Do blinds reduce noise?

Do blinds reduce noise?

It’s a Monday morning and you’re curled in the cosy nest of your doona, snoozing through those last precious minutes before your alarm goes – and then the neighbour’s dog starts barking. Everyone, especially those living in built up areas, has a story where outside noise ruins the sanctuary of their home. To save your sanity, and keep your coffee intake at a sensible level, it’s probably a good idea to look into some affordable noise-reducing ideas. Can blinds reduce noise? Or do plantation shutters reduce noise more effectively?

How do blinds reduce noise?

Australian houses have their perks: backyards large enough for several dogs, rooms for every activity, and magazine-worthy kitchens. But there isn’t a double-glazed window in sight and outside sounds travel straight through the glass. And no matter how worthwhile Grand Designs tells you it is, double glazing doesn’t come cheap. Luckily, blinds can significantly reduce noise from outside, offering a more affordable alternative – especially if you’re already looking to freshen up your window coverings. Specific blind types can absorb the sound passing through the windows, therefore stopping most of the noise before it enters the room. 

What type of blinds keep your house quiet?

Roman blinds

Sound-proofing your home doesn’t mean installing thick, heavy curtains that have you awkwardly jumping up and down to wrench them across the window. Roman blinds have elegant panels that can be easily adjusted, but they’re thick enough to block the majority of outdoor noise as well. Another tip: blockout roman blinds are the perfect way to step up the sound-proofing for the all-important bedroom window, as the extra thickness will ensure the only thing disturbing your sleep is your alarm. 

Cellular blinds

The most effective noise-reducing blinds you can get are cellular blinds – but to achieve that country getaway level of peace, you’ve got to be happy with a minimalist design. Cellular blinds are horizontally pleated, with a unique honeycomb structure that traps noise between the cells and stops it entering the house. These blinds are a beautiful, subtle background element for a room where you’ve already gone a bit mad with the cushions, throws, and house plants. 

Timber Venetian blinds

Timber furnishings fill homes with warmth and charm, and they always seem high quality (even if they really come from Target).  So it’s a win-win to choose timber Venetian blinds, as the wood is a natural insulator and will block a decent amount of noise. Venetian blinds are one of the most popular blind styles, but can be quite cold and corporate in design, so the timber makes for a homely version. To give your blinds the best chance of sound-proofing success, pick the ‘inside mounted’ option to eliminate the gap at the side. 

Shutters

If timber Venetian blinds can help you escape the drone of distant traffic, then do shutter blinds reduce road noise even more? Short answer: yes. Plantation shutters are definitely one of the best sound-proofing window coverings, as they are fitted tightly into the frame and the thick timber acts like a wall replacement. However, even though their solid design ensures heat and sound regulation, it’s also a statement style that doesn’t filter light as well as other designs. Shutters might suit rooms which need to be darker, quieter places – think theatre rooms and working from home spaces.

Extra tips for creating a peaceful home

• Caulking: Go through the house and check that the sealant around your doors and windows is still in good condition. 
• Garden: Add more trees and bushes in the front yard to create a sound barrier.
• Furniture: Place a full bookcase and a big, soft couch against an external wall so the books and cushions will absorb sound.
• Walls and floors: Basically try to cover up the floors and walls as much as you can to insulate the house. Lay down carpet or multiple rugs and put up wall hangings.

Need some noise reducing blinds?

Sick of the construction site next door ruining your working from home peace? Don’t worry, we’ve got the perfect blinds to reinstate relaxation in your home. Get in touch with the team and you’ll get a free measure and quote!