Soundproof blankets, as the name suggests, are specialized blankets designed to either absorb or block out sound, offering an effective solution for noise reduction in a variety of settings.
Whether you’re looking to soundproof a home studio, dampen echoes in a spacious room, or simply block out unwanted noise from the bustling streets, these blankets can be your go-to solution.
But with the plethora of choices available, how do you discern which soundproof blanket is right for you?
In this article, I’ll delve deep into the world of soundproof blankets, helping you understand the key features to consider, and presenting the top picks that cater to diverse needs.
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Features to Consider When Shopping for Soundproof Blankets
To select the perfect soundproof blanket for your requirements, it’s essential to understand the key features to consider and the types available. Below, I’ll outline the crucial aspects to guide your decision.
Material
The material composition is a key determinant in the effectiveness of a soundproof blanket.
Materials like mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) are renowned for their sound-blocking capabilities, while a blend of cotton and polyester or quilted fabrics are more focused on sound absorption.
Unique materials and outdoor-specialized combinations like fiberglass and PVC add to the options available, each offering varied acoustic performance.
Type
Soundproof blankets can generally be categorized into two main types:
- Sound-absorbing blankets: These primarily dampen and absorb sound waves, reducing echoes and ambient noise. They are ideal for controlling the sound within a space.
- Sound-blocking blankets: These are designed to prevent sound from passing through. They incorporate layers or materials that block out noise, making them suitable for isolating a space from external noise.
Some blankets, like the Audimute’s Isolé, offer dual functionality, both absorbing and blocking sound.
Size
Size matters, especially when it comes to coverage. Depending on the application – whether it’s for doors, windows, or larger studio spaces – selecting a blanket with adequate dimensions is essential.
Sizes vary widely: more compact options, like 48 by 48 inches, can be used, for example, to build an acoustic shield around a microphone. On the other hand, expansive dimensions such as 80 by 96 inches or more can cover an entire wall from ceiling to floor.
Some manufacturers also offer custom sizes, catering to unique needs.
Installation
A convenient installation process can be a boon. Many blankets come equipped with metal grommets, ensuring they can be easily hung using hooks, screws, or even ropes.
Some even offer versatility with features like special loops or rod pockets, allowing users to drape them in the same way as soundproof curtains. Other specialized features include grommets around all sides or Velcro tape for seamless connections between multiple blankets.
Evaluate the space and your preferred installation method to select the right design.
Maintenance
The longevity and performance of a soundproof blanket also hinge on its maintenance.
Some blankets are machine washable, making upkeep a breeze. However, others, especially those with specialized materials, may require hand-cleaning or even just a wipe-down.
If the blanket is for outdoor use, also look for features like being waterproof and easy to clean.
Design
While functionality is paramount, aesthetics and design can’t be ignored. Some blankets come with unique quilted patterns, enhancing visual appeal. Others offer a range of colors, allowing users to choose one that seamlessly blends with their decor.
Price
Lastly, while quality and functionality are primary considerations, the budget plays a pivotal role. The price of an individual blanket can range from $40 to $100, and might decrease if you order in bulk. Generally, the cost of a blanket is influenced by the materials used, build quality, and size.
Top 7 Soundproof Blankets to Get
Now that you know which features to pay attention to, let’s take a look at some of the best soundproof blankets currently available on the market.
1. Audimute isolé Sound Barrier and Sound Absorption Blanket
KEY FEATURES
- Type: Sound-blocking and sound-absorbing blanket
- Material: Eco-C-tex and mass-loaded vinyl (MLV)
- Size: 34.5 by 82 inches
- Weight: 20 pounds
- Installation: Metal grommets (mounting hardware included)
- Colors: Black (available in 3 other colors)
- Maintenance: Vacuuming, brushing, hand-cleaning
- Price: See on Amazon
Audimute’s Isolé Blankets are a standout, offering a dual functionality of both sound absorption and sound blocking. The external layers, crafted meticulously from a blend of cotton and cellulose, provide the surface with a soft and porous nature. Moreover, these layers play a pivotal role in earning it a notable NRC rating of 0.75, illustrating admirable sound absorption.
