Reviews
The best soundproof curtains for the home can reduce outside distractions and loud noises to help you concentrate, get some rest, or simply enjoy some quiet time.
By Stacey L. Nash, Additional research provided by Jasmine Harding, Deirdre Mundorf
Updated on Jun 28, 2024 7:20 AM EDT
16 minute read
Best Overall
Pony Dance Blackout Insulated Soundproof Curtains
See ItBest Bang For The Buck
BGment Insulated Blackout Soundproof Curtains
See ItUpgrade Pick
RYB Home 100% Blackout Soundproof Curtains
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Busy streets and bustling crowds can infiltrate the home environment through the windows, but soundproof curtains block it all out and restore peaceful quiet. Unlike typical curtains, soundproof curtains absorb and muffle sound. They’re often designed as blackout curtains to offer greater privacy and keep light out. We researched dozens of curtains and landed on eight of the best, with a few alternatives if you need something heftier than a curtain to help you relax and get your beauty sleep.
Our favorite set is the Pony Dance Blackout Insulated Soundproof Curtains. They offer excellent sound reduction but aren’t overly heavy and are easy to clean. Plus, the curtains come in a decent number of colors and a wide range of lengths and widths.
This guide describes some of the best soundproof curtains on the market today in a variety of categories, including use in a home theater or music studio. All of our top picks were selected after an in-depth review of the market and thorough product vetting. We also offer shoppers ample information about the types of curtains available and key features to consider when buying some. Get ready to lower noise levels with the best soundproof curtains.
- BEST OVERALL: Pony Dance Blackout Insulated Soundproof Curtains
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: BGment Insulated Blackout Soundproof Curtains
↓ Jump to Review - UPGRADE PICK: RYB Home 100% Blackout Soundproof Curtains
↓ Jump to Review - BEST DOUBLE-LAYERED: Moondream 3-in-1 Blackout Thermal Soundproof Curtain
↓ Jump to Review - BEST INSULATION: H.Versailtex Linen Blackout Soundproof Curtains
↓ Jump to Review - BEST STYLE: Deconovo Faux Linen 100% Total Blackout Curtains
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR HOME STUDIOS: Filmcraft Heavy-Duty Studio Soundproof Blanket
↓ Jump to Review
How We Tested the Best Soundproof Curtains
We hung the soundproof curtains in a room with a single window for 3 to 7 days. To check their soundproofing, we used a decibel detection app and recorded the ambient room noise. We then had someone play a trumpet outside the window and recorded the decibels in the room. Curtains with thermal and/or blackout properties were also tested for those additional features. Machine washable curtains were washed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
The curtains were then scored according to an established rubric that included categories such as appearance, soundproof quality, light blocking, and thermal abilities. We also considered the quality of the fabric and construction to round out the testing and scoring process.
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 10 |
| Hours spent testing | 828 hours |
| Tests performed | 4 |
| Price range | $31 to $109 |
Our Top Picks
The products featured below have been selected because of their optimal overall performance, high-quality materials, relative ease of installation, quality, and value. Consider any one of these noise-blocking curtains as an effective option to prevent ambient noise and light from infiltrating the indoors.
Best Overall
Pony Dance Blackout Insulated Soundproof Curtains
Our Ratings: Appearance 4.5/5; Effectiveness 4.5/5; Ease of Cleaning 5/5; Value 4.8/5
Product Specs
- Materials: Polyester
- Colorways: 30
- Ease of installation: Easy
What We Like
- Excellent light blocking due to tight triple-weaved fabric; still lightweight
- Wide size and color range
- Reduced sound by 10 decibels during testing
What We Don’t Like
- Fabric holds wrinkles and may require steaming
For sleek and effective soundproof curtains, this set from Pony Dance may fill the bill. The Pony Dance curtains reduced sound by 10 decibels, making them one of the top performers in our testing despite the fact that the fabric is relatively lightweight. The polyester panels feel luxurious and come in 30 colors and 18 sizes, providing a wide range of options to accommodate most standard windows.
Though the color spectrum ranges from black to pure white, the manufacturer recommends darker shades for the best light-blocking capability. Lighter shades can block 85 to 95 percent of light. However, we tested a gray curtain, which blocked nearly all light.
