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Short answer
Acoustic fabric means one of two opposite things. Sound-absorbing fabric, such as heavy, full velvet curtains, soaks up echo itself. Acoustically transparent fabric is open and breathable, so sound passes through it to an absorbent panel or a speaker behind. Ask which job the fabric must do, and for panels, use a fabric the panel maker has tested with their system.
What are the two kinds of acoustic fabric?
| Sound-absorbing | Acoustically transparent | |
|---|---|---|
| Job | Absorbs echo itself | Lets sound pass to a panel or speaker |
| Construction | Heavy, dense, often pile | Open, breathable weave or knit |
| Examples | Velvet curtains, lined drapes, stage curtains | Acoustic panel covers, speaker cloth, workstation screens |
| Works best | Hung full, with deep folds | Stretched flat over an absorbent core |
Good to know
A dense, coated or backed fabric on an acoustic panel reflects sound and can stop the panel working. That is why panel fabric is usually open and breathable.
How can you test a fabric for acoustic panels?
- Blow through it: if air passes easily, sound usually will too.
- Hold it to the light: an open weave lets light through evenly.
- Avoid coatings, foam backings and laminates on panel fabric.
- Ask the panel maker which fabrics their system has been tested with, and for the panel's sound absorption rating.
Where do sound-absorbing fabrics help?
- Living rooms and home theatres with hard floors: full, floor-length velvet or lined curtains. See Home Theatre Curtains.
- Offices and meeting rooms: curtains plus fabric-wrapped panels. See Office Chair and Workstation Fabric.
- Halls and auditoriums: heavy stage curtains. See Stage and Auditorium Curtain Fabric.
- Cafes and restaurants: upholstered booths and wall panels. See Upholstered Wall Panels.
Fabric reduces echo inside a room; it does not soundproof it. Blocking outside noise needs mass and airtight windows. See Noise-Reducing Curtains.
Which JOTEX fabrics absorb sound?
Dense velvets absorb echo well when hung with fullness: VELVET and CINEMA are polyester velvets of about 280 gsm. For acoustic panel covers, ask the panel maker to test the fabric with their system before specifying. See Velvet Curtains.
Frequently asked questions
What is acoustic fabric?
Either fabric that absorbs sound itself, such as heavy velvet curtains, or open fabric that lets sound through to an acoustic panel or speaker behind it.
Can any fabric cover an acoustic panel?
No. Dense, coated or backed fabrics reflect sound. Use an open, breathable fabric the panel maker has tested.
Do velvet curtains absorb sound?
Yes, especially when full and floor-length. They reduce echo but do not soundproof a room.
What is acoustically transparent fabric?
Open, breathable fabric that lets sound pass through to a panel or speaker, such as speaker cloth.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.