By Deirdre Mundorf | Updated Oct 26, 2021 3:47 PM

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If you live in a bustling city or near a busy street, you likely hear a lot of what’s going on outside your home from the inside. This noise and commotion can be annoying when you’re trying to focus on a task, sleep, or have a conversation with someone. Unlike typical curtains, soundproof curtains can help absorb quieter sounds while louder sounds will be muffled and less distracting.

The guide below is designed to help you learn more about the types of soundproof curtains and some key features to consider before making a purchase. Some of the best soundproof curtains on the market for the home are featured to assist you in selecting a product that will meet your needs.

Before you begin shopping for soundproof curtains for your home, first decide which type of curtain you prefer. There are three types of soundproof curtains: insulation curtains, audio insulation sheets, and industrial blankets. Below, is more information about each type to help you decide on the best soundproof curtains for your home.

Insulation curtains look similar to regular window curtains that you hang in your home. The main difference is that insulation curtains are made with heavier materials that block some outside noise. Insulation curtains also often function as blackout curtains since the thicker material that insulates the room from sound also works to block sunlight.

Another benefit of insulation curtains is that they can help lower energy bills. The same thick material that works to absorb sounds also adds a layer of insulation in your home to keep it warm or cool and prevent air from entering or escaping through your windows.

While audio insulation sheets aren’t technically curtains, they can be hung to function like curtains. Audio insulation sheets are typically designed with grommets to allow them to hang from a curtain rod.

Audio insulation sheets are able to block more sound than insulation curtains and industrial blankets because they are constructed with multiple layers of very heavy fabric. They also function as a blackout curtain due to these multiple layers. However, the amount of fabric required to craft audio insulation sheets makes them a more expensive option.

Industrial blankets are primarily intended to protect furniture and other fragile items during the moving process. Because they are used for this purpose, industrial blankets are made with thick and padded material, which allows them to double as soundproof curtains.

They are not actually soundproofing curtains, but if you can find a way to hang them up, they will help absorb outside sounds. Some industrial blankets are designed with grommets, which makes them easier to hang. Industrial blankets are one of the most budget-friendly options if you want to reduce outside sounds in your indoor space.

As you begin your search for the best soundproof curtains, be sure to keep the features outlined below in mind. There is an abundance of products on the market, so it will be important to identify which features are most important to you prior to your online shopping.

Before purchasing soundproof curtains, check to confirm that the product you’re considering is available in the appropriate size. Measure the length and width of your window, and look for a curtain that is wide and long enough to sufficiently cover it. Ideally, soundproof curtains should cover a large portion of the wall, in addition to the window, to be most effective.

If possible, choose a curtain that is up to three times as wide as your window and 10 or more inches longer. Floor-to-ceiling soundproof curtains can be even more effective at noise reduction. Heavier soundproofing curtains are more effective at absorbing sounds and keeping your space quiet than lighter ones. This is especially true for lower-frequency sounds. If you are deciding between two soundproof curtains, the heavier option may be the most optimal choice.

The materials used to make soundproof curtains will affect not only the way they look in your space but also how well they will block and absorb sounds. More fibrous materials, such as velvet, can be more effective at noise reduction. Suede and polyester (100 percent pure) are also quality options to consider as you search for the best soundproof curtains for your home.

Many soundproof curtains on the market are crafted with a triple-weave fabric, making them denser and more effective. Thermal soundproof curtains also offer additional insulation for your home. Thermal insulation can both help to reduce your energy costs and also make the curtains more effective at absorbing sounds. A general rule of thumb to keep in mind when looking for soundproof curtains is that more material usually equals better soundproofing capabilities.

Before hanging a new set of soundproof curtains, you should also evaluate the curtain rods you currently have to assess if they will work with them. Since soundproof curtains are heavier than traditional curtains, confirm that your current curtain rod can support the weight of heavier curtains or consider installing new ones.

Depending on their dimensions, soundproof curtains could weigh 8 pounds or more, compared to about 2 pounds for traditional light-filtering curtains. You may also want to consider investing in a wraparound curtain rod if you don’t already have one. This style of curtain rod is more effective at blocking sounds since it attaches to the wall at a curve and allows the curtain to provide a more complete sound barrier.

