Acoustic curtains for open-plan offices: a guide
Noise in open-plan offices costs an average of 66 minutes of productivity per employee per day, according to a 2013 University of Sydney study of 42,000 workers. At a fully loaded cost of €40 per hour, this represents €44 in daily losses per workstation, or over €10,000 per year per employee. High-density acoustic curtains are the fastest solution to deploy: they attenuate 18 to 22 dB on windows (street noise) and absorb indoor reverberation, with no construction or rearrangement required.
This professional guide details the true cost of noise in open-plan offices, compares the 5 available acoustic solutions (curtains, booths, panels, pods, carpeting), 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's an economic performance issue. The data is clear:
- Productivity: A University of Sydney study (Frontiers of Built Environment, 2013) of 42,000 workers shows that noise is the primary cause of dissatisfaction in open-plan offices (30% of complaints). The average loss of concentration is estimated at 66 minutes per day per employee.
- 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 active French workers report being bothered by noise at work. Noise is a factor in disengagement that increases turnover (replacement cost: 6 to 9 months' salary per departure).
- Video Conferences: Since the generalization of hybrid remote work, video calls in open-plan offices generate both noise for office neighbors AND degraded audio quality for the participant (echo, background noise).
The NF S31-080 standard (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 during normal activity. The gap to be filled 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:
| Noise Type | Source | Typical Level | Main Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior Airborne Noise | Traffic, construction, street | 55-75 dB (window closed) | High-density acoustic curtain on windows (18-22 dB attenuation) |
| Interior Airborne Noise + Reverberation | Conversations, calls, keyboards, printers | 55-65 dB (open-plan office background noise) | Acoustic panels + carpeting + divider curtains + booths |
Most market solutions (acoustic booths, pods, wall panels) only address interior noise. They do nothing against street noise coming through windows. Acoustic curtains on windows are the only solution that addresses the exterior component, while also contributing to the absorption of interior reverberation due to their mass (620 g/m²).
Comparison of 5 Acoustic Solutions for Open-Plan Offices
| Solution | Noise Treated | Performance | Cost | Work | Deployment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom Acoustic Window Curtain | Exterior + Reverberation | 18-22 dB (windows) + reverberation absorption | €80-350/window | No | 1 day |
| Acoustic Booth (phone booth) | Interior (individual isolation) | 25-35 dB (inside the booth) | €3,000-8,000/booth | No | Delivery 2-4 weeks |
| Wall-mounted Acoustic Panels | Interior Reverberation | Reverberation reduction 20-50% (NRC 0.5-0.9) | €30-80/panel (€15-40/m²) | Wall mounting | 1-2 days |
| Carpet / Acoustic Mat | Floor Reverberation + Impacts | Floor reverberation reduction + 10-20 dB impacts | €20-60/m² | Floor laying | 1-3 days |
| Acoustic False Ceiling | Ceiling Reverberation | Reverberation reduction 40-60% (NRC 0.7-0.9) | €80-150/m² | Yes (light work) | 1-2 weeks |
The optimal combination: acoustic curtains on windows (treats exterior noise, the only solution for this source) + acoustic panels on walls (treats interior reverberation) + carpeting (treats floor reverberation). This combination covers the 3 reflective surfaces (windows, walls, floor) for an investment of €5,000 to €15,000 for a 100 m² open-plan office with 6 windows, or €500 to €1,500 per workstation.
Acoustic Curtains in Open-Plan Offices: Dual Function
Function 1: Blocking Exterior Noise (Windows)
Open-plan offices are often located in office buildings with large glazed areas (bay windows, curtain walls). These surfaces transmit street noise with an intensity proportional to their surface area. A high-density acoustic curtain on each window attenuates exterior noise by 18 to 22 dB, bringing a 65 dB street noise level down to 43-47 dB, which is compatible with concentration.
Function 2: Absorbing Interior Reverberation
A 620 g/m² curtain covering a 3 m² window is equivalent to a giant 3 m² acoustic panel with a high NRC. The dense fabric absorbs sound waves that bounce off the window (one of the most reflective surfaces in an office). Interior noise (conversations, calls) resonates less, the clarity of exchanges improves, and the perceived sound level decreases by 3 to 6 dB throughout the room.
