Soundproofing your space doesn’t have to be a budget-breaking ordeal, you can implement some easy do-it-yourself soundproofing ideas and solve your noise problems.
Add Weight to Your Walls
A lot of noise is usually transmitted through “paper thin” walls, this is often the case in apartments and multi-family complexes where wall STC ratings are low and neighbors are loud. If you’re a seasoned DIYer and adding a layer of drywall sounds like a fun weekend project, the Wall Blokker might be a good solution. This highly engineered sound barrier is applied and fastened to an existing layer of drywall (unlike peel and stick barriers).
If you are looking for a simpler solution, you could consider applying “acoustical wallpaper” directly onto your existing walls. You can then prime and paint right over it to match your color scheme. This solution is ideal if you only need to improve noise by a few decibels or if you are looking for an easier but effective project.
Soften your Space
Hard surfaces give sound waves life, bouncing them around and sending noise ricocheting all over your space. To combat this issue, fill up your rooms with soft, squishy fabrics.
Start from the floors up by amping up hardwood floors with decorative throw rugs. If you already have carpets and are still experiencing a noise problem, slide a thick rug pad underneath for added absorption.
You can take it a step further by hanging decorative quilts to soften your walls and keep noise from bouncing around the room. For a more modern look, grab some acoustical absorption panels and create your own arrangements for unique and functional wall art.
Dec-Out Your Doors
Sound quickly travels and seeps through cracks, even the smallest of cracks can become a major source of noise. You can reduce the sound traveling through your door by installing a door sweep or by hanging a door sound panel like the AcoustiDoor which adds an extra layer of protection. These ones can be customized to match any room and door size.