Soundproofing a room isn’t just for rock stars or the rich and famous. In fact, there are many reasons a person may choose to soundproof an area of their home. Whether you’re looking to keep noise from the outside where it belongs, or keep noises YOU make quiet from listening ears, you can use any of these decorative ways to soundproof a room. We’ve provided options for every budget and lifestyle.
If you have never considered soundproofing before, you are probably asking yourself, “Why would anyone soundproof a room?” Believe it or not, soundproofing is more common than you think. Those that work at home may do it to block out noisy distractions. Mothers that home school their children do it for the very same reason. Those that live in an apartment or duplex may soundproof to filter out excessive noise from a loud neighbor, or to keep that same neighbor from hearing personal conversations through thin walls. Teens may soundproof a room so that they can practice musical instruments for school. Parents may soundproof their own bedroom to block out…… well, you get the picture. Sometimes, we just don’t want others to hear what we’re doing.
Here are several decorative ways to soundproof a room. Keep in mind that while some of the ideas we’ve provided can be expensive, they don’t have to be. If you’re working with a tight budget, we’ve got options for you too!
Fabric ceiling treatment – Soundproofing a room with a fabric ceiling treatment is a great option for virtually any room of the home. Regardless of your interior design, there’s a fabric that can be used to complement your existing décor. This is an especially smart decorative soundproofing option for a child’s playroom as it is both whimsical and practical. Learn more about The Beauty and Functionality of Fabric Ceiling Treatments.
Fabric wall treatment – Add bold visual interest and help reduce noise with a fabric wall treatment. If you are living in close quarters, where neighbors are close to your living space, you can block out noise while improving the look of your plain walls. After it’s installed, a fabric wall will look very similar to a wallpapered wall, yet, it is thicker than paper and will help to soundproof a room. Fabric can easily be taken down too, making it a preferred option for those temporarily renting their home. Learn more about How to Cover Walls with Fabric.
Carpeting – If you currently have hardwood or tiled floors, cover them with thick carpeting to soundproof a room. Carpeting absorbs sound and reduces noise from bouncing off bare floors. Carpeting can also be applied to the walls, although it may be difficult to vacuum or keep clean.
Egg cartons – Let’s say you want to soundproof a room and you don’t have a lot of money to spend. Egg cartons may prove to be the perfect material for you! For best results, use the large cardboard egg cartons found at your local grocery store. Spray paint the cartons black (or another dark color) and attach them to walls with a staple gun. The egg cartons will need to butt up against each other, so that there is no space between them to adequately block out sound. If you don’t like the way the egg cartons look on the wall, you can hide them behind paneled curtains for a more decorative look.
Acoustic tiles – Typically made of foam, acoustic tiles are designed to absorb sound waves that cause echoes and noise. They are available in various widths and thicknesses, and can be purchased in an assortment of colors and textures to match virtually any home décor. Some websites, such as Audimute.com, offer acoustic tiles with decorative finishes that resemble a work of art, or can be customized with a personal photo of your own. Soundproofing a room with acoustic tiles is not cheap, however, with the cost ranging between $ 25- 200 per tile.
More from Jennifer Wagner:
Home Theater Decorating Ideas
12 Quick Decorating Ideas for Any Budget
Storage Solutions for Small Spaces
SOURCE:
Jennifer Wagner – Yahoo! Contributor Network
