Acoustic curtains for open-plan offices: a guide
Noise is the leading source of dissatisfaction in open-plan offices, according to a study by the University of Sydney (Journal of Environmental Psychology, 2013) covering more than 42,000 office workers. Nearly one in two employees cites the lack of sound privacy as the most frustrating aspect of their workspace. High-density soundproof curtains are the fastest solution to deploy: 18 to 22 dB of attenuation on windows (street noise) and absorption of indoor reverberation, with no construction work or reorganization.
This professional guide details the real cost of noise in open-plan offices, compares the 5 available acoustic solutions (curtains, booths, panels, pods, carpet), and calculates the return on investment for each approach.
The hidden cost of noise in open-plan offices
Noise in open-plan offices is not a comfort issue, it is an economic performance issue. The data is clear:
- Productivity: a University of Sydney study (Journal of Environmental Psychology, 2013) of more than 42,000 employees shows that uncontrollable noise and the lack of sound privacy are the leading sources of dissatisfaction in open-plan offices.
- Errors: a University of British Columbia study (2011) shows that background noise in open-plan offices increases the error rate by 67% on complex cognitive tasks.
- Turnover: according to an IFOP/JNA survey (2018), 59% of French workers report being bothered by noise at work. Noise drives disengagement and increases turnover (replacement cost: 6 to 9 months of salary per departure).
- Video calls: since the spread of hybrid remote work, video calls in open-plan offices generate both noise for nearby colleagues AND degraded audio quality for the participant (echo, background noise).
Standard NF S31-080 (acoustics of workspaces) recommends an ambient noise level of 35 to 45 dB in offices. A typical open-plan office with 20+ workstations reaches 55 to 65 dB under normal activity. The gap to bridge is 10 to 30 dB.
The two types of noise in open-plan offices
Noise in open-plan offices has two distinct sources that require different treatments:
| Type of noise | Source | Typical level | Main solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor airborne noise | Traffic, construction, street | 55-75 dB (window closed) | High-density soundproof curtain on windows (18-22 dB of attenuation) |
| Indoor airborne noise + reverberation | Conversations, calls, keyboards, printers | 55-65 dB (open-plan background noise) | Acoustic panels + carpet + divider curtains + booths |
Most solutions on the market (acoustic booths, pods, wall panels) only address indoor noise. They do nothing against street noise coming through the windows. The soundproof curtain on windows is the only solution that addresses the outdoor component, while also contributing to indoor reverberation absorption thanks to its mass (620 g/m²).
Comparison of the 5 acoustic solutions for open-plan offices
| Solution | Noise addressed | Performance | Cost | Construction work | Deployment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Made-to-measure soundproof window curtain | Outdoor + reverberation | 18-22 dB (windows) + reverb. absorption | €80-350/window | No | 1 day |
| Acoustic booth (phone booth) | Indoor (individual isolation) | 25-35 dB (inside the booth) | €3,000-8,000/booth | No | Delivery 2-4 weeks |
| Wall-mounted acoustic panels | Indoor reverberation | Reverb. reduction 20-50% (NRC 0.5-0.9) | €30-80/panel (€15-40/m²) | Wall mounting | 1-2 days |
| Acoustic carpet / rug | Floor reverberation + impacts | Floor reverb. reduction + 10-20 dB impacts | €20-60/m² | Floor installation | 1-3 days |
| Acoustic suspended ceiling | Ceiling reverberation | Reverb. reduction 40-60% (NRC 0.7-0.9) | €80-150/m² | Yes (light construction) | 1-2 weeks |
The optimal combination: soundproof curtains on windows (addresses outdoor noise, the only solution for this source) + acoustic panels on walls (addresses indoor reverberation) + carpet (addresses floor reverberation). This combination covers all 3 reflective surfaces (windows, walls, floor) for an investment of 5,000 to 15,000 euros for a 100 m² open-plan office with 6 windows, or 500 to 1,500 euros per workstation.
The soundproof curtain in open-plan offices: a dual function
Function 1: block outdoor noise (windows)
Open-plan offices are often located in office buildings with large glazed surfaces (patio doors, curtain walls). These surfaces transmit street noise with an intensity proportional to their area. A high-density soundproof curtain on each window attenuates outdoor noise by 18 to 22 dB, bringing a 65 dB street down to a level of 43-47 dB, compatible with concentration.
Function 2: absorb indoor reverberation
A 620 g/m² curtain covering a 3 m² window is the equivalent of a giant 3 m² acoustic panel with a high NRC. The dense fabric absorbs the sound waves that bounce off the glass (one of the most reflective surfaces in an office). Indoor noise (conversations, calls) resonates less, the clarity of exchanges improves, and the perceived noise level drops by 3 to 6 dB throughout the room.
Bonus: thermal insulation and light control
Kurtens curtains also deliver up to 7°C of thermal gain (reduced heating/cooling costs on large glazed surfaces) and light control (eliminating glare on screens, managing backlight in video calls). These secondary benefits increase the overall ROI of the investment.
