Most people think that weatherstripping a door is all they need to do to make it impenetrable to noise. However, in some cases, the door itself is the problem. If your doors are poorly constructed — or simply not thick enough — you might want to think about getting some soundproof door covers. So let’s discuss some options.
On the one hand, you could use various household items and acoustic products you already own. On the other, you could try getting a cover that’s specifically made to fit doors.
Your choice will ultimately depend on several factors, including the efficacy of the method, the installation process, and the ease of handling. After all, your door still needs to be mobile. With all that in mind, let’s begin with an overview of the products you can use to soundproof your door.
What Can You Use as a Soundproof Door Cover?
If you need to prevent soundwaves from passing through your door, there are several techniques and items you might use. For one, you could get a regular old blanket and pin it to the wall around the door, effectively closing the door for the time being.
However, if you want a more permanent yet flexible solution, you should either get a proper door cover or install a curtain rod above the door. That will allow you to move whichever material you decide to bolster your door with.
Of course, that’s not the only way to do this. Some of the products you might use could also be attached directly to the door panel itself.
With all that in mind, let’s go over some of the items you might use as a soundproof door cover. We’ll start with the least effective methods and work our way toward more professional acoustic solutions.
Regular Blankets
Old blankets are an item you probably already have somewhere in your home — but did you know you could use them to soundproof your doors? In fact, your spare blankets could have many acoustic uses. But since they’re already door-sized, you wouldn’t even have to alter them to make them suitable for this purpose.
At most, you could sew some grommets along one side if you want to hang them from a curtain rod. Alternatively, you could get some clip-on ones. Of course, if you don’t want to install a curtain rod above your door, you could also pin or nail the blanket directly to the wall above the door.
Having the blanket cover the door entirely would be the most effective. But crucially, the type of blanket you use can influence the efficacy of this solution. Namely, you shouldn’t use those thin, polyester throw blankets that are popular nowadays. Instead, go for old-fashioned, woolen ones to prevent sounds from seeping in.
Soundproof Curtains or Room Dividers
Then again, why would you add grommets to a perfectly good blanket when you can simply get a product that already has them? Naturally, we’re talking about curtain panels!
When you start getting into the world of acoustic treatments, you’ll see how rare products like soundproof curtains really are. Unlike, say, acoustic foam panels, these curtains don’t look like professional soundproofing equipment. Rather, they just look like home decor items — which is exactly what you want.
Of course, many soundproof curtains are only designed to look good from one side, as they are meant to be placed over windows. The pretty side would face the inside of the room while a black, sunlight-blocking layer faces the window. These curtains from RYB HOME are the perfect example.
With that in mind, if you want the fabric you cover your door with to be presentable on both sides, consider getting room divider curtains instead.
Unlike regular soundproof curtains, room divider curtains often consist of three layers of fabric. The visible materials are usually made of polyester in a variety of textures and colors. Meanwhile, the middle layer is usually black yarn, which is there to prevent the cold air, sunlight, and noise from passing through the barrier. To see what that might look like, check out these NICETOWN curtain panels.
Ultimately, though, no matter which product you decide to go for, the installation process will be the same. Since curtain panels are usually grommeted, you’ll just need to install a curtain rod above the door. No other alterations will be necessary.
Dense Soundproofing Panels
Whether you choose to soundproof your door with a blanket or an acoustic curtain panel, you’ll still have a gap between the material and your door. That’s a potential weakness in your insulating method. That’s why applying something directly to the door might be a more effective solution.
Soundproofing panels are somewhat similar to acoustic foam. They usually come in sets of six or twelve 12-inch panels. But rather than being made of foam, they are usually made up of tightly-packed polyester fibers. That compression increases the density of the product, which can be as high as 387 pounds per cubic yard, as is the case with the RHINO panels.
Because of that, many of them have a pretty high noise reduction coefficient or NRC. For instance, those RHINO panels actually have an NRC of 0.95, which means that they can block out or absorb as much as 95% of surrounding sounds.
However, if you’re hoping to find a more visually appealing solution, there are more colorful options. Namely, the DEKIRU panels come in a range of colors, including vibrant blue, orange, violet, and green shades.
If you decide to get these kinds of panels, the installation process will be a breeze. You can either use a spray adhesive or double-sided tape to keep the tiles on your door.
