As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.
How to Reduce Street Noise in Apartments: Window Treatment Kit for Fall (2026 Guide)
Street noise — buses, late-night deliveries, or constant traffic — becomes more noticeable when you close windows and try to sleep or work from home. If you live in an apartment and want a practical, renter-friendly way to cut that noise this fall, this guide shows how to build an effective window treatment kit: blackout curtains plus cellular shades and a few installation tricks. You’ll learn which curtain panels work best, how they reduce sound (and drafts), and what to pair them with. Products below were chosen for material, thermal weight, customer feedback on build/look, and how well they integrate into a layered sound-control setup.
Quick Answer
The most effective single pick here is the Easy-Going Blackout Curtains (52x96 in, Black) paired with an inner cellular shade: the heavy polyester blackout panels add mass and block drafts while the cellular shade traps air, together noticeably reducing street noise in cooler months.
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
Select 2-3 products to compare side-by-side
| Compare | Product | CozyMeter Score | Price Tier | Key Feature | Best For | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Easy-Going Blackout 52x96 Black
|
Premium | Heavy polyester thermal blackout | Bedrooms needing dark, insulating drapes | Check Price | ||
Easy-Going Blackout 52x84 Greyish
|
Budget | Affordable thermal blackout | Renters on a budget who want dark rooms | Check Price | ||
Easy-Going Blackout 52x96 White
|
Budget | Light-colored thermal fabric | Rooms needing brightness plus insulation | Check Price | ||
Easy-Going Blackout 52x96 Peacock
|
Mid-Range | Color-rich thermal finish | Stylish rooms needing thermal and sound benefits | Check Price | ||
Easy-Going Blackout 52x96 Ivory
|
Premium | Neutral thermal performance | Neutral decors that need insulation | Check Price |
1. Easy-Going Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, Solid Thermal Insulated Grommet and Noise Reduction Window Drapes, Room Darkening Curtains for Living Room, 2 Panels (52x96 in,Black)
These heavyweight polyester blackout panels add mass at the window and help block mid- and high-frequency street sounds while cutting light and drafts. The grommet top is easy to hang and the fabric is praised for its soft, substantial look—pairing these with a cellular shade increases low-frequency reduction.
Key Specs
- Material: Polyester thermal blackout fabric
- Set: 2 panels, each 52" x 96"
- Top: 8 metal grommets, 1.6" inner diameter
- Care: Machine washable (cold)
Pros
- Substantial, soft-feeling fabric adds mass for sound dampening
- Good color consistency and attractive finish
- Easy to hang and machine washable
Cons
- Thickness reports vary—some users find lighter than expected
- May need a cellular shade or draft-sealing to tackle low-frequency noise
Best For: Bedrooms needing dark, insulating drapes
Check Latest Price on Amazon2. Easy-Going Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, Solid Thermal Insulated Grommet and Noise Reduction Window Drapes, Room Darkening Curtains for Living Room, 2 Panels (52x84 in,Greyish Green)
This budget-friendly blackout option gives good midrange noise reduction through added fabric mass and thermal insulation. Customers like the look and value; sizing and perceived thickness vary, so measure carefully and pair with a cellular shade for best fall noise control.
Key Specs
- Material: Polyester
- Set: 2 panels, each 52" x 84"
- Top: 8 silver metal grommets (1.6" inner diameter)
- Care: Machine washable (cold)
Pros
- Strong value for the price and attractive color options
- Soft, smooth polyester surface that drapes well
- Easy to install with standard curtain rods
Cons
- Some users note a single-layer feel rather than very thick blackout
- Durability and sturdiness are debated for heavy daily use
Best For: Renters on a budget who want dark rooms
Check Latest Price on Amazon3. Easy-Going Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, Solid Thermal Insulated Grommet and Noise Reduction Window Drapes, Room Darkening Curtains for Living Room, 2 Panels (52x96 in,White)
The white panels let you keep a bright room while still adding insulation and some noise reduction. They’re marketed as blocking about half the light in this colorway; the insulating layer helps reduce drafts and some exterior sound but should be used with an inner cellular shade for best results in fall.
Key Specs
- Material: Polyester
- Set: 2 panels, each 52" x 96"
- Function: ~50% light blocking (color-dependent)
- Care: Machine washable (cold)
Pros
- Keeps rooms brighter while offering thermal benefits
- Soft material that improves window aesthetics
- Machine-washable for easy care
Cons
- Not a complete blackout in lighter colors—less effective at blocking light than darker options
- Thickness and sound-blocking ability reported inconsistently
Best For: Rooms needing brightness plus insulation
Check Latest Price on Amazon4. Easy-Going Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, Solid Thermal Insulated Grommet and Noise Reduction Window Drapes, Room Darkening Curtains for Living Room, 2 Panels (52x96 in,Peacock Blue)
This mid-range option balances a strong visual look with thermal weight that helps dampen street noise. Customers mention the fabric doesn’t feel cheap and the color matches on both sides—good for front-facing windows where looks matter as much as function. Pair with a cellular shade to trap air and reduce lower-frequency rumble.