Calculating the return on investment
| Item | Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Investment | 100 m² open-plan office, 6 windows, made-to-measure curtains | €1,500-3,000 |
| Estimated productivity gain | 20 employees × 30 min recovered/day × 220 days/year × €40/h | €88,000/year (theoretical) |
| Conservative productivity gain (5%) | 5% of the theoretical gain (conservative assumption) | €4,400/year |
| Energy savings | Reduced heating/cooling over 18 m² of glazing (7°C gain*) | €500-1,500/year |
| Return on investment | Investment / (productivity gain + energy savings) | 3 to 6 months |
Even under the most conservative assumption (5% of the theoretical productivity gain), soundproof curtains pay for themselves in less than 6 months. The investment is low (1,500-3,000 euros for 6 windows), deployment is fast (1 day), and no construction work is required.
How to deploy a soundproof curtain project in an open-plan office
- Quick acoustic audit: measure the ambient noise with a sound-level meter app (free). Identify the sources: windows (outdoor noise) vs indoor (conversations, reverberation). If the noise drops significantly with the windows closed, the soundproof curtain is the first action.
- Sizing: take the dimensions of each window to be fitted. Allow 15-20 cm of side overhang and a floor-length drop. For patio doors, 2 panels with a central overlap of 10-15 cm.
- Colors and finishes: coordinate with the company's visual identity or the recommendations of the space planner/architect. In B2B, colors are fully customizable, tailored to each company's brand guidelines. Samples available on request.
- Quote and order: request a Kurtens professional quote. Reply within 24 business hours, made-to-measure manufacturing, delivery in 2 to 3 weeks.
- Installation: mounting on wall rods or ceiling tracks. 30 minutes per window, no disruption to activity. Can be done outside office hours if necessary.
M1 certification for public-access building offices
Offices classified as public-access buildings (type W) are subject to the order of 25 June 1980: M2 mandatory in circulation areas (corridors, halls) and rooms larger than 50 m² (article AM 12 b), M1 in enclosed staircases (article AM 12 a). Non public-access offices fall under the Labour Code (articles R. 4216) with specific requirements depending on the configuration. M1 certification is available on request for Kurtens professional projects. For the detailed regulations, see our guide to the fire classification of curtains in public-access buildings.
To learn more about Kurtens solutions for professionals: made-to-measure professional curtains. For hotel projects: curtains for hotels.
*Figures from tests carried out under optimal conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Is a soundproof curtain enough to soundproof an open-plan office?
The soundproof curtain addresses outdoor noise (windows, 18-22 dB of attenuation) and absorbs part of the indoor reverberation. For complete soundproofing, you need to combine it with wall-mounted acoustic panels (reverberation) and carpet (floor reverberation + impacts). The curtain is the first action because it addresses the source that the other solutions do not cover: street noise.
How much does acoustic insulation for an open-plan office cost?
For a 100 m² open-plan office with 6 windows and 20 workstations: made-to-measure soundproof curtains 1,500-3,000 euros, wall-mounted acoustic panels 1,500-4,000 euros, acoustic carpet 2,000-6,000 euros. Total for the optimal combination: 5,000-13,000 euros, or 250-650 euros per workstation. The return on investment is 3 to 6 months thanks to the productivity gain. A single acoustic booth costs 3,000-8,000 euros and addresses only one workstation.
Does a soundproof curtain block natural light in an open-plan office?
The curtain blocks 100% of the light when closed. In practice, you only close it when needed: video calls (eliminating backlight), peak outdoor noise hours, summer heat on exposed facades. The rest of the time, the curtain is open and natural light comes in normally. This is the flexibility of the curtain compared to film or treated glazing: open when you want light, closed when you want insulation.
What is the recommended noise level in an office?
Standard NF S31-080 (acoustics of workspaces) recommends 35-45 dB in open offices to allow concentration and exchanges. A typical open-plan office in activity reaches 55-65 dB. The 10-30 dB gap to bridge requires a combination of solutions. Soundproof curtains on windows address 18-22 dB of outdoor noise, which is a significant first step.
Does an office soundproof curtain require a fire classification?
For offices classified as public-access buildings (type W): M2 mandatory in circulation areas and rooms larger than 50 m² (article AM 12 b of the order of 25 June 1980). M1 only in enclosed staircases (AM 12 a). For non public-access offices: the Labour Code (articles R. 4216) applies. For private offices not receiving the public: no M requirement, but the landlord or the building owners' association may require it. M1 certification is available on request at Kurtens.
How long does it take to fit out an open-plan office with soundproof curtains?
Quote within 24 business hours, made-to-measure manufacturing in 2-3 weeks, installation in 1 day (30 minutes per window). Total process: 3-4 weeks between the quote request and completed installation. Installation can be carried out outside office hours so as not to disrupt activity. No minimum order, samples available on request.
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