Golf Simulator Room Curtains Complete Guide for Home Setups

Ever hear that sickening thud of a shanked golf ball hitting drywall? It’s a sound that instantly turns a fun practice session into a stressful repair project. You’re trying to build the perfect indoor golf haven, but stray shots, washed-out projector images, and excessive noise can ruin the experience.

Golf simulator room curtains are specialized, heavy-duty drapes designed to improve safety, immersion, and performance in a home golf setup. They serve three primary functions: protecting walls from errant golf ball impacts, blocking ambient light to enhance projector image quality, and dampening sound to reduce noise. This makes them a critical component for any serious home build.

Drawing from established best practices and proven methodologies, this guide breaks down everything you need to know. We will explore nine essential curtain solutions, from budget-friendly DIY projects to professional-grade systems. You’ll discover the perfect way to create a safe, immersive, and quiet golf simulator room.

What Are Golf Simulator Room Curtains and Why Do You Need Them?

Before diving into specific products and materials, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental role of golf simulator room curtains. These aren’t just standard drapes; they are a purpose-built component of your home golf setup, engineered to solve three specific problems that every simulator owner faces. Think of them less as a decorative element and more as essential equipment, just like your launch monitor or hitting mat. Their primary function is to create a secure hitting area, enhance the visual experience, and manage the acoustics of your space, turning a simple room into a true golf studio.

The right golf hitting bay curtains offer proven performance and are expert recommended for any serious setup. They create a complete, immersive golf environment that standard household items simply cannot replicate. The core benefits fall into three main categories:

• Protection: The most obvious benefit is safety. Heavy-duty golf room curtains act as side protection, catching mishit shots like shanks or hosel rockets. They absorb the golf ball impact, preventing damage to your walls, windows, and other valuables in the room. This creates a secure golf area where you can swing with confidence.
• Immersion: To get a crisp, bright image from your golf projector, you need to control the lighting. Golf simulator curtains, especially blackout drapes, are designed to block ambient light from windows or other rooms. This prevents the projector’s image from looking washed out and dramatically improves contrast, color, and overall visual quality for a more realistic experience.
• Sound Dampening: The crack of a driver in an enclosed space can be incredibly loud. Thick, heavy curtains help absorb sound waves, reducing echo and dampening the sharp noise of impact. This acoustic treatment makes your practice sessions more pleasant for you and anyone else in the house.

9 Essential Golf Simulator Curtain Solutions for Your Home Setup

Now that you understand why you need specialized curtains, let’s explore the best solutions for your home setup. Choosing the right golf curtain system depends on your budget, the purpose of your room, and your DIY skill level. We’ve curated nine distinct options, ranging from simple off-the-shelf products to complete, professional-grade installations. Each solution is designed to tackle the core challenges of wall protection, light control, and sound dampening. This comprehensive list will help you compare types of golf simulator curtains and find the perfect match to complete your indoor golf studio.

1. Install Heavy-Duty Blackout Curtains for Total Light Control

Pin this simple and effective solution to your ‘Golf Room Ideas’ board!

This is often the most accessible and affordable entry point for creating a functional golf simulator room. Heavy-duty blackout drapes are readily available online and provide excellent light-blocking capabilities, which is the first step to improve your projector image. They are easy to install and can be a significant upgrade over having bare walls.

What You Need

• 2-4 panels of heavy-duty, floor-to-ceiling blackout curtains (triple-weave fabric recommended)
• 1-inch diameter electrical metallic tubing (EMT) conduit or heavy-duty curtain rod
• Ceiling mount brackets or wall hooks rated for heavy loads
• Drill with appropriate bits
• Level and measuring tape

Installation Steps

1. Measure Your Space: Determine the total length of the wall you need to cover. Purchase enough curtain panels to have a slight gather, which helps with impact absorption.
2. Mount the Rod: Securely install the ceiling mount brackets or wall hooks into studs or use heavy-duty drywall anchors. Use a level to ensure the rod will be straight.
3. Hang the Curtains: Thread the EMT conduit or curtain rod through the grommets on the top of the blackout curtains.
4. Secure the Rod: Place the rod onto the mounted brackets. Ensure the curtains hang straight and just above the floor to prevent tripping hazards.

Pro-Tip: In my experience, standard blackout curtains work well for light, but for stray shots, choose a material with a dense, triple-weave blackout fabric technology. The extra weight and weave help to absorb the ball’s impact energy more effectively than single-layer curtains.

