Peace and quiet shouldn’t be a luxury. But so often it feels like one. One viable soundproofing solution for homes and offices is sound blocking drapes – but how effective are they?

Skip to:

• What are sound blocking drapes?
• Why curtains matter
• Benefits of sound blocking drapes
• Know your sound ratings
• Best sound blocking drapes: Top 3 Amazon picks

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What are sound blocking drapes?

Sound blocking drapes are essentially heavy curtains marketed to reduce noise entering or leaving a room. 

But just how effective are they? To answer that, we need to look at how they work, what they can (and cannot) do, and how they compare to other soundproofing methods.

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Why curtains matter

To understand sound blocking drapes, we first need a basic grasp of how sound works. Sound travels in waves through air (and sometimes through solid structures). 

When these waves encounter a barrier – like a wall, window, or curtain – part of the sound is reflected, part is absorbed, and part passes through.

Ordinary curtains are primarily designed for light control and aesthetic purposes, not acoustics. 

They’re usually made from thin fabrics like cotton, linen, or polyester, which don’t significantly affect sound waves.

In contrast, sound blocking drapes are built specifically to alter how sound interacts with a surface – absorbing some frequencies and dampening others.

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Benefits of sound blocking drapes

Sound blocking drapes differ from regular curtains in both materials and construction. Their effectiveness is the result of several design features:

💪 Dense, heavy fabrics

The heavier the material, the better it blocks sound. Fabrics like velvet, suede, and polyester composites are common because their mass resists the passage of sound waves.

☰ Multiple layers 

Many acoustic curtains include several layers: an outer decorative layer, a middle sound-absorbing layer (often made of fiberglass, vinyl, or felt), and a dense backing for additional blockage.

🌡 Thermal insulation 

Some sound blocking drapes double as thermal curtains, which helps reduce both noise and temperature fluctuations by sealing window gaps.

🪟 Floor-to-ceiling coverage 

The way a curtain hangs also matters. Full coverage from ceiling to floor – and extending several inches beyond the window frame – improves sound reduction dramatically by minimizing gaps where sound can leak through.

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Know your sound ratings

So how do you measure effectiveness? In this section, you will read about the science behind sound ratings:

Professionals use standardized measures to quantify how well materials reduce noise. The most relevant for curtains include:

1. NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) 

This is a measure of how much sound a material absorbs inside a room. Values range from 0.0 (no absorption) to 1.0 (total absorption). Standard curtains have NRC values around 0.05-0.15, while specialized acoustic drapes can reach 0.35-0.65.

2. STC (Sound Transmission Class) 

A measure of how much sound a barrier blocks from passing through. Walls and windows typically have STC ratings between 25 and 55. Curtains generally fall on the low end of this scale, around 15-25, depending on material and installation.

Quick summary –  sound blocking drapes offer modest improvement. They reduce some sound energy and improve room acoustics, but they are not comparable to fully soundproofed walls or double-glazed windows.

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Best sound blocking drapes: Top 3 Amazon picks

Are you glad you came? We will end this mini guide with 3 sound blocking drapes that you could opt for in your home or workplace.

#1 – YSUEFIJO Sound Reducing Blackout Curtains

These sound insulation curtains from YSUEFIJO are manufactured from dense, woven chenille. That gives them a heavy weight that is effective at softening external noise and preventing sound from escaping a space.

Other resultant benefits of this material is that you get a blackout drape that shuts out 90% of sunlight, as well as excellent heat insulation.

This is a ceiling to floor drape that comes in no less than 46 sizes, so you will be able to find an exact fit for your property. We  liked their luxurious and professional look, meaning that they could fit naturally into modern office interiors and contemporary homes.

Best for: Premium sound-reducing curtains with a luxurious look

#2 – PleatedDrapes Soundproof Double Layer Curtains

Now to mid-price option from PleatedDrapes that is made from a thick linen blend.

Firstly, the double layering made with 248°F heat-setting means that these soundproof curtains provide ample noise reduction. But also, the manufacturer says that they are 100% blackout, making them a sure bet for cutting out external light, too.

There are multiple installation methods – they work with hooks rings, a back tab, track system and clip rings. 

They are heavy duty, easy to care for and wash (in cold water) and ironable if you so choose. All-in-all, a good value, no frills option.

Best for: Good value curtain for sound insulation and light blocking

#3 – Deconovo Blackout Curtains

Not all of us have a 3-figure sum to shell out on sound blocking drapes, and there are some decent budget options on the market.

We picked out these Deconovo Blackout Curtains because they fulfil the 3 main purposes of sound reducing curtains without costing an arm and a leg; a) reducing noise with thick fabric to block and dampen external noise, b) blocking out light and help you drift off, and c) keeping the heat (or cold air in the summer) inside your room, allowing you to save on energy bills.

As you’ll see, there are around 15 designs to choose from, too – ranging from plain to patterned. 

Best for: Budget sound-blocking option for bedroom