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 become bothersome. 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 so you can figure out which option is the best solution for you.

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. Let’s go over the differences between the two and advise you on which are best to use for home sound issues.

How 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, since you 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, making it look like one solid panel when closed but can open with a pull string (unlike curtains).

Using Soundproof Curtains

Soundproof curtains are 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 blocks sound. It is also meant to hang on the outside of 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 may roll up and down by hand, while another glides left to right on a track system. It works well to have several options because the larger a curtain gets, the more so it needs to be on a track. The reason you can’t open and close soundproof curtains with a string is because 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 one 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 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 block out traffic noise, barking dogs, or noisy neighbors. The core material has an STC rating of 21, meaning the material can 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 or decrease echo. Soundproof curtains are suitable for homes located on a busy street or near noisy neighbors, while soundproof blinds are the right solution for echo reduction. Contact our team if you need further assistance or if you would like to purchase one of our custom soundproof curtains!