10 Simple Soundproofing Hacks You Can Do on a Budget

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It can be frustrating to live in a noisy world. Unwanted noise is everywhere, from traffic outside, neighbors upstairs, to even sounds bouncing off walls. You don’t have to tear down walls or break the bank to make your space a little more serene, though. There are several simple and inexpensive soundproofing tricks to keep the noise out of your space.

If you’re searching for ways to reduce the volume in your home or apartment, this list of budget friendly soundproofing hacks is for you. These tips are practical, doable, and effective at making things a little quieter.

Add Rugs, Carpets, or Mats

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A quick and easy way to absorb sound is with floor coverings. In other words, noise bounces off hard floors like wood, tile and laminate. To cut some of that echo, add a thick rug or carpet. If you’re on a budget, then place mats that are thick or leftover carpet pieces in high traffic areas. If you’re really trying to quiet sound, layer rugs — it’s stylish and functional.

Curtains or Blankets on the Walls

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Artwork isn’t the only thing walls are for; they can be sound barriers, too. Thick blankets or heavy curtains hanging on the walls would absorb the sound wave and reduce the echo. Second hand stores are where you can find affordable options or you can repurpose an old quilt or two. This not only makes a useful wall, but it gives your room that lived in, cozy look! It’s also a great opportunity to get fun with textiles!

Seal Gaps and Cracks

Even the smallest holes that let noise sneak through will be sealed when you seal up doors, windows and walls. To reduce noise leaks around doors and windows, weatherstripping is inexpensive and easy to install. Or a bit of caulk in wall cracks or a foam tape around a door frame can do a lot to block sound. Imagine these gaps as little noise portals – plug them up!

Fill a Bookshelf (and Add One!)

Photo of A Wooden Bookshelf — Photo Credit: Karl Solano/ Pexels

Surprisingly, bookshelves can be a great way to soundproof. A barrier is created on walls absorbing and diffusing noise if a full bookshelf is placed against it. They have a density and layers; books are good sound dampeners. An easy fix, just fill your bookshelf with your favorite novels or collection of old paperbacks. Not only does this hack quiet the room, it also provides you with a stylish storage solution.

Hang Door Draft Stoppers

Gaps under doors let a lot of noise in so covering up these can be a big difference. If you’re looking for door draft stoppers, or door snakes, you can get them cheap or DIY them with some fabric and stuffing. You can put them at the bottom of your doors to stop sound from coming in or out of a room. They’re simple, they’re effective and they’re easy to pull out of the way when not needed.

Get Some Indoor Plants

Indoor Plants Beside a White Wall — Photo Credit: Huy Phan/Pexels

While plants may not initially sound like a strange choice for a soundproofing solution, they can actually help you tamp down noise. If you’re looking to create a peaceful space, large, leafy plants are especially good at absorbing and diffusing sounds. If you want to break up sound waves, strategically place a few houseplants around your room. Plus, they make your air quality better and brighten up your decor, so it’s a win win!

Buy Soundproof Foam Panels

There’s a reason foam panels are one of the best known soundproofing hacks. They are lightweight, inexpensive and can be attached to walls, ceilings and doors. Instead of letting sound bounce around, sound is absorbed by foam panels, making a room quieter. You don’t have to cover every inch of your walls; a few strategically placed panels can help. If you’re on a budget, check online for budget friendly packs or smaller panels.

Furniture to Your Advantage

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Furniture isn’t just for sitting, according to Soundproof Cow, it can be a sound barrier. Sofas, armchairs and padded headboards help to absorb sound waves because they’re large, plush furniture. If your pieces are against shared walls or close to windows, it will reduce noise transfer. You don’t have to spend money buying new pieces, you can just move the things you already have to create some noise blocking and a little cozier space.

Add a Tapestry or Fabric Panel

Sound can bounce around the room like in an echo chamber of bare walls. You can soften noise reflected off of a wall or absorb sound by adding a tapestry or something big like a fabric panel to wall. Tapestries can be of any style and price, so you are sure to find something that fits your decor. Whether you want something bohemian, quirky, or vintage quilt, a tapestry can be a statement piece as well as a soundproofing hack.

Rearrange Your Room

Sometimes, a bit of rearranging can cut down on noise levels. If you have bulky furniture like wardrobes, dressers or bookshelves, you can place it up against shared walls, which will absorb that sound. That creates a natural buffer, keeping the amount of noise that gets through low. Another way to give your space a new feeling is by rearranging furniture so it feels new and makes it quieter at the same time.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.