Achieving perfect soundproofing in a room can be quite a challenge. Often, noises from neighbours complicate our daily lives. From washing machines to loud music, through vacuuming at unthinkable hours, to the barking of a dog. We face an endless array of unwanted sounds. These can be impact noises, such as slamming doors, or airborne noises, such as conversations, that disturb the peace of our personal space. Far from being a mere annoyance, noise becomes a constant presence that can undermine our tranquillity and affect our health and wellbeing.
The deceptive noise is measured in decibels (dB), those numbers that quantify its intensity and materialise our frustration. For example, a normal conversation is around 60 dB, but the sounds that disturb us can exceed 70 dB. Even the unexpected bang of a hammer might approach 80 dB. Identifying the type of noise invading your space is the first step. Is it a noise that propagates through the air or one that vibrates through solid structures? Recognising this is essential to know how to tackle and significantly reduce it.
In this article, we offer you practical keys to soundproof your room. Our goal is for the noises of the neighbours to stop being a concern for you. Keep reading to discover how you can regain the tranquillity of your home!
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13 Solutions and Ideas for Soundproofing a Room
There are different options to eliminate the annoying noise from the neighbours of a bedroom or other types of room. Furthermore, it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Here we give you 13 affordable and cheap ideas.
Bookshelves
Shelves full of books are a very interesting choice. They serve a very good function in terms of storage but also manage to stop noises. Ideally, these should go from floor to ceiling for an even better effect.
Why books? Because they also act as insulating elements, and if you need an extra touch, you can always line the back with cork.
We recommend you to read: Whats the minimum distance and air conditioner should be from the neighbours window?
Paint as Insulation?
Did you know that water-based acrylic paint is made of bubbles that manage to stop and brake noise? It’s a great idea for a room, as you can put whatever colour you want on top of it.
However, keep in mind that for it to work you must apply at least 4 layers of paint. Additionally, as an extra, it will not only insulate you from noise but also from heat and cold.
Sugar Cane Fibre
Eco-panels are a very chosen option nowadays. They are made with sugar cane fibre squares and, in addition to decorating for a more rustic or natural style, they also insulate from the noise on the other side of the wall.
Draft Excluders for Doors
Perhaps the sound does not come from the other side of the wall but sneaks in through the door. Can this be fixed? Of course, there are draft excluders for doors. They are elements that are placed at the bottom and completely isolate the sound when completely closed.
Wood as Cladding
It may seem very rudimentary, but solid wood can insulate from sound up to 20 dB. By doing this in your room, you will ensure that sounds like the washing machine or dishwasher are practically inaudible.
Carpets on the Floor
When you enter a room without carpets it feels emptier because of the sound. This is because these elements that decorate our home and insulate us from the cold in winter are also excellent barriers to sound.
To make conversations outside the room less noticeable, the ideal is to choose a thick pile fabric. If you want to give it a slightly different touch, add a small rug on top, it will insulate and at the same time become the focal element of the room.
Polyethylene Sheets
If you are looking for cheap insulation that is easy to put up, this could be the perfect option for your home. They are self-adhesive and can be easily cut with scissors to fit any corner or wall size. The best part is that there is a wide variety of models to match your decorating style.
Cork Sheets
This is a very economical option and looks good aesthetically. The cork boards have to be glued directly onto the wall for their insulating power to work.
Acoustic Wallpaper
If you have irregular walls in your room, this alternative might interest you. Acoustic wallpapers are made with a layer of polyurethane foam and another of TNT. They are perfect for insulating noise up to 12 dB. They have different designs and are designed for high durability, hence, their price is a bit higher than other options.
Plasterboard Sheets
This involves making walls or shelves with plasterboard sheets or panels. There are different densities, the higher the better the insulation. Keep in mind that placing these plasterboard panels involves a reduction in the room’s space, as it’s like putting up a double wall. If you are going to make a shelf, bear in mind that the maximum supported weight is usually 15 kg. Consider this if you are going to hang a picture or place things on top of the shelf. Their price is around 15/20 euros per metre.
A Wooden Headboard
A good option is to opt for an acoustic panel that acts as a wooden headboard. It is one of the best options to eliminate noise. You can place the panels vertically and horizontally. Most people place them in the centre of the wall, right behind the bed. You can cut the slats with a normal saw, a circular saw, or a jigsaw. You can cut the felt with any knife or cutter.
Double Glazed Windows
Double glazing is perhaps one of the simplest ways to insulate the sound coming from the street. It is a bit of a high investment, but you can make it thinking about the future, as if you choose quality ones, you won’t have to think about them for many years.
Moreover, the good thing is that they will not only block acoustic waves but also ensure that your home is cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This will mean a saving on your energy bill at the end of the year.
Decoration as Insulation
The elements that dress a room, such as mirrors or paintings, can also have a function against noise. What you have to think about is that everything you place on the walls will ultimately cover what comes from the other side of them and will ensure that you have a quieter and more pleasant environment.
And finally, we remind you… Egg cartons do not insulate or soundproof! It is a very widespread myth. What happens is that the alveolar shape of the egg cartons makes the sound distribute better in the room, improving the acoustics, but in no case do they absorb noise or soundproof.
The soundproofing of a room will improve your quality of life and ensure that you do not hear the noises made by your neighbours during the day or night. Find the most suitable way to adapt to the needs of your home.