The color of the soundproof curtains you choose won’t affect their noise reduction, but it will certainly affect the way they will look in your living space. Based on your personal preferences and needs, consider acoustic curtains that match the aesthetic of your existing room—such as modern, vintage, or farmhouse, for example—and will coordinate with the decor in your space.

Finally, consider how easy it will be to install and maintain the soundproof curtains you choose. If you decide on insulation curtains as one way to soundproof your space, they should have grommets that allow you to easily hang them from a curtain rod.

Audio insulation sheets and industrial blankets may be more challenging to install depending on their design. Try to preview the manufacturer’s installation directions, if possible, before making a purchase. Also, take note of the manufacturer’s care and cleaning instructions for each potential purchase. Machine-washable options are easier to maintain.

The products featured below have been selected because of their optimal overall performance, high-quality materials, relative ease of installation, and, in some cases, even affordability. Consider any one of these soundproof curtains as an effective option for helping to prevent ambient noise from infiltrating your indoor haven.

These soundproof and blackout NICETOWN curtains are made with two layers of thick triple-weave polyester fabric. This design provides noise reduction up to two times more than traditional curtains, helping to keep your room quiet and peaceful.

The two-layer design also adds a barrier of insulation to prevent cold and warm air from escaping or seeping in from outside. These curtains block 100 percent of sunlight and UV rays from entering your room. They’re an eco-friendly option, as well, since they don’t include any formaldehyde or chemical coatings.

Available in a range of sizes for windows ranging from 42 inches wide to 70 inches wide and 45 inches long to 108 inches long, these NICETOWN curtains are also 24 color options to match a variety of room decors and personal preferences. When needed, you can safely machine-wash these curtains in warm water with a mild detergent and iron them on low heat.

Consider these budget-friendly soundproof and blackout curtains from BGment if you’re looking to effectively provide noise reduction but don’t have a lot of money to spend. These are thermal-insulated curtains, which means that in addition to absorbing sounds from outside, they also help to balance the temperature of a room and reduce energy costs.

The curtains are designed with a triple-weave microfiber fabric, which not only makes the curtains look visually appealing but also allows them to block out between 85 and 99 percent of sunlight. Since they come in 24 available color options and 11 size options from 38 inches to 52 inches wide and 45 inches to 95 inches long, you should be able to find the ideal match for any room in your home.

Each of the two curtain panels features six metal grommets to allow for easy hanging on most curtain rods. The sound deadening curtains are also easy to care for; clean them in your washing machine on a gentle cycle in cold water. Then, place them in the dryer on a low heat setting, and finish with a warm iron if needed.

Upgrade your selection with these high-performing soundproof and blackout curtains from RYB Home. They are especially effective at absorbing sounds due to the detachable felt-fabric liner located between the two heavy layers of triple-weave fabric. When you don’t need the soundproofing benefits of the curtains, easily remove the liner using the hook-and-loop fasteners.

The three-layer design of these curtains also enables them to block out UV rays and sunlight; simply close the curtains to enjoy a completely dark room, regardless of the time of day. They can also help save you money on energy costs by contributing additional thermal insulation to your windows and preventing warm or cool air from escaping.

These acoustic curtains come in pure white, biscotti beige, gray, burgundy, and navy blue and are available in four sizes for 52-inch-wide windows that range from 63 inches to 108 inches long. Machine-wash these curtains and tumble-dry on low heat; just remember to detach the felt liner prior to placing them in the washing machine. If needed, you can use a warm iron to remove any wrinkles.

These thermal-insulated curtains from H.VERSAILTEX not only provide sound absorption but are also specifically designed to help reduce energy costs by preventing warm or cool air from escaping your home. Thermal insulation can also block cold drafts in the winter to keep your room warmer.

The curtains are made with a textured faux-linen fabric that is actually a sturdy polyester blend. This thick, woven fabric also allows these curtains to block at least 85 percent of sunlight and UV rays from entering your room. Available in 15 attractive color choices from Aegean blue to dark brown to mauve and more, these insulated curtains can also help add a touch of style and sophistication to your space.

They come in three sizes to fit 52-inch-wide windows that range in length from 84 inches to 108 inches. Each curtain features eight copper grommets for easy hanging and moving. These soundproof curtains are also easy to care for as you can machine-wash with non-chlorine bleach when necessary. Tumble dry on a low heat setting, and remove any wrinkles or creases with a warm iron.

