Why Hang Moving Blankets?

Hanging moving blankets is a practical way to quickly and easily improve the acoustics of a space, such as for audio or video recording, often being simpler than installing acoustic foam panels, as demonstrated in the referenced video.

Moving blankets, due to their dense material and often quilted construction, are effective at absorbing sound. Hanging them on walls or in corners can significantly reduce echoes and reverberation, creating a drier, more controlled sound environment. This is particularly useful for home recording studios, podcasts, voiceovers, or video production where clear audio is essential. As noted in the provided reference, using moving blankets is a way to improve audio and video quality quickly and easily, highlighted as being more straightforward than using acoustic foam panels.

Common Methods for Hanging Moving Blankets

There are several ways to hang moving blankets, depending on whether you need a temporary or permanent solution, the type of wall surface, and the weight of the blankets.

Here are some popular methods:

1. Using Nails or Screws

• Description: Directly attaching the blanket to the wall using nails or screws.
• Materials Needed: Nails or screws, hammer or drill, washers (optional, to prevent tearing).
• Steps:
  1. Hold the blanket against the wall at the desired height and location.
  2. Drive nails or screws through the blanket material into the wall. Using washers can distribute the weight and reduce the risk of the blanket tearing around the fastener.
  3. Space fasteners evenly across the top and potentially down the sides for better coverage.
• Pros: Secure, good for permanent installations.
• Cons: Damages the wall, blankets can tear if not careful or if unsupported.

2. Using Adhesive Hooks

• Description: Hanging blankets from temporary adhesive hooks.
• Materials Needed: Strong adhesive hooks (rated for the weight of the blanket).
• Steps:
  1. Clean the wall surface thoroughly where hooks will be placed.
  2. Attach the adhesive hooks according to the product instructions, spacing them along the top edge of where the blanket will hang.
  3. Hang the blanket from the hooks. You might need to make small slits or loops in the blanket to hook onto.
• Pros: No wall damage (usually), easy to remove, good for temporary setups.
• Cons: Hooks can lose adhesion, may not hold very heavy blankets securely long-term.

3. Using Curtain Rods or Tension Rods

• Description: Hanging blankets like curtains using a rod.
• Materials Needed: Curtain rod, curtain rod brackets, screws, or tension rod. Curtain rings with clips or hooks, or grommets installed in the blanket.
• Steps (Curtain Rod):
  1. Install curtain rod brackets on the wall.
  2. If using curtain rings, clip them onto the blanket edge or through existing grommets.
  3. Thread the rings onto the curtain rod.
  4. Mount the rod in the brackets.
• Steps (Tension Rod):
  1. Adjust the tension rod to fit snugly between two walls or a doorway/window frame.
  2. Hang the blanket over the rod.
• Pros: Easy to slide blankets open/closed, less damaging than direct fasteners (curtain rods require drilling, tension rods do not).
• Cons: Requires two anchor points for tension rods, curtain rods require installation.

4. Using Clamps

• Description: Clamping blankets to existing structures like shelves, poles, or stands.
• Materials Needed: Heavy-duty clamps (e.g., C-clamps, spring clamps, A-clamps).
• Steps:
  1. Drape the blanket over or position it next to the structure you want to clamp it to.
  2. Use clamps to secure the blanket to the structure.
• Pros: Very temporary, no wall damage, extremely fast setup.
• Cons: Limited to locations with existing structures, may not look aesthetically pleasing.

5. Using Grommets or Clips

• Description: Adding grommets directly to the blanket or using clips that grip the blanket edge to hang it.
• Materials Needed: Grommet kit and tool, or heavy-duty clips with holes/loops. Hooks, nails, or rope to hang from the grommets/clips.
• Steps:
  1. Install grommets along the top edge of the blanket (follow kit instructions). Alternatively, attach clips along the edge.
  2. Hang the blanket by running a rope or wire through the grommets/clips and attaching the rope to hooks or nails on the wall.
• Pros: Creates strong hanging points on the blanket, versatile hanging options.
• Cons: Requires modifying the blanket (grommets), clips may not hold heavy blankets well or could damage the edge.

Choosing the Right Method

Consider the following when deciding how to hang your moving blankets:

• Permanence: Is this a temporary setup (e.g., for a recording session) or a longer-term solution?
• Wall Type: Is it drywall, concrete, brick? This affects which fasteners or adhesives will work best.
• Blanket Weight: Heavier blankets require stronger support.
• Aesthetics: Do you need it to look neat, or is pure functionality the goal?

Here's a quick comparison of common methods:

By choosing the appropriate method for your needs, you can effectively utilize moving blankets to improve the sound of your space.