These curtains have rod pocket or tab installation, which affords greater versatility. The rod pocket looks sleeker, but this type of installation is a little bit trickier than simply sliding the rod through the tabs. The fabric held up well to washing, though the curtains held wrinkles that required steaming to fully remove.
Get the Pony Dance soundproof curtains at Amazon.
Best Bang For The Buck
BGment Insulated Blackout Soundproof Curtains
Our Ratings: Appearance 4/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Ease of Cleaning 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Materials: Polyester
- Colorways: 38
- Ease of installation: Easy
What We Like
- Affordable option with wide range of sizes and colors
- Machine washable and dryer-safe
- Polyester fabric is true to color and drapes nicely
- Good sound absorption, reducing by 5 decibels during testing
What We Don’t Like
- Not 100 percent blackout due to lighter-weight fabric
Consider these budget-friendly soundproof blackout curtains from BGment to provide effective noise reduction at a reasonable cost. These thermal-insulated curtains absorb sound as they also help to balance and maintain the room temperature, reducing thermal energy usage.
These curtains are surprisingly lightweight for the amount of light blocking, temperature control, and soundproofing they offer. During testing, the room stayed noticeably cooler during the day and warmer at night. The curtains absorbed up to 5 decibels in the sound test. Plus, the triple-weave polyester fabric looks attractive while blocking out a significant amount of sunlight, albeit not 100 percent of light.
They come in 38 colors and 22 size options, from 45 inches long by 38 inches wide to 84 inches long to 70 inches wide, so it should be easy to find the ideal match for most windows. Each of the two-curtain panels features metal grommets, allowing for easy hanging on most curtain rods. The easy-care curtains are machine washable in cold water on a gentle cycle and can be dried on low heat. They came out with a few wrinkles, but light steaming removed them.
Get the BGment soundproof curtains at Amazon.
Upgrade Pick
RYB Home 100% Blackout Soundproof Curtains
Our Ratings: Appearance 4/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Ease of Cleaning 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Materials: 70 percent polyester, 30 percent linen with detachable felt-fabric liner
- Colorways: 35
- Ease of installation: Easy
What We Like
- Removable black felt inner lining for superior sound and light blocking
- Color is on both the front and back of the panel
- Safe for the washing machine and dryer (low heat)
- Absorbs sound well, reducing it by up to 10 decibels during testing
What We Don’t Like
- Quite heavy; a sturdy curtain-rod system is necessary
- Requires a steamer to remove all wrinkles
These high-performing soundproof blackout curtains from RYB Home are a worthwhile upgrade for those looking for heavier-duty curtains. A detachable felt-fabric liner located between the two heavy layers of triple-weave fabric gives them their sound-reducing properties. They reduced noise by 10 decibels during testing. The inner felt liner cuts down sound significantly, but it isn’t machine washable. It is removable for washing and held in place with a hook-and-loop system. We also didn’t find it too difficult to put it back in place after washing the curtains.
The three-layer design also enables these curtains to block out all sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) rays. We found that they kept heat in at night and prevented rising temperatures during the day.
These acoustic curtains come in a variety of colors and sizes, including customizable dimensions if ordered directly from the brand website. The curtains are machine washable in the gentle cycle of the washing machine and low heat in the dryer. They washed well, though the dryer didn’t take out all of the wrinkles, which meant they needed steaming.
Get the RYB Home soundproof curtains at Amazon or RYB Home.
Best Double-Layered
Moondream 3-in-1 Blackout Thermal Soundproof Curtain
Our Ratings: Appearance 4.5/5; Effectiveness 4.8/5; Ease of Cleaning N/A; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Materials: Polyester and cotton
- Colorways: 11
- Ease of installation: Easy
What We Like
- Layered design includes blackout fabric and thermal insulation lining
- Reduced sound by up to 6 decibels
- Adjustable hem length with provided hem tape and instructions
What We Don’t Like
- Dry clean only
- Limited size options compared to other curtains on this list
A multilayered design makes these Moondream 3-in-1 curtains a top pick for blocking sound, light, and providing thermal insulation. The curtains feature three layers: a layer of blackout fabric, a thermal lining, and a thick cotton fabric backing, creating a heavy soundproof curtain. Combined, these fabrics reduced noise by up to 6 decibels during testing, though the manufacturer says they can reduce up to 7 decibels. They also noticeably reduced the temperature in the room and blocked all light.
