One of the most common problems we encounter at home are noisy neighbours. Nobody likes to go to bed only to end up listening to the neighbour’s television in the background, or the humming of an appliance.
Sometimes the sounds are even more pronounced, such as if your neighbour practices a musical instrument. Another common problem is overhearing voices or footsteps. Or else, your neighbours might not be the problem, but you are experiencing a lot of noise from outdoors due to the fact that you live in a busy street.
Regardless of the type or level of noise you are having to endure, you can try out solving it by means of a soundproofing solution. A common misconception is that soundproofing projects are costly.
However, soundproofing does not require you to hire an expensive specialist to carry out the job you have in mind. There are various soundproofing materials you could use, and you could opt for a DIY soundproofing project.
There are various ways and means with which you can soundproof your home, or a particular room. Here are some cost effective and somewhat simple ideas you could try out!
1. Use Bookshelves with Books or Wardrobes with Clothes!
In case you are listening to noise from a particular wall, consider placing a wardrobe full of clothes, or a bookcase loaded with books to reduce the noise that enters the room.
The amount of vibrations will lessen considerably thanks to the impact with paper, or the clothes’ fabric. This is a very simple soundproofing solution, as all it takes is to move around some furniture in the room, and the furniture will still be serving its purpose, so you would not have spent anything in truth!
2. Soften Wherever You Can
You will be amazed at how much noise you could reduce if you increase the soft furnishings in the room. Here are some practical ideas, which will make your room quieter as well as cosier too!
- If most of the noise is coming from downstairs invest in a fitted carpet or a large, plush rug.
- If the noise is coming from the people next door, consider attaching tapestries or woven blankets to the wall, instead of paintings!
- It is a good idea to invest in heavy drapes.
- Add soundproofing liners to your current curtains.
- Add pillows, cushions, tablecloths, and anything made from fabric or with cushioning to absorb as much sounds as possible.
3. Draft stoppers
Draft stoppers are a must to soundproof a room. Simple fabric draft stoppers work well to reduce the noise that passes from beneath the door. This is an inexpensive yet effective option.
4. Seal Your Windows & Doors
Another way to block noise from entering the room is to make sure to seal your doors and windows. There are specialised soundproofing sealants for this. Some examples include acoustical caulking, or rubber sealing strips. They are easy to apply and they help soundproof the room quite well.
5. Foam Insulation
Foam insulation is a great soundproofing option. It is quite affordable and rather simple to install yourself too. This can be used against walls in order to thicken them up and make the noise vibrate into the foam instead of out in the room.
Foam insulation can also be applied to the ceiling. This is a very effective option in case your neighbours on the floor above you are rather sure footed and you cannot bear to hear their footsteps all the time. In this case you may need to make adjustments to the lighting fixtures, so you may wish to have a specialist to help you out for safety reasons.
6. Sound Reducing Paint
You could paint the walls using specialised sound reduction paint. Such paint has properties that reduce sound vibrations. In most cases it includes ceramic as one of the additives, as this captures sound waves thanks to its natural properties.
7. White Noise Machines
White noise machines are simple gadgets that emit white noise. This is a pleasant sound which helps to distract you from the noise that is bothering you.
8. Noise Canceling Headphones
A pair of high quality noise cancelling headphones could also be helpful. They will help you to listen to something pleasant rather than hearing noises that bother you.
Obviously this is a good and practical solution when you are in bed, or reading a book or working at your laptop, not while you are on the go. There are also wireless noise cancelling headphones which can be more practical.
Conclusion
Reducing the noise level in your house is not that hard. In fact it is neither difficult nor expensive in reality. Simply opt for a soundproofing option that can work well for your specific case, but what is great is that all of the above solutions are cost effective ones, so you won’t be breaking the bank for sure.
