5 Best Curtains to Block Out Noise for Bedrooms
NICETOWN Full Shade Curtain Panels are the top pick for most buyers because their dense, triple-weave fabric can soften outside noise while blocking light. If you need the best curtains to block out noise, these panels suit bedrooms, nurseries, and street-facing windows. They will not create a silent room, but they offer a simple way to make everyday spaces darker and calmer.
This guide is for renters, light sleepers, and anyone facing traffic, voices, or hallway noise. Focus first on panel size and fullness, which affect window coverage and fabric overlap. Material density also matters, though curtains cannot block every sound. The five picks below are ranked with clear reasons and honest drawbacks for each, so you can choose a quieter window treatment with fewer surprises.
Quick Comparison
| # | Product | Best For | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NICETOWN Full Shade Curtain Panels | Daytime Sleepers Needing Full Darkness | ~$29 | View → |
| 2 | NICETOWN Blackout Curtains | Budget Bedroom Light Blockers | ~$22 | View → |
| 3 | BGment Blackout Curtains | Renters Seeking Easy Window Coverage | ~$27 | View → |
| 4 | NICETOWN Blackout Curtains, 2 Panels | Couples Covering Wide Windows | ~$11 | View → |
| 5 | SimpleHome Blackout Curtains | Nursery Nappers Needing Softer Light | ~$22 | View → |
5 Noise-Reducing Curtains Worth Considering
These options are ranked by sound-dampening potential, material quality, coverage, and value, counting down to the strongest overall pick.
5. SimpleHome Blackout Curtains
Best for: Bedrooms needing daytime darkness
SimpleHome’s Cream blackout curtains come as a two-panel set for a standard 84-inch window. Each panel measures 52 inches wide and 84 inches long, giving the pair a combined width of 104 inches. Eight silver grommets sit along the top of each panel, with 1.6-inch inner openings for compatible curtain rods. At around $22, this set offers a low-cost way to cover a bedroom, living room, office, or child’s room.
The triple-weave blackout fabric is designed to block sunlight completely, which can help darken rooms for daytime naps or better sleep. The material has a heavier feel than thin decorative drapes, but it is not described as excessively bulky. These panels can also add privacy and may reduce some outside noise, though no noise-reduction rating is provided. Care is straightforward, with cold machine or hand washing, low tumble drying, and light ironing or steaming when needed. The cream color may look different under various room lights and screens.
Pros
- Two 52-by-84-inch panels cover a 104-inch span.
- Eight 1.6-inch grommets make rod installation simple.
- Triple-weave fabric blocks sunlight and adds privacy.
Cons
- The fixed 84-inch length may not suit tall windows or floor-length installations.
- Cream fabric can show dust and stains more easily than darker colors.
4. NICETOWN Blackout Curtains, 2 Panels
Best for: Small bedrooms needing affordable blackout coverage
The NICETOWN set includes two panels, each 42 inches wide and 63 inches long. Each panel has six metal grommets with a 1.6-inch inner diameter, so standard curtain rods should fit. The unlined triple-weave fabric feels soft but has enough weight to hang neatly. At around $11, this pair suits renters, dorm rooms, and smaller windows that need a quick window treatment.
The dark fabric is designed to block about 85% to 99% of incoming light and UV rays, though results depend on the color and gaps around the window. It can also reduce outside noise and improve TV visibility in bright rooms. The fabric may help limit summer heat and winter drafts, while reducing sun exposure on floors, furniture, and artwork. Care stays simple. Wash the panels in cold water, tumble dry them, and use a quick iron or steamer for creases.
Pros
- Two 42-by-63-inch panels cover many small bedroom windows.
- Six grommets per panel fit standard rods with a 1.6-inch opening.
- Machine-washable triple-weave fabric helps block light and reduce heat transfer.
Cons
- The 42-inch panel width may not cover wider windows without extra panels.
- Light control varies by color and window gaps, so full darkness is not guaranteed.
3. BGment Blackout Curtains
Best for: Short bedroom windows needing darkness
This BGment curtain set includes two dark grey panels, each measuring 52 inches wide by 63 inches long. Together, they cover 104 inches of width. A black backing helps block streetlights and daylight, while the darker room can offer better privacy for bedrooms, nurseries, or living rooms. The 3-inch rod pockets fit many standard curtain rods, so installation should stay simple without hooks or rings. At around $27, the pair costs less than many lined curtain sets.
The two-layer construction also adds thermal insulation. It may help limit outdoor heat in summer and reduce cooled or heated air loss near the window. The extra fabric can soften road noise, though it will not create a fully soundproof room. For the best coverage, the panels should extend beyond the window on all sides. Measure before buying, especially if the window is close to 63 inches tall. These curtains are machine washable, but bleach should not be used.
Pros
- Black backing helps block daylight and streetlights.
- Two 52-inch panels provide 104 inches of total width.
- Thermal lining may reduce heat transfer around the window.
Cons
- The 63-inch length may not fit tall windows or reach the floor.
- A rod pocket does not offer the quick open-and-close movement of grommets or rings.