The curtains come with a surged bottom edge. However, you can customize the hem length using the included hem tape. Getting an even edge with hem tape isn’t easy, but we liked the option to customize, especially for those with unusual window sizes. These curtains only come in four sizes, so if you have nonstandard windows, you’ll need the hem tape to achieve the right fit.
A reinforced grommet top section makes them easy to install, and the grommets are rustproof to ensure lasting performance. But these soundproof curtains come with some downsides. They’re pricey, even for a single curtain. Additionally, they’re dry-clean only, so they might not be the best option for areas where they might easily get dirty.
Get the Moondream soundproof curtains at Amazon or Moondream.
Best Insulation
H.Versailtex Linen Blackout Soundproof Curtains
Our Ratings: Appearance 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Ease of Cleaning 5/5; Value 3.8/5
Product Specs
- Materials: Polyester blend
- Colorways: 21
- Ease of installation: Easy
What We Like
- Faux-linen appearance and attractive colors
- Copper finish on the grommets
- Reduces sound by up to 5 decibels, yet still lightweight
What We Don’t Like
- Does not provide full blackout
- Comes in only 6 sizes
These thermal-insulated curtains from H.Versailtex not only provide sound absorption, but they’re specifically designed to help reduce energy costs by preventing warm or cool air from escaping the home. During testing, these curtains successfully helped moderate room temperature, even when outside temps were changing by 30 degrees Fahrenheit from night to day. They also reduced sound by up to 5 decibels during our sound test.
These curtains are made of a sturdy polyester blend that mimics the look of textured linen. The thick woven fabric also allows the curtains to block at least 85 percent of sunlight and UV rays from entering the room. Available in 21 attractive color and pattern choices, these insulated curtains add a touch of style and sophistication.
Each curtain features copper grommets for sturdy and easy hanging and moving. The sound absorbing curtains can be machine washed with nonchlorine bleach when necessary. Tumble dry on a low heat setting and remove any wrinkles or creases with a warm iron. They weathered the wash and came out looking new. They only come in six sizes, which is enough for standard windows, but this could pose an issue if your windows are nonstandard in size.
Get the H.Versailtex soundproof curtains at Amazon.
Best Style
Deconovo Faux Linen 100% Total Blackout Curtains
Our Ratings: Appearance 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Ease of Cleaning N/A; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Materials: Polyester
- Colorways: 15
- Ease of installation: Easy
What We Like
- Rich color options
- Luxurious linen appearance
- Provides excellent blackout and thermal energy benefits due to back layer material
What We Don’t Like
- Not machine washable; washing by hand is recommended
There’s no need to sacrifice style when purchasing the best sound-minimizing curtains, as these attractive Deconovo blackout curtains prove. The faux-linen material is textured for added interest, giving them a luxe look. While the blackout curtains only come in 15 colors, the decorator hues include forest green, wine red, and pale lilac. They also come in 11 sizes to fit most standard windows.
The curtains have a gray back layer material that gives the curtains their sound and light-blocking properties. During our sound test, they reduced sound by up to 5 decibels and blocked out nearly all light. We tested the light green color, which had the potential as a lighter color to let light in. But they didn’t.
Though made of soft, durable polyester, the curtains’ unique texture has the appearance of fine linen, giving them a more upscale and stylish look. These curtains resisted wrinkles better than many of the curtains in our testing. On the downside, you can’t machine wash the Deconovos. They require hand-washing and air-drying, though you can use a cool iron if needed. However, the pair we tested didn’t wrinkle during shipping and looked smooth and sleek from the moment we opened the package.