Bonus: Thermal Insulation and Light Management
Kurtens curtains also provide up to 7 °C of thermal gain (reduced heating/cooling costs on large glazed areas) and light control (elimination of screen glare, management of backlighting during video conferences). 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, custom curtains | €1,500-3,000 |
| Estimated productivity gain | 20 employees × 30 min saved/day × 220 days/year × €40/h | €88,000/year (theoretical) |
| Prudent productivity gain (5%) | 5% of theoretical gain (conservative assumption) | €4,400/year |
| Energy savings | Heating/cooling reduction on 18 m² glazing (7 °C gain*) | €500-1,500/year |
| Return on Investment | Investment / (productivity gain + energy savings) | 3 to 6 months |
Even with the most conservative assumption (5% of the theoretical productivity gain), acoustic curtains pay for themselves in less than 6 months. The investment is low (€1,500-3,000 for 6 windows), deployment is fast (1 day), and no construction is needed.
How to Deploy an Acoustic Curtain Project in an Open-Plan Office
- Quick Acoustic Audit: Measure ambient noise with a sound meter app (free). Identify sources: windows (exterior noise) vs. interior (conversations, reverberation). If noise significantly decreases with closed windows, acoustic curtains are the first action.
- Sizing: Take the dimensions of each window to be equipped. Allow 15-20 cm of lateral overlap and a floor drop. For bay windows, use 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, adapted to each company's charter. Samples available upon request.
- Quote and Order: Request a professional Kurtens quote. Response within 24 working hours, custom manufacturing, delivery in 2 to 3 weeks.
- Installation: Install on wall rods or ceiling tracks. 30 minutes per window, no disruption to activity. Can be done outside business hours if necessary.
M1 Certification for Public Access Buildings (ERP) Offices
Offices classified as ERP (type W) are subject to the decree of June 25, 1980: M2 is 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-ERP offices fall under the Labor Code (articles R. 4216) with specific requirements depending on the configuration. M1 certification is available upon request for Kurtens professional projects. For detailed regulations, consult our guide to fire ratings for curtains in ERP.
To learn more about Kurtens solutions for professionals: custom professional curtains. For hotel projects: curtains for hotels.
*Data from tests performed under optimal conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an acoustic curtain enough to soundproof an open-plan office?
The acoustic curtain treats exterior noise (windows, 18-22 dB attenuation) and absorbs some interior reverberation. For complete soundproofing, it must be combined with wall-mounted acoustic panels (reverberation) and carpeting (floor reverberation + impacts). The curtain is the first action because it treats the source that other solutions do not cover: street noise.
How much does it cost to acoustically insulate an open-plan office?
For a 100 m² open-plan office with 6 windows and 20 workstations: custom acoustic curtains €1,500-3,000, wall-mounted acoustic panels €1,500-4,000, acoustic carpeting €2,000-6,000. Total optimal combination: €5,000-13,000, or €250-650 per workstation. The return on investment is 3 to 6 months thanks to productivity gains. A single acoustic booth costs €3,000-8,000 and only treats one workstation.
Does an acoustic curtain block natural light in an open-plan office?
The curtain blocks 100% of light when closed. In practice, it is only closed when necessary: video conferences (to eliminate backlighting), hours of high exterior noise, summer heat on exposed facades. The rest of the time, the curtain is open and natural light enters 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?
The NF S31-080 standard (acoustics of workspaces) recommends 35-45 dB in open offices to allow for concentration and communication. A typical open-plan office in operation reaches 55-65 dB. The 10-30 dB gap to be filled requires a combination of solutions. Acoustic curtains on windows treat 18-22 dB of exterior noise, which is a significant first step.
Does an office acoustic curtain require a fire rating?
For offices classified as ERP (type W): M2 is mandatory in circulation areas and rooms larger than 50 m² (article AM 12 b of the decree of June 25, 1980). M1 only in enclosed staircases (AM 12 a). For non-ERP offices: the Labor Code (articles R. 4216) applies. For private offices not receiving the public: no M obligation, but the landlord or co-ownership may require it. M1 certification is available upon request from Kurtens.
How long does it take to equip an open-plan office with acoustic curtains?
Quote within 24 working hours, custom manufacturing in 2-3 weeks, installation in 1 day (30 minutes per window). Total process: 3-4 weeks between quote request and completed installation. Installation can be carried out outside business hours to avoid disrupting activity. No minimum order, samples available upon request.
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