Soundproof Blinds vs. Soundproof Curtains

There are a lot of unwanted noises that can come in through our windows, whether it’s traffic noise, barking dogs, or noisy neighbors, it can get pretty annoying. You may come across a lot of options when researching how to soundproof windows, and some may stand out more than others. We’ll look into soundproof curtains and soundproof blinds here so you can figure out what the best option is for your situation.

Soundproof Blinds vs Soundproof Curtains – What’s the Difference?

Soundproof blinds or soundproof curtains? These terms can be used interchangeably, although they’re not exactly the same thing. When some people bring up soundproof blinds, they’re really thinking of soundproof curtains and vise versa. Below, we’ll go over the differences between the two and advise you on which are best to use for home sound issues.

How Do Soundproof Window Blinds Work

It can be hard to find a true set of soundproof blinds because it would be hard to make functional blinds using an STC-rated material. When people talk about soundproof blinds, they’re mostly referring to products that look and function like traditional binds. However, they’re usually modified to be one solid bunch, rather than spaced out slats to keep out more sound than normal slatted blinds would. Soundproof blinds also operate like traditional blinds, you can use a string to open and close them.

We also tend to think of blinds as something that are thin, even if they don’t have any gaps, so how would they block sound? A lot of “soundproof” blinds are meant to create an air gap that can help dissipate sound before it can get all the way through the window and the blinds. For example, cellular blinds look like traditional blinds that have been covered in polyester on each side, so it looks like one solid panel when closed, but will open with a pull string, unlike curtains.

Using Soundproof Curtains

Soundproof curtains are a but different from soundproof blinds, even though the terms tend to be used interchangeably. The first difference between the two is that soundproof curtains will be lined with an STC-rated material that will block sound. It is also meant to hang on the outside if the window recess, rather than within in in order to help seal any possible sound leaks in or around the window.

Rather than pulling up and down with string, soundproof curtains require a bit more effort to open and close. Depending on the model that you choose, one actually rolls up and down by hand, while the other glides left to right on a track system. It works well here to have the option between the two because the larger a curtain gets, you’ll really need to get one on a track. The reason you couldn’t open and close soundproof curtains with a string, is really that they’re too heavy and the core material of mass loaded vinyl is too thick.

Which Soundproof Window Covering Should I Choose?

After going through the basics of soundproof blinds vs soundproof curtains, which ones should you pick? As we learned above, soundproof blinds aren’t typically STC rated, meaning that they are not truly able to block sound. They may muffle any noises from outside, but they won’t block it out. Soundproof blinds should really only be used if you have an echo issue in your home. the cloth that they’re made of will help to absorb sound, rather than block it.

Soundproof curtains will be the right product for you if you are trying to keep outside noise out. They will help to actually block out traffic noise, barking dogs, or noisy neighbors. The core material has an STC rating of 21, meaning the material can actually block around 21-25 decibels, or 60-80% of sound. One thing to keep in mind is that low frequency noises are much harder, or even impossible, to block, so things like motorcycles or construction noise won’t be as affected by the curtains.

Soundproof Blinds vs Soundproof Curtains

It all comes down to two things – if you want to block out noise and actually soundproof your windows then soundproof curtains are right for you. If you experience echo within your space, then “soundproof”, or acoustic, blinds are the right solution.