How to Make Sound-Absorbing Curtains

Sound-absorbing curtains help muffle sounds coming through a door and improve acoustics for a home or home studio. EMPA, a research institute in Switzerland, has developed a translucent fabric for sound-absorbing curtains. For an inexpensive option, thick fabric helps absorb sound. Sound-absorbing curtains reduce echoes in large rooms, muffle sound between rooms and dampen exterior sound. They might even help you sleep better, reports the website PBS.org. Use the right material to create a no-sew sound-absorbing curtain for a lower cost than a specialized curtain.

Tape measure
Heavy fabric such as velvet or blankets
Straight pins
Scissors or pinking sheers, if needed
Iron-on adhesive hemming tape (optional)
Iron (optional)
Clip-on curtain rings

Instructions

- 1
  
  A blanket or thick tapestry helps absorb sound.
  
  Measure the height and width of the window, door or wall area you want to cover with the sound-absorbing curtain. The larger the area covered by the curtain, the more effective it will be. For example, cut down on traffic noise by covering the window or entire wall from ceiling to floor. This tactic also dampens sound within the room.
- 2
  Double the width measurement. For example, to cover a 12-foot wall, create a 24-foot sound-absorbing curtain. The fullness makes folds in the curtain that absorb sound similar to specialized sound-absorbing wall panels.
- 3
  Measure heavy fabric or blankets for the curtains. Allowing curtains to puddle on the floor is fine; it's an effect used in window treatments. You also can cut the material to the desired length such as 1/2 inch from the floor. Add 4 inches to the length if you want to hem the top and bottom of the material.
- 4
  Mark the material with straight pins, if needed. For example, if you want to cut blankets 6 inches shorter, use a tape measure and put straight pins in the blanket 6 inches from one end, every 3 to 6 inches. Cut the material on a flat surface with scissors or pinking shears, removing each pin as you reach it.
- 5
  Hem the top and bottom of the sound-absorbing curtain, if desired. Alternatively, fold down 2 inches of material, unroll hemming tape and tuck it under the edge of the hem. Use your iron's lowest steam setting to secure the adhesive hemming tape.
- 6
  Squeeze a clip-on curtain ring to open it and attach the ring to the top of the curtain. Place curtain rings 3 to 6 inches apart. The heavier the curtain, the closer the rings should be to hold it securely.

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