However, all hope is not lost. While you are not able to control the noise level outside of your home, there are some very simple and effective measures you can take to help reduce how much sound reaches the inside.
Sound-blocking curtains are often a popular choice, as they not only absorb much of the travelling sound waves but just as importantly, they prove to be a less expensive option. In a very literal sense, they will act as a ‘noise guardian’ draped across the window or patio door, blocking the sound as it arrives from outside.
You do not have to travel to specialist providers to find the right noise reduction curtains for you. A simple starting point is to look at the thickness of the curtain you wish to buy. Quite simply, the thicker the material is, the more noise it will be able to absorb. Due to the microfibers found in the fabric which aid sound absorption, velvet and suede will offer great protection at a reasonable price.
Buying a curtain to help reduce noise invading your personal space doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style either. The range of blackout curtains available has increased significantly over the years, offering extra value by not only blocking unwanted sound but also cutting out intrusive glare from passing cars or nearby streetlights. These curtains can offer up to 40% reductions when insulating against noise propagation, as well as contributing to manageable heat levels within the room.
Wider curtains – up to two or even three times the length of your windows – will mean there are more creases in the material which will provide an extra barrier against sound waves. Pleated curtains are useful in this regard too, as the extra material adds to the overall thickness of the curtain. This also applies to the length of the curtain, so by adjusting the curtain rail to a slightly higher position and ensuring the cut of the material reaches the floor, you can easily deflect noise travelling into your home.
If outside noise is a problem you need to resolve, then buying good quality, thick and wide curtains will instantly make a marked difference to your quality of life. When combined with the benefits of secondary glazing, you can close your front door, draw across your curtains and relax at the end of a hard day, in the quiet comfort of your own home.