As more people live and work in busy urban centers, street noise can be expected to increase too.
Many see the symphony of horns, screeching tires and pedestrian traffic as a necessary burden for life in the city. However, this does not have to be the case. There are many different ways to muffle the sound. Perhaps the most surprising solution lies in the type of window covering you choose.
Cellular Shades
These types of hues are often touted for their ability to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures thanks to a design that traps air between layers and creates a separating barrier between the outside and inside of a house.
Since noise relies on air to carry the sound waves, the multiple layers of fabric and empty space help to dampen unwanted noise.
Roman shadow
Since Roman shades are usually made from different fabrics, so are these can be just as effective at dampening noise how they block the sun’s rays.
Add a blackout liner to further improve performance Noise canceling properties of these stylish window coverings. As is to be expected, the thicker the material, the greater the noise suppression properties.
curtains
When it comes to eliminating noise pollution, think of curtains as an extra line of defense from the outside world. As with Roman colors, the thicker the material, the better the sound absorption.
Curtains can also be combined with cellular or Roman shades, allowing the homeowner to enhance the aesthetics of a room while reducing the noise outside.
Pleated Shades
Stylistically, wrinkle colors are most often similar to cell colors. As with cellular hues, the design of the pleated shape helps isolate itself from the sun and street noise. The lack of “cells”, however, means that they just don’t shut out noise as effectively as other options.
However, this does not mean that their noise-canceling abilities should be overlooked; rather, they may be most effectively used in rooms on a higher floor, where proximity to street noise is reduced.
Takeaway items
Finding the best window covering solution can be difficult, especially when you have different goals in mind. Even so, there are a few things to consider before making this important purchasing decision.
- If noise cancellation is a priority, stay away from cheap metal blinds and other hard materials. Wooden slats prevent noise pollution but do not absorb as much as a heavy, dense fabric.
- When substances are marketed as “noise canceling”, they often receive an STC (Sound Transmission Class) rating, which you can use to assess their effectiveness. For example, a fabric with an STC of 20-25 attenuates sound, while a rating of 60 means that loud noises are barely audible.
If you live on a busy street and are tired of the constant high level of noise pollution, it doesn’t mean you have to look for a new place to live – it may simply mean switching to a different type of window covering that is up to the challenge, yours Bring home back to the sanctuary that it should be.
It’s also important to keep in mind that window coverings are unlikely to block out all of the unwanted noise, but are an inexpensive way to reduce it significantly. Contact an Elite Window Fashions sales representative for help finding the right window covering for your needs.