AudioRoundTable.com - RDF feed
type: channel
description: Audio advice and discussions with audiophiles and professionals. Free discussion forums, open to all and frequented by industry experts. Ask questions and get advice on stereos, speakers, hi-end amplifiers, pre-amps, home theater, tube hi-fi, turntables, vinyl, tweaks, music, films, video, DVDs and more.
items: Drapes or Curtains
items: Re: Drapes or Curtains

Drapes or Curtains
type: item
description: I know that drapes absorb more sound than curtains. What do you think about which one will help produce a better sound quality for room acoustics?
creator: Jethro
date: 2018-11-12T10:56:53-00:00

Re: Drapes or Curtains
type: item
description: I recently replace some thin drapes with more substantial curtains. I think it's helped with the sound quality in the room.
creator: Rusty
date: 2018-11-12T15:55:42-00:00

Re: Drapes or Curtains
type: item
description: I think so too. Large halls, like the theater, might be needing drapes or carpeted walls to minimize the echoing of the sound. Our rooms are not that big enough that we needed drapes to absorb the sound.
creator: Jethro
date: 2018-11-13T23:39:10-00:00

Re: Drapes or Curtains
type: item
description: The difference is not substantial with drapes or curtains. I see some theatres use both. There are other considerations like the wall paneling, furniture, and flooring since everything in the room will want a share in the good distribution. There will be much more done to a room to bring in the quality of a theatre.
creator: Curry
date: 2022-07-14T12:39:05-00:00

Re: Drapes or Curtains
type: item
description: Hi, It seems that the question is what do you think is not as good as it ought to be? Second what is the room like now in terms of construction (wood, brick, cement..) what is the size, shape and contents? All these things will alter the sound. I suspect that just window coverings will not do the whole job, especially if you have hard, flat surface walls. Let us know and we will see if we can come up with some ideas.
creator: gofar99
date: 2022-07-16T02:12:51-00:00

Re: Drapes or Curtains
type: item
description: That’s a good question! I’ve heard that drapes do a better job since they’re usually thicker and heavier, so they absorb more sound. Curtains can still help a little but I think drapes make a bigger difference if you’re trying to soften echoes or improve how the room sounds. I’d probably go with something heavy and lined like drapes because the lining adds weight, provides insulation, blocks light and helps them hang more formally with elegant folds, it also makes the room feel cosier and looks nicer too.
creator: Helen
date: 2025-11-04T19:09:25-00:00

Re: Drapes or Curtains
type: item
description: I make use of multi-layer acoustic drapes and I am so happy about the decision that I made. Using heavy drapes also helps in reducing echo while the pleated designs improve surface area and effectiveness. If you can afford the pleated velvet that comes in panels, then that will be very good. I used 12 panels for the 3 windows in my place and it was truly a game-changer for my listening experience. Each panel cost around $55 when I bought it last year.
creator: Clint
date: 2025-12-20T14:54:12-00:00