Maybe it was the traffic outside. Maybe the kids were making too much noise while you were working, or maybe the TV in the living room was keeping you awake. Whatever the reason, too much noise can be distracting and stressful. Luckily, there are ways to reduce noise in your home, and they may be more aesthetically pleasing than foam you might think. From simple design changes to structural improvements, here are some methods you need to know.
Whether you’re building a new home or doing a major renovation, the right drywall can make a big difference. “Dysplice board is typically a half-inch thick, while commercial drywall is 5/8 inch thick,” explains Les Moore, owner of Moore Construction, which has served residential and commercial clients in the Dallas area for more than 30 years. Using thicker commercial panels or specialized acoustical drywall, such as Pabco’s QuietRock or CertainTeed’s SilentFX, can significantly reduce noise levels between rooms. While these panels can cost twice as much as standard drywall, many homeowners find it’s worth the investment for a quieter home.
Another option is to remove the existing drywall and fill the gaps between the studs with standard pink insulation or Rockwool insulation. Moore noted that this type of insulation is denser and better at absorbing sound. Installing resilient channels along the studs can create a gap between the frame and the drywall, further reducing sound transmission.
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For homeowners looking to soundproof a single room, such as a home office, installing an insulated wall is a simple project that can be completed in a day. However, Moore warns against installing insulated walls in every room of the house. “This causes the house to sweat,” he explains, “which creates condensation, which can lead to mold growth.”
Homeowners can also reduce unwanted noise by changing the interior design. “If it’s a media room, I like to add acoustic panels,” says Terri Becker, owner of Terri Becker Designs in Dallas. She recently renovated a client’s home theater by installing triangular acoustic panels on the walls and ceiling, which were both practical and matched the overall aesthetic of the room.
While big box stores typically sell traditional black foam pyramid panels, DIY enthusiasts can find acoustic panels online in a variety of colors, designs, and textures to suit any decor style. Slatpanel.com specializes in easy-to-install, modern wood acoustic panels, while Acousticmac.com offers customizable and pre-printed art acoustic panels that will transform your acoustic wall into an eye-catching work of art.
Online retail platforms like Amazon and Wayfair also offer dozens of decorative sound-absorbing solutions from companies like e-Joy, Wade Logan, and Art3d. Felt Right offers felt wall tiles that provide soundproofing; you can design your own panels in a variety of colors and shapes, or choose from the company’s existing designs, such as its artist-designed series; Felt Right also sells wood panels for creating functional accent walls.
The right flooring can also make a big difference in how quiet a home is, says Becker. “Luxury vinyl flooring is currently one of the most popular flooring options for commercial and residential spaces, but it can cause some negative reactions,” she notes. Tile and polished concrete also reflect sound waves, while hardwood and engineered wood are better at blocking noise.
Carpeting and curtains can further reduce noise while adding texture. Opt for thicker fabrics and pleated curtains; floor-to-ceiling curtains are best. Likewise, tapestries, wall art, and even wallpaper or grasscloth can reduce echo in a room. “Any type of wall covering will do,” says Becker. Larger furniture, like sofas and bookcases, can also minimize sound transmission.
Installing weatherstripping around doors and replacing windows can help minimize outside noise, especially in older homes. While coatings on standard low-e windows can improve energy savings by reflecting heat, double- or triple-glazed windows provide better sound insulation, says Les Moore.
Exterior improvements are also helpful. For example, landscaping can create a buffer between your home and noisy neighbors or noisy traffic. “I live on a busy street in Celina, on a hill. The sunsets are beautiful, but the winds are very strong,” Becker said. She installed a curtained pergola behind her home to help block out the noise. She adds that taller fences also block noise and protect your privacy.
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