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An incorrectly sized acoustic curtain, even a high-quality one, loses a large part of its effectiveness due to three weaknesses:
- The lateral gap between the curtain and the wall: 2 cm of play on each side can reduce acoustic effectiveness.
- The gap at the bottom: sound bypasses the curtain from below if the drop is not adjusted.
- Insufficient width: a curtain that is too short leaves the window edges exposed.
At Kurtens, our standard sizes are calculated to cover the most common window configurations with recommended overlaps. For other openings, the custom option allows you to enter your exact dimensions with a side overlap on each side, a 2 to 3 cm drop to the floor, and an adjusted floor-to-ceiling or window-to-ceiling height. In both cases, the -22dB* is achieved over the entire surface, not just in the center.
Need help determining the exact dimensions? Consult our size guide. For large windows and bay windows, discover our custom wide-width collection. For enhanced sound insulation on an entrance door, consult our soundproof entrance door curtain collection.
*Data from tests conducted under optimal conditions.
Acoustic performance by fabric density
| Category | Density | Heat gain | Sound attenuation | Concealment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard thick curtain | 150-300 gsm | 1 to 2°C | 5 to 7 dB | 40 to 70% |
| Mid-range | 300 to 500 gsm | 2 to 4 °C | 12 to 18 dB | 70 to 90% |
| High performance | 500+ gsm | 5 to 7°C | 18 to 25 dB | 95 to 100% |
| Kurtens | 22 oz/yd² | Up to 7°C* | 22 dB* | 100%* |
In optimal testing conditions, an acoustic curtain can treat:
- Street noise and urban traffic: car traffic, buses, two-wheelers, horns. A full-height acoustic curtain creates an additional barrier between the sound source and your interior.
- Noise from adjoining neighbors: conversations, music, television transmitted through windows and facades.
- Nighttime disturbances: an acoustic curtain installed from floor to ceiling significantly reduces disturbances that disrupt sleep, in addition to double-glazed windows.
- Construction noise: temporary but exhausting. An attenuation of 22 dB* reduces a construction site to the level of a normal conversation.
- What an acoustic curtain does not treat: structural impact noises (footsteps from upstairs neighbors, vibrations from pipes). These transmissions pass through the building structure, not through the windows.
The WHO ranks environmental noise as the second biggest health risk factor in Europe, after air pollution. The organization recommends a level below 40 dB at night and 55 dB during the day to preserve health. To learn more, consult our article soundproofing an apartment without major renovations.
Sound insulation is based on a simple physical principle: the denser and heavier a material is, the more it absorbs sound waves before they pass through the barrier.
The Kurtens soundproof curtain acts on two levels simultaneously:
Absorption: the high-density fabric captures sound energy before it enters the room. Mid and high frequencies (voices, light traffic, alarms) are best handled.
Reflection: the fabric's mass reflects some sound waves outwards, reducing overall transmission.
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The measurable result: 22 dB of attenuation in real-world installation conditions, which means more than halving the perceived sound volume.
This principle is known in acoustics as the mass law: for the same frequency, doubling the surface mass of a material increases its acoustic insulation by approximately 6 dB. This is why a 620 g/m² curtain attenuates significantly more than a 300 g/m² curtain. To understand the difference between sound insulation and absorption, consult our guide soundproof vs acoustic curtains.
*Under optimal installation and testing conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to soundproof windows without replacing them?
Yes, two complementary solutions work without touching the windows: custom soundproof curtains (attenuation up to 22 dB*) and replacing the seals. The curtain creates an absorbent barrier in front of the glass, and new seals eliminate localized sound leaks. Combined, these two solutions offer excellent window insulation without any work or replacement.
*Data from tests performed under optimal testing conditions.
What is the difference between a soundproof curtain and an acoustic curtain?
Soundproofing blocks noise coming from outside (street, neighbors). Acoustics deals with reverberation inside the room (echo, studio). These are two distinct solutions for two different problems.
How to soundproof a window without doing any construction work?
A properly sized soundproof curtain, installed floor-to-ceiling with a side overhang, is the most effective solution without drilling into a single wall. Available in standard or custom sizes, it only requires a standard curtain rod and can be installed in minutes.
What is the best fabric for a soundproof curtain?
The most effective fabrics for sound insulation are often high-density, multi-layer fabrics. Grammage is a key indicator: the denser the fabric, the more sound waves it can absorb. Kurtens curtains use a fabric specifically chosen for its insulating properties, offering 22dB* of measured attenuation and a grammage of 620g/m2. Be wary of velvet or suede curtains sold as "soundproof": they slightly absorb reverberation but do not truly insulate against outside noise.
*Data from tests conducted under optimal conditions.
Is a soundproof curtain also thermal?
A dense fabric naturally provides slight thermal insulation. At Kurtens, our soundproof curtain is also thermal because we combine several specific layers to achieve 3-in-1 efficiency.
Are acoustic curtains effective?
Yes, provided you choose a curtain designed for sound insulation and not simply a thick curtain. A high-density Kurtens soundproof curtain can reduce noise by up to 22dB*, which significantly lowers the perceived sound volume. The effectiveness depends on three factors: fabric density, multi-layer construction, and complete window coverage. A custom-made soundproof curtain, manufactured to exact dimensions, eliminates side sound leaks and offers significantly superior insulation compared to a poorly sized curtain.
*Data from tests conducted under optimal conditions.
What is the best soundproof curtain?
The best soundproof curtain for Kurtens combines three elements: a high-density fabric with decibel-measured performance (not just "thick"), dimensions suitable for your window to prevent sound leakage, and ideally complementary performance (thermal, blackout). Kurtens curtains offer 22dB* of attenuation, 100%* blackout, and up to 7°C* of thermal gain, all available in 7 colors.
*Data from tests conducted under optimal conditions.
Can a curtain block out noise?
A curtain does not block 100% of noise, but a quality soundproof curtain significantly reduces it. With 22dB* of attenuation, annoying traffic noise becomes a discreet background sound. The curtain acts as an absorbent barrier in front of the window: it absorbs sound energy and reduces the transmission of medium and high-frequency noise. For the lowest-frequency noises, the curtain attenuates without completely eliminating them.
*Data from tests performed under optimal conditions.
How to choose an effective soundproof curtain?
Three criteria to check: first, performance measured in decibels. Second, the density and construction of the fabric: an effective acoustic curtain uses a high-density, multi-layered fabric, not just a thick one. Finally, sizing: the curtain must completely cover the window to prevent sound leaks. This is why custom-made always outperforms standard sizes for sound insulation.
