You're trying to create a peaceful sanctuary for your client, but noise from a busy street keeps ruining the calm. You know window treatments can help, but you're not sure if a simple, modern roller blind is enough to solve the problem.
No, standard roller blinds[^1] do very little to reduce noise. For effective sound reduction, honeycomb cellular shades[^2] are a far superior option due to their unique, sound-trapping construction.
This is a question I get all the time from designers and contractors. They want the clean look of a roller blind but need to solve a noise issue for their client. The truth is, not all blinds are created equal when it comes to soundproofing[^3]. While any covering is better than a bare window, the material and, more importantly, the structure of the blind make all the difference. Understanding why some blinds work and others don't is key to specifying the right solution and managing your client's expectations.
Do roller blinds block out noise?
Your client wants a simple solution for a noisy room and asks if a standard roller blind will work. You need to give them a clear, honest answer about its effectiveness before they make a purchase.
A standard roller blind does not effectively block noise; it only slightly muffles it. Made from a single layer of fabric[^4], it provides minimal sound absorption[^5] and won't solve issues with traffic or loud neighbors.
From my experience with over 200 commercial installations, I've seen that the impact of a single-layer roller blind on noise is minimal. Think of it this way: the blind creates a thin air gap of about 20mm between the fabric and the window. While this helps a tiny bit, the real work is being done by the window and its seals, not the blind itself. The sound reduction is typically less than 4 decibels, which is barely noticeable. Even with a thicker, denser fabric, you're still just using a single sheet to fight sound waves. For projects where noise is a real concern, I always explain that a roller blind is more for light control and aesthetics than for acoustics[^6].
Do honeycomb shades reduce noise?
You've heard that honeycomb shades are great for insulation, but now you're wondering if they can also solve your client's noise problem. You need to know if they are a viable solution for a peaceful interior.
Yes, honeycomb shades are one of the most effective window treatments[^7] for reducing noise. Their unique cellular structure is specifically designed to trap air, which serves as a barrier against both temperature and sound waves.
The design of honeycomb shades, also known as cellular shades, is what makes them so effective. Each cell acts as an individual pocket, trapping sound waves and preventing them from passing into the room. This is especially good at dampening the mid-to-high frequency sounds common with traffic and voices. It’s why I often recommend them for living rooms on busy streets or for home offices needing quiet focus. Based on my internal data and feedback from Australian DIY users, the 45mm double-cell models are particularly popular for tackling noise pollution. They truly are an excellent two-in-one solution for clients who need both quiet and energy efficiency.
Which are better for noise reduction: roller or honeycomb shades?
You need to decide between the sleek look of roller shades and the performance of honeycomb shades. Your client wants to know which one offers a better return on investment for creating a quieter space.
Honeycomb shades are significantly better for noise reduction[^8] than roller shades. While a roller blind offers minimal sound dampening, a honeycomb shade's cellular design provides a substantial barrier against unwanted noise.
When we talk about performance, the numbers are clear. The effectiveness of a material at blocking sound is measured by its Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating[^9]. A higher STC rating means better soundproofing[^3]. Based on our industry data, the difference between these two products is significant.
| Window Treatment | Construction | Approx. STC Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Roller Blind | Single layer of fabric (e.g., 300 gsm) | +1 to +2 |
| Double-Cell Honeycomb | Dual layers of fabric in a cellular shape | +4 to +6 |
| Heavy Thermal Drapery | Multiple, dense layers (e.g., >600 gsm) | +8 to +10 |
As you can see, honeycomb shades provide 2 to 3 times the noise reduction of a standard roller shade. While roller shades are often cheaper and easier to clean, if the primary goal is sound reduction, honeycomb shades are undeniably the better investment.
What blinds are truly soundproof?
Your client wants the absolute best solution for noise, asking for "soundproof" blinds. You need to manage expectations and guide them to the most effective products available on the market.
No blind is 100% soundproof, but the best options for significant noise reduction are double-cell honeycomb[^10] shades and heavy, multi-layered thermal curtains. Roman blinds made from thick, dense fabric are also a great choice.
The term "soundproof" is a high bar that's nearly impossible to achieve with window treatments alone. However, we can get very close by focusing on two principles: absorption and mass. Honeycomb shades work by trapping and absorbing sound in their cells. For even more power, you can turn to products with sheer mass. Heavy thermal curtains are designed with multiple, dense layers that physically block and absorb sound energy, potentially adding up to 10 STC points. For industrial spaces, there are even specialized insulated curtains with a sandwich structure of waterproof vinyl, polyester fill, and an absorption layer. For residential or commercial projects, the most effective strategy is often layering: installing a high-performance honeycomb shade and adding a heavy thermal curtain over it.
Will a noisy motor ruin the quiet?
You've selected the perfect noise-reducing blinds, but you're concerned the motor will be loud and disrupt the very tranquility you're trying to create. It's a valid concern for any high-end project.
No, a quality motor will not ruin the quiet. We specify motors that operate at or below 38 decibels (dB), which is quieter than a whisper and ensures the automation system doesn't add any noticeable noise to the room.
This is a detail I'm very particular about. It makes no sense to install a sound-dampening blind only to have a loud, clunky motor fire up every time it moves. A noise level of 38 dB is incredibly quiet—for context, a library is about 40 dB, and normal conversation is around 60 dB. The sound of the motor is completely masked by any ambient noise in the house. By ensuring our motorized solutions are whisper-quiet, we provide a complete system that enhances a room's peace and quiet without ever disrupting it. It’s part of our commitment to delivering smarter, more reliable shading solutions from start to finish.
Conclusion
Standard roller blinds provide very little noise reduction. For noticeable sound dampening, choose honeycomb shades, which effectively trap sound waves. For maximum performance, layer honeycomb shades with heavy thermal curtains[^11].
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[^1]: Explore how roller blinds perform in noise reduction and their limitations compared to other options.
[^2]: Discover the unique design of honeycomb shades that makes them superior for soundproofing.
[^3]: Learn about the most effective window treatments for soundproofing and their features.
[^4]: Understand the impact of fabric layers on sound absorption and noise reduction.
[^5]: Learn about materials that enhance sound absorption in window treatments.
[^6]: Discover how acoustics influence the choice of window treatments for noise control.
[^7]: Find the best window treatments designed specifically for noise control.
[^8]: Explore effective strategies for reducing noise in residential spaces.
[^9]: Find out how STC ratings measure soundproofing effectiveness in window treatments.
[^10]: Explore the benefits of double-cell honeycomb shades for superior noise reduction.
[^11]: Learn how heavy thermal curtains can enhance soundproofing in your space.
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"I built VelaBlinds to solve the real challenges I faced as a project buyer - long lead times, unclear specs, and unreliable suppliers. Let's discuss how we can power your projects with smarter blinds."
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