How to Reduce Sound in a Room

Usually, rooms sound loud because they have a lot of hard surfaces. These surfaces typically bounce noise around and can make it seem like more than it is. The simplest solution is to reduce the amount of hard, flat surfaces in the space and increase soft ones; here are a few easy ways to do that!

Add Some Curtains

Curtains help absorb sound, and the thicker the fabric, the better. Look for heavy curtains made of brocade or velvet with plenty of folds to help capture sound. Layering curtains can also help and offers a pleasing aesthetic.

Choose Upholstered Furniture

Upholstered chairs, sofas, and other furniture will help establish a softer environment that not only promotes comfort but also helps cushion the sound in a room. (Some fabrics are more likely to help than others; for example, chenille, microfiber, suede, and corduroy are all excellent at dampening sound in a space.) Mix and match them to create a room that looks as great as it sounds!

Put Up a Few Wall Hangings

Fabric wall hangings and tapestries can be a beautiful addition to any room in the house. They’re useful for hiding imperfections in the walls, but they also add sound absorption power to the space. With a couple of tapestries on the walls, you won’t need to worry about noise bouncing around.

Layer Your Rugs

A carpeted room will have less sound pollution than one with hardwood flooring. However, even with a regular hard floor, you can reduce the amount of sound that spreads by adding area rugs. These are the perfect solution if you don’t want to do anything too drastic (like ripping up the old floor and installing a carpet).

You can easily layer area rugs — multiples will achieve a rather cozy look. They will also cut down on the amount of noise that is in the room, particularly if some of your rugs are extra fluffy.

Add Cushions and Throws

Accessories aren’t just for looks, though they can certainly lend a lot to a room. Even a regular living room can become something magical when you toss some brightly colored cushions on the sofas. Cushions can be any size, and the plush ones are especially sound-dampening. You’ll find that the addition of a few fluffy pillows can influence your space!

Include Some Shelves

Not all sound reduction comes from soft furnishings. Simply putting books, vases, and other belongings on shelves can help lower sound levels. The multiple items on the surfaces will help keep the sound waves from bouncing around too much.

Rememer:the more décor you have in an area, the quieter it will feel. With that said, don’t forget to hang some artwork on the walls! It can make a big difference, while still allowing you to enjoy your own style in the room.