SILENCE IS GOLDEN
Try these soundproofing tips if noise pollution is a problem at home
Is that hammering next door? Will that dog ever stop barking? Whether you live in an apartment or a row house, noise from neighbours or construction can be a real downer at the dog end of a day gone by when you just want to relax. We plumbed the pleas and solutions on Reddit discussion boards to find five decor hacks for soundproofing.
DRAFT WALL-HANGINGS
Here’s a way to modify existing items in your house to help in the cause. Try affixing sound-absorbing material such as foam, felt or — better-yet — Mylar-backed sheets of fibreglass to the back of photos and pictures on the walls shared with neighbours.
IMPROVE DOORS
Doors are often the weakest link in a wall, especially when there are gaps around the edges or if they’re hollow. Apply adhesive soundproofing tape around the door frame to help lock out noise and replace hollow doors with solid models if you have the option. At the bottom of interior doors, try draft-stoppers to halt noise drifting through the house.
ADD BOOKS
Move the cabinets and shelves of your home library to the porous walls. There’s nothing like several racks of War and Peace-worthy books to absorb the shenanigans from next door or outside. Combine this with the fibreglass sheets above to line the cabinet backs and it will seem like you’re living in a bunker. With lots to read.
UPGRADE CURTAINS
When street noise is the culprit, try upgrading your curtains to thick blackout versions to block out the commotion. Of course, new double pane windows would help, too, but you might not be in a position to go that far. Even wall tapestries will help a little in cushioning the clamour.
MASK SOUNDS
When all else fails, there are several ways to simply cover up the noise with your own din. Try white noise machines, a large fan or an aerial-fed TV jammed between stations. Stream the sound of waves crashing ashore through your sound system — you can find hours of the stuff on Youtube. Of course, you could weaponize your stereo with some hardcore punk if you want to make a point with a neighbour.