Unless you live in a house surrounded by trees and far from any neighbours, moments of quiet may be hard to obtain. Especially in the city or the suburbs! Whether you are handy or not, here are some ideas on how you can soundproof a room.
To sound proof without major construction:
1- Add Sealant
All sounds travel at incredible speeds and pass through each and every cavity to reach our ear drums. This is why it is so difficult to completely block them. One possible solution is to use silicone acoustic caulking to seal gaps. Apply it around the windows, switch plates, door frames, mouldings and the base of lighting fixtures as well as in all cracks, even in the spaces that seem to you too insignificant to let noise in. Too much is better than not enough.
2- Use Sound Reducing Fabric in Your Decor
Textiles have a role to play. The thicker, plusher and more textured they are, the better they can dampen the vibrations entering the room. You could, for example, cover your windows with thick curtains, from wall to wall and floor to ceiling. Fully cover the floor with carpeting or simply place a soft mat at the foot of the bed. You could, as well, cover the couches with pillows galore. In addition to being pretty, these design ideas will reduce sounds coming in from outside the room.
3- Cover the Walls
The best way to block sound waves is to place obstacles in their path. One of the easiest tips you can implement is to cover the walls. How? You can do it with frames, shelves or wall decorations. Do be afraid to pile it on! Plus, it’s a very in-fashion design trend this year. You could also add a bookcase (or several) along a wall and fill it with books and decor items of all kinds. Some people event pad the door or wall with foam and button-tufted fabric, giving the room a very chic – and sound proofing – effect!
4- Pull Furniture Away from the Walls
Furnishings like couches, beds or dressers conduct vibrations, aiding noise transmission into the room. This is also the case for large appliances. Make sure that they in no way touch the walls.
To sound proof with renovations:
5- Install Acoustic Panels
Acoustic panels are specifically designed to absorb sound. Most are also treated to be fire-resistant. They are installed between the wall studs, requiring the removal of the drywall. This is therefore no trivial renovation! They come in a range of prices. Usually, the higher the efficiency rating, the more they cost.
6- Build a Double Wall
Covering an existing wall is a generally less expensive option than installing acoustic panels. And it can do a good job of absorbing sound vibrations. You can purchase paintable gypsum panels, which is the most affordable option. You can also create a double wall with bricks or with textured panels. The latter are very trendy and offered in all styles!
7- Install a False Ceiling
Many of those living in apartments or condos hate having to hear the people residing above them. And you can’t always ask them to walk around in slippers. Desperate times call for desperate measures: install a false ceiling. This implies creating a second ceiling beneath the first while leaving a gap between the two. In this way, the empty space will dampen the noise. You will find everything you need at the hardware store. There is a disadvantage, however: you will lose a few inches of room height.
8- Add Insulating Wool
You can equally insulate the wall with acoustic batting. Usually, a professional is called in to blow the material into the walls. You can also open the existing walls and install it yourself.
9- Change You Doors and Windows
There are high-end doors and windows that have the ability to significantly reduce the volume of the sounds coming in from outside. They are fabricated with dense and heavy materials. These products are not cheap, but, sometimes, you can’t put a price on peace and quiet!
We hope that this advice will be helpful and that you will now be able to make the most of your home. May the silence be with you!