Key Specs
- Material: Polyester with thermal backing
- Set: 2 panels, each 52" x 96"
- Availability: Multiple color options
- Care: Machine washable (cold)
Pros
- Attractive, consistent color on both sides
- Perceived higher quality and heft compared to some budget panels
- Good balance of look and insulating function
Cons
- Thickness perception varies—some buyers expect heavier construction
- May require additional sealing (wrap/side clips) to maximize noise reduction
Best For: Stylish rooms needing thermal and sound benefits
Check Latest Price on Amazon5. Easy-Going Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, Solid Thermal Insulated Grommet and Noise Reduction Window Drapes, Room Darkening Curtains for Living Room, 2 Panels (52x96 in,Ivory)
Ivory panels offer a neutral look with thermal backing that reduces drafts and offers modest sound dampening. The fabric and workmanship are consistently praised, but the panels are not a standalone fix for deep street noise—best used as the outer layer of a layered window treatment kit.
Key Specs
- Material: Polyester thermal fabric
- Set: 2 panels, each 52" x 96"
- Light blocking: ~60% for this color (darker colors block more)
- Care: Machine washable
Pros
- Attractive neutral color that suits many interiors
- Feels well-made and helps insulate windows
- Easy grommet-hanging for quick installation
Cons
- Not fully blackout in lighter shades—less effective at light blocking
- Some customers debate long-term durability for heavy use
Best For: Neutral decors that need insulation
Check Latest Price on AmazonWhich One Should You Choose?
If budget is tight → choose the Easy-Going Blackout Curtains (52x84 in, Greyish Green, ASIN B08F9T7YY2) for cost-effective insulation and a clean look. If you want the best balance of style and function without spending the most → pick the Easy-Going Blackout Curtains (52x96 in, Peacock Blue, ASIN B08F9ZHSSB). If premium quality and maximum mass for noise reduction matter → the Easy-Going Blackout Curtains (52x96 in, Black, ASIN B08FB11P51) are the top single-panel pick; pair any of these with a cellular shade and add side seals to maximize fall noise reduction.
Best for Specific Scenarios
- City bedroom near a busy street: Easy-Going Blackout Curtains (52x96, Black) because the heavier, dark panels add mass and help with night-time noise and blackout for sleep.
- Renter who can’t drill: Easy-Going Blackout Curtains (52x84, Greyish Green) because budget panels with grommets work well on tension rods and still improve insulation and some noise.
- Front-facing living room where looks matter: Easy-Going Blackout Curtains (52x96, Peacock Blue) because the color and finish give a room-ready look while providing thermal and acoustic benefits when layered.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much street noise can curtains and shades actually reduce?
Curtains alone (especially lightweight ones) generally reduce higher-frequency noise and make rooms sound quieter, but they don’t stop low-frequency rumble. A layered kit—cellular shade plus a heavyweight blackout curtain with good overlap and sealed edges—can noticeably reduce perceived street noise by combining mass and trapped air. Expect meaningful improvement, not complete silence; the best results come from sealing gaps and layering.
Will blackout curtains stop truck or motorcycle rumble at night?
Heavy blackout curtains will help reduce mid/high frequencies from distant traffic, but low-frequency rumble from trucks and motorcycles travels through building structure and glass and is harder to block. Pairing a cellular shade to add an air gap, stopping drafts, and using edge seals or magnetic strips around the frame will improve low-frequency reduction more than curtains alone.
Can I get good results without drilling or permanent modifications?
Yes—use tension rods for the curtain panel and adhesive-backed seals or removable magnetic strips for the frame to reduce gaps. Add a cordless cellular shade mounted inside the frame with spring-fit tension or removable brackets. These renter-friendly steps provide noticeable noise and draft reduction without permanent changes.
How We Selected These Products
Our recommendations are based on data-driven analysis: we evaluated 279586+ products across 40813+ brands using a composite scoring system that weighs rating (40%), review volume (30%), price value (20%), and demand signals (10%). Every product is ranked by data, not opinions.
Last updated: September 15, 2026
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure.
CozyMeter Score is our editorial ranking based on a composite analysis of product quality, value, and verified customer sentiment. Click through to Amazon for current pricing, availability, and live customer reviews.