Get the Deconovo soundproof curtains at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Home Studios
Filmcraft Heavy-Duty Studio Soundproof Blanket
Our Ratings: Appearance 2/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Ease of Cleaning N/A; Value 4.3/5
Product Specs
- Materials: Polyester
- Colorways: 1
- Ease of installation: Moderate
What We Like
- Grommets on all sides allow for easier draping and hanging
- Doubles as a protective blanket for transporting equipment
- Very durable with heavy drape, zigzag weave, and a double-stitched hem
- Absorbs sound well, reducing noise by up to 10 decibels
What We Don’t Like
- Only comes in 1 size option
- No decorative accents; very industrial look
A home studio has different needs than other rooms in the house, so it makes sense to opt for a professional product rather than residential curtains. The Filmcraft studio soundproof blanket is a relatively affordable pick that is versatile and effective. This soundproof blanket is designed for use on movie sets, stages, and in recording studios to dampen sound, minimize unwanted noise, and block light.
Measuring 80 inches long by 72 inches wide, this sound-minimizing blanket also doubles as a protective sheet to cover set pieces and instruments in transit. The blanket has grommets on all sides for easier hanging. Plus, it’s built to hold up to long days of filmmaking, which means it will be durable enough for a home studio.
We tested this blanket in a bedroom, using clamps to attach it to a curtain rod. It reduced noise by 10 decibels, topping the noise reduction score among all the products we tested. While it doesn’t look attractive, it would work well in a studio setting. The price rivals (and exceeds in some cases) the price of soundproof curtains. It only comes in one size, and since it’s designed for studio use, the only color it comes in is black.
Get the Filmcraft soundproof blanket at Amazon or B&H.
Also Tested
We tested the following options, and while they offered some soundproofing, they didn’t perform as well as our top picks.
- While we liked the Nicetown Custom 100% Blackout Curtain Panels for their excellent light-blocking and temperature control, they only lessened noise by 2 decibels in our tests.
- Like the Nicetown curtains, the Miuco Room-Darkening Blackout Soundproof Curtains only reduced noise by 2 decibels, although they do block light well and include helpful tiebacks.
- We tried the Stalwart Multi-Purpose Heavy-Duty Moving Blanket as a potential thrifty alternative to curtains, but it still only blocked 3 decibels.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing Soundproof Curtains
Good noise-reducing curtains will help absorb sound waves and reduce noise pollution, so they’re ideal for a bedroom, living room, home office, or home theater. Many can even double as blackout curtains or thermal curtains to help reduce natural light pollution and heating or cooling costs. There are a few features for shoppers to keep in mind when searching for the best curtains.
Types of Soundproof Curtains
Shopping for soundproof curtains starts with choosing one of three types: insulation curtains, audio insulation sheets, and industrial blankets.
Insulation Curtains
Insulation curtains look similar to regular window curtains found in most homes and can come in a range of designs as well, from neutral colors to bold patterns. The main difference is that insulation curtains are made with heavier materials that block some noise. Insulation curtains also often function as blackout curtains since the thicker material that insulates the room from sound also works to block sunlight.
Thermal insulation curtains can also help lower energy bills. The same thick material that works to absorb sounds can also help contain thermal energy. This adds a layer of insulation and prevents air from entering or escaping through windows.
Audio Insulation Sheets
While audio insulation sheets aren’t technically curtains, they can be hung to function like curtains. Audio insulation sheets are typically designed with grommets to allow them to hang from a curtain rod, making them easier to install than acoustic panels.
Audio insulation sheets can block more sound than insulation curtains and industrial blankets because they are constructed with multiple layers of heavy fabric, which makes them a nearly soundproof fabric. They also function as blackout curtains due to these multiple layers. However, the amount of fabric required to craft audio insulation sheets makes them a more expensive option.
Industrial Blankets
Industrial blankets are primarily intended to protect furniture and other fragile items during the moving process. Because of this, they are made with thick and padded material, which allows them to serve as sound-eliminating curtains, though you probably don’t want to use them to soundproof an office or other professional space.
Some (but not all) industrial blankets are designed with grommets, which makes them easier to hang. Otherwise, you’ll have to find a way to drape them over windows or rig up a hanging mechanism so that they can help absorb outside sounds. Industrial blankets are one of the most budget-friendly options for soundproofing walls and reducing outside sounds in your indoor space.
