When a curtain is marketed as “soundproof,” “acoustic,” or “noise-reducing,” the challenge isn’t finding a claim. It’s determining whether that claim can be verified.
A spectacular advertisement does not necessarily prove that a company is being deceptive. Conversely, an elegant website, dozens of positive reviews, or a decibel rating highlighted on the site do not constitute proof of acoustic performance.
For a consumer looking to avoid a scam at soundproof curtain, the right question is therefore not so much “Is this offer a scam?” but rather: What objective factors can be used to distinguish measured performance from a marketing claim that cannot be verified?
After more than ten years of working on acoustic textile solutions, we believe that a thorough evaluation rests on three pillars: the product, the measurement method, and the identity of the seller.
A decibel reading, on its own, proves almost nothing
“High- noise reduction ,” “spectacular dB rating,” “maximum performance”: these phrases give the impression of precision. However, an acoustic figure can only be interpreted if one knows what was measured, how it was measured, at what frequencies, and under what conditions.
The decibel is a logarithmic unit. A measurement at a given frequency is not equivalent to an overall acoustic index. A value expressed in dB(A)—which applies a weighting corresponding to the sensitivity of the human ear—should also not be confused with an Rw-type sound reduction index.
Before comparing two curtains, be sure to ask what the advertised price actually covers.
- Does this figure refer to a specific frequency or an overall index?
- Are we measuring a difference in sound level or airborne sound insulation?
- What area of the product was tested?
- How was the curtain installed?
- How much space or air gap was there?
- Which laboratory conducted the test?
- According to which standard?
- Is the full report or a sufficiently detailed excerpt available for review?
Without these elements, two numbers that both use the unit “dB” may describe different things and should not be compared directly.
ISO 10140-2: What This Standard Really Offers
The ISO 10140-2 standard pertains to the laboratory measurement of airborne sound insulation of building elements. It provides a controlled protocol for measuring and comparing a building element under a defined configuration.
This distinction is crucial: a standardized measurement reflects performance in a laboratory setting, not a universal guarantee for every home.
A poorly sealed window, a draft, a roller shutter box, a door, heat transfer through the walls, or even the way the curtain is hung can affect the final result.
When a seller cites a standard, also make sure they provide the exact reference. A vague statement such as “tested according to European standards” is much less informative than a reference that identifies the specific protocol used.
The laboratory is just as important as the reported figure
To evaluate the performance of a acoustic curtain, find out where the measurement comes from.
A comprehensive report typically identifies the laboratory, the product tested, the date, the report number, the method used, the test conditions, and the measured results.
Laboratory accreditation provides an additional level of confidence, particularly when it covers the relevant test area. It allows us to distinguish between a measurement taken in a controlled metrological environment and a simple test conducted with a sound level meter in a room.
An unsigned chart, a screenshot with no source, or a value reproduced in a commercial image is no substitute for a report.
If a report is mentioned but cannot be obtained, ask about it before paying. To get a clear idea of the level of detail you can expect, see our guide on acoustic test reports.
"Up to" isn't the problem; the lack of context is
A maximum performance can legitimately be described using the words “up to,” provided that its source and the corresponding conditions are identifiable.
What should give cause for caution is, rather, a series of phrases such as “optimal conditions” without a definition, “acoustically tested” without a laboratory or report, “certified technology” without an identifiable certifying body, or a single dB value without distinguishing between an overall rating and a frequency-specific value.
The more specific the promise is, the more specific the evidence should be as well.
First, check who is actually selling you the curtain
A website's visual identity does not indicate where the company is located or which company you are doing business with.
Before making an online purchase, check the legal notices, the company name, the physical address, and the contact information. This information will help you identify who to contact if you encounter any issues. The DGCCRF outlines the general disclosure requirements.
Since the implementation of European Regulation (EU) 2023/988 on general product safety, distance sales offers must also include certain traceability information. When the manufacturer is not established in the European Union, the offer must, in particular, include the contact information of the responsible person established in the Union.
This does not preclude the curtain's acoustic quality, but it is a useful indicator of traceability.
Customer reviews should be viewed as a source of information, not as scientific proof
Reviews of a soundproof curtain can provide information on delivery, perceived quality, customer service, or ease of use. They do not, on their own, confirm acoustic performance.
Article L.111-7-2 of the Consumer Code requires entities that collect, moderate, or publish online reviews to provide fair, clear, and transparent information regarding their publication and handling. When compensation is provided in exchange for submitting a review, this information must also be disclosed.
Here are a few helpful tips: distinguish between a review that is genuinely based on a purchasing experience and a simple comment; check to see if there are any negative reviews as well; look at the dates; look for specific descriptions; and consult several sources independent of the retailer’s website.
The presence of hundreds of high ratings can never replace technical data when a purchasing decision depends on acoustic performance.
noise-reducing curtain : Does it work or not?
acoustic curtain s don't operate in a vacuum. Their effectiveness depends not only on the product itself, but also on their installation and the configuration of the opening.
The same fabric can produce different results depending on the surface area covered, peripheral leaks, the presence of an air gap, the type of opening, or even the noise spectrum to which you are exposed.
A laboratory test answers the question: How did this product perform in the tested protocol?
It doesn't automatically answer the question: How many decibels will I gain in my home?
This distinction is at the heart of an honest comparison.
