How Blinds and Shutters Can Reduce Noise

How Blinds and Shutters Can Help Reduce Noise in Your Home: Personal Benefits & Decibel Reduction

In a world full of distractions and noise, having a peaceful home is more important than ever. Whether it's street traffic, noisy neighbours, or everyday city sounds, unwanted noise can disturb your relaxation, sleep, or focus. Feedback from customers over the years has shown us that installing the right blinds or shutters can significantly reduce the noise entering your home.

But how exactly do blinds and shutters reduce noise, and what are the personal benefits? Let’s dive in!

How Do Blinds and Shutters Help Reduce Noise?

Blinds and shutters not only control light but also act as barriers that reduce outside noise. Here's how they work:

• Sound Absorption: Blinds made from thicker fabrics and solid materials like wood or vinyl can absorb sound waves, which helps dampen noise that would otherwise bounce off your windows.
  
• Sealing Out Gaps: Custom-fitted blinds and shutters ensure there are no gaps for sound to sneak through. A perfect fit means both light and sound are blocked effectively.

Personal Benefits of Noise-Reducing Blinds and Shutters

Installing noise-reducing blinds and shutters offers multiple benefits, especially when it comes to improving your quality of life:

1. Better Sleep

If you live in a noisy area or have a bedroom facing a busy street, noise-reducing blinds can help create a peaceful environment for sleep. By cutting out noise by up to 30 decibels, they help block early morning traffic or late-night disturbances, ensuring you wake up feeling refreshed.

2. Improved Focus and Productivity

Working from home? Noise pollution can interfere with your ability to concentrate. Blinds that reduce sound by up to 50% can help create a quieter, more productive workspace, whether you’re on a Zoom call or simply trying to focus.

3. Enhanced Relaxation

Your home should be a sanctuary where you can unwind. Reducing background noise makes it easier to relax, enjoy a good book, or watch TV without turning the volume up. A quieter home environment enhances your overall sense of well-being.

4. Added Privacy

Not only do noise-reducing blinds and shutters keep external sounds out, but they also prevent noises from inside your home being heard outside. This is great for privacy, especially in homes with close neighbours or if you have a home office.

5. Energy Efficiency Bonus

In addition to their noise-reducing capabilities, these blinds and shutters also help with insulating your windows, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. That’s a nice bonus on your energy bills!

Best Blinds and Shutters for Noise Reduction

If noise reduction is a priority, here are some of the best options:

• Wooden or Faux Wood Shutters: These are highly effective at reducing noise, thanks to their solid structure. Making them an ideal choice for noisy urban environments.
• Cellular (Honeycomb) Blinds: Cellular blinds feature a unique honeycomb design that traps air, creating an effective barrier against noise. They are also a really great option. 
• Blackout Roller Blinds: Made with thicker, dense fabrics, blackout roller blinds not only keep out light but can also reduce noise , making them ideal for bedrooms or home offices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can blinds completely block out noise?
Blinds can significantly reduce noise, but they don’t block it out completely. Depending on the material, they can cut noise by up to 40 decibels, which is a noticeable difference, especially in noisy areas.

2. Are cellular blinds good for noise reduction?
Yes, cellular blinds are among the best options for noise reduction due to their honeycomb structure, which traps air and helps block sound.

3. Which is better for noise reduction: blinds or shutters?
Shutters generally offer better noise reduction than blinds because of their solid construction. In my experience combining a shutter with a cellular blind is by far the most effective and could cut the noise by 35- 40 decibels.

4. How much noise reduction can I expect with blinds or shutters?
Depending on the type, material, and fit, you can expect noise reduction ranging from 10 to 20 decibels but could be up to 35 - 40 decibels when you combine a shutter and cellular blind.. This can make a noticeable difference in creating a quieter home.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking to make your home a more peaceful place, noise-reducing blinds and shutters are a simple yet effective solution. By blocking out noise, they create a quieter, more comfortable environment where you can sleep better, focus more, and relax more deeply.

At Barlow Blinds, we offer custom-fitted blinds and shutters that can help you enjoy these benefits and more. Contact us today to learn more about our range of noise-reducing window treatments and how they can transform your home into a peaceful sanctuary.