Living near a busy road or train track can be a constant reminder of how disruptive outside noise can be.
Whether it’s the hum of traffic or the rumble of a passing train, it can quickly interfere with your comfort at home.
For many homeowners, reducing this noise becomes a priority, and window treatments often come up as a potential solution.
But how much can window shutters really help with soundproofing?
How shutters fit into the noise reduction puzzle
Window shutters are often considered a stylish and practical way to upgrade a room, but when it comes to soundproofing, expectations should be set correctly.
Shutters do create an extra barrier between the outside world and your home, but it’s important to understand that they aren’t designed as a full soundproofing solution.
Sound travels through vibrations in the air, and these vibrations can penetrate windows, doors, and walls.
While shutters help by adding a layer of material between the window and the interior, they aren’t thick or dense enough to block out all the noise — especially low-frequency sounds like traffic or train vibrations.
What you can expect is a perceived reduction in noise, often making things feel a little quieter and more manageable, but not a dramatic difference.
The role of shutter materials in noise reduction
Not all shutters are created equal, and the materials used can play a role in how effective they are at reducing noise. At Shutters Factory, we offer a variety of materials for our shutters:
- Mimeo Composite Shutters – These shutters are made from a durable composite material. While strong and resistant to wear, they offer moderate noise reduction.
- Classic Douglas Fir Shutters – Known for their natural beauty, Douglas Fir shutters add a solid wooden layer, which may provide a slightly better noise reduction effect compared to composite.
- Select Ash Wood Shutters – Our premium option, Ash wood is denser than Douglas Fir, offering a slightly more noticeable noise dampening effect.
Although there are some differences between materials, none of these will block out noise entirely. The improvement is more about softening the intensity of the sound rather than eliminating it.
Comparing shutters to other window treatments
When it comes to reducing outside noise, window shutters offer similar performance to other common window treatments.
Heavy curtains, for example, can absorb some sound, but like shutters, they won’t provide full soundproofing.
Double-glazed windows are better at reducing noise, but even these won’t make your home completely silent.
So why choose shutters?
The answer lies in the other benefits shutters provide that go beyond noise reduction.
Unlike curtains or blinds, shutters offer:
- Better light control: Shutters allow you to adjust the amount of light entering a room, from full sunlight to complete privacy.
- Improved insulation: While noise reduction might not be major, shutters do help insulate against temperature changes, keeping rooms warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
- Elegant design: Shutters add a timeless aesthetic to any home, boosting curb appeal and resale value.
- Enhanced privacy: With tier-on-tier designs, for instance, you can open the top section for light while keeping the bottom closed for privacy.
Is the improvement noticeable?
If you’re wondering whether shutters will make a difference in your home, consider the specific problem you’re trying to solve.
If your primary goal is to completely block out noise, then shutters alone won’t be enough.
However, if you’re looking for a combination of improved privacy, insulation, and a perceived reduction in noise levels, then shutters could be a great choice.
Thinking about shutters for noise reduction? Here’s what to keep in mind
While shutters can help reduce the intensity of outside noise, they won’t create a silent home.
If you’re on the fence about shutters, ask yourself: Am I looking for more than just soundproofing?
Shutters provide numerous benefits beyond sound reduction, making them a smart option for homeowners who want a versatile window treatment that offers style, function, and a bit of noise relief.
And the best part?
You don’t have to compromise on aesthetics to achieve some level of comfort.
Shutters offer a small but noticeable improvement in noise levels for homes near busy roads or train tracks.
While they won’t block all sound, they provide other valuable benefits, such as privacy, light control, and improved insulation, making them a well-rounded choice for homeowners looking to enhance their living spaces.