Can Curtains Help Block Street Noise?

Type of Noise

• In modern life, we are constantly exposed to noise ranging from industrial and traffic noise to the neighbors' children playing. Much background noise is constant and repetitive, such as machinery or traffic. This is the type of noise that sound-blocking curtains will stop most efficiently. Short bursts of irregular or high-pitched sounds, such as dogs barking or babies crying, are the hardest to block out. Curtains will muffle these sounds but won't block them entirely.

Soundproofing Curtains

• Soundproofing curtains are made from a layer of blackout lining, then a thick fire-retardant wool center layer, and finally a top layer of heavy fabric such as brocade, velvet or wool. They need to be hung well above the window, overlap on each side and reach down to the floor for maximum efficiency. The curtains are extremely heavy, and should be hung from a sturdy rail or other support. In certain cases, it may not be possible to fit these curtains to doorways as there is insufficient space to pull the bulky curtain back out of the way of the door.

Modern Alternatives

• Traditional sound-blocking curtains are thick and heavy, made from several layers of fabric in order to muffle the sound. However, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research (known as EMPA) has recently developed a lightweight, sheer material with excellent sound-absorbing properties. The advantage of the new material is that it's less bulky, more versatile and much easier to hang, and is suitable for use in hot climates where thick curtains would be inappropriate.

Other Options

• If you have an odd-shaped window that's difficult to curtain, or you don't have space for a curtain rail, consider shutters. These fit on the outside of the window and can be lined with insulation to block sound. Alternatively, double glazing your windows is an efficient, if expensive, option. If you don't need to consider aesthetics, soundproofing blankets perform better than curtains. Looking like thick packing blankets, they can be hung across windows to muffle noise. However, they can't be opened and closed like curtains.