Textured fabrics like velvet or microfiber work best, and pleats or ruffles in the curtains are also beneficial. As a temporary measure, you can also hang blankets or towels over windows. [1] X Research source Lightweight curtains will not provide nearly the same amount of soundproofing, but they will let in more light.
You can also roll up a small area rug or a large sweatshirt.
Try to keep hanging fabrics out of direct sunlight, especially if they are expensive. Sunlight coming through a window can fade the colors.
Cut and slide sheets of rigid or flexible foam behind the furniture to further increase the soundproofing. For maximum effect, you could add a built-in bookcase that spans an entire shared wall. Filling the shelves with books will only further enhance the soundproofing impact.
So, in theory, letting dirty clothes pile up in your bedroom may provide some soundproofing benefits. But don’t expect your parents to buy this excuse!
The thicker the floor covering, the greater the impact. So consider going retro with some 1970s-style shag carpeting!
Check around electrical outlets on exterior walls as well. Especially if you have older, single-pane windows, adding storm windows to the outside or clear plastic sheeting to the inside will help with both air and noise infiltration.
Whenever you’re building new walls, exterior walls should always be well insulated. But insulating interior walls as well will provide noticeable noise blocking benefits. Spray foam insulation can be effective in your wall cavities as well as heavy batt insulation (like cotton batt).
However, if the offending noise is coming through your ceiling, for instance from a noisy upstairs neighbor, hanging acoustic panels according to the product instructions is likely your best option. Building a second, lower ceiling with insulation in between is a less practical alternative. You can go all-out and invest in constructing a sound-proof room to get better results, but this isn’t practical or cost-effective in most cases.
If a fan doesn’t do enough to counter bothersome noises, you might want to invest in a white noise generator. These machines produce consistent sounds that are specifically intended to help block out distractions.
When it comes to music, think “elevator music”—light acoustical pieces that tend to fade into the background.
These methods are likely to be more practical when you’re studying in your room, and less so when you’re working in your office and need to hear the phone ring, etc.
For maximum impact, consider playing the white noise app through your earbuds, then placing hearing protection earmuffs over your ears and the earbuds.
Most of the higher-quality brands of noise canceling headphones run in the range of $200-$300 (or more) USD. [10] X Research source Some models have buttons that allow you to let in external sounds—for instance, so you can hear a flight attendant.
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 that hypnosis therapy can help with noise sensitivity.