2. Choose Commando Cloth for a Professional, Non-Reflective Finish

Get the pro look! Pin this guide for later.

For those seeking a truly professional-grade finish, commando cloth is the industry standard. This heavy, 100% cotton fabric has a napped finish on both sides, making it completely matte and non-reflective. It absorbs stray light from your projector, creating deep, rich blacks and preventing distracting glare. This is the material used in theaters and professional studios for a reason.

Materials Needed

• 16oz Fire-Retardant Commando Cloth fabric, measured to your room’s height and desired width
• Heavy-duty curtain track system (ceiling or wall mount)
• Curtain track rollers/carriers
• Grommet installation kit (if buying raw fabric)
• Sewing machine or fabric tape (for hemming)

Build Instructions

1. Measure and Cut Fabric: Measure your wall height, adding 6 inches for top and bottom hems. Cut the commando cloth to size.
2. Hem the Edges: Fold and sew (or tape) a 3-inch hem on the top and bottom of the panel for a clean, durable edge.
3. Install Grommets: Following your kit’s instructions, punch holes and install heavy-duty grommets every 8-12 inches along the top hem.
4. Mount the Track: Install the curtain track system onto your ceiling or wall, ensuring it is level and securely fastened into joists or studs.
5. Hang the Curtain: Slide the curtain track rollers into the track, then use S-hooks or clips to attach the rollers to the grommets on your commando cloth curtain.

Pro-Tip: Commando cloth is rated by its Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC). While not as effective as dedicated acoustic panels, a 16oz commando cloth curtain can have an NRC rating of around 0.25, meaning it absorbs 25% of sound energy, which significantly helps dampen the sharp crack of a driver indoors.

3. Set Up a Retractable Curtain System for a Multi-Purpose Room

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If your golf simulator is in a garage, basement, or living room that serves other purposes, a retractable curtain system is the ultimate space-saving solution. Using a ceiling-mounted track, you can easily slide the curtains out of the way, instantly returning the room to its original function. It’s the perfect way to create a temporary room divider that is both secure and aesthetically pleasing.

Tools & Supplies

• Heavy-duty ceiling mount curtain track kit (ensure length covers your hitting area)
• Curtain panel of your choice (blackout or commando cloth) with grommets or hooks
• Track rollers/carriers with hooks
• Drill and stud finder
• Laser level

Installation Steps

1. Locate Ceiling Joists: Use a stud finder to mark the locations of the ceiling joists where you plan to install the track. This is critical for a secure installation.
2. Mark the Track Line: Use a laser level to project a perfectly straight line on the ceiling for your track placement.
3. Install Track Brackets: Drill pilot holes and screw the track’s mounting brackets directly into the ceiling joists.
4. Assemble and Mount Track: Assemble the track sections on the floor, then lift and snap them into the mounted brackets.
5. Add Rollers and Curtain: Slide the required number of rollers into the end of the track. Hang your curtain by attaching the hooks on the rollers to the curtain’s grommets.
6. Install End Stops: Place the end stops on the track to prevent rollers from coming out.

Pro-Tip: When choosing a track system, look for one with a high track system load capacity, especially if you plan to use heavy, sound-dampening curtains. A steel track is generally superior to aluminum for preventing sag over long spans.

4. Create a Budget-Friendly DIY Curtain with Canvas Drop Cloths

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For the DIY enthusiast looking for a cost-effective enclosure, heavy-duty canvas drop cloths are a fantastic option. Available at any hardware store, these cloths are durable, heavy, and surprisingly effective at stopping golf balls. With a few basic tools, you can transform them into custom-fit, affordable golf simulator curtains.

Materials Needed

• 1-2 heavy-duty canvas drop cloths (10oz or heavier, sized for your space)
• Black fabric dye (optional, for a blackout effect)
• Grommet installation kit
• Measuring tape and marker
• EMT conduit or a heavy-duty rod for hanging

Build Instructions

1. Dye the Canvas (Optional): For better light control, dye the canvas drop cloths black according to the fabric dye instructions. Let them dry completely.
2. Measure and Mark for Grommets: Lay the drop cloth flat. Fold over the top edge by 3 inches to create a reinforced hem. Mark grommet locations every 10-12 inches along this top hem.
3. Install the Grommets: Use the grommet kit to punch holes and install the grommets where you marked.
4. Hang Your DIY Curtain: Mount your EMT conduit rod using ceiling brackets or wall hooks. Thread the rod through the newly installed grommets to hang your curtain.