Delving inside the blanket, a 1/16-inch thick layer of MLV is discovered, which improves its sound-blocking capabilities. The STC rating of 20, although not exceedingly high compared to other professional soundproofing materials in the market, implies a degree of soundproofing that will deliver a notable difference in a variety of settings.
Weighing in at nearly 20 pounds with dimensions of 34.5 by 82 inches, this MLV-integrated blanket leans on the heavier side. Thus, installation might require an extra pair of hands for convenience and safety. Fortunately, the top of the blanket features three metal grommets which, coupled with the included hanging hardware (three knobs, screws, and anchors), ease the installation process.
Durability and maintenance are additional perks. These blankets, sturdy and resilient, allow for a range of cleaning methods including vacuuming, brushing with a soft bristle brush, and cleaning with mild, water-based solutions. However, given their substantial weight and rigidity, machine washing or drying is not recommended.
Check out the Audimute blankets on Amazon.
2. Mytee Products Sound Blanket
KEY FEATURES
- Type: Sound-absorbing blanket
- Material: Blend of cotton and polyester
- Size: 80 by 96 inches (and 1 other size)
- Weight: 12 pounds
- Installation: Metal grommets
- Color: Black
- Maintenance: Machine washable
- Price: See on Amazon
The Mytee Sound Blanket, fashioned from a substantial blend of cotton and polyester, places its emphasis primarily on the absorption of sound waves and the reduction of echoes. Unlike its Audimute counterpart, it does not incorporate a dedicated sound-blocking layer, focusing its utility on dampening ambient sounds and minimizing acoustic disturbances.
Despite this, some users have employed it successfully as a noise barrier and have documented appreciable results. This can be attributed to the dense nature of the materials employed in its construction. Dimensionally, the blanket spans 96 inches in length and 80 inches in width and weighs approximately 12 pounds, providing ample coverage for a variety of applications.
Another available variant measures 48 by 48 inches, providing a smaller, more manageable option for projects requiring lesser coverage. The top side of the blanket features nine grommets, spaced approximately 10 inches apart, ensuring a secure and taut hang, whether it’s draped over a door, affixed to a wall, or utilized in other innovative manners.
Maintenance of the Mytee blanket is notably user-friendly. When faced with dirt and dust, a simple journey through a washing machine followed by air-drying will have it refreshed and ready for continued use.
Browse the Mytee Blankets on Amazon.
3. US Cargo Control Sound-Dampening Blanket
KEY FEATURES
- Type: Sound-dampening blanket
- Material: Quilted cotton and polyester fabric
- Size: 80 by 96 inches
- Weight: 12 pounds
- Installation: Metal grommets
- Color: Black
- Maintenance: Machine washable
- Price: See on Amazon
US Cargo Control, predominantly recognized for its moving blankets, has ventured into the soundproofing arena with undeniable success.
Their soundproofing blanket exhibits the brand’s commitment to quality. It comprises of a cotton batting wrapped meticulously in a quilted cotton/polyester fabric. This soft and pliable material is not only effective in absorbing sound but its quilted surface further aids in diffusing any residual sound that isn’t absorbed, ensuring optimal acoustic control.
The dimensions of this blanket, mirroring the Mytee sound blanket, stand at 96 inches in length and 80 inches in width, with a substantial weight of 12 pounds. This weight and structure suggest that it also offers some sound-blocking capabilities, a characteristic that discerning users will surely appreciate.
For installation convenience, the blanket incorporates nine robust grommets along its top edge. Whether it’s a bustling studio, a gaming den, or a serene basement, the blanket will seamlessly integrate and perform.
Craftsmanship shines through in the blanket’s construction. Every stitch is precise, and the evenly distributed grommets vouch for its durability. It’s also designed with user convenience in mind, being machine washable, ensuring long-lasting utility and easy maintenance.
Take a look at the US Cargo Control blanket on Amazon.
