Decorative soundproofing options are music to our ears
Q: Our house is filled with music lovers. Unfortunately, we do not all love the same music. Is there a way of decorating that would lower the sound level without the room looking like a padded cell? A: Your challenge rings true with many of us, especially with teenagers in the home. Music plays such an important role in our lives, but what is soothing or meditative or energizing for some can be sheer torture for others. While the dichotomy in taste exists, separate listening rooms will help, and some form of sound absorption will save the day. Long-term use of earphones can be harmful when the volume is turned up high, so let’s do what we can inside the room itself.
The object is to inhibit the sound from bouncing around off the hard surfaces — walls, ceiling, floor and even furniture. Fabric is a great sound absorber, so start by hanging curtains, choose some upholstered furniture and cushions or pillows, and a carpet. Bedding works well, too.
If there are two opposing walls, an echo is set up and this is a perfect situa- tion for installing acoustic sound panels. One panel is often enough. Digital Print Specialties created the acoustic panel for this young musician’s bedroom wall. The panel is made from 100 per cent thermally bonded polyester fibre.
Images can come from anywhere and are heat-fused into the fabric’s fibres. Eco-friendly aqueous-based paints provide high colour resolution and the finished product is durable and washable.
The goal is to corral the sound rather than deaden it, so start with these easy steps and you will be pleased with the results.