Living in a vibrant city like Chicago, IL offers endless opportunities—world-class dining, stunning architecture, and a cultural pulse that’s second to none. However, along with all the energy and excitement, comes one less-desirable feature: city noise. Whether it’s traffic on Lake Shore Drive, sirens in the Loop, or construction near your neighborhood in Lincoln Park, unwanted noise can interfere with your comfort, focus, and sleep.

Fortunately, the right noise-reducing window treatments can help restore peace and quiet inside your home or office. At Superior View Window Fashions, we specialize in high-quality, stylish solutions that reduce sound transmission without sacrificing beauty or function.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the best noise-reducing window treatments available to Chicago residents, how they work, and why they’re essential for urban living.

Why City Dwellers in Chicago Need Noise Control

Urban Noise is More Than an Inconvenience

Chicago is known for its bustling neighborhoods—from Wicker Park to Streeterville. But whether you’re living in a high-rise near Navy Pier or a historic brownstone in Hyde Park, outside noise can become a constant disturbance. Noise pollution doesn’t just affect your mood—it impacts your sleep quality, productivity, and overall well-being.

The solution? Incorporating noise-reducing window treatments that are specifically designed to insulate your home against sound.

Horizions curtains in home office

How Noise-Reducing Window Treatments Work

Understanding Sound Absorption and Insulation

Not all window treatments are created equal. While many people think of blinds, shades, shutters, and draperies as decorative or light-filtering elements, many premium products serve a dual purpose by offering noise insulation.

Noise-reducing window treatments work by:

  • Absorbing sound vibrations that enter through the windowpanes

  • Blocking gaps where noise can leak in

  • Adding dense layers of material to interrupt sound waves

  • Creating an airtight seal when custom-fitted

At Superior View Window Fashions, we offer advanced solutions tailored to reduce both airborne and impact noise, making your Chicago home significantly quieter.

Best Types of Noise-Reducing Window Treatments

1. Cellular Shades: A Smart Choice for Sound Absorption

Cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, are one of the most effective noise-reducing window treatments on the market. Their unique structure features a series of honeycomb-shaped pockets that trap air, creating a barrier against outside noise.

Why They Work:

  • Double- and triple-cell designs increase insulation

  • Fabric options can help absorb sound

  • Custom sizing ensures tight window coverage

Ideal for:

  • Bedrooms near busy streets

  • Apartments in the Loop

  • Home offices in River North

At Superior View Window Fashions, we offer motorized options for your cellular shades, making it easy to adjust them without disturbing your environment.

2. Draperies: Elegant and Effective Sound Damping

Heavy, lined draperies are another top performer when it comes to noise-reducing window treatments. They provide a soft barrier that absorbs echoes and muffles outside sounds.

Key Benefits:

  • Thick materials like velvet, suede, or layered polyester block sound

  • Full-length coverage offers enhanced noise control

  • Blackout liners add an additional layer of protection

Best Locations:

  • Living rooms facing busy avenues

  • Media rooms

  • Vintage buildings with single-pane windows

We custom-tailor all draperies at Superior View to match your style and noise-reduction goals. You can even pair them with shades or blinds for superior performance.

3. Faux Wood and Real Wood Shutters: A Solid Barrier to Noise

While not commonly thought of for sound control, plantation shutters—especially when made of dense hardwood or poly materials—can effectively block street noise when tightly installed.

Noise Reduction Features:

  • Solid construction dampens sound waves

  • Tight-fitting louvers reduce air gaps

  • Internal air pockets within some shutter designs enhance insulation

Perfect for:

  • Street-level windows in townhomes

  • Kitchens and bathrooms

  • Condos with HOA restrictions on exterior noise-proofing

Superior View offers custom-fit shutters that are built for the unique climate of Chicago and designed to reduce city noise without compromising curb appeal.

4. Roman Shades: Soft Layers That Block Sound

Roman shades are made from layers of fabric that fold up into pleats. Their thickness and construction make them a popular option among Chicago homeowners who want something both stylish and functional.

Sound Benefits:

  • Heavy fabrics absorb mid- to high-frequency sounds

  • Interlining options add weight and density

  • Full window coverage blocks gaps

Top Uses:

  • Dining rooms

  • Family rooms

  • Older homes with wood-framed windows

Roman shades can also be paired with side panels for maximum sound blocking. At Superior View Window Fashions, we offer endless fabric choices that meet both aesthetic and performance needs.

