Acoustic Sheers: Visual Transparency, Acoustic Control
Visually Translucent. Acoustically Effective.
Acoustic sheers transform sound control into soft architecture. While traditional sheers offer no acoustic benefit, Carnegie's acoustic sheers are engineered to absorb sound while preserving natural light and open sight-lines. Empowering architects and designers to layer privacy, comfort, and light effortlessly across dynamic corporate environments and hospitality settings.
Acoustic sheers transform sound control into soft architecture. While traditional sheers offer no acoustic benefit, Carnegie's acoustic sheers are engineered to absorb sound while preserving natural light and open sight lines—empowering architects and designers to layer privacy, comfort, and light effortlessly across dynamic corporate and hospitality environments.
Pioneered by our long-term partner, Création Baumann, the world’s first sound-absorbing sheer made the impossible achievable. Carnegie proudly brings you this revolutionary technology to layer privacy, light, and comfort effortlessly.
Technical Performance You Can Measure
Third-Party Tested
NRC ratings range from 0.40 to 0.75 when draped at 100% fullness—compared to typical sheers, which average an NRC of around 0.20. Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) measures a material’s sound-absorption performance.
Meets NFPA 701
Most patterns are woven from 100% Trevira® CS, providing permanent, inherent flame resistance.
Wide-Width Construction
At 118 inches wide, the drapery supports seamless, continuous installations with fewer vertical seams—creating a cleaner architectural aesthetic and simplifying fabrication.
Acoustic Sheers in Action
From open-plan offices to refined hospitality settings—explore our latest project installations.
Available in more than 150 choices, with a soft hand and beautiful drape. Fully vetted through third party certifiers, our sheers are made of 100% Trevira CS Polyester and are inherently flame retardant.
Acoustic Absorbency
Carnegie’s acoustically absorbent sheers use innovative yarn and weaving technology allowing designers to achieve the visual transparency of a typical sheer with significant NRC ratings between (0.4-0.7) when draped, delivering effective noise reduction.
Acoustic sheers are 10 times more effective than regular sheers at absorbing sound. These draperies are woven with specially engineered technical Trevira CS polyester that absorbs a large amount of sound waves within a space.
Acoustically absorbent textiles capture, absorb and reduce sound reflection, improving acoustic comfort in a space.
Acoustic Transparency
Acoustically transparent textiles allow sound to pass through the fabric into the enviroment unaffected. Acoustically transparent textiles are often used to wrap acoustical panels. Sound passes through the textile and is absorbed by the acoustical panel improving acoustic comfort in a space
Choosing the Right Acoustic Sheer
What Criteria Should I Look For?
1. Fabric must be acoustically absorbent. Acoustically absorbent fabrics have an NRC between .45 - 1
2. Fabric must pass NFPA 701
3. Fabric should be woven with Trevira CS polyester
What is Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC)?
Noise Reduction Coefficient rates the amount of sound that a material absorbs. For effective acoustical absorbency, draperies should have an NRC between .45 - 1.
Which Tests are Relevant?
NFPA 701
This test measures the flammability of a fabric when it is exposed to specific sources of ignition. NFPA 701 testing measures the ignition resistance of a fabric after it is exposed to a flame for 12 seconds. The flame, char length, and flaming residue are recorded.
Fabric certified as flame retardant is certified to have been tested and passed the NFPA 701 test, a requirement for hanging textiles such as draperies in all commercial spaces
Where to use Acoustic Sheers
Unlimited Possibilities
With open workspaces and common spaces, the need for acoustics is not restricted to the perimeter of the room.
• Along the window wall (Restaurants, dining areas to absorb ambient sound)
• Glass conference rooms (provide some privacy, let light in AND improve acoustics)
• As a space divider (in lieu of walls, using light, transparent draperies to create spaces as needed)
Acoustic Sheer Solutions from Carnegie
10x More Effective
...than a regular sheer at absorbing sound. These draperies are woven with specially engineered technical Trevira CS polyester that absorbs a large amount of sound waves within a space.
Available in more than 150 choices, with a soft hand and beautiful drape. Fully vetted through third party certifiers, these sheers achieved approximately 40% sound reduction when hung flat and 50-65% sound reduction when draped.
For effective acoustical absorbency, draperies should have an NRC between .45 - 1.
Création Baumann is one of the premier designers and manufacturers of interior textiles in the world. This Swiss based company has been designing, weaving, dyeing and finishing beautiful and ecologically intelligent textiles since 1886. Carnegie is Baumann’s exclusive partner for commercial products in the U.S.
Acoustic Sheers: Finding the Right Balance Case Study
"I am very satisfied with the acoustical benefits that the Carnegie drapery brought to our new restaurant, Pausa. It's always delightful to hear our customers thank us for building a restaurant that is lively, but also not too noisy." Steven Ugur, GM and Owner of Pausa Bar & Cookery.
Form + Function: Visual and Acoustic Privacy Case Study
“Betacoustic has definitely created a sense of privacy and helped with dividing the open space while contributing to an overall sound dampening in the office.” -Katherina Weisflog, Vitra
Looking for Acoustic Sheers and No Time to Search?
We put time on your side. Working as your studio extension, we connect designer to designer, curating solutions that fit your criteria. With Carnegie Design Services, you get same-day solutions and overnight samples, matched to your needs.