Pro-Tip: Before installing grommets, double-layer the top hem by folding the fabric over twice. This provides extra reinforcement and prevents the grommets from tearing out from the curtain’s weight or an accidental impact.

5. Mount a Full Ceiling Track System for Ultimate Flexibility

This track system is a game-changer. Pin it for your setup!

To create a complete golf simulator enclosure and the most effective ball containment system, a full ceiling track system is the premium choice. This setup allows you to hang curtains on two or even three sides of your hitting area, creating a dedicated bay. It provides maximum wall protection and the highest level of immersion by completely blocking out the surrounding environment.

Supplies Needed

• Ceiling mount curtain track kit (including straight and curved pieces if needed)
• Sufficient curtain panels to enclose the desired area
• Track rollers and hooks
• Stud finder, drill, and laser level
• Hacksaw (to cut track to length if necessary)

Installation Steps

1. Plan Your Layout: On the ceiling, mark the complete layout of your hitting bay, including straight sides and any corners. Use a laser level for precision.
2. Locate and Mark Joists: Use a stud finder to locate all ceiling joists along your planned track line. A secure installation must anchor into joists.
3. Cut Tracks to Size: If needed, use a hacksaw to cut the track pieces to the exact lengths required for your layout.
4. Mount the Tracks: Following the kit’s instructions, screw the track mounting hardware into the ceiling joists. Snap the track pieces into place.
5. Hang the Curtains: Slide the rollers into the track system and hang your curtains, ensuring you have enough panels for complete coverage without stretching them tight.

Pro-Tip: For a truly professional installation, use a single, continuous curtain panel for each wall instead of multiple smaller ones. This eliminates gaps where a ball could potentially sneak through and provides a cleaner, more seamless look.

6. Add Acoustic Curtains to Dampen Sound and Reduce Noise

Keep the peace with your neighbors! Pin this sound-dampening tip.

If noise is a primary concern, especially in a shared living space, dedicated acoustic curtains are a powerful solution. These are not your average drapes; they are engineered with multiple layers of dense, sound-absorbing materials. While they also provide impact protection and light control, their main purpose is acoustic treatment to reduce noise from your golf simulator.

What You Need

• Producer’s blankets or specialized sound-absorbing curtains
• A heavy-duty curtain track or rod system capable of supporting significant weight
• Appropriate mounting hardware for your ceiling or wall type
• Drill, level, and stud finder

Installation Steps

1. Choose High-Mass Curtains: Select curtains specifically designed for sound absorption. These are often made of quilted fiberglass, recycled cotton, or other dense materials.
2. Install a Heavy-Duty Track: Due to their weight, acoustic curtains require a robust track system. Ensure brackets are installed directly into studs or joists.
3. Create an Air Gap: When hanging, try to leave a 3-4 inch air gap between the curtain and the wall. This gap dramatically improves sound absorption performance.
4. Ensure Full Coverage: The curtain should cover the entire wall surface from floor to ceiling with no gaps on the sides for maximum effectiveness. Use multiple overlapping panels if necessary.

Pro-Tip: Look for sound-dampening curtains with a specified Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating. An STC rating of 20 or higher can block a significant amount of mid- to high-frequency noise, like the “crack” of a golf ball impact.

7. Compare Curtains vs. Nets vs. Full Enclosures

Curtains, Nets, or an Enclosure? Pin this guide to help you decide!

It’s important to understand where curtains fit among other side protection options. Your choice between golf simulator curtains vs. nets or a full enclosure depends on your primary goal: aesthetics, pure ball-stopping power, or an all-in-one solution.

What You Need

• This section is for comparison, not a build. The “need” is information to make a choice.

The Breakdown

1. Golf Simulator Curtains:
   • Pros: Excellent for light control, good sound dampening, professional look, can be retractable for space-saving.
   • Cons: Can be more expensive than nets, may not stop a direct, high-speed driver shot without some give.
   • Best For: Creating a dark, immersive theater-like environment and managing acoustics.
2. Golf Hitting Nets:
   • Pros: Highly durable for stopping balls, often more affordable, easy to set up and take down.
   • Cons: Offers zero light control, minimal sound dampening, can look less polished.
   • Best For: Budget setups, garages, or areas where ball containment is the absolute primary concern.
3. Full Enclosure Kits:
   • Pros: All-in-one solution for impact screen and side/top protection, creates the most immersive experience, highest level of safety.
   • Cons: Most expensive option, requires a dedicated space and more complex assembly.
   • Best For: Dedicated golf simulator rooms where budget and space are not the primary constraints.