5. Layered Treatments: Maximize Noise Control

For those dealing with serious noise issues—think proximity to the “L” train or high foot traffic—a single treatment may not be enough. Layering different types of noise-reducing window treatments can significantly enhance your soundproofing.

Best Combinations:

  • Cellular shades + draperies

  • Roman shades + side panels

  • Shutters + blackout drapes

Layering helps:

  • Block multiple noise frequencies

  • Eliminate sound leaks from the sides or top of windows

  • Increase energy efficiency in winter and summer

At Superior View, we provide in-home consultations throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, helping you create the perfect layered solution for your unique space.

Why Custom Fitting Matters

Off-the-shelf window treatments often leave gaps where noise can creep in. Precision matters, especially when you live in a noisy urban environment like Chicago.

The Advantages of Custom-Fitted Solutions:

  • Exact measurements for each window

  • Tailored materials for your noise needs

  • Better seal = better sound insulation

Every set of noise-reducing window treatments installed by Superior View Window Fashions is crafted to fit perfectly—no rattling, no gaps, and no compromises.

Motorization and Automation: Control Noise and Light Seamlessly

With our motorized window treatments, you can reduce noise and control privacy at the push of a button. Quiet operation means no disruptive cords or manual adjustment sounds—ideal for early mornings, movie nights, or naptime.

Motorization is available for:

  • Cellular shades

  • Roller and solar shades

  • Draperies

Plus, our systems are compatible with smart home technology, making it easy to control your noise-reducing window treatments through voice commands or mobile apps.

Local Noise Issues in Chicago: Know Your Neighborhood

Not all noise is created equal, and different parts of Chicago experience different sound profiles. Here’s a brief overview of common urban noise challenges and how Superior View Window Fashions can help:

Downtown & River North

  • Problem: Traffic, sirens, nightlife

  • Solution: Blackout drapes + cellular shades

Wicker Park & Logan Square

  • Problem: Music, street noise, foot traffic

  • Solution: Roman shades + interlining

West Loop & South Loop

  • Problem: Train noise, construction

  • Solution: Plantation shutters + draperies

Lincoln Park & Lakeview

  • Problem: Bus routes, kids playing outside

  • Solution: Faux wood blinds + noise-insulating drapes

Suburban Areas

  • Problem: Lawn care, highway traffic

  • Solution: Layered noise-reducing window treatments

Wherever you live in Chicago, we’ll help you choose the ideal combination to suit your space and lifestyle.

Additional Benefits of Noise-Reducing Window Treatments

While reducing sound is the main goal, many of these treatments offer bonus advantages that improve daily life in the city:

  • Energy efficiency: Save on heating and cooling

  • Increased privacy: Keep your interior safe from view

  • Light control: Block glare and UV rays

  • Enhanced design: Complement your modern or classic home style

With the right noise-reducing window treatments, you can transform your Chicago home into a true retreat from the outside world.

Installation Services Throughout Chicago

At Superior View Window Fashions, we serve residents throughout the entire Chicago area, including:

  • The Loop

  • Lincoln Park

  • Wicker Park

  • Lakeview

  • South Loop

  • River North

  • West Loop

  • Hyde Park

  • Suburbs including Oak Park, Evanston, Skokie, and more

We offer free consultations, expert measurement, and professional installation—ensuring your noise-reducing window treatments deliver the performance and style you expect.

Why Choose Superior View for Noise-Reducing Window Treatments?

When it comes to city living, you deserve solutions that are tailored to your specific environment. With more than a decade of experience in custom window coverings, Superior View Window Fashions offers:

  • A full range of noise-reducing options: blinds, shades, shutters, draperies

  • Smart motorization: control with your phone or voice

  • Expert advice and local knowledge

  • Meticulous installation that ensures noise-reducing performance

We’re proud to help Chicagoans achieve quieter, more peaceful homes—without sacrificing style.

Ready for a Quieter Home?

Don’t let outside noise interfere with your quality of life. The right noise-reducing window treatments can make all the difference—whether you’re working from home, raising a family, or simply trying to enjoy your space.

Let Superior View Window Fashions help you find the ideal window solutions to keep the sounds of the city at bay.

📞 Call us at 888-222-1917
📧 Email us at [email protected]
🌐 Or schedule your consultation online today

Peace and quiet are possible in Chicago—with help from the experts at Superior View Window Fashions.