Using Curtains for Acoustic treatment budget

[HTHOLIC]

Hi, I was wondering whether or not if would be a good idea to use curtains
in places where a living room for example opens up on both sides to a kitchen or porch.

I read in avs forums that certain curtains do a great job on controlling sound waves.

Your thoughts Chimed in would be welcome

 

[Glenn Kuras]

Acoustics:

Very thick curtains might dampen down some of the high end within the room, but will not do a thing for low end.

Soundproofing:

Curtains will do very little (almost nothing) to help block sound from leaving the room.

 

[twisted3]

Acoustics:

Very thick curtains might dampen down some of the high end within the room, but will not do a thing for low end.

Soundproofing:

Curtains will do very little (almost nothing) to help block sound from leaving the room.

so, would dampeninig the high end be a good thing? what about having couch cushions that are about 5" thick spread out the room?

 

[jswope]

If you are trying to block sound from transfering out of the room, you will need something with some mass. Mass is what blocks sound, and foams, cushions, blankets, etc. will do little to block sound.

If you are on a budget and would like an effective sound absorber (which would improve acoustics within the room, not prevent it from entering or exiting the room), Echo Absorber Natural from AMI would be a very effective product.

http://www.soundprooffoam.com/echo-absorber-natural.html

 

[ScottMayo]

so, would dampeninig the high end be a good thing? what about having couch cushions that are about 5" thick spread out the room?

If the couch is near a wall, the cushions will do more good where they are. This is not to say they will do much good.

Treating rooms can't really be done scattershot like this. If good sound is important, you'll be treating walls with absorptive panels, thinking about speaker positioning (right in the corner is rarely a good idea), and moving seating around.