Acoustic Fabric: A Simple Guide
“Acoustic fabric” is probably the most misleading term in the industry. Fabric alone blocks virtually nothing. What reduces noise is a composite material—and the difference between the two comes down to a single metric that almost no one reports correctly.
The Trap of Paper Weight
Open any product description for “soundproof” curtains: you’ll often find a weight specification—typically between 300 and 500 g/m²—presented as a guarantee of performance.
This figure refers only to the fabric itself. It says nothing about the curtain once it is assembled: linings, intermediate layers, membrane, construction, and hems. It’s like judging the insulation of a wall based on the weight of the wallpaper.
The important measurement is the weight per square meter of the finished curtain, expressed in kg/m². As a point of reference, the 4-layer “ Cotton Silence ” fabric weighs approximately 1.35 kg/m² —three to four times the weight per square meter of a thick decorative fabric.
Before comparing two products, ask yourself one simple question: Is it the weight of the assembled curtain, or the weight of the fabric? A salesperson who can't answer that question doesn't know their product.
The Law of Mass, in a Nutshell
In acoustics, for the same design, the heavier a material is, the more it attenuates the sound passing through it. This is a physical principle, not a sales pitch.
This explains why a sheer curtain—even one that appears very thick—has no measurable effect on street noise: it simply doesn’t have the necessary mass. And why a high- acoustic curtain e is always heavy to handle.
But mass alone is not enough. A heavy, homogeneous material performs less well than an assembly of layers of different densities, which disrupts the propagation of the wave. That is the whole point of multilayer structures.
Absorption or attenuation: two fabrics, two crafts
A fabric can be designed for two opposite purposes, and the resulting products are not alike.
| Absorbent fabric | Weakness Complex | |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | Reduce Echo in the Room | Reduce incoming noise |
| Structure | Open, porous, airy | Dense, compact, multi-layered |
| Mass | Often light | High, essential |
| Standard | ISO 354 | ISO 10140-2 |
A porous fabric allows air to pass through—and anything that allows air to pass through also allows sound to pass through. These two functions are somewhat contradictory, which explains why a single product is rarely excellent at both.
What's the difference between these two terms: " soundproof curtain " or " acoustic curtain "?
What the Visible Fabric Really Offers
The front panel you see doesn't perform the acoustic function. It ensures the curtain hangs properly, drapes well, is light-resistant, and blends in with the decor—which is what matters, since a technical curtain that you don't want to keep closed is useless.
It also takes into account criteria that are not acoustic in nature but that determine the product’s intended use: fire-resistance ratings, which are required in hotels and public buildings, and the absence of harmful substances.
The " Cotton Silence " curtain is M1-rated and Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certified. These are practical requirements, not merely decorative features.
Why We Don't Publish the Ingredients
You will not find details about the “ Cotton Silence ” layers on this website. This is a deliberate choice: the design is protected by a European patent (EP 3 440 965), and publishing it would make it easier for others to copy it.
However, we publish only verifiable information: the laboratory, the standard, the report number, and the results. The 4-layer composite was tested by Daidalos Peutz (BELAC/ISO 17025 accredited) in accordance with NBN EN ISO 10140-2:2010: Rw (C; Ctr) = 14 (−1; −3) dB, maximum attenuation 28.2 dB at 5,000 Hz*. Report No. A-2020LAB-060-I766-44092_E, available upon request.
A patent and a test report are enforceable. A list of materials is not.
Fabric isn't everything: it's the system that counts
Even the best system loses most of its effectiveness if it is improperly sized. Sound will bypass the fabric from the sides if there isn’t enough overhang, pass over the top if the curtain doesn’t cover the roller shutter box, and lose effectiveness if the curtain is pressed against the window.
That is why thinking in terms of “fabric” is a mistake in how we frame the issue. What works is a system: complex structure + dimensions + track + perimeter sealing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a thick fabric enough to dampen noise?
No. Thickness does not determine either mass or structure. A thick but porous fabric allows air—and therefore sound—to pass through.
What weight should you aim for when doing a " acoustic curtain "?
There is no regulatory threshold. A useful guideline is to compare the weight in kg/m² of finished curtains with one another and to request a test report rather than a single figure.
Is velvet a good acoustic fabric?
Velvet has good sound-absorbing properties and improves the acoustic comfort of a room. However, its effectiveness in dampening outside noise is limited without a dense backing.
Why isn't the lineup published?
Because the design is patented. The published evidence consists of the patent, the lab report, and the weight of the finished curtain—all of which are verifiable and enforceable.
View the custom- soundproof curtain Cotton Silence View the technology Read the evidence dossier
*Maximum sound reduction of 28.2 dB measured at the Daidalos Peutz accredited laboratory (report no. A-2020LAB-060-I766-44092_E) in accordance with the NBN EN ISO 10140-2:2010 standard, at high frequencies (5,000 Hz). Overall Rw rating (C; Ctr) = 14 (−1; −3) dB. Actual sound reduction depends on the environment, installation, sealing around the opening, and room configuration.