2. NICETOWN Blackout Curtains
Best for: Bedrooms needing light and temperature control
The NICETOWN set includes two grey blackout panels, each 42 inches wide and 84 inches long. Each panel has six metal grommets with a 1.6-inch inner diameter, so they fit many standard curtain rods. The unlined triple-weave fabric feels soft and heavy, while the finished edges arrive trimmed and mostly wrinkle-free. At around $22, this pair offers a low-cost way to cover a bedroom, living room, or home office window.
These drapes block about 85% to 99% of incoming light and UV rays, though darker colors generally perform better. They can also reduce outside noise and improve TV viewing by cutting glare. The layered fabric may help limit summer heat and winter drafts, while also reducing sun exposure on floors, furniture, and artwork. Care is simple: machine wash in cold water and tumble dry. A quick iron or steam session can handle remaining wrinkles.
Pros
- Two 42-by-84-inch panels cover a wide range of standard windows.
- Six grommets per panel make installation quick on compatible rods.
- Triple-weave fabric blocks most light and UV rays while adding some insulation.
Cons
- The panels are 42 inches wide each, so larger windows may need two sets.
- Light-colored curtains may block less light than darker shades, and they will not create total darkness.
1. NICETOWN Full Shade Curtain Panels
Best for: Sleep-focused bedrooms with standard rods
The NICETOWN Grey Full Shade panels come as a two-panel set for windows that need strong light control. Each polyester panel measures 52 inches wide by 84 inches long, giving the pair 104 inches of total coverage. A second layer with blackout lining blocks incoming light and may help soften outside noise, which suits bedrooms, nurseries, and media rooms. The grey color pairs easily with neutral furniture and simple decor.
The practical details make this set easy to use. Six silver grommets on each panel fit most standard curtain rods, while the thermal design can help reduce heat loss or room warming near the window. The fabric resists fading, shrinking, and wrinkles. Care is simple, too: machine wash in cold water and tumble dry on low. Do not bleach or iron. At around $29, the set offers broad coverage for a modest price, though the 84-inch length will not fit taller windows.
Pros
- Two 52-by-84-inch panels provide 104 inches of total width.
- Blackout lining blocks light and can reduce outside noise.
- Silver grommets support quick installation on standard rods.
Cons
- The 84-inch length limits use on tall windows.
- The polyester fabric may feel less natural than cotton or linen curtains.
Buying Guide
The most important factor is curtain mass, because dense, multilayer fabric can absorb some echo and soften high-frequency sounds. These panels will not replace window inserts, but they can help with traffic hiss, voices, and indoor reverberation.
- Fabric weight: Look for multilayer panels weighing about 2 to 5 pounds each, with tightly woven polyester, velvet, or a separate thermal lining. Heavier material generally performs better than thin blackout cloth.
- Full window coverage: Choose panels that extend 6 to 12 inches beyond each side of the frame and reach within 1 inch of the floor. Extra coverage reduces sound leaks around the edges.
- Pleat and overlap design: Buy two panels with at least 1.5 to 2 times the window width in total fabric. Overlap the center by 3 to 6 inches, or use a wraparound rod to limit gaps.
- Mounting hardware: Select a sturdy rod rated for at least 20 pounds, plus ceiling or side brackets that keep the fabric close to the wall. Magnetic or hook-and-loop edge seals can improve the fit.
- Price and return policy: Expect to spend $40 to $150 per pair for substantial panels. Favor sellers offering 30-day returns, since noise reduction depends heavily on the room and window.
If you can prioritize only one factor, choose heavy, full-length panels with generous side coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do sound-blocking curtains reduce outside noise?
Sound-blocking curtains reduce outside noise by adding dense fabric layers that absorb some sound and limit small air gaps around a window. They cannot create a silent room, but they can soften traffic, voices, and hallway noise. Look for multiple layers, a close fit, and panels that reach the floor.
What materials make curtains best at reducing noise?
The most effective noise-reducing curtains use tightly woven polyester, velvet, or layered fabrics with a heavy inner lining. Their performance depends on coverage as much as material, so choose full-width panels that overlap in the center and extend several inches past each side. A curtain rod with wraparound returns can close side gaps.
Can noise-blocking curtains replace window inserts or other soundproofing?
No, noise-blocking curtains cannot replace window inserts or full soundproofing when outside noise is loud or constant. They mainly soften higher-pitched sounds, while thin glass, wall gaps, and door cracks still transmit noise. For example, panels may help with street voices, but a sealed window insert usually addresses traffic noise more effectively.
Are blackout curtains also good for reducing noise?
Blackout curtains are only partly effective for noise because their main job is blocking light, not sound. Some have dense, layered construction, yet many lightweight blackout panels offer little acoustic benefit. Check for a lined, heavy product, then measure the window and buy enough width for at least 6 inches of overlap on each side.
Conclusion
NICETOWN Full Shade Curtain Panels are the top recommendation for renters and light sleepers who want a darkening window layer that may soften outside traffic sounds without major installation work. If your priority is stronger sound control than daylight blocking, choose the heaviest, widest, fully lined panels available, since extra fabric can reduce echoes and soften higher-pitched noise, though no curtain will replace window inserts or acoustic treatment. Before buying, double-check each panel’s width and length, whether the rod and mounting surface can support the hardware, how many panels come in the package, and the current price. Compare total coverage with your window, allowing extra fullness to limit gaps that let light and sound through.
