Unwanted noise can often be an unwelcome guest in the tranquillity of our living spaces. From busy street sounds to the ruckus of home appliances, quiet can be elusive.
Luckily, there are several quick and easy soundproofing tricks that can significantly reduce the noise level in your room. If you’re a homeowner looking for peace or an apartment dweller needing to minimise sound transfer, these room soundproofing solutions can help create the serene environment you crave.
1. Weatherstripping for Doors and Windows
In older homes, gaps around doors and windows can result in a drafty interior and allow sound to pass through. Weatherstripping can help by keeping warm air in and cold air out, as well as acting as a barrier to sound.
There are various types of weatherstripping available, such as adhesive strips and door sweeps, that are simple to apply and suit every need. Reducing noise level changes by up to 10 decibels, weatherstripping can be an effective solution for soundproofing your home. Additionally, window inserts can also help to reduce noise and improve insulation.
2. Use Thick Rugs or Carpets
If you have hardwood or tiled floors, they may look great, but they can reflect and amplify sound, making the room noisy. To reduce the noise, you can use thick rugs or carpets, which absorb sound and make a noticeable difference.
High-pile carpets or rugs are more effective at sound absorption, and they can provide a comfortable underfoot experience. You can also use rug pads or underlays to increase thickness and help absorb echoes. Consider using area rugs or mats to cover the entire floor for better soundproofing results.
3. Hang Heavy Curtains
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to soundproof your room, hanging heavy curtains is an effective option. Curtains made from dense materials like velvet or thermal-lined fabric provide an additional barrier against noise. By choosing curtains with additional thermal or blackout features, you can get even more insulation against noise.
When hanging your curtains, make sure they are mounted as close to the wall as possible and are wide enough to cover the whole window when closed. This can serve as yet another barrier for sound to pass through, further reducing noise levels in your home. Heavy curtains can be an effective alternative to soundproof curtains, which can be more expensive.
You can also consider using thick blankets or tapestries as makeshift curtains if you’re on a tight budget. Just make sure they are dense and tightly woven to effectively block out sound.
4. Install Acoustic Panels
Acoustic panels are a popular solution for soundproofing rooms, particularly music studios and home theatres. These panels are designed to enhance the sound quality of your space and reduce noise. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colours, and can be a stylish addition to any room.
Installing acoustic panels is an easy and effective way to dampen sound. The larger the area you cover with these panels, the more effective they will be at reducing sound. To install, simply mount the panels using drywall screws or resilient channels.
5. Seal Electrical Outlets and Switches
Sealing the gaps around electrical outlets and switches can make a significant difference in reducing the amount of noise that enters your room. Acoustic sealants are a perfect solution for this job as they are flexible, moisture-resistant, and can significantly reduce sound transmission, especially those higher frequencies that are more of an annoyance to our ears.
Inspect your room for any cracks or gaps around electrical outlets and switches and seal them with acoustical sealant or caulking. This will ensure that sound doesn’t leak through those openings.
6. Bookshelves as Sound Barriers
If you’re looking for a simple and stylish way to soundproof your room, consider using bookshelves as sound barriers. Not only do they provide a practical storage solution, but filling them with various items can aid in sound absorption and deflection. The more densely packed the shelves, the better they can break up sound waves.
Strategically placing bookshelves against walls can act as sound barriers and help reduce the overall noise level in the room. This is a great solution for those who want to add some decor and furniture to their room while also soundproofing it.
7. Add Draft Stoppers to Doors
Under your door, there is a gap that allows sound to pass through. To prevent this, you can use a draft stopper, also known as a door sweep or door snake. You can purchase a draft stopper or create one yourself by filling a long fabric tube with rice or dried beans. This is an inexpensive solution that can significantly improve the acoustics of your room. Installing a draft stopper is a simple and effective way to soundproof your door and reduce unwanted noise.
8. Soundproof Paint or Wallpaper
Soundproof paint and wallpaper are easy-to-apply solutions that can help to dampen noise and resonance in a room. While they may not block all sounds, they can soften echo and reduce the transmission of higher-frequency sounds.
Applying multiple coats as recommended can provide the best results. These DIY options can add an extra layer of soundproofing to your walls without the need for additional layers of material.
9. Upgrade to Solid Core Doors
If you want to improve the soundproofing of a room, consider upgrading to solid-core doors. These doors are denser than standard hollow core doors, making them more effective at blocking sound.
Doors are often the weakest link in soundproofing between rooms, and a solid-core door can make a significant difference in how much sound passes through it. While they may cost more than hollow-core doors, solid-core doors are a great investment if your budget allows for it.
10. Consider Adding a White Noise Machine
If you’re looking for a way to mask unwanted noise, consider adding a white noise machine to your room. White noise machines simulate the sound of natural elements like ocean waves or the wind.
Playing a consistent sound can help mask sudden and loud noises, making it particularly effective for those who have trouble sleeping due to noise. This way, your brain will be less likely to wake up due to sudden sounds. If you’re interested in purchasing a white noise machine, make sure to consider the type of sound it produces and its features.
Conclusion
Incorporating these quick fixes can create a peaceful and private environment in any room. Combining several techniques can provide a substantial reduction in unwanted noise. Soundproofing doesn’t have to be complex or expensive.
Simple techniques such as adding a rug or hanging curtains can make a significant difference. Try out these methods to take a step closer to the serene space you deserve. Remember, each technique alone can make a difference, so don’t hesitate to try them out.