4. BoxerTools Studio Grommeted Sound-Dampening Blanket
KEY FEATURES
- Type: Sound-dampening blanket
- Material: Quilted poly cotton
- Size: 72 by 78 inches (and 2 other sizes)
- Weight: 7.5 pounds
- Installation: Metal grommets and polyester loops
- Color: Black
- Maintenance: Machine washable
- Price: See on Amazon
The BoxerTools Sound Blanket is a testament to versatility. Crafted from a reinforced poly-cotton blend, it promises durability while adeptly dampening ambient noise.
With dimensions of 72 by 78 inches and a weight of approximately 7.5 pounds, it provides substantial coverage for both windows and doors. However, for users with specific needs, BoxerTools also offers both smaller and larger variants.
Unique to its design, eight sturdy metal grommets are located on the blanket’s shorter side, providing flexibility in mounting either via hooks or screws. Additionally, robust polyester loops are integrated, allowing users the option to drape it as a curtain on a rod, broadening its applications.
The blanket’s versatile nature makes it ideal for both professional studios and home applications. Beyond its primary purpose, it can also serve as a protective layer for furniture or electronic equipment during moves or storage periods.
If, during its varied uses, it accumulates dirt or dust, a trip to the washing machine will quickly restore its pristine condition, ensuring it remains a long-term asset in sound management endeavors.
See the BoxerTools blanket on Amazon.
5. Filmcraft Studio Sound Blanket
KEY FEATURES
- Type: Sound-absorbing blanket
- Material: Polyester and nylon
- Size: 72 by 80 inches
- Weight: 5.5 pounds
- Installation: Metal grommets on all sides
- Color: Black
- Maintenance: Hand-cleaning
- Price: See on Amazon
The Filmcraft Studio Sound Blanket stands out with its unique composition: a fusion of polyester encased in a layer of woven nylon. This innovative combination ensures effective sound absorption, catering to both professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Measuring at 72 by 80 inches and weighing a mere 5.5 pounds, it boasts a low size-to-weight ratio. This makes it one of the most lightweight options in its category, and its effectiveness in sound management is noteworthy given its relatively lighter frame.
A distinctive feature is the placement of grommets on all four sides of the blanket. This design choice offers users a plethora of mounting options, including the possibility of interconnecting multiple blankets via ropes or loops, ideal for larger spaces or unique setups.
However, maintenance for the Filmcraft blanket requires a tad more care than its counterparts. Machine washing is not recommended. Instead, users can resort to a damp cloth and a gentle cleaner to preserve its functionality and appearance.
View the Filmcraft blanket offering on Amazon.
6. RYB HOME Soundproof Blanket
KEY FEATURES
- Type: Sound-absorbing blanket
- Material: Blend of cotton and polyester
- Size: 48 by 96 inches (among 2 others)
- Weight: 4.5 pounds
- Installation: Metal grommets and rod pocket
- Color: Black (available in 2 other colors)
- Maintenance: Machine washable
- Price: See on Amazon
RYB HOME delivers a soundproofing solution that marries functionality with aesthetics. Made of a cotton and polyester blend, it is adept at absorbing sound. However, it is specifically designed more for sound absorption than outright blocking. Its unique quilted diamond pattern doesn’t only add to its visual appeal but also plays a pivotal role in diffusing sound.
The blanket spans 48 by 96 inches, ample to cover standard windows or doors. Its weight, approximately 4.5 pounds, lends credence to its effectiveness in sound management. Although this is the largest size available, RYB HOME also offers smaller variants to cater to varied needs.
Installation is a breeze with four grommets located on the top side, suitable for hooks or screws. An added rod pocket allows users the versatility to hang it as a curtain on a rod.
In terms of upkeep, the RYB HOME blanket is user-friendly. Machine washable and easy to store when not in use, it promises both convenience and longevity.
Explore the RYB HOME blankets on Amazon.
