, low-frequency noise.
How to Choose the Best Soundproof Curtain for You
If your top priority is blocking industrial noise, we suggest foam-lined or vinyl curtains. If you want to reduce echo and improve sound quality in a quieter zone, fabric might be enough, and it will also look better. You can also mix and match depending on the space. For example, use foam-lined curtains around machinery, vinyl for aisle dividers, and fabric near office zones.
Here are a few more tips to help you choose the best soundproof curtain for you.
Assess Current Noise Levels
Studies have shown that exposure to noise can disrupt concentration and lead to decreased productivity. Start by assessing the decibel levels in your space. If you need to block louder noises, you can pick vinyl or foam-lined curtains, where fabric curtains can work in less noisy spaces.
Consider Material Quality
Look for curtains made from high-quality materials like mass-loaded vinyl and fiberglass, especially if you plan to install them in an industrial setting. These curtains will hold up over time.
Consider Installation
Consider how and where your curtains will be installed. You will likely need to choose between ceiling-mounted tracks and freestanding frames, though if you’re in a facility with unique requirements, there are also customizable options.
Look at Regulations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces permissible noise exposure levels to keep workers safe. If your facility exceeds these levels, it can result in penalties and put employees’ hearing at risk, so choose curtains that ensure these requirements are met.
Learn More About the Best Soundproof Curtains
The best noise reducing curtains for your space come down to your needs. If you want something tough and affordable, vinyl is a great choice. Need a quieter, more aesthetic option? Fabric meets those requirements. Or do you need the best soundproofing available? Foam-lined might be right for you. Whichever you choose, installing soundproof curtains can cut down on noise pollution and improve health and focus.
At Singer Safety, we take pride in helping our customers create quieter, safer facilities that benefit both their workers and operations. Ready to get started? Our experts can help you determine which system is best for you. Contact us today to learn more.
