How to Make a Room Soundproof

Noise can get on people's nerves and cause friction between neighbors--especially those who share a dividing wall. However, there are a few things you can do to solve the problem and tone down the decibels. Most of these solutions are inexpensive and easy to fix. Here are some of them.

Instructions

1. Move overstuffed couches and chairs into the offending room to help absorb soundwaves. Place scatter cushions and crocheted blankets on the overstuffed furnishings. Soundwaves are absorbed by the soft furniture, instead of the walls.

2. Install thick shag carpeting on the floor and the walls of the room. The rough surface of the carpet will absorb soundwaves before they have a chance to reach the bare walls.

3. Pin cardboard egg boxes to the ceiling, covering it in its entirety. Cardboard is ideal for absorbing soundwaves before they become a nuisance to the neighbors. The rough cardboard surface and contours of the egg boxes assist greatly in the absorption of sound.

4. Recycle used dock foam on the walls to absorb noise. Foam, especially thick dock foam, contains many airholes to block conveyance of sound.

5. Hang 2-foot-by-4-foot panels of rough shag carpeting from the ceiling to absorb sound bouncing off the walls. Attach the carpet panels to strings hanging from the ceiling, so they are just swinging and moving freely. They will catch stray sound as it tries to escape the room.

6. Install polystyrene squares on the windows to absorb soundwaves. Try three or four layers of polystyrene foam for added soundproofing. Install thick, long, lined woolen drapes for even more sound absorption. The more furniture and other sound-absorbing materials you place in the noisy room, the happier your neighbors will be.

7. Glue a layer of carpet or Styrofoam to all inner doors to the room. Don’t forget to glue strips of polystyrene onto door frames as well to help prevent noise loss.

Tips & Warnings

• Use any materials with sound-absorbing qualities to help soundproof your room.

• Check your local ordinances for rules and regulations on materials you may use safely in your home.

Resources

• Music Room Soundproofing
• Other Methods of Soundproofing
• Soundproofing.org
• Stop Vibrations & Echo
• Marine, Residential & Commercial Soundproofing