Moving Blankets
Overall, most moving blankets are less attractive than soundproof curtains. However, when it comes to soundproofing doors and walls, these products are famously effective. So what’s the deal — how are these blankets different from the regular ones?
Well, for one, you wouldn’t use them to snuggle up on the couch. Rather, as their name suggests, moving blankets were originally used to protect furniture during moves. Eventually, someone realized that the increased density and thickness of those blankets also make them a great tool for soundproofing.
Nowadays, so many people use moving blankets to soundproof music production studios that their design has started to change. Because of that, many soundproof blankets have grommets on at least one side. That should allow you to hang them up over your door easily.
Mass-Loaded Vinyl
Last but not least, we have the least attractive but arguably the most effective soundproofing solution on our list. Mass-loaded vinyl can provide a dense barrier on one side of your door, which should effectively stop soundwaves in their tracks. However, the material is usually black, so it may not be as nice to look at as curtains.
Still, this is one method you could combine with several others on this list. For example, you could apply MLV to the door then top it off with soundproof panels or cover it with curtains.
How to Recognize a Great Soundproof Door Cover
Before we get into the reviews, let’s lay the groundwork by discussing the hallmarks of effective soundproof door covers. What makes a good noise-insulating barrier in this case? Well, you can narrow it down to three features:
- Dimensions. Basically, the cover you get should fit your door. Ideally, it should be a bit wider and longer, allowing it to cover the whole door frame. Luckily, many soundproof door covers come in a range of sizes.
- Mass and density. If you want to have an effective barrier against sound waves, you’ll need to use an extremely dense material. That’s what makes moving blankets and MLV excellent contenders, despite their appearance.
- Easy access. If you want to keep using the door, you’ll need to think of a solution that won’t inhibit its range of motion. That’s why curtains are a great option — you can simply move them aside. However, you can also get a cover you can roll up and keep suspended above the door until you need it.
Aside from these crucial features, you might spare a thought for the appearance of the cover as well. But if you’re just interested in its effects, that won’t matter much. Having said that, let’s look at the best soundproof door covers on the market.
Examples of Soundproof Door Covers
If you’ve ever tried looking for soundproof door covers on your own, you’ve probably seen what slim pickings we’re working with. But if you don’t like any of them, you can always go for one of the alternatives we’ve listed above. With that in mind, let’s get into the reviews.
1. JJPSQ HORV Insulated Door Curtain
The JJPSQ HORV door curtain is the perfect example of your average soundproof door cover. It comes in 39 sizes ranging from 28 by 79 inches to 59 by 90.6 inches, so it should fit any door you have in your house. Just make sure to order one that fits the door frame, not the door panel. It should cover the whole surface for the best results.
The weight of this cover also depends on the size you choose, but it should be around 11 pounds. Unlike other door covers on the market, soundproof or otherwise, this one is waterproof. That means that you could use it on your patio or garage doors too. Like soundproof curtains, this product should prevent warm air from seeping out and cold air from coming in.
The durable, waterproof exterior fabric is made of PU leather, which is currently available in brown and gray. Meanwhile, the thermal and acoustic properties of the product are all provided by the white cotton silk stuffing inside the panels. Note that the blanket has lengthwise stitching holding that stuffing in place.
There are four grommets on the top edge of the cover, and the product also comes with four hooks and screws for easy installation. However, if you don’t like the idea of puncturing your wall or door frame, you can also opt for a Velcro installation.
Features:
- 39 sizes, up to 59 x 90.6 inches
- About 11 pounds
- Waterproof PU leather stuffed with double white silk cotton
- Brown or gray
2. Vocal Booth ToGo Producer’s Choice Noise Control Door Cover
The Producer’s Choice noise control door cover is available at the Vocal Booth ToGo store. The 38 by 90-inch blanket is somewhat similar to the previous entry on this list. For one, the two weigh about the same, at approximately 11 pounds per cover. Moreover, both have lengthwise stitching (though in this example, the channels are narrower) and 4 grommets along the top edge of the panel.
But that’s pretty much where the similarities end. By all accounts, this product seems sturdier, even if it doesn’t have a faux leather exterior. The outer material here is a polyester-cotton blend. Likewise, the stuffing is a mix of recycled cotton and polyester.
According to the manufacturer, that has resulted in a greater rate of sound absorption. The product even has a noise reduction coefficient of 1.0 — which means that it will absorb 100% of soundwaves in a certain frequency range.
