Your home is your sanctuary. But nothing disrupts your peace more than unwanted noises that interfere with your quality of life. Disturbing sounds coming from outside can be a major annoyance if you work from home, or may even prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. The good news is that all hope is not lost. By installing noise-minimizing window treatments, you can drastically reduce the amount of noise pollution in your home.
If you’re concerned about minimizing exterior sounds or reducing echo in some of the larger areas inside your home, there are several window treatment options available to reduce noise disturbances. There are a ton of design selections to suit your specific needs, and that will fit perfectly with your decorating style.
Listed below are a few noise-minimizing window treatment options to consider for your home:
SHADES
Cellular Shades
If you’re looking to block out exterior sounds, cellular shades (also known as honeycomb shades) are an ideal option to add some much-needed insulation. The shades are designed with tiny air pockets that have a honeycomb shape. Sometimes these air pockets are filled with foam insulation which helps make them more soundproof and energy-efficient. For the most effective impact, it’s best to opt for double cell shades. This provides an extra layer of sound resistance.
Roman Shades
Roman shades are made from a fabric material, which can be quite effective at preventing exterior noises from entering your home. To add some additional soundproofing, add a privacy or blackout liner. Keep in mind that thicker fabrics are always more effective at blocking out noise.
Pleated Shades
Visually, pleated shades look quite similar to cellular shades. They also work in much the same way. The pleating provides additional insulation for your windows which can help with noise reduction. While these shades do not have a honeycomb-style cell construction, they provide at least some reduction of exterior noises.
SHUTTERS
Shutters provide another great option for noise reduction. Traditional shutters made from materials like wood or other man-made products can help reduce some of the noise coming in from the outside. Acoustical shutters, however, are even more efficient at keeping exterior noises from coming into your home. This is because they are specially designed with materials that absorb sounds and help block noises. They are available in various shapes and sizes and come in a variety of paint or stain colors that can accommodate most windows and interior decor. The best part is that they will blend in well with your living space without taking away from the aesthetics of your current windows.
COMBINING WINDOW TREATMENTS
Remember that noise reduction is not the primary purpose of most window coverings. For this reason, they may not be the most effective at providing complete silence. If your neighborhood is particularly noisy, doubling up on your window treatments can help with soundproofing. For example, combining cellular shades with heavy curtains or drapes will help significantly lower the amount of noise that enters your living space.