The 10-Point Checklist Before Placing an Order
| Point to check | What you should be able to find | Caution Sign |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Selling Company | Company Name and Legal Status | Identity difficult to determine |
| 2. Address | Physical address clearly displayed | Contact limited to a form |
| 3. Manufacturer / EU Representative | Compliant traceability information | Non-EU manufacturer with no identifiable representative |
| 4. Acoustic Performance | Value, along with its metric and context | A large number in dB with no explanation |
| 5. Test Standard | Specific reference to the protocol | "Tested in accordance with standards" |
| 6. Laboratory | Laboratory Name and Verification Criteria | Undocumented internal test |
| 7. Report | Number, date, product, and configuration tested | Anonymous graphic |
| 8. Test Conditions | Setup and relevant settings explained | Undefined “optimal conditions” |
| 9. Customer Reviews | Accessible Data Collection and Monitoring Method | Unclear Source of Reviews |
| 10. Terms and Conditions and Customer Service | Clear Information on Shipping, Returns, Warranties, and the Ombudsman | Vague terms or contact person cannot be located |
No single criterion, taken on its own, is sufficient. The value of this framework lies in its overall coherence.
If the curtain you receive does not match what was promised
Keep any documents that existed at the time of purchase: a screenshot of the product page, order confirmation, advertisement, promotional material, emails, and invoice.
A product that does not meet the advertised contractual specifications may be covered by the statutory warranty of conformity. For goods sold new by a business to a consumer, the seller is liable for any lack of conformity that becomes apparent within two years of delivery; those that appear within twenty-four months are presumed to have existed at the time of delivery, unless this presumption is incompatible with the nature of the goods or the defect. These rules are set forth, in particular, in Articles L.217-3 and L.217-7 of the Consumer Code.
A commercial warranty offered by a seller or manufacturer does not replace this legal protection; it is in addition to it.
Be aware, however, that a disappointing sound quality is not necessarily sufficient to prove nonconformity. The delivered product must be compared to the promised specifications and the conditions under which they were advertised.
Right of Withdrawal: Distinguishing Between Standard Products and Custom-Made Items
For distance sales, Article L.221-18 generally provides for a 14-day period to exercise the right of withdrawal, beginning on the date the goods are received.
However, Article L.221-28 specifically excludes goods that are “manufactured to the consumer’s specifications or clearly personalized.” A curtain that is truly custom-made to your measurements may therefore fall under this exception.
This exclusion applies to the right of withdrawal. However, it does not authorize the seller to deliver goods that do not conform to what was ordered.
In the event of non-delivery, the seller remains your point of contact
Once a delivery date has been announced, it must be met. If no date or deadline has been agreed upon, Article L.216-1 stipulates that delivery must be made without undue delay and no later than 30 days after the contract is concluded.
In the event of a delay, Article L.216-6 generally provides that the seller must be given formal notice to deliver within a reasonable additional period, and that the contract may then be terminated if the seller still fails to perform. Certain situations permit immediate termination, particularly when the seller manifestly refuses to deliver or when the delivery date was an essential term of the contract.
The professional who entered into the distance contract remains, moreover, automatically liable for its proper performance, even when the delivery is physically carried out by another service provider, subject to the grounds for exemption provided by law.
When communication with the seller breaks down
Start by filing a written complaint so you have a record of it.
If the dispute persists, SignalConso allows you to report the issue to the DGCCRF. The consumer ombudsman designated by the business may then be contacted after a prior written complaint has not been resolved satisfactorily; this mediation is free of charge for the consumer.
If the seller is based in another European Union country, Iceland, or Norway, a consumer residing in France can contact the European Consumer Center France. For cross-border fraud or scams involving, in particular, a party located outside the European Union, econsumer.gov allows you to file an international report.
You can also ask your bank or payment provider what options are available for disputing your transaction. The terms, required documentation, and time limits depend on the payment method and the relevant organization.
Finally, the former European RLL/ODR platform is no longer available: the submission of new complaints ceased on March 20, 2025, and the platform was shut down on July 20, 2025.
The position of NOKOMIS
At NOKOMIS, we consistently distinguish between the overall sound insulation index and the values measured by frequency band. The 4-layer composite used in our Performance PLUS line was tested by the BELAC-accredited Daidalos Peutz laboratory in accordance with the NBN EN ISO 10140-2 standard. Report A-2020LAB-060-I766-44092_E establishes an Rw(C;Ctr) rating of 14(−1;−3) dB and a value of up to 28.2 dB at 5,000 Hz. The test report is available so that these results can be contextualized within their measurement conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions Before Buying a soundproof curtain
How can you tell if a decibel value is reliable?
Ask for the exact measurement, the standard used, the name of the laboratory, the configuration tested, and a report that can be reviewed. A single value does not allow for a meaningful comparison.
If a curtain is advertised as "X dB," will it provide exactly X dB of sound reduction in my home?
No, not necessarily. A laboratory result corresponds to a specific test setup. The actual result depends, among other things, on the aperture, stray light, and installation.
Are hundreds of positive reviews enough to evaluate a web acoustic curtain ?
No. Reviews are useful for evaluating the customer experience, but they are not a substitute for acoustic measurements. You should also check how they are collected and verified.
Can I return a " soundproof curtain " purchased online?
A standard product purchased online is generally subject to the 14-day statutory right of withdrawal. An item made to your specifications or significantly personalized may fall under the exception provided for in Article L.221-28.
What should you do if a specific performance was advertised but the product appears to be noncompliant?
Keep proof of the promise and submit a written complaint to the seller, describing the discrepancy in detail. Depending on the circumstances, the statutory warranty of conformity may apply.
