Shared open spaces in your home or office look roomy, save a lot of construction costs, and make the interior open to frequent changes.
However, this open space also becomes the reason for disturbance as noise created in one area travels to the other quickly, making it annoying for different people sharing the space.
This is where a room divider comes to play. Room dividers are designed to block sound, minimize sound vibration, and add a decorative element to the foyer.
Do Room Dividers Block Sound?
Think of sound as air because sound travels like air. Room dividers help block sound (some of it but not all), depending on the type of product you install. These noise reducing establishments create a barrier between the noise source and the other people sharing the same space.
Noticeably, depending on the material of a room divider, you can ascertain its effectiveness in blocking the noise. Therefore, some designs are more effective than others.
So, let us learn more about the different materials that can be used to create a sound dampening room barrier.
What Materials Can be Used to Create a Soundproof Room Divider?
The level of efficiency is different for different materials. So, let’s have a look at them one by one.
Glass Partition
Soundproof glass partitions are one of the most effective ways to block sound, as this material is denser than its counterparts. Glass is an excellent choice as it not only divides the room but also provides a practical soundproofing effect.
The best part is that glass barriers do not have holes, which makes it difficult for the ambient noise and sound waves to pass through the material. Lastly, glass is inexpensive, low maintenance, and an attractive way of creating a sound barrier.
Curtains
A divider curtain is yet another efficient object to block sound. However, its effectiveness depends on the fabric you use for the curtains. For instance, a heavier curtain might not look attractive, but it is more capable of absorbing sound, making the place quieter.
On the other hand, thin, knitted curtains will add a designer look to your space, but they are not as excellent at absorbing sound. Materials like suede, velvet, etc., are often considered the first choice for noise canceling as they are manufactured with closer fiber arrangement.
You can also pick curtains with thermal insulation, which will work as a great sound and light barrier.
Foldable Panel Partition
Foldable panel partitions are typically designed in one piece, which makes them easy to move. These dividers are incredibly versatile as you can use them indoors and outdoors.
Foldable panel partitions are generally made of wood, reflecting an antique style. As a result, they also add a decorative element to your home or office.
These dividers can also create a bit of private space while blocking light and sound.
Acoustic Room Divider
Acoustic room dividers are great for separating space in both home and office. They are typically sold in single panels, and each panel is designed with feet to make shifting easy.
The best part is that you can buy multiple acoustic dividers and zip them together to customize the size of the room divider you want.
These dividers are manufactured using acoustic fabric, which is excellent at absorbing sound. Furthermore, they are available in a wide range of color options, making it easier for you to pick the suitable option.
360 Accordion Portable Partition
360 accordion portable partition is lightweight and incredibly easy to move. These dividers are typically designed with wheels, which makes it easier for you to move them from one corner to the other.
In addition, they are manufactured in different heights and widths, providing you with enough options to choose from. The material used in these products makes them great for blocking sound to a large extent.
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What to Look for in a Soundproof Room Divider?
The effectiveness of the sound blocking feature in a home divider depends on several factors. Let’s discuss them in detail.
Density
The density of the material used in a room divider is measured by the tightness of the molecules packed in it.
A soundproof material has to fall within an acceptable density range, where high density means the lower transmission of sound waves, and lower density means the higher transmission of sound waves.
Notably, if the density of the material gets too high, it would make the sound waves get reflected from the surface of the divider.
Airtightness
Airtightness refers to the tight building of the cells in the material so that it can minimize or control the flow of air through the divider.
Lesser or no airflow through the material means a better barrier to sound transmission.
Material’s porosity
Porous materials are widely used to control sound, as when sound waves hit the porous material, the sound energy gets converted into thermal energy.
It happens as a result of friction caused by the wall and the air found inside the pore. Highly porous material will absorb the sound waves.
Note: Porous materials do not block the sound. Instead, it absorbs the sound waves.
Material’s Tortuosity
Tortuosity is the measurement of the twists and turns imbibed in the cell arrangement of the material.
More significant twists and turns would make it difficult for the sound waves to travel. As a result, these waves will lose momentum and get dampened.
Style
Different wall dividers are manufactured in different styles. Some come in single panels, while others have multiple panels joined together.
On the other hand, the material, design, color and intricacy also vary from one variety to the other. So, choose a product depending on your choice and the interior to which you’re trying to sync the room divider.
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Bringing to a Close
A wall divider is not only a noise cancelation object; you can also use it to create a private space and even decorate an open space.
Moveable room dividers (as most of them usually are) are exceptionally versatile, helping you give a new look to your home and office interior.
The trendy design and upmarket material used in manufacturing these products make them a decorative element.
So, choose one for the open space at your end today and make a difference instantly.