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Soundproofing Any Room Made Easy With These Tips
By DANIEL FEININGER
Whether you want to keep noise in or out, soundproofing a room can be done by combining different dampening options and changing the room’s layout.
First, determine where external sounds are coming in from. Either listen closely or use something like the Apple Watch’s decibel detection tool.
A window may need a new layer of caulking to reduce some sound. Louder noises will require you to soundproof the area to dampen the outside volume.
Carpeting is the best way to reduce noise levels, as it absorbs the sound waves rather than reflecting them. Using a rug can help with the sound if you can't change the floors.
You can also add soft furniture to the room. Along with carpeting, a soft couch, armchair, or any other soft furniture can achieve this sound-absorbing effect.
As windows and doors are often much thinner than walls, you may want to use weather stripping to seal any cracks to help prevent sound from entering or leaving.
You can also add an extra drywall layer to the walls and ceiling for added dampening power. There are specialized caulk and drywall boards specifically for soundproofing.
Adding a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf can provide sound-deadening mass to your room. Consider sound absorption paneling or using thick blankets on the walls for more sound dampening.