Cellular blinds -- acoustic properties

[Mike-48]

The two small windows in my room seem to be the source of irritating reflections. Temporarily putting up a couple of small towels made a surprising improvement.

For a permanent solution, maybe cellular (honeycomb) shades might provide sufficient absorption, and some scattering to boot. This solution may not be perfect, but it will let some light in while reducing reflections considerably. Maybe double-cell blinds would be better?

Any opinions or experience with blinds for acoustic improvement will be received gratefully!

Mike

 

[Sonnie]

I've heard of people using them to break up the reflections, but never heard of them doing anything for absorption. It doesn't seem like they would be thick enough to absorb anything. Hanging a towel over them allows there to be a cavity behind the cloth, so there is likely some worthwhile absorption in that case.

 

[Mike-48]

Thanks, Sonnie. I looked a little more, and several sites claim an NRC of 0.40-0.55 for cellular shades. I've found nothing at all about frequency range in that, nor are sources cited, so it's hard to know just what to make of it. But I think that sound going through 4 layers of fabric has to undergo some absorption.

The way I plan to hang them, there will be several inches of a cavity behind, which should help, as you said about towels. I think probably the most important thing in this application will be breaking up the reflections a little

I appreciate your thoughts! And would be happy to hear from anyone else with experience.

 

[ddude003]

You might also look at Wooden Louvered Shutters as well as Woven Wood/Bamboo Shades... There are also acrylic sound proofing inserts too...

Velvet curtains and Duvetyne works too... But that won't let much sunlight in...