7. LTCANOPY Sound Barrier Outdoor Blanket
KEY FEATURES
- Type: Outdoor sound-blocking blanket
- Material: Cotton, fiberglass, and PVC
- Size: 39 by 78 inches (custom sizes available)
- Weight: 22 pounds
- Installation: Metal grommets and Velcro tape
- Color: Green (plus 2 other colors)
- Maintenance: Hand-cleaned or washed with a hose
- Price: See on Amazon
The LTCANOPY Sound Barrier Blanket is engineered specifically for outdoor settings, such as bustling construction sites. At its core lies soundproof cotton, enveloped in a fiberglass fabric. The exterior boasts a PVC tarp layer, ensuring it is both waterproof and resistant to harmful UV rays.
With dimensions of 39.3 by 78.7 inches, thickness of 0.7 inches, and weight of 22 pounds, it’s evident that the blanket prioritizes effective sound blocking. As per the manufacturer’s claims, it can significantly reduce noise, blocking up to 30 dB.
Practicality is evident in its design, featuring grommets on all four edges for varied hanging options, be it with ropes or hooks. Furthermore, the longer sides of the blanket are equipped with Velcro tape, allowing for the connection of multiple blankets, ensuring a seamless and gap-free setup.
Maintenance is straightforward and suited to its outdoor application. Its waterproof nature allows users to easily cleanse it using a hose, ensuring it remains effective and presentable even in the most challenging environments.
View the selection of LTCANOPY blankets on Amazon.
How to Maximize the Efficacy of Your Soundproof Blankets
Harnessing the full potential of your soundproof blankets requires a trifecta of considerations: strategic placement, precise installation, and diligent maintenance.
Here’s how to ensure that every note or nuance is either perfectly captured or impeccably isolated.
Strategic Placement
Deciphering the optimal location for your blankets begins by mapping the sound reflection points within the space. These blankets excel when positioned at the initial reflection points. Once the first one is tackled, address the following reflection areas.
When the aim is sound-blocking, a holistic coverage is non-negotiable. It’s crucial to cover the entire surface you aim to soundproof. For instance, if noise from a shared wall is the problem, covering the entire wall yields the best results.
Moreover, layering blankets or angling them can amplify their effectiveness, an approach often appreciated by professionals and sound enthusiasts.
Quality Mounting Hardware
The efficacy of a soundproof blanket often hinges on its anchoring mechanism. No matter how premium the material, if it’s not securely fastened, its potential is compromised.
When scouting for mounting hardware, prioritize durability and strength. Given the weight and dimensions of some blankets, robust hooks or brackets are essential to prevent sagging or potential detachment.
Additionally, consider the surface you’re mounting on. Drywall, for instance, might require wall anchors to provide additional support. On surfaces like brick or concrete, specialized mounting tools might be necessary.
Lastly, always test the mounting hardware with the blanket’s weight. You want a combination that not only holds up but stands the test of time.
Precise Installation
The installation method varies based on your acoustic goals.
If your aim is to absorb sound within a room, it’s advisable to leave some space between the blanket and the surface it’s mounted on, allowing the blanket to hang more freely and absorb sound more efficiently.
On the flip side, if the goal is to prevent sound from entering or exiting a space, the blanket should be installed snugly against the surface. Ensure comprehensive coverage, especially if you’re using it for soundproofing doors or windows, allowing the blanket to overlap generously on all sides.
For larger blankets, consider seeking assistance for a smoother installation process.
Diligent Maintenance
Maintaining your blanket’s performance demands regular care. Depending on the material and design, some blankets might be machine-washable, while others might need hand washing. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s care guidelines to ensure the blanket’s longevity and sustained performance.
Final Thoughts
Making the right choice when it comes to soundproof blankets ensures not only peace and quiet but also optimal acoustics for your specific needs.
By being knowledgeable about the key features and understanding how to maximize their effectiveness, you can transform any room into a soundproof haven. Whether you’re a professional in need of pristine sound conditions or just someone looking to enjoy a little serenity, soundproof blankets can be a sound investment.
Remember, it’s not just about muffling noise; it’s about crafting the perfect sound environment tailored for you.
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