Size and Weight
Before purchasing soundproof curtains, check to confirm that the product is available in the appropriate size. Measure the length and width of the window, and look for a curtain that is wide and long enough to sufficiently cover it. Ideally, soundproof curtains should cover a large portion of the wall, in addition to the window, especially in small spaces like apartments, to be most effective.
If possible, choose a curtain that is up to three times as wide as the window and 10 or more inches longer. Floor-to-ceiling soundproof curtains can be even more effective at noise reduction. Heavier soundproofing curtains are more effective at absorbing sounds and keeping your space quiet than lighter ones. This is especially true for lower-frequency sounds. If deciding between two soundproof curtains, the heavier option may be the better choice.
Material
The materials used to make soundproof curtains will affect not only the way they look but also how well they block and absorb sounds. More fibrous options, such as velvet curtains, can be more effective at noise reduction. Suede and polyester are also quality options to consider.
Many soundproof curtains on the market are crafted with a triple-weave fabric, making them denser and more effective. Thermal soundproof curtains also offer additional insulation as well. Thermal insulation can both help to reduce energy costs and also make the curtains more effective at absorbing sounds. A general rule of thumb to keep in mind when looking for soundproof curtains is that more material usually equals better soundproofing capabilities.
Rods
Before hanging a new set of soundproof curtains, consider the curtain rods currently installed to assess if they will work with the curtains. Since soundproof curtains are heavier than traditional curtains, make sure the curtain rod can support the weight of heavier curtains, or consider installing new ones.
Depending on their dimensions, soundproof curtains could weigh 8 pounds or more, compared to about 2 pounds for traditional light-filtering curtains. In addition to rod strength, shoppers may also wish to consider buying a wraparound curtain rod. This style of curtain rod is more effective at blocking sounds since it attaches to the wall at a curve and allows the curtain to provide a more complete sound barrier.
Color
The color of the sound-blocking curtains won’t affect their noise reduction, but it will certainly affect the way they visually affect a living space. Based on personal preferences and needs, consider acoustic curtains that match the aesthetic of the room—such as modern, vintage, or farmhouse, for example—and coordinate with the decor as well.
Installation and Maintenance
Finally, consider how easy it will be to install and maintain the soundproof curtains. One of the easiest ways to help soundproof a space is with insulation curtains that have grommets along the top for simple installation from a curtain rod.
Audio insulation sheets and industrial blankets may be more challenging to install depending on their design. Try to preview the manufacturer’s installation directions, if possible, before making a purchase. Also, take note of the manufacturer’s care and cleaning instructions for each potential purchase. Machine-washable options are easier to maintain.
FAQs
Hopefully, you now know more about soundproof curtains and how to choose the best product to reduce noise in your home. If you still have a few questions, check out the following section for more information.
Q. How can I soundproof my curtains?
To increase the noise reduction of your existing curtains, add more layers of fabric. For best results, choose heavy and tightly woven fabrics, as they are more effective at reducing the amount of noise that enters your space. Ideally, the curtains should cover the full length of the wall—both above and below the window—since this will allow them to create a seal to block more sound.
Q. Do drapes block sound?
Yes, traditional drapes will block some sound. However, the amount of sound absorption will vary significantly based on their thickness and the quality of the seal they create over a window.
Q. How can I inexpensively soundproof a room?
You can soundproof a room in several ways without spending too much money. One idea is to use an industrial blanket, or even just thick regular blankets, to help soundproof windows and the surrounding wall space. The thick material can help to block a lot of noise from entering your space.
In addition to purchasing soundproof curtains for door and window openings, there are many other DIY soundproofing tricks you can use to minimize noise. For example, you can place weatherstripping tape around your windows and door frames as well as seal gaps between doors and their thresholds with a rubber doorstop to further soundproof a room.
Why Trust Bob Vila
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
Meet the Tester
Stacey L. Nash has written about home and garden products, home design and decor, and general indoor and outdoor home improvement for 5+ years. She’s passionate about research and hands-on testing to find the products that add true value to homeownership and daily life. She lives on 12 heavily wooded acres, where she and her family put home and outdoor products to the test while avoiding bears and cougars.
Additional research provided by Deirdre Mundorf and Jasmine Harding.
