Drapes or Blinds for Patio Door

I have “S Shaped” vertical blinds on my patio door which is the wall that the speakers face. These have irregular surface and shape with a fabric finish that really helps diffuse the sound. These blinds actually look like drapes when closed. I forget the brand but levelor makes a very similar product.

I prefer blinds to drapes on a patio door as they can be adjusted to regulate the light and sound reflection.

the advantage of Vertical Blinds is they can be angled so thick fabric faces the speakers, and daylight/view is possible from a different angle.

And, think about separate areas of control, rather than one long run.

I've a friend with the problem. Who has used AMS tubes. I was wondering what browns there were so I posed to an AI:

 

If you’ve got windows directly behind a wall (or between speakers) — for example in a listening room / home-theater / studio setup — then “dense” window dressings (thick drapes, acoustic curtains, blackout + insulating curtains, etc.) can help in two ways: 1) reduce outside noise and high-frequency reflections, and 2) absorb some of the sound inside your room to reduce echo/reverberation. (Acoustical Surfaces)

Here are some of the best-reviewed dense window-dressing options I’d consider — tuned toward sound/echo management, blackout/light control, and insulation. I grouped them roughly by how heavy-duty they are.

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🛋️ Top Dense Window Dressings for Behind-Wall or Between-Speaker Windows

OEKO‑TEX Custom 3‑Layer Soundproof Blackout Curtains

Pro‑grade 3‑layer acoustic

$159.99

Sun Zero Velvet Thermal Extreme Blackout Curtains

Velvet blackout + noise dampening

$36.97

Nicetown Sound Barrier 100% Blackout Divider Curtains

Heavy blackout divider

$159.99

3HLinen Heavyweight Linen Soundproof Curtains

Heavy linen acoustic

$211.00

Moondream 3‑in‑1 Soundproof Thermal Blackout Curtains

Soundproof thermal drapes

$199.00

Heavy Weight Minimalist Blackout Curtains (Gray Wool‑like)

Heavy minimalist blackout

$157.25

KGorge Double Layer Grommet Blackout Curtains

Double‑layer blackout

$97.99

LinenWhisperHome Blackout Linen Curtains

Heavy blackout linen

$59.40

Highlights & Why They Work

• OEKO‑TEX Custom 3‑Layer Soundproof Blackout Curtains – Multi-layer construction and dense fabric make these among the most effective curtains for both blocking outside noise and absorbing sound inside. Great if you want a serious acoustic treatment rather than just decoration.

• Sun Zero Velvet Thermal Extreme Blackout Curtains – Velvet fabric adds mass and thickness, which helps reduce noise reflections and external noise by up to ~40%, while also offering blackout and thermal insulation. Good balance of function and affordability.

• Nicetown Sound Barrier 100% Blackout Divider Curtains – Heavy, insulated curtain panels designed to absorb sound significantly better than standard curtains (claimed ~2.5×), plus blackout and heat insulation. Useful if you want privacy, light control, and some acoustic dampening.

• 3HLinen Heavyweight Linen Soundproof Curtains – Heavy linen gives a thick, substantial cover — works well if you prefer a more natural / textured aesthetic but still want weight, sound absorption, and thermal benefits.

• Moondream 3‑in‑1 Soundproof Thermal Blackout Curtains – A balanced all-around option: sound-reducing, blackout, thermal insulation. Good for general living rooms / listening rooms where you want light control + moderate acoustic improvement without going full “studio drape.”

• Heavy Weight Minimalist Blackout Curtains (Gray Wool‑like) – Heavyweight and dense, good for sound dampening and light blocking while giving a more minimalist, modern look — useful if you care about aesthetics as well as function.

• KGorge Double Layer Grommet Blackout Curtains – Double-layer construction adds mass and depth, improving their effectiveness for sound and light control — a solid mid-range choice for living rooms or media spaces.

• LinenWhisperHome Blackout Linen Curtains – High-weight linen panels that combine blackout capability with a thick feel — a good pick if you want a more natural fabric and moderate acoustic benefit without overly heavy drapes.

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✅ What Makes Dense Dressings Suitable for Windows Behind Walls / Between Speakers

• Mass & density: Heavier / multi-layer curtains (velvet, dense linen, thermal backing) add mass, which helps block and absorb sound waves — reducing reflections from windows and walls. (Bob Vila)

• Seal & coverage: Curtains that extend floor-to-ceiling or well beyond the window reduce gaps, which is key because even small gaps let sound through. (Indow)

• Material and construction: Multi-layer, tightly woven fabrics — especially with blackout or sound-absorbing linings — outperform lightweight sheers or simple curtains for acoustic control. (Moondream Webstore)

• Dual benefit: Besides sound control, these dressings often give you light blocking and temperature insulation — helpful if the windows are behind a wall or between speakers in a room you use for media, recording, or listening. (AIM)

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⚠️ What They Can (and Can’t) Do for Acoustics

• Dense curtains mostly help with mid- to high-frequency noise and reflections — not so much low-frequency bass. (Audio Science Review)

• They reduce reverberation and echo and provide moderate external noise attenuation, but they’re not a substitute for proper soundproofing (e.g., double glazing, acoustic panels, insulation). (Indow)

• Effectiveness depends a lot on how well you seal gaps around edges — curtains need to overlap the window and ideally have side seals or minimal gaps for best effect. (AAA Blind & Shutters | Little River, SC)

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If you like — I can pull up 5–10 best-rated dense window-dressings specifically suited for a stereo / speaker-placement room (i.e. optimized for acoustics + minimal visual distraction).
Do you want me to build that list for you now (with price, size ranges, and approximate sound-reduction expectations)?

Draperies. Uniformly helpful broad spectrum diffusion from blinds is virtually non- existent. 
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/room-treatment-a-primer

@lovehifi22  Another option could be an acoustic room divider, placed in front of the door when listening.  Something like this.  

https://www.versare.com/versifold-acoustical-room-divider/?width=8%27&height=6%276%22&color=fabric-%20black&tw_source=google&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=22213001670&tw_kwdid=&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_campaign=R55+pMax+Cubicles+Add+To+Cart+ECOM&hsa_acc=6636857300&hsa_cam=22213001670&hsa_grp=&hsa_ad=&hsa_src=x&hsa_tgt=&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22219422131&gbraid=0AAAAAD-n47SbohYPX_HIpIdNxlOASjb1L&gclid=Cj0KCQiAi9rJBhCYARIsALyPDttK9Sl-SPaG1-QG5h--rWPpp186os56KeNQuM0ruAp4Xnao5hTAbAwaAuYQEALw_wcB