In our area, pickleball is all the rage, but sometimes the sound of all that fun can create a different kind of rage for nearby homeowners. Add in traffic from Route 202, passing trains through Paoli and Wynnewood, early-morning landscaping, and lively boroughs like West Chester and Media, and outside noise becomes a daily distraction.
For homes with older windows, drafts and thinner panes make unwanted sound even more noticeable. Although no window treatment can fully replace upgraded windows, professionally measured and professionally installed treatments can make a meaningful difference in reducing outside noise.
The suggestions below assume proper installation, which is essential for maximizing sound reduction and for having the best possible look.
If pickleball’s high-pitched pops, neighborhood chatter, or other outdoor noise is cutting into your peace or disturbing your baby’s naptime, the right window treatments are a great solution.
1. Interior Shutters — Best Overall Noise Blocker
Interior shutters offer the most significant noise reduction because their solid construction creates a rigid barrier over the window. When custom-fit, they seal tightly, helping block low-frequency sounds like traffic rumble, HVAC noise, or your neighbor’s loud motorcycle.
Local fit: They’re especially effective in historic homes with older windows.
2. Layered Solutions (Honeycomb + Drapery) — Strongest Combined Performance
Pairing a single or double -cell honeycomb shade with lined drapery delivers one of the most effective noise solutions available without replacing your windows. The shade insulates while the drapery adds mass and sound absorption, significantly reducing outdoor noise.
Local fit: Great for townhomes or borough-style homes in West Chester, Media, and Phoenixville, where windows sit close to neighboring homes and daily noise carries easily.
3. Single, Double or triple-Cell Honeycomb Shades — Best Insulating, Single Fabric Option
Honeycomb shades use insulating air pockets to absorb sound. They soften voices, road noise, and daily activity, especially when custom-fit to minimize gaps.
Local Fit: These are excellent for bedrooms, nurseries, and home offices facing busy streets.
4. Heavy, Lined Drapery — Strong Sound Absorption
Floor-to-ceiling, lined drapery adds density and absorbs noise, making it a strong option for large windows and sliding doors. The thicker the fabric and lining, the better the performance.
Local Fit: Ideal for larger windows and sliding doors in neighborhoods like Downingtown, Exton, or Newtown Square, where backyard activity, playground noise, or nearby sports fields can carry into the home.
5. Roman Shades (Thick & Lined) — Moderate Noise Control
Roman shades provide decent absorption, especially with blackout or thermal linings. They’re a stylish choice for reducing mid-frequency noise, but don’t insulate as well as honeycombs.
Local Fit: Great for decorative rooms in older Main Line stone homes through Wayne, Bryn Mawr, and Ardmore, where drafty frames and thin panes make everyday noise more noticeable.
6. Roller Shades — Light Noise Reduction
Blackout or thermal roller shades offer moderate sound insulation but are better at blocking light than at reducing noise. They perform best when tightly fitted to the frame.
Local Fit: A good choice for condos or apartments in areas like King of Prussia or Conshohocken, where traffic and parking-lot noise are present but not overwhelming.
7. Vertical Blinds — Minimal Noise Reduction
Verticals can reduce indoor echo, but they don’t block exterior noise well due to gaps between slats. They’re often used on sliding doors but aren't ideal for noise control unless paired with drapery.
Local fit: Common for patio and deck doors in suburban homes across Chester Springs, West Grove, and Glen Mills. They can help soften interior echo, but should be paired with drapery if outside noise is a concern.
8. Least Effective Options
- Sheer Shades: Minimal exterior noise reduction.
- Wood/Faux-Wood Blinds: Gaps between slats let sound through.
- Sheer Curtains: Purely decorative, no insulation.
Local fit: Popular in bright sunrooms and kitchen windows in places like Malvern, Berwyn, and Media, where style and light control matter more than noise reduction.
Quick Tips for a Quieter Room
- Choose treatments that add mass, insulation, or both.
- Layering delivers the best non-construction results.
- Ensure a tight, custom fit to reduce noise gaps.
- Weatherstrip older frames for added improvement.
- Consider a valance or cornice to reduce sound gaps at the top.
- Contact Chrystèle for help finding your perfect solution.
Quiet Your Home with Bumble Bee’s Window Treatments
If outside noise is affecting your comfort, the Bumble Bee Blinds team can help. We’ll measure, custom-fit, and recommend the best solutions to make your home quieter, more peaceful, and beautiful.