Soundproof Your Bedroom With These 4 Effective Tricks
Your bedroom should be a serene oasis in which to unwind—and while comfortable furniture and soothing hues are essential elements of a sleep space, the best bedrooms are also quiet retreats that do not easily let in or emit sound. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing space or are in the process of designing a home from scratch, you’ll be pleased to know that there are a number of ways to learn how to soundproof a bedroom. Below, designers share their tried-and-true tricks.
Tackle your walls
Walls are a critical tool when trying to soundproof your bedroom. Upholstery is a good place to start. “Upholstered walls are a great way to reduce sound bouncing around the room,” designer Leah Alexander suggests, noting that this look may be a welcome alternative to acoustic wall panels, which can scream “recording studio.” For those looking to add some glamour to their wall upholstery, designer Cami Weinstein recommends velvet.
More of a wallpaper enthusiast? There’s no need to give up your beloved prints. “In one of our projects, we placed cork underneath wallpaper,” designer Nancy Charbonneau says. “Cork is a natural noise-absorbing agent, and can help reduce noise.”
Think textiles
Next, address your headboard situation. “A tall headboard that wraps a three-sided alcove wall creates a cocoon and dampens sound,” Alexander explains. An upholstered bed or side chair are also useful, Weinstein adds.
Then go to town tackling other areas of the room. “Soft goods are extremely helpful with sound absorption,” designer Stephanie Lindsey states. Architectural designer Anthony Wilder points out that heavy draperies and accent rugs around the bed—or wall-to-wall carpeting—will work wonders.
And, of course, go ahead and pick your favorite hues and patterns in the process. “These items can provide extraordinary opportunities for unique design elements as well, so it’s a win-win!” Lindsey adds.
Don’t be shy about displaying some of your favorite prints and paintings, either—believe it or not, wall decor actually plays a functional role too. “Hang rugs or tapestry on the walls,” Wilder says. “Any artwork adds a layer of soundproofing to the walls.”
Replace your windows
Designer Heather DiSabella knows that this process is costly—but she promises it’s more than worthwhile. “The single best way to deal with acoustic issues is to replace your windows,” she says. And she shares a helpful tidbit: “Most window companies have a double-pane option; some even have a triple pane. The more panes you add, the higher the sound reduction will be.”
Be wise about layout and insulation
If you’re in the process of constructing a home from scratch, you have plenty of opportunities to address sound issues in the design plan. After all, as designer Marco Angelucci explains, “it goes beyond the walls. Sound can transmit through heating and air conditioning ducts, exterior windows, and the gaps under doors.”
Layout is key in determining how noise will carry through a room. “Consider adding a closet along the noisiest wall for insulation from sound,” Wilder says. And when it comes to doors, the more, the merrier. “Install two doors to the bedroom, such as a pocket door that you can close, in addition to the standard door, as another noise barrier at night,” he adds.
Prior to installing flooring, opt for mass loaded vinyl (MLV), as designer Tracy Morris suggests. “This heavy, flexible vinyl is used to cover joists between floors as the first step in the soundproofing process,” she says. Or add some denim insulation to your walls. “The eco-friendly, non carcinogenic material takes recycled blue jeans and turns them into an amazing soundproofing agent,” Morris adds. “These fibers are multidimensional—dense and porous at the same time—making them ideal for soundproofing.”
Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest
