Introduction:
Creating a comfortable home isn't just about how it looks—it's also about how it sounds. Hard floors, large windows, and open-plan layouts (which are common in Australian homes) often create echo, noise bounce, and a sense of sharpness in the space. Soft furnishings such as curtains and rugs play a surprisingly powerful role in improving acoustics, making your home quieter, warmer and more pleasant to live in.
This guide explains why acoustics matter, how different soft furnishings help, and how to select the right products for your home.
1. Why Acoustic Comfort Matters at Home
Acoustic comfort influences more than just noise levels—it affects your mood, sleep, and overall sense of peace.
Some common issues in Australian homes include:
Echo and reverb in open-plan living areas.
Noise transferring between bedrooms or studies.
Outdoor noise from traffic, neighbours, or weather.
Harsh sound bounce from tiles, timber floors or large glass windows.
Soft furnishings act as sound absorbers, reducing sharp reflections and creating a more balanced, cosy atmosphere.
2. How Curtains Improve Acoustics
Curtains work by absorbing and diffusing sound waves, particularly mid- to high-frequency noises (voices, reflections, echoes). The key elements that affect acoustic performance include:
Fabric Thickness & Density
Thicker fabrics absorb sound more effectively.
Common options include:
Velvet and chenille—excellent sound absorption.
Heavy woven fabrics—balance of insulation and style.
Blackout curtains with lining—extra mass = stronger acoustic performance.
Full-Length, Floor-Pooling Designs
Long, full-height curtains minimise sound leakage around windows and help create an acoustically softer wall surface.
Curtains with Lining
Adding a lining significantly increases the fabric’s density, improving both acoustic absorption and thermal insulation.
Curtainist’s curtains can be customised with an additional lining to improve sound absorption and overall room comfort.
Curtains for Different Room Types
Just like light control varies by room, acoustic needs do too:
Living rooms: reduce echo in large open spaces.
Bedrooms: soften external noise and improve sleep quality.
Home offices: balance clarity and quiet environment for meetings.
3. How Rugs Improve Acoustics
Floors are one of the biggest contributors to echo. Rugs help by absorbing impact sound and reducing reflections.
Material Matters
The best acoustic rugs are:
Wool rugs—naturally dense and sound-absorbent.
High-pile or shag rugs—excellent at absorbing footsteps and echoes.
Cotton blend rugs— lightweight but still reduce sound sharpness.
Size & Placement
Larger rugs = larger absorption area.
Strategic placement helps too:
- Under sofas or coffee tables.
- Beneath dining sets.
- At the centre of open-plan rooms.
- In hallways to reduce footstep noise.
Layering Technique (Added content)
Layering rugs can further enhance acoustic softness and add visual warmth—an increasingly popular approach in modern Australian interiors.
4. Combined Soft Furnishing Strategy for Better Acoustics
The most effective acoustic improvements come from layering multiple furnishings. A well-balanced combination may include:
Curtains + Rugs
Reduces echo from both vertical (walls/windows) and horizontal (floors) surfaces.
Curtains with Lining + Upholstered Furniture
Adds density and reduces mid-frequency sound bounce.
Soft furnishings working together (Suggested addition)
Throw pillows, fabric ottomans, wall tapestries, and even fabric lampshades subtly contribute to sound absorption.
When sound-absorbing surfaces are evenly distributed throughout the room, the acoustic result is significantly improved.
5. Practical Tips for Choosing Soft Furnishings for Sound Control
To help you create a quieter and more comfortable home, consider the following:
Choose full-length curtainsto maximise surface coverage.
Add lining to increase weight and density.
Pick rugs that cover at least 40-60% of the room’s hard flooring.
Opt for dense fibres such as wool for stronger sound absorption.
Use layered textiles to reduce echo in open-plan spaces.
Avoid bare windows and bare floors if you want a warm, quiet atmosphere.
These small changes can significantly improve the acoustic experience in your home.
Conclusion
Soft furnishings are more than decorative elements—they are essential tools for shaping acoustic comfort. Curtains absorb echoes from vertical surfaces, rugs soften hard floors, and together they transform the sound environment of any home.
Whether you're designing a cosy bedroom, a peaceful study, or a warm open-plan living area, the right combination of fabrics will help you create a quieter, more inviting space.
