Wooden blinds vs cellular shades for acoustics


Standard old school advice for large window acoustical treatment seems to be "heavy draperies". Some cellular shades (Hunter Douglas, Bali) have high factory-rated NRC (0.60 or better). That's about the same for what little I've found for draperies.

Recently, I heard that partially-open wooden blinds are best for acoustics, acting through diffusion, rather than absorption. Opinions? Experiences?

Thanks
leeofb

Showing 1 response by rhljazz

I have three windows on the left side of my room that measure approx 34x60 ea so in effect the windows dominate that wall. I previously had cloth vertical blinds and recently replaced these with solid wood shutters.
Sonically, I feel it is an improvement compared to the verticals. It is also possible to make some adjustments to the presentation by different orientations of the wood slats. It is not a major change, subtle but noticeable. I don't know how the shutters would compare to standard drapes or other types of blinds. I feel I made the right choice. I will post updated room photos in a couple of weeks once new carpet is installed.