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Whether it’s street sounds keeping you from sleeping or loud neighbors disrupting your day, unwanted noise can be a real annoyance. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to block out that noise! From using noise-canceling headphones or a loud fan or sound machine to rearranging your furniture, we'll walk you through all of the best ways to soundproof your space so you can sleep or focus better.
Steps
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Cover your ears if you don’t want to hear anything at all. Soft foam earplugs are cheap and will contour nicely to your outer ear canal, especially when you sleep. You may get even better results from hearing protection earmuffs meant for operating power tools and the like [1] X Research source
- These methods are likely more practical when studying or taking a nap and less so when you’re working in an office and need to hear the phone ring, etc.
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Noise-canceling headphones are designed to cancel out exterior noises. If you’re trying to sleep or reduce the amount of exterior noise you hear during your daily routine, this product may be for you! These headphones help muffle noise while allowing you to listen to your chosen music, nature sounds, white noise, etc. [2] X Research source
- Most of the higher-quality noise-canceling headphones range from $200 to $300 (or more); however, you can find cheaper alternatives for $50 or less.
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The consistent hum of a fan can help block out distracting noises. Most people find sounds with a lot of variation—such as people talking—distracting, while consistent sounds are much less so. Consistent noise from a fan or white noise machine , for instance, can help block out distracting noises without being distracting itself, which could help you sleep or concentrate better. [3] X Research source
- Consider downloading a self-adjusting white noise app, like myNoise and Atmosphere . [4] X Research source These use your smartphone’s microphone to self-adjust the white noise to suit the ambient noise around you.
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Help soothe yourself to sleep with natural, consistent noise. These work similarly to fans or white noise machines but have a bit more sound variation. CDs or apps of nature sounds like falling rain or ocean waves can block out unwanted noise and be soothing in their own right. [5] X Research source
- When it comes to music, think “elevator music”—light acoustical pieces that tend to fade into the background.
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Even when closed, windows often let exterior noises inside. Try hanging curtains made of heavyweight fabric over the windows—they’ll help to deaden the sound waves that penetrate the glass. [6] X Research source
- Textured fabrics like velvet or microfiber work best, and pleats or ruffles in the curtains are also beneficial.
- As a temporary measure, hang blankets or towels over windows.
- Lightweight curtains will not provide nearly the same amount of soundproofing, but they will let in more light.
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If daylight or drafts can get in under a door, so can noise. Simply roll up a bath towel, large rug, or bulky sweatshirt and place it against the bottom of the door to block out noise. [7] X Research source
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Soft, fluffy materials absorb sound waves better than solid, smooth walls. Use hooks, clips, or other methods to hang quilts, woven rugs , or similar fabrics along walls where noise penetration is an issue. They can be both decorative and functional! [8] X Research source
- Avoid hanging fabrics in direct sunlight, especially if they are expensive. Sunlight coming through a window can fade the colors.
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Bookcases, cabinets, and wardrobes can help soften sounds between walls. By placing these items against a wall, you’re essentially thickening the wall and reducing the ability of the sound waves to pass through. [9] X Research source
- Cut and slide sheets of rigid or flexible foam behind the furniture to further increase the soundproofing.
- For maximum effect, add a built-in bookcase that spans an entire shared wall. Filling the shelves with books will only further enhance the soundproofing impact.
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Floor coverings help reduce echoes that increase the impact of noise. Also, if the troublesome noise is coming from below, they’ll help reduce the amount of sound that makes it into your area in the first place. So, lay down rugs wherever you can to try and buffer out the noise. [10] X Research source
- The thicker the floor covering, the greater the impact. So consider going retro with some 1970s-style shag carpeting!
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Pillows, cushions, and blankets can help soften loud sounds. If you’ve ever moved, you’ve probably noticed that an empty room has an echo that disappears once it’s furnished. Soft, upholstered pieces of furniture (like couches) are helpful at deadening sounds, but even adding a few pillows can be an improvement. [11] X Research source
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If air can get in from outside, so can noise. Check around windows for holes, cracks, or gaps where you can feel air coming through. Use caulk or other sealants to plug up these spots. [12] X Research source
- Check around electrical outlets on exterior walls as well.
- If you have older, single-pane windows, adding storm windows to the outside or clear plastic sheeting inside will help with air and noise infiltration.
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Sound waves can easily pass through poorly insulated walls. If you live in an older home with uninsulated walls, consider hiring a company to add blown-in insulation or sound absorption insulation boards to the interior of your walls. [13] X Trustworthy Source Science Direct Online archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topics Go to source It may seem like a pricey investment for soundproofing, but you’ll also save quite a bit on your heating and cooling costs. [14] X Trustworthy Source Science Direct Online archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topics Go to source
- Spray foam insulation can be effective in your wall cavities as well as heavy batt insulation (like cotton batt).
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In reality, acoustic panels are better at keeping sound in than out. Acoustic panels are designed to help keep sound in a room, preventing the sound waves from leaking into nearby spaces. Because of this, if you don't place acoustic panels in the space where the noise is coming from, they may not provide the soundproofing you're looking for. [15] X Research source
- You can go all-out and invest in constructing a soundproof room to get better results, but this isn’t practical or cost-effective in most cases.
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If noises cause an adverse reaction, it may be time to ask for help. For some, noise sensitivity goes beyond upsetting sleep schedules. For instance, say you get distracted by the faint sound of a dog barking due to a history of bad experiences with dogs. For this type of noise sensitivity, you may benefit from professional assistance.
- Consider visiting a licensed mental health professional who might utilize techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce your response to particular noises.
- While there isn’t much evidence to support it, some people believe hypnosis therapy can help with noise sensitivity.
What Are Creative and Stylish Ways To Soundproof a Room?
Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat if I am studying and there is a noise I can't turn off?Community AnswerTry wearing earplugs or noise canceling headphones. If you don't have them, then try turning on a fan or some peaceful music.Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow -
QuestionMy fan is too loud and keeps me awake. What should I do?Community AnswerDoes your fan have a lower setting? If not, can you move it a little further away from so your bed so it doesn't sound quite as loud to you? Can you get a new fan? If all else fails, put in earplugs or simply pull your pillow over your head (making sure you can still breathe).Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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References
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzbKJEFULio
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj33WAODsJg
- ↑ https://moderncastle.com/home-resources/cheapest-way-to-soundproof-a-room/
- ↑ https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-white-noise-app/
- ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/noise-and-sleep
- ↑ https://moderncastle.com/home-resources/cheapest-way-to-soundproof-a-room/
- ↑ https://improvepodcast.com/household-items-you-can-use-to-soundproof/#google_vignette
- ↑ https://moderncastle.com/home-resources/cheapest-way-to-soundproof-a-room/
- ↑ https://www.fusionfurnitureinc.com/blog/reduce-noise-with-easy-soundproofing-hacks/
- ↑ https://www.explainthatstuff.com/soundproofing.html
- ↑ https://www.explainthatstuff.com/soundproofing.html
- ↑ https://www.explainthatstuff.com/soundproofing.html
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/sound-absorption
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/sound-insulation
- ↑ https://resonics.co.uk/will-acoustic-panels-keep-sound-out/
About This Article
Reader Success Stories
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Allison Shanley
Sep 11, 2019
"I had moved into a new place which was cold and noisy, and I really didn't have the money to invest in doing it up. Thank you so much, wikiHow, for helping me to make my place inhabitable." ..." more
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Allison Shanley
Sep 11, 2019