The sound of development and economic growth is all around when you live in the UAE. High rises, commercial complexes, infrastructure — something, somewhere is always being built. For some areas, that means dealing with the noise.
Although the UAE regulates noise levels across the region, they are limited to certain hours. For example, decibel levels in Dubai residential areas must not exceed 55 from 8 pm to 6 am on weekdays and 8 pm to 7 am on weekends.
What if you want a quiet home at all hours of the day and the week? Can using curtains in the UAE help you soundproof a room?
Sound Reduction
The right type of curtains can reduce noise but not completely prevent sound waves from entering a room. Soundproofing requires adding density and mass to a shared boundary. Although thick and heavy curtains can absorb sound up to a certain level, they’re insufficient to block outside noise.
Some curtains, however, have been designed to reduce noise by up to 29 decibels. These curtains are generally one to four inches thicker than typical curtains and are referred to as acoustic curtains or acoustic drapes. They’re made with acoustical-grade quilted fiberglass with industrial-grade velcro and grommets to prevent sound leakage.
Of course, your home doesn’t need industrial-grade curtains to control outside noise, and there are things you can do to reduce noise.
Tips to Reduce Outside Noise
Unless your home requires a completely quiet space the way theaters and recording studios do, certain types of curtains will allow you to block out some sound. They can be stylish and work to mute the hubbub of your neighborhood.
Here are some options that combine window treatments and other noise-reducing strategies.
Use Thick, Heavy Fabric
The heavier the fabric, the better. Think velvet or suede curtains. If these plush fabrics work with the interior design of a certain room, why not install a few panels to block out some noise?
Install Wider Curtains
The width of a heavy curtain can impact sound traveling indoors. Wide curtains can create tighter creases and have several more pleats, which can block some soundwaves.
Wider curtains also look nicer in rooms that require privacy. They can create richer textures and make the room more enticing to relax in.
Put Taller Curtains
Tall curtains create a dramatic effect in any room. However, they can also be effective in screening outside noise.
Instead of placing your curtain rod where your window begins, why not place the rail at a higher level than the window, just a few inches where the wall and ceiling meet? This way, your curtains “lengthen” the room and block out some external noise.
Besides Curtains…
Certain types of Roman blinds or roller blinds in UAE homes can be effective in reducing indoor noise. Like curtains, Roman blinds or roller blinds with thick material and multiple layers can block out some noise.
Line the Wall With Books
When you live in a high-rise apartment, the noise can sometimes come from your next door neighbor. If the walls are not thick enough to block out distracting sound, line the walls with bookshelves and let the books become lovely barriers of sound.
You can also use a bookcase if you’re unable to modify the interior apartment with shelves.
Add Carpeting
If the noise is coming from the apartment below you, place rugs and carpeting. These decorative pieces can absorb sound waves, keeping your home quieter. Even better, they don’t require installation; just your keen eye for design.
Double Glaze
Double-glazed windows are effective in blocking out noise. If your home or apartment is close to roadways where the din of traffic can be frustrating, the two panes of glass in your window can insulate your home from the sound.
Benefits of a Quieter Room
Whether it’s construction or traffic noise, external sound can add to your stress. You want to be able to relax when you come home, and you can’t do that if you hear drilling or yelling. If you happen to work from home, persistent sound from the outside can turn into noise pollution, which can affect your productivity.
A quiet home comes with plenty of benefits for the mind and body.
Better sleep
Reducing noise is one of the best ways to ensure you have a good night’s sleep. This is why it’s best to keep the TV and computers out of the bedroom; a bedroom should be conducive to good sleep.
Improved focus and productivity
Some people might be able to work with plenty of noise, but most people require silence to work. With a quiet home and a dedicated home office (or workspace), you can focus on tasks and meet deadlines.
Peace of mind
Stress is a contributing factor to poor health, putting pressure on the heart and comprising the immune system. Too much noise can add to an already stressful day. A quiet home can quiet the mind, putting you at ease.