Additionally, while this product does have those 4 grommets along the top edge, it also has 2 more in the bottom corners. So you’ll be able to fix the cover in place to prevent it from shifting and letting noise in.
Features:
- 90 by 38-inch double-layered sound absorption blanket
- About 11 pounds
- Polyester blend with recycled cotton
- Black or white
3. Us Cargo Control Large Soundproof Blanket
US Cargo Control is a well-known manufacturer of moving blankets. Even so, the manufacturer doesn’t recommend using this large blanket for moving or storing furniture. After all, it was specifically designed with sound absorption in mind.
The 80 by 96-inch blanket should be big enough to cover a double door but you can use it on a narrower entry too. The extra fabric will provide additional absorption.
Between the two layers of cotton/polyester blend and the pure recycled cotton stuffing, the panel should weigh about 12 pounds. However, since these panels are larger than the previous ones on this list, that means it’s probably less dense.
Still, this blanket is the perfect choice for wider doorways. Unlike the previous items on our list, this one has as many as 9 grommets along the top edge. Aside from that, you may also notice the prominent zigzag stabilizing stitches — a welcome change from the usual straight channels.
Features:
- 96 by 80-inch heavy-duty padded blanket
- 12 pounds
- Cotton-stuffed polyester blend casing
- Black with 9 silver grommets
4. Residential Acoustics AcoustiDoor Soundproofing Door Cover
Finally, we have a promising product from Residential Acoustics — the AcoustiDoor. This soundproof door cover is probably one of the most expensive ones you’ll come across. But is it worth it? Let’s break down its features and find out.
Just looking at this cover, you’ll see that it has a plain rectangular shape with at least 4 grommets along the top edge, depending on the size you choose. The manufacturer lets consumers select the exact height and width of their doors. Since bigger doors require more fabric, the cost will be affected by those dimensions. So make sure you follow the manufacturer’s measuring guide before placing an order.
One of the most notable aspects of this cover’s design is that the manufacturer has included a loop fastener. That will allow you to keep the material rolled up at the top of your door when you’re not using it.
When ordering the product, you’ll also get the chance to choose the color of the strap that will keep it rolled up as well as the color of the hooks you’ll use to hang the cover.
The main part of the cover has a dense and heavy sound-blocking core responsible for a sound reduction of about 21–25 decibels. The fabric itself comes in 15 colors, including neutral, muted, and vibrant hues. But if you can’t bring yourself to choose one based on pictures alone, you can ask to see some samples.
Features:
- Completely customizable sizing
- 10–15 pounds
- Rolls up with a loop fastener
- 15 fabric colors, customizable hooks and straps
How to Install Your Soundproof Door Cover
As you now know, most soundproof door covers you’ll find are fairly easy to install. To get the best results, have someone lift the blanket above the door and straighten the top side. While they’re holding the cover steady, mark the position of the grommets. At that point, you can go ahead and screw in the hooks that usually come with these blankets.
If the cover isn’t too heavy and you’re not against using adhesive, you could also attach it with a strip of Velcro tape. Alternatively, you could install a curtain rod right above the door.
If nothing else, that would allow you to move the panel when you go to open the door. Or, if you prefer, you could borrow a design element from that last product on the list above and roll the cover up when you don’t need it. You wouldn’t even have to sew the straps on if you don’t want to — just keep some ties on hand so you can bind the panel at a moment’s notice.
With all that in mind, none of this will have any effect if you don’t take care of some structural weaknesses beforehand. For example, most interior doors have a bit of a gap underneath. A draft stopper should fix that, preventing air and noise from passing in and out of the room.
Of course, sliding doors would have a different set of issues you’d need to address. So ultimately, the solutions you’ll implement will depend on the type of door you’re dealing with.
Soundproof Covers Can’t Save All Doors
While most thin doors can be bolstered by a good soundproof cover — or even a combination of different methods — some may be beyond help. For example, there’s not much you can do to make a hollow-core door impenetrable. If you can bend the surface of your door and hear a hollow sound when you knock on it, you can:
- Fill it with expanding insulating foam
- Top it off with half-inch thick MDF boards on either side
- Replace it with a solid-core door
Unfortunately, those would be your only options. But hopefully, you won’t have to go to those lengths to achieve the peace and quiet you need. If a soundproof door cover doesn’t do the trick on its own, put some MLV on the door and go from there.
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