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Velour Drapes for Acoustic Draping

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Velour Drapes for Acoustic Draping

Sound is everywhere. Whether you’re at a concert or watching a show at a theater, you’ve most likely noticed flowing drapery. These drapes provide assistance with acoustics which transform the sound you hear. Depending upon the event, the size of a venue, and a multitude of other factors that go into perfecting what you take into your ears, acoustic draping plays a big part.

To know what drapery will work for special occasion, we must first know how acoustics play a role. Whether you’re using velour drapes for your sound absorption or drapery with a heavier weight, knowing how to manipulate that sound is key.

What are Acoustics?

The physics of acoustics is primarily used in audio or noise control and enhancement. The study of acoustics deals mostly in the vibration, sound, ultrasound and infrasound and their mechanical waves within solids, liquids and gases. This science outlines how different factors of surrounding sound affect various physical states. The study of acoustics happens through an acoustician, but they aren’t interchangeable with acoustical engineers. Acoustical engineers deal only in acoustic technology.

Acoustic technology refers to the application of acoustics in regard to sound absorption or enhancement only. When looking for a way to dress a music hall or perfecting the sound system in a vehicle, an engineer specializing in acoustic technology would be the primary expert.

Acoustics in History

Acoustics have been prevalent for centuries. The first traces of documented research into the study of sound and acoustics dates back to Grecian times around 6 BC! One of the well-known Greek philosophers, Pythagoras, wanted to learn more on why certain sounds on a stringed instrument sounded more harmonious than others. Using mathematics, he theorized that when the numbered ratio of the string was a smaller integer, the more melodious it sounded.

Around 20 BC, the first traces of architectural acoustics was born. Sound resonation in buildings and various structures were initially studied by the Roman architect Vitruvius. For the first time, amphitheaters and their sounds had a purpose. He discovered how the rising seats in the theaters were assisting in continuous sound patterns, but he also suggested ways to improve upon sound resonance through jars or vases made of bronze to output a more smooth, harmonious sound.

Acoustic Draping Theory

Drape panels in acoustic technology is not uncommon. From polyester velour drapery to velvet stage curtains, the options are limitless. Whether you’re harnessing the sound in your space or controlling aspects of it, acoustic draping is a technique often used to do just that.

Acoustic draping starts with the room and sounds meant for the space. If you’re in a big space, it’s tricky to manipulate the sound you’ll want. Many different things go into play in order to make your sound ideal. Drapery like velour drapes placed at dramatic lengths around the space are not just for show. An acoustical engineer will use acoustic draping in specific places to absorb or enhance sound in the space.

Once the room is sized up, different draping applications come into play. Depending on the sound you’re catering to will depend upon what you use.

Acoustic Draping Applications

There are various ways acoustic draping offers distinctive application to your venue or space. Some different techniques of acoustic draping are for:

  • Reverberation Control: If you’re in a space with many windows, you may want to install sound absorption drapes or heavier weight blackout curtains so that the sound isn’t bouncing off of the windows in a way that is displeasing to the ear.
  • Noise Reduction: While acoustic draping can enhance a certain sound, some drapery applications are perfect for blocking loud noises. Velour fabrics and others are great for ensuring you can control the volume of sound emitting from your space.
  • Sound Enhancement: Certain applications produce the ability to enhance the sound in a room or even place of worship. You can control your sound in any room to ensure it sounds just as intended with drapery like polyester velour.

Regardless of the reasons, acoustic draping is a great option for regulating the various sounds and noises in your space.

Material Thickness and Sound

Another important factor to consider when controlling the sound using drapery is the material thickness. If you’re looking to absorb or block noises, the thicker the material, the better. The more porous a material, the better the sound absorbs as well. Velour is perfect for sound absorption! With its high pore count, it’s a great option for controlling the noise in your room.

Where You’ll See Acoustic Drapes

While acoustic drapery is ideal for sound control and enhancement, it is often found in specific places. Some spaces you’ll recognize acoustic drapery applications are:

  • Recording Studios
  • Arenas
  • Cinemas
  • Theaters
  • Convention Centers
  • Houses of Worship
  • Sound Stage for Video Production

These spaces specifically surround themselves with different types of sound. From spoken voice to music sounds, acoustic draping is a compelling addition to any facility needing the upper hand advantage to harness different sounds and noises.

Acoustic Draping with Velour Drapes

As previously mentioned, velour drapes are an ideal option for sound control and enhancement. Velour is a high opacity fabric which is great for being able to block noise or absorb it. Also, velour fabric is aesthetically pleasing. It adds a level of sophistication to any space.

Velour fabric at Canvas Etc come in various colors, lengths and weights. Canvas Etc’s panels are customizable to your dimensions, but all velour drape panels start at 120” x 58”.

Our premium velour drapes also have the option for different styles of finishing. Our drapery experts are able to add truss ties or grommets to your fabric, allowing for easy hanging.

Velour Drape Flame Resistance

The most compelling property of velour drapes are that they are flame retardant. At Canvas Etc, we carry inherently flame retardant (IFR) velour drapery.

Flame resistance gains classification under the standard set by the National Fire Protection Association, or the NFPA. The NFPA created a standard known as the 701: Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films. This standard gives life to flame retardant fabrics and establishes testing on how to determine if a fabric is truly flame resistant.

Velour receives its inherent flame-retardant classification because of its properties. Since velour is flame retardant without the processing of additive chemicals, it’s considered inherently flame retardant. Textiles that go through the process of being treated with flame retardant chemicals are solely known as flame retardant (FR).

Velour and other fabrics go through special flame testing to see if they catch fire. Once they pass, they receive their specific classification. The benefit of a flame-retardant fabric used in spaces for sound absorption are many. Namely, they withstand the heat of lighting in spaces while assisting with the room’s sound.

Alternatives of Use for Velour Drapes

Velour drapes aren’t just good to use for the manipulation of sound. Velour drapes are also great for:

  • Upholstery: Refinish a seat with plush, soft velour. Velour adds a level of elegance to any room and is a beautiful statement piece for anything you’re looking to upholster.
  • Garments: Clothing made from velour is making its comeback! It’s unique look and feel makes it perfect for outerwear like a jacket, or even pants.
  • Costumes: While velour is wonderful for clothing, it also works for costumes! Make a stage cape or include velour to a period dress for your next play or show.

Velour is a versatile fabric that has endless possibilities of use! When it isn’t assisting in the manipulation of sound, it offers itself to different products and applications.

Velour Drape Selection: Canvas Etc

At Canvas Etc, we pride ourselves in assisting you with your every velour need. Our experts are standing by to help you with any customization or question you may have. Need to learn more on how velour drapery will enhance your next function or work in your studio? Contact us today.

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