Pro-Tip: Many of the best setups use a hybrid approach. They use a durable net positioned 12-18 inches behind a heavy-duty curtain. The net provides the ultimate impact safety, while the curtain provides the light control and sound dampening.

8. Order Custom-Fit Curtains for Awkward or Unique Spaces

Have an odd-shaped room? Pin this custom solution!

Not every room is a perfect rectangle. If you’re building your simulator in a basement with low ceilings, an attic with angled walls, or a room with pipes and other obstructions, off-the-shelf curtains won’t work. Ordering custom-fit, tailored golf simulator curtains ensures a seamless, gap-free installation for complete protection and light control.

What You Need

• A high-quality, flexible measuring tape (laser measure is even better)
• A notepad and pen, or a tablet to sketch your room
• A partner to help with measuring long distances

How to Order

1. Sketch Your Room: Draw a simple diagram of your space from a top-down and side-on perspective. Don’t worry about artistic skill; focus on clarity.
2. Measure Width and Height at Multiple Points: Measure the desired width at the top, middle, and bottom. Measure the height on the left, middle, and right. For angled ceilings, measure the shortest and tallest points.
3. Note All Obstructions: Mark the locations and dimensions of any windows, doors, pipes, or support beams that the curtain will need to go around. Take pictures.
4. Find a Supplier: Search for companies that specialize in custom industrial or theater curtains. Many online suppliers have detailed forms for this.
5. Submit Your Measurements: Provide your detailed sketches, measurements, and photos to the supplier. They will often create a technical drawing for your approval before production.

Pro-Tip: When ordering custom curtains, always add 5-10% extra to your width measurement. This ensures the curtain has enough “fullness” or gather to properly absorb impact and not hang taught like a trampoline, which can increase ball ricochet.

9. Implement Secure Side Protection Curtains to Define the Hitting Bay

Define your space and protect your walls. Pin this essential safety tip.

The most fundamental use for these curtains is to provide side protection and define the hitting bay. By hanging two parallel curtains on either side of your hitting mat, you create a safe channel that contains even the worst mishits. This is the minimum safety requirement for any indoor setup and provides essential wall protection for your golf simulator.

What You Need

• Two heavy-duty curtain panels (canvas, commando cloth, or vinyl)
• Two parallel curtain rods or ceiling tracks
• Mounting hardware
• Optional: Jack chain or weighted rope for the bottom hem

Installation Steps

1. Define the Hitting Lane: Determine the desired width of your hitting bay (typically 10-14 feet). Mark the two parallel lines on the ceiling where your tracks or rods will go.
2. Mount the Hardware: Install two separate, parallel curtain tracks or rods along the lines you marked. Ensure they are level with each other.
3. Add Bottom Weight (Optional but Recommended): For superior performance, create a small pocket in the bottom hem of each curtain and slide a weighted jack chain through it. This keeps the curtains taut and reduces movement from air or impact.
4. Hang the Curtains: Hang one curtain on each track, creating a “channel” that leads to your impact screen. Ensure they are long enough to touch or hover just above the floor.

Pro-Tip: Position the leading edge of your side curtains about 1-2 feet in front of your hitting position. This ensures that even the most severe mishit (like a hosel rocket) is safely contained within the hitting bay.

Key Takeaways

Choosing the right golf simulator room curtains transforms your space from a simple practice area into a safe, immersive, and professional-grade studio. Here’s a quick summary of the most important points to remember as you plan your setup:

• Function is Threefold: Protection, Light Control, and Sound Dampening – The primary purpose of golf simulator curtains is to protect your walls, create a dark environment for your projector, and reduce noise.
• Material Matters Most: Choose Heavy-Duty Fabrics – Whether you choose blackout curtains, professional Commando Cloth, or DIY canvas, ensure the material is heavy (16oz+ is ideal) to effectively absorb impact and block light.
• Installation Method Dictates Flexibility – A simple rod is great for basic setups, but a ceiling track system (especially a retractable one) offers far more flexibility for multi-purpose rooms and creating full enclosures.
• DIY is a Viable, Budget-Friendly Option – Using materials like heavy canvas drop cloths, you can create highly effective and affordable golf simulator curtains with basic tools.
• Don’t Forget the Details: Weight and Gaps – Add weight to the bottom hem to keep curtains from swaying and ensure your curtain is wide enough to have “gather” or fullness, which helps absorb impact safely.
• Safety First: Side Curtains are Non-Negotiable – Always use side protection curtains to define your hitting bay and contain errant shots, preventing damage and injury.

