Living Near Boston’s T Lines? These Sound-Dampening Shades and Blinds Can Transform Your Noisy Home Into a Peaceful Sanctuary

If you’ve ever lived near one of Boston’s MBTA train lines, you know the struggle all too well. At Park Street Station, trains rounding a tight corner averaged 111 dBA, and at Boylston Station, the screech of trains heading east hit an average of 104 dBA, with a peak reading of 115 dBA – that’s comparable to a rock concert or sandblaster. For residents in neighborhoods like Readville, Dedham and Milton, the overnight vibrations, humming and train horns from Readville’s two train yards have especially bedeviled them since 2020, with some reporting that vibrations would not only set their beds to moving, but could be felt right through their bodies.

The good news? You don’t have to endure sleepless nights and constant noise disruption. The right window treatments can dramatically reduce train noise infiltration, creating the peaceful home environment you deserve. With Boston’s municipal code setting unreasonable noise levels at anything louder than 50 decibels from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., or anything louder than 70 decibels at any time, many MBTA-adjacent homes clearly exceed these standards.

Why Traditional Window Treatments Fall Short Against Train Noise

Regular blinds and basic curtains simply aren’t designed to handle the intense, low-frequency vibrations and high-decibel screeching that MBTA trains produce. The sound of MBTA Red Line trains rumbling through tunnels averaged around 90 dBA, but in some cases leaped to above 110 dBA. Standard window coverings might block some light, but they lack the specialized construction needed to absorb and dampen these powerful sound waves.

As one Readville resident described the impact: “During the warmer months, before you turn the air conditioning on, if you have windows open it’s torture”. This is where professional-grade, sound-dampening window treatments become essential.

The Science Behind Effective Sound-Dampening Window Treatments

The most effective noise-reducing window treatments work through multiple mechanisms. Noise cancelling blinds are engineered with thick, high-quality fabrics and multi-layered designs that help absorb and dampen sound, with cellular (honeycomb) shades and layered fabric materials creating an insulating barrier between your windows and the outside world.

Cellular Shades are the top window coverings for sound absorption, and here’s why they’re particularly effective against train noise:

• Honeycomb Blinds are the superior choice when it comes to blinds that help to soundproof a room, with their uniquely designed cellular structure helping to trap noise within the cells, preventing the sounds from entering the home
• These shades can absorb up to 60% of sound, depending on the fabric selected
• Because of their honeycomb construction, cellular shades are one of the best window treatments for noise reduction from traffic in a busy street, as they capture and trap air coming through the windows and can keep external noise from coming into your bedroom, home office, or other space

Top Window Treatment Solutions for MBTA Noise

1. Double-Cell Cellular Shades

Double cell shades provide an additional layer of protection and are particularly effective for homes near train lines. For the best sound reduction properties, opt for a Honeycomb Blind with a blockout fabric and double cells to increase the soundproofing in a room.

2. Layered Window Treatment Systems

The most sound absorbent window covering combination is thick drapes layered over Hunter Douglas Duette® Honeycomb Shades, as the honeycomb cells trap light and uv rays in addition to sound. Two window coverings provide more sound reduction than any one covering could on its own.

3. Roman Shades with Sound-Absorbing Fabrics

If you live on a highly traveled road or in a busy city, you might consider Roman shades for dampening sound, as their heavier fabric adds a sound absorbing layer. The fabric that makes up Roman Shades helps reduce sound, with the thickest fabrics being the most sound absorbent.

Professional Installation Makes the Difference

When dealing with serious noise issues like those near MBTA lines, professional installation is crucial. Gaps around windows can significantly compromise sound reduction effectiveness. Where possible, opt for an inside mounted installation to eliminate gaps for sound to travel through, with specialized track systems dramatically reducing the sounds that can come through your window.

For Boston residents seeking expert guidance, working with experienced local professionals who understand the unique challenges of MBTA noise is essential. Mohawk Shade & Blind Inc. is a locally owned and operated company with over 30+ years of industry experience, offering a variety of commercial and residential window covering installs and specializing in blinds, shades and indoor shutter installation. Located at 2098 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge, MA, they’ve been helping Boston-area residents transform their homes since 1986.

When you’re ready to reclaim your peace and quiet, professional shades and blinds Boston installation can make all the difference. Since 1986, they’ve been crafting window solutions that transform houses into homes, with experts helping you choose the perfect fit for your space – because it’s more than just décor, it’s about creating harmony and comfort for you and your family.

Additional Benefits Beyond Noise Reduction

Quality sound-dampening window treatments offer multiple benefits that make them a smart investment:

• Energy Efficient: Many sound-reducing blinds also insulate against heat and cold
• Enhanced Privacy: Keep your conversations private and block outside distractions
• Better light control and insulation from hot or cold temperatures
• Improved sleep quality and reduced stress from constant noise exposure

Making the Investment in Your Quality of Life

Living near Boston’s train lines doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your comfort and peace of mind. “Mitigating sounds from the MBTA as much as we can would be a great benefit”, as noted by noise researcher Dr. Erica Walker. With possible solutions including sound barriers from the MBTA still years away, taking control of your home’s acoustic environment through professional window treatments is the most practical immediate solution.

The typical price range for sound absorbing Cordless Cellular Shades is $40 to $190 for windows ranging in sizes from 19″ W x 24″ H to 72″ W x 84″ H, making this an accessible solution for most budgets. When you consider the value of better sleep, reduced stress, and improved quality of life, sound-dampening window treatments represent one of the most cost-effective home improvements you can make.

Don’t let MBTA noise control your life any longer. With the right combination of professional-grade cellular shades, expert installation, and local expertise, you can transform your noisy home into the peaceful sanctuary you deserve. The trains will keep running, but with proper sound-dampening window treatments, they don’t have to keep you awake.