Featuring two layers of polyester/polyester-blend fabric, these soundproof and room-darkening curtains from MIUCO insulate your room and prevent outside sounds from entering. They filter out about 60 percent of outside sounds to help you enjoy your space, sleep more soundly, and entertain without annoying interruption.

Featuring triple-weave construction, these sound deadening curtains can also block between 90 and 98 percent of sunlight and 100 percent of UV rays. Darker colors will be more effective and will block more sunlight than lighter colors. The special two-layer design filters outdoor sounds and makes these curtains an energy-efficient option. They can lower your electric bills and your energy footprint by reducing the amount of cool or warm air that escapes through the windows.

Black, white, silver, sky blue, sage, burgundy, and 12 other attractive color options are available. The curtains come in three sizes to fit 52-inch-wide windows that are between 63 inches and 95 inches long. When needed, conveniently machine-wash and tumble-dry these curtains, and use a warm iron to eliminate wrinkles.

Use this heavy-duty, cotton-padded industrial blanket from Stalwart to create your own soundproof curtain. The thick, padded 100 percent polyester design of the blanket allows it to absorb outside sounds for a quieter and more enjoyable space. The blanket features zigzag double stitching and bound corners for quality and durability.

At 73.5 inches long by 80 inches wide, the blanket is large enough to provide excellent coverage for a variety of window sizes. It features one blue side and one black side, allowing you to choose which color to display in your space. This blanket can also protect furniture, cover items in storage, and more. When needed, hand-wash this industrial blanket using cold water; it is not machine washable.

For sleek and effective soundproof curtains, look no further than this set from PONY DANCE. These polyester panels feel luxurious and come in 10 classic colors and three standard sizes: 52-inch by 45-inch, 52-inch by 54-inch, and 52-inch by 72-inch.

Though the color spectrum ranges from black to pure white, the manufacturer recommends darker shades for the best light-blocking power. On those, expect 85 to 95 percent light blockage and a significant decrease in ambient noise, too. The navy blue curtains we tested provided excellent light blockage.

The rod pocket installation is versatile, so the curtain can be hung directly on the rod or with the use of curtain clips. It does, however, make these curtains a bit trickier to install than grommet-style versions.

Selected for its blackout capabilities, zero chemicals added, and the convenience of being machine washable, the NICETOWN curtains are our first choice. Made with a triple-weave polyester fabric that comes in 24 color options, this option is made for those in need of effective and versatile curtains for a new baby or child’s room.

Alternatively, the BGment curtains are designed for those who do not need full blackout and want something budget-friendly. With triple-weave microfiber fabric, these curtains come in 22 colorways and block 85-90 percent of light from entering your space. Plus, these come with 6 metal grommets for easy installation.

The right soundproof curtains can provide noise reduction, blackout capability, and even thermal insulation for all-around convenience and privacy. The selections for our above top picks depended upon materials used, ease of installation, size, and colorways offered, as well as ease of care.

Many of the featured picks come with sturdy, thick materials like polyester, microfiber, and weave fabric for sound absorption and blackout capability. Though some of the above picks do not provide full blackout, each comes with easy to moderate levels of difficulty during installation with some options including grommets for hanging.

Thermal insulation is another added feature of these curtains that can save you money by keeping heat and cold regulated in your home. Each of the above picks also comes in multiple colorways and sizes to match your current decor and window sizes. Finally, most of these curtains are safe to machine wash or hand wash for added convenience.

Hopefully, you learned more about soundproof curtains and how to choose the best product to meet your needs. If you still have a few questions, check out the following section for more information.

If you want to increase the noise reduction of your existing curtains, you will need to add more layers of fabric. For best results, choose heavy and tightly woven fabrics, as they are more effective at reducing the amount of noise that enters your space. Ideally, the curtains should cover the full length of the wall—both above and below the window—since this will allow them to create a seal to block more sound.

Yes, traditional drapes will block some sound. However, the amount of sound absorption will vary significantly based on their thickness and the quality of the seal they create over a window.

You can soundproof a room in several ways without spending too much money. One idea is to use an industrial blanket, or even just thick regular blankets, to cover windows and the surrounding wall space. The thick material can help to block a lot of noise from entering your space.

In addition to purchasing soundproof curtains, consider placing weatherstripping tape around your windows and doorframes, and seal gaps between doors and their thresholds with a rubber doorstop to further soundproof a room.

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