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Why dimensions are decisive for soundproofing.
A poorly sized soundproof curtain, even a high-quality one, loses much of its effectiveness because of three weak points:
- The side gap between the curtain and the wall: 2 cm of clearance on each side can reduce soundproofing effectiveness.
- The floor gap: sound travels around the curtain from below if the drop is not adjusted
- The insufficient width: a curtain that is too narrow leaves the edges of the window exposed
At Kurtens, our standard sizes are calculated to cover the most common window configurations with the recommended overhangs. For other openings, the made-to-measure option lets you enter your exact dimensions with a side overhang on each side, a floor drop of 2 to 3 cm and a height adjusted from floor to ceiling or window to ceiling. In both cases, the −22dB* are achieved across the entire surface, not just at the centre.
Need help working out your exact dimensions? See our size guide. For large windows and patio doors, explore our wide-width made-to-measure collection. For enhanced soundproofing on a front door, see our front door soundproof curtain collection.
*Figures from tests carried out under optimal conditions.
| Category | Density | Thermal gain | Noise reduction | Blackout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard thick curtain | 150 to 300 g/m² | 1 to 2 °C | 5 to 7 dB | 40 to 70 % |
| Mid-range | 300 to 500 g/m² | 2 to 4 °C | 12 to 18 dB | 70 to 90 % |
| High performance | 500+ g/m² | 5 to 7 °C | 18 to 25 dB | 95 to 100 % |
| Kurtens | 620 g/m² | Up to 7 °C* | 22 dB* | 100 %* |
Under optimal test conditions, a soundproof curtain can handle:
- Street and urban traffic noise: cars, buses, motorbikes, horns. A full-height soundproof curtain creates an extra barrier between the noise source and your interior.
- Noise from adjoining neighbours : conversations, music and television transmitted through windows and façades.
- Night-time disturbances: a floor-to-ceiling soundproof curtain significantly reduces the disturbances that disrupt sleep, in addition to double-glazed windows.
- Construction noise: temporary but exhausting. A 22 dB reduction* brings a building site down to the level of a normal conversation.
- What a soundproof curtain does not handle: structural impact noise (footsteps from upstairs neighbours, pipe vibrations). These transmissions travel through the building structure, not through the windows.
The WHO ranks environmental noise as the second-largest health risk factor in Europe, after air pollution. The organisation recommends a level below 40 dB at night and 55 dB during the day to protect health. To go further, read our article on soundproofing an apartment without renovation work.
Soundproofing relies on a simple physical principle: the denser and heavier a material is, the more sound waves it absorbs before they pass through the barrier.
The Kurtens soundproof curtain works on two levels at once:
Absorption: the high-density fabric captures sound energy before it enters the room. Mid and high frequencies (voices, light traffic, alarms) are handled best.
Reflection: the mass of the fabric sends part of the sound waves back outside, reducing overall transmission.
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The measurable result: 22 dB of attenuation in real installation conditions, more than halving the perceived sound level.
This principle is known in acoustics as the mass law: at equal frequency, doubling the surface mass of a material increases its acoustic insulation by about 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 sound absorption, see our guide soundproof vs acoustic curtain.
*Under optimal installation and test conditions.
Frequently asked questions.
Can you soundproof your windows without replacing them?
Yes, two complementary solutions work without touching your windows: made-to-measure soundproof curtains (attenuation up to 22 dB*) and replacing the weather seals. The curtain creates an absorbing barrier in front of the glass, while new seals close off localized sound leaks. Combined, these two solutions deliver the best possible window insulation with no building work and no replacement.
*Data from tests carried out under optimal test conditions.
What is the difference between a soundproof curtain and an acoustic curtain?
Soundproofing blocks noise coming from outside (the street, neighbors). Acoustic treatment handles reverberation inside the room (echo, studios). These are two distinct solutions for two different problems.
How can you soundproof a window without any building work?
A properly sized soundproof curtain, hung floor-to-ceiling with side overlap, is the most effective solution without drilling a single wall. Available in standard sizes or made-to-measure, it needs only a standard rod and installs in minutes.
What is the best fabric for a soundproof curtain?
The best-performing fabrics for soundproofing are usually high-density, multi-layer constructions. Weight is a key indicator: the denser the fabric, the more sound waves it can absorb. Kurtens curtains use a fabric specifically selected for its insulating properties, delivering 22 dB* of measured attenuation and a weight of 620 g/m². Beware of velvet or suede curtains sold as "soundproof": they absorb reverberation slightly but do not actually insulate against outside noise.
*Data from tests carried out 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 a 3-in-1 performance.
Are soundproof curtains effective?
Yes, provided you choose a curtain designed for sound insulation and not simply a thick one. A high-density Kurtens soundproof curtain can attenuate up to 22 dB* of noise, which halves the perceived sound volume. Effectiveness depends on three factors: fabric density, multi-layer construction, and full window coverage. A made-to-measure soundproof curtain, built to your exact dimensions, eliminates side sound leaks and offers far better insulation than a poorly sized curtain.
*Data from tests carried out under optimal conditions.
What is the best noise-blocking curtain?
The best soundproof curtain at Kurtens combines three elements: a high-density fabric with performance measured in decibels (not simply "thick"), dimensions matched to your window to avoid sound leaks, and ideally complementary performance (thermal, blackout). Kurtens curtains deliver 22 dB* of attenuation, 100%* blackout and up to 7°C* of thermal gain, all made in 7 colors.
*Data from tests carried out under optimal conditions.
Can a curtain block noise?
A curtain does not block noise 100%, but a quality soundproof curtain reduces it considerably. With 22 dB* of attenuation, intrusive traffic noise becomes a discreet background sound. The curtain acts as an absorbing barrier in front of the window: it absorbs sound energy and reduces the transmission of mid- and high-frequency noise. For the lowest noise (low frequencies), the curtain attenuates without fully eliminating it.
*Data from tests carried out under optimal conditions.
How do you choose an effective soundproof curtain?
Three criteria to check: first, performance measured in decibels. Next, fabric density and construction: an effective soundproof curtain uses a high-density, multi-layer fabric, not just a thick one. Finally, sizing: the curtain must fully cover the window to avoid sound leaks. This is why made-to-measure consistently outperforms standard sizes for sound insulation.
