Designing Sound-Dampening Drapery Panels for a Music Studio

Window treatments are often thought of in terms of light control and privacy, but in some spaces, they serve a much broader purpose. In a recent collaboration with Savannah interior design firm SAVI Interiors, we were brought in to support the design of a music studio in Savannah, where the drapery needed to help manage acoustics.

The client was looking for custom panels that would do more than just look beautiful. They needed to control sound, manage light, and contribute to the overall feel of the room. Our role was to bring that vision to life, balancing acoustic performance with refined midcentury-inspired design.

Material Selection: Sound Matters

We started with a dense velvet in a warm rust tone, a classic choice for studios because of its natural sound-absorbing properties. To improve the acoustic performance, we interlined the fabric with English bump, which adds significant weight and thickness. This traditional interlining helps soften sound reflections in the room while giving the panels structure.

The drapery was finished with a standard lining, which protects the fabric layers from wear, and helps the panels hang consistently over time.

Ripple Folds That Perform

The designer envisioned deep ripple folds for the finished look, and we engineered the panels to meet that request. Ripple folds aren’t just a stylistic choice, they increase the surface area of the fabric, which further improves sound absorption.

To create clean, consistent folds, we used buckram to stabilize the header and hem, and applied drapery tape to control spacing. These details help the panels hold their shape and maintain a tailored look, that will stand up to moving equipment around the space

Installation That Works Hard Behind the Scenes

Because of the weight of the fabric and interlining, we needed a strong and secure installation method. But we also wanted the system to be practical, removable if needed, and able to hold up over time.

We used a layered approach:

• Velcro allowed for easy removal or future adjustments

• Hooks ensured even spacing and weight distribution

• L-brackets created a solid structural anchor

This combination made for a clean, secure installation that worked just as well functionally as it did visually.

Design That Supports the Space

The finished panels do exactly what they were designed to do. They soften sound, support the studio’s function, and contribute to the overall atmosphere of the room. This is what we love about what we do: finding solutions that look good, work well, and support our trade partners and their clients.

Have a project with unique performance needs? We’d love to hear about it.