FAQs About golf simulator room curtains

What is the best material for golf simulator curtains?

The best overall material is 16oz fire-retardant Commando Cloth due to its non-reflective, matte finish and excellent light-blocking properties. For more budget-focused DIY projects, heavy-duty canvas drop cloths (10oz or heavier) are a durable and effective alternative. For pure light blocking, triple-weave blackout curtains are also a great choice.

Can golf simulator curtains really protect walls from a golf ball?

Yes, heavy-duty golf simulator curtains are designed to protect walls from damage. They work by absorbing the ball’s energy over a larger area, causing the curtain to flex and slow the ball down safely. They are most effective against mishits and ricochets, though a direct, high-speed driver shot may still cause the curtain to hit the wall behind it without proper installation depth.

What is the difference between golf simulator curtains and regular blackout curtains?

The primary difference is material weight and durability. While both block light, golf simulator curtains are made from much heavier, more durable fabrics (like commando cloth or heavy vinyl) specifically engineered to withstand and absorb the impact of a golf ball. Regular blackout curtains are typically lighter and may tear or fail to stop a ball effectively.

How much space should be between the curtain and the wall?

A minimum of 12-18 inches of space is recommended between the curtain and any hard wall or object. This “buffer zone” allows the curtain to flex backward upon impact, safely absorbing the ball’s kinetic energy without transferring it directly to the wall. Insufficient space can reduce the curtain’s effectiveness and lead to ricochets.

Do golf simulator curtains help with sound?

Yes, heavy and dense curtains significantly help with sound dampening. They absorb sound waves, particularly the high-frequency “crack” of the club hitting the ball, reducing echo and overall noise levels within the room. While not fully soundproof, they make a noticeable difference in the acoustic comfort of your golf simulator space.

Are retractable golf simulator curtains worth it?

Retractable curtains are absolutely worth it for multi-purpose rooms where space is a premium. They allow you to quickly and easily transform a living room, garage, or basement into a golf simulator and then hide it away when not in use. This flexibility often justifies the higher initial cost of the track system.

How heavy do side curtains need to be?

Side curtains should be made from a fabric weighing at least 10oz, with 16oz being ideal. The goal is to have enough mass to absorb the energy of a mishit ball without excessive movement. Lighter curtains may fly up or fail to contain a shank, while heavier curtains provide a more reliable and safer barrier.

How do you secure the bottom of golf simulator curtains?

The best method is to sew a pocket into the bottom hem and insert a weighted jack chain. This keeps the curtain hanging straight, prevents it from billowing from air movement (like from an HVAC vent), and ensures it provides a consistent protective surface. Simple weights or magnets can also be used for a less permanent solution.

Can I just use a net instead of a curtain for side protection?

Yes, a net is a great alternative for side protection, especially for budget setups. A net’s primary advantage is superior ball-stopping ability. However, it provides no light control or sound dampening. Many users prefer curtains for the more immersive, theater-like feel they create in the hitting bay.

What is the ideal height for golf simulator curtains?

Ideally, golf simulator curtains should run from the ceiling to just above the floor. Full-height coverage ensures maximum protection against high shots (like from a wedge) and prevents light from leaking in around the edges. A small gap of 1-2 inches at the bottom prevents the curtain from bunching up or becoming a tripping hazard.

Final Thoughts on Your Golf Simulator Room Curtains

Ultimately, the right golf simulator room curtains are a foundational component of a successful and enjoyable home setup. They are far more than an accessory; they are an essential piece of equipment that directly impacts safety, performance, and immersion. By carefully considering your space, budget, and desired level of finish, you can select or build a solution that perfectly matches your needs.

Whether you opt for a simple DIY canvas setup or a professional-grade retractable system with commando cloth, the goal remains the same: to create a secure and controlled environment where you can focus on your game. Plan your installation, measure carefully, and invest in heavy-duty materials. Your future self—and your drywall—will thank you for it. Which of these solutions best fits your dream golf room?